Quote from risktaker989:
i agree and disagree...
the cost is relative depending on how a trader trades. you're right, it will add up to quite a bit and may significantly eat into your potential profits especially if you're scalping or trading very actively.
using myself as an example, i typically identify moves that yield upwards of 100 PIPs give or take and open/close trades about 3 times a week...so a couple of PIPs is meaningless for my style of trading. i have a few accounts one of which are with Gain with whom i pursue this kind of trading approach.
each trader should consider their trading approach in considering whether or not a couple of PIPs will make much of a difference to their overall profitibility. also take into account the stability and services the market maker offers since this in some ways overcomes the premium on some spreads offered if you can take advantage of those services.
again, this entirely depends on your overall trading approach and other personal preferences.