Spread betting slippage is the difference, in points, between the level a trader asked for and the level at which the bet was filled. Slippage arises when the price moves in the time between the order being sent and the broker filling it. The slippage of a broker is measured per order in points. We timed 210 orders across 14 FCA-regulated brokers between 18 and 27 August 2026. 6 of the 14 brokers recorded a median slippage of 0.00 points. The highest median slippage was 0.30 points at ActivTrades and Spreadex. The largest single slippage in the test was 2.50 points.
Slippage By Broker, August 2026
| Broker | Orders | Median slippage (points) | Worst slippage (points) | Median fill (ms) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Index | 15 | 0.00 | 0.50 | 112 |
| FxPro | 15 | 0.00 | 1.50 | 153 |
| OANDA | 15 | 0.00 | 1.50 | 88 |
| Trade Nation | 15 | 0.00 | 1.50 | 140 |
| Capital.com | 15 | 0.00 | 2.50 | 121 |
| CMC Markets | 15 | 0.00 | 2.50 | 180 |
| ThinkMarkets | 15 | 0.10 | 1.00 | 237 |
| IG | 15 | 0.10 | 1.50 | 153 |
| Pepperstone | 15 | 0.10 | 2.00 | 104 |
| Spread Co | 15 | 0.10 | 2.00 | 234 |
| Vantage | 15 | 0.10 | 2.50 | 158 |
| FXCM | 15 | 0.20 | 1.00 | 181 |
| ActivTrades | 15 | 0.30 | 2.00 | 167 |
| Spreadex | 15 | 0.30 | 2.50 | 152 |
How We Measured It
We ran 210 orders across 14 FCA-regulated brokers on live funded accounts, 15 per broker. We recorded slippage per order in points and fill time in milliseconds. The order types timed were market open, market close, stop triggered and limit filled. The test ran between 18 and 27 August 2026. The full protocol is on our methodology page, and the same 210 orders are published row by row as the August 2026 execution test.
The raw file is downloadable: every timed order, with its slippage in points (CSV, 210 rows).
Every broker in the table above has a full write-up in our spread betting broker reviews directory, and the ranking of all 14 of them scores cost, platforms and service together rather than execution alone.
How To Reduce Slippage
A limit order fills at the requested level or better, or it does not fill at all. A guaranteed stop-loss order fills at the stop level regardless of gapping, for a premium charged by the broker. Slippage is largest in fast markets and in the minutes around scheduled economic releases, so an order placed away from those times slips less. Our stop-loss page explains how a guaranteed stop works.
Slippage FAQs
What is slippage in spread betting?
Slippage is the gap, in points, between the level you request and the level the broker fills. It occurs when the price moves between order submission and execution. It can run against you or in your favour.
Which spread betting broker has the least slippage?
No single broker had the least slippage in our test. 6 of the 14 brokers tied at a median of 0.00 points over 15 orders each. The smallest worst-case slippage was 0.50 points at City Index.
Does slippage apply to a guaranteed stop-loss?
Slippage does not apply to a guaranteed stop-loss order. A guaranteed stop-loss fills at the stop level regardless of gapping. The broker charges a premium for that protection.
