Verification Status: This article is an explanation based on publicly available information (the editorial team has not conducted actual usage or trading).
Kenichi Sato (32, pseudonym) was scrolling through his smartphone in his living room late at night, continuing to compare FX spreads. Working for an IT company, he is considering domestic FX as a means of asset formation. In particular, he has started taking an interest in MT4 automated trading (EAs), which allows him to leverage his programming experience. However, after reading several reviews, he became confused by expressions like "0.1 sen spread" and could not imagine how the double burden of spreads and commissions would work.
Conclusion: FXTF (Golden Way Japan) is a domestic FX service that introduced a zero-spread system for all currency pairs and instruments starting January 2026. For USD/JPY, the position-based commission is 0 JPY for up to 10,000 units, and trading is available from 1,000 units. Opening a free account is especially suitable for those who want to try MT4 EA operations or low-cost scalping.
Why FXTF Launched "Zero Spreads" in 2026
On January 19, 2026, FXTF introduced a "Zero Spread System," eliminating spreads across all currency pairs and instruments for FX and CFD trading. Sato's review, stating, "The USD/JPY spread has consistently remained at 0.1 pips; I appreciate the company's dedicated efforts to reduce costs," is one example of positive feedback regarding this new cost structure.
The zero spread applies during specific hours: from 9:00 AM to 3:00 AM the following day for FX, from 9:00 AM to midnight for gold and silver, and 24 hours a day for crude oil, natural gas, and cryptocurrency CFDs. In essence, quoted spreads can potentially drop to zero during most major trading sessions. Several FX comparison sites have reported that this launch has prompted many traders to consider switching to FXTF.
However, this "zero spread" is not guaranteed at all times. According to official information, spreads may widen during periods of extreme market volatility or around the release of major economic indicators. A skeptical viewpoint like Sato's, questioning, "Is it really zero?", is healthy and necessary for a correct understanding. To maximize the benefits of zero spreads, it is essential to understand both the high-liquidity trading hours and the mechanics of this cost structure.
The Reality of Costs: Position-Based Fees and Comparison with Other Brokers
With the shift to a zero-spread model, FXTF now charges position-based fees. The key points regarding these fees are that for USD/JPY, there is no fee for positions up to 10,000 units, while positions from 10,001 to 250,000 units incur a fee of 40 JPY per 10,000 units. Furthermore, this fee is charged only upon opening a new position; there is no fee when closing a position. The "double burden of spreads and fees" that Sato was concerned about is effectively eliminated for small-volume trades under this structure.
When comparing the cost structures with other brokers, the differences can be summarized as follows:
| Comparison Item | FXTF | Rakuten Securities | Gaitame Finest | AvaTrade Japan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spread Structure | Zero spread on all currency pairs and instruments (limited hours) | — | — | — |
| Position-Based Fee | USD/JPY: 0 JPY up to 10,000 units; thereafter 40 JPY per 10,000 units | — | — | — |
| Trading Platforms | MT4 and proprietary FXTF GX | MT4 | — | — |
| Minimum Trade Size | 1,000 units | — | — | — |
| Scalping / EA Support | Officially permitted | — | — | — |
| Zero Spread Hours | FX: 9:00 AM to 3:00 AM (next day) | — | — | — |
| Deposit/Withdrawal Fees | Quick Deposit: 24/7 and free; Withdrawals generally free | — | — | — |
As shown in the table, FXTF's cost advantage is most pronounced in small-volume trades, where the combination of tight spreads and zero fees for positions up to 10,000 units creates significant savings. While Rakuten Securities, a major online brokerage, offers MT4, it does not apply a zero-spread model. Although Gaitame Finest and AvaTrade Japan are often compared as MT4-compatible brokers, detailed spread information is difficult to verify from their public disclosures.
Since FXTF allows trading starting from just 1,000 units, beginners can start trading within the range where no position-based fees apply. Checking the latest conditions on the official website makes it easy to calculate exactly what fees will apply to your intended trade volume.
As a domestic FX broker offering low costs and the ability to start with small amounts, opening a free FXTF account is a low-risk first step. Even before depositing funds, creating an account allows you to test the platforms, configure EAs, and experience the charting environment firsthand.
How to Choose Your Trading Platform: MT4 vs. FXTF GX
FXTF offers two trading platforms: MT4 and its proprietary tool, FXTF GX. In short, MT4 is ideal for intermediate to advanced traders considering automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs), while FXTF GX is better suited for beginners who want to start chart analysis intuitively.
For programmers like Sato, the availability of MT4 is a significant deciding factor. The fact that FXTF is one of the few domestic FX brokers offering MT4 has been highly rated on multiple FX comparison sites. MT4 supports automated trading with EAs, making it perfect for those who wish to implement their own custom logic into automated strategies. Additionally, the official approval of both scalping and automated trading provides peace of mind for those focusing on short-term trades or EA operations.
On the other hand, FXTF GX features integrated TradingView charts, known for being user-friendly even for beginners. Starting May 11, 2026, direct integration with the TradingView platform will also launch, expanding options for traders who prefer analyzing markets on TradingView. Furthermore, the maximum order size per trade has been increased from 1 million to 10 million units, demonstrating ongoing enhancements to the platform's capabilities.
As of August 2026, there is no confirmed release date for MT5. Rather than waiting for MT5, it is more practical to evaluate your current trading environment using either the existing MT4 or FXTF GX to determine which fits your style. For Sato, a realistic approach would be to first verify EA performance on MT4 while simultaneously comparing the usability of market analysis on FXTF GX's TradingView charts.
Reviews and Reputation: Breaking Down the Pros and Cons
Reviews of FXTF primarily focus on its zero spreads and MT4 compatibility. However, opinions tend to be divided regarding system stability and swap points.
First, a standout positive comment from an FX comparison site notes, "The USD/JPY spread has consistently remained at 0.1 pips; I appreciate the company's efforts, which boosts my confidence." As this feedback illustrates, narrow spreads and the zero-spread structure are common themes praised by many users. Additionally, the rarity of being a domestic broker offering MT4 is highly valued. Multiple reviews highlight that "it offers low costs despite supporting MT4," "it was easy to use even for beginners," and "customer support was helpful."
On the other hand, there are some concerns. Criticisms such as "the app interface feels somewhat outdated" and "trading becomes sluggish during server congestion" directly impact trading ease and warrant attention. Furthermore, regarding swap points, some reviews mention that "swap points are low," which may feel insufficient for those aiming to profit from swaps via long-term holdings. Since the impact of server congestion and swap levels varies depending on one's trading style, it is necessary to evaluate these factors against your own usage patterns.
However, these negative comments are not uniformly reported across all reviews, and their frequency is limited. Overall, the general consensus leans heavily toward favorable evaluations of its functional aspects, specifically the zero spreads and MT4 compatibility.
Eliminating Concern: The Reality of Zero Spreads, Commissions, and Scalping
It is natural to feel uneasy about a "0" that seems too good to be true. Here, we address three common questions readers may have, providing answers based on publicly available information.
Are zero spreads truly free? The answer is: "While the spread is 0, a position-based commission applies separately." Specifically for USD/JPY, no position-based commission is charged for trades up to 10,000 units, meaning small-volume trades can effectively be held with a zero spread. For trades exceeding 10,001 units, a commission of JPY 40 per 10,000 units applies only at the time of opening the position; closing the position incurs no fee. By consciously managing your trade size within the free allowance, you can easily keep costs under control.
Is scalping restricted? In conclusion, scalping is officially permitted. Some review sites note that "second-level scalping is not allowed, but scalping with holdings of one minute or more is acceptable." While it is prudent to avoid extremely short-term trades measured in seconds, standard scalping strategies can be used without issue. This is a crucial confirmation point for traders focusing on short-term trading.
When will MT5 be available? As of August 2026, public information indicates that the release date for FXTF MT5 remains undecided. Rather than waiting for MT5, it is more practical to begin trading with the currently available MT4 and FXTF GX platforms. Particularly for users like Sato, who wish to leverage their programming experience, MT4 offers a proven track record of compatibility with Expert Advisors (EAs), making it well worth trying immediately.
Account opening is free, and there are no account maintenance fees. Since you can test the functionality of trading tools and review EA settings before depositing funds, the ability to proceed with registration first and decide later helps alleviate any concerns.
Ultimately, Who Is FXTF Suitable For—and Who Isn't?
FXTF is ideal for traders who want to try scalping with low costs and small capital, as well as those looking to run automated trading (EAs) on MT4. There are two main reasons for this. First, trading starts from just 1,000 units, and for USD/JPY, the position-building commission is zero up to 10,000 units, keeping costs low for small-scale trades. Second, as one of the few domestic FX brokers offering MT4, FXTF officially permits EA usage and scalping.
Conversely, FXTF is not suitable for those whose primary goal is long-term holding to capture high swap points. Reports indicating "low swap points" can negatively impact profitability for long-term positions, so it's better to compare other brokers based on this criterion. Additionally, traders seeking a wide variety of minor currency pairs may find FXTF's limited selection insufficient. For those waiting for MT5, since no release date has been announced yet, it's necessary to proceed with the understanding that conditions may change while waiting.
Through this analysis, Sato reaffirmed that his top priority was "an environment where EAs can be run with small capital." He plans to first test automated trading on MT4 starting with small 1,000-unit positions. As a platform that allows him to leverage his programming experience while keeping costs low, FXTF aligns perfectly with his requirements.
Start by Opening a Free Account
The account opening process can be completed entirely from home at no cost. The steps are as follows:
| Step | Details | Time Required / Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Submit an account application via the official website | As little as 3 minutes / Free |
| 2 | Submit identity verification documents (e.g., driver's license or My Number card) | Image upload |
| 3 | Account opening completed | Same-day approval possible |
| 4 | Deposit funds (Quick Deposit available 24/7 with no fees) | Instant reflection |
| 5 | Begin trading (choose between FXTF GX or MT4) | — |
There are no fees for opening or maintaining an account. Quick Deposits are processed 24 hours a day with no charges, and withdrawals are generally free; requests submitted by 9:00 AM on business days are typically reflected the same day. There is no obligation to trade immediately after depositing, so you can open an account, explore the trading tools, and then decide whether to proceed. Check the latest account opening requirements on the official website to further reduce any pre-application concerns.
Opening an account is a reversible first step that involves no cost and allows you to adjust your trading volume or switch platforms later. Since you can start trading with small amounts, it's easy to test whether the platform suits your needs without taking on significant risk.
Risks and Considerations for FX Trading
Domestic FX trading carries inherent risks that must be fully understood. FX involves no principal guarantee, and the use of leverage can amplify losses due to exchange rate fluctuations, potentially exceeding your deposited funds. Although trading can begin with small amounts, it is essential to thoroughly understand the mechanisms and risks before executing any trades.
Additionally, zero-spread conditions are often limited to specific time windows; spreads may widen during periods of market volatility or around major economic data releases. To accurately assess trading costs, it is crucial to evaluate not only spreads but also position-handling fees. The information in this article is based on publicly available data as of September 13, 2026, and does not guarantee future service terms. Our editorial team does not provide investment advice; all trading decisions made after opening an account are solely your responsibility.
FX trading becomes an effective tool for asset building only when underpinned by a correct understanding and prudent risk management. This is especially true for EA (Expert Advisor) operations, where continuous monitoring of system behavior and a clear grasp of profit and loss—including all fees—are indispensable. Start with small amounts and verify the trading environment at your own pace.
Methodology and Disclosure
Verification Method: This article was created based on public information verified as of 2026-09-13. Our editorial team has not actually contracted or used the services mentioned. The explanations are based on public sources, including official websites, third-party reviews, and user feedback. Service details, fees, and campaigns are subject to change; please always verify the latest information on the official website before applying.
Publisher Information: Our editorial policy and evaluation criteria are outlined in our Editorial Policy, and our verification procedures are detailed in our Evaluation Methodology. If you find any errors in the content, please report them via our contact form.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, through which our site may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions do not influence our evaluations or ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FXTF's zero spread really free?
FXTF introduced zero spreads across all currency pairs and instruments starting January 2026, but it's not always 0 yen. Spreads may widen during market volatility or around economic data releases. The zero spread applies from 9 AM to 3 AM the next day, limited to high-liquidity periods.
How much are the position-linked fees?
For USD/JPY, fees are 0 yen up to 10,000 units (conditions apply). From 10,001 to 250,000 units, the fee is 40 yen per 10,000 units. Fees are charged only on new positions, not on closing. With small-lot trading, you'll barely notice the fee burden.
What are the fees for trading USD/JPY above 10,000 units?
From 10,001 to 250,000 units, a position-linked fee of 40 yen per 10,000 units applies. For example, 20,000 units would cost 80 yen. However, the fee is only for new positions; closing is free. Since costs vary with volume, check the official site for the latest conditions.
Can I scalp on FXTF?
Yes, scalping is officially permitted. The zero spread system reduces trading costs for short-term trades, making it easier to try scalping strategies. However, be aware that spreads can widen during market volatility.
Can I run automated trading (EA) on MT4?
Yes. FXTF is one of the few domestic brokers offering MT4, and EA automated trading is officially allowed. You can use your own custom logic or existing EAs. You can start EA trading with as little as 1,000 units.
When will MT5 be available?
As of August 2026, the release date for MT5 is undecided. Rather than waiting for MT5, it's more practical to test the current MT4 or FXTF's proprietary tool, FXTF GX, to see if it suits your style. FXTF GX features TradingView charts and has integrated with the TradingView platform since May 2026.
Is opening an account free? How quickly can I start?
Account opening is free. While the article doesn't specify a minimum time, you can create an account at no cost and test the tools, EA settings, and chart environment before depositing funds. It's designed for starting small with minimal upfront commitment.
Are there fees for deposits or withdrawals?
Quick deposits are available 24/7 at no charge, and withdrawals are generally free as well. This gives you a cost advantage. However, some withdrawal methods or conditions may incur fees, so check the official site for the latest terms.
Sources
This article is based on publicly available information as of 2026-09-13.
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