What is copy trading in forex? How it works, fees and risks before you start

Conclusion: what copy trading is and the key points before starting

Copy trading automatically replicates another trader's (the provider's) trades in your own account. You set the amount and trade size yourself, and you can stop at any time.

Note: This guide explains how the system works. It does not recommend any specific provider or promise profit. Because of leverage, forex losses can exceed the funds you deposited.

• Another person's (provider's) trades are copied into your account automatically
• You set the amount and trade size yourself (the method differs by broker), and you can stop it yourself
• If the provider loses, your account loses in the same direction
• Past results do not guarantee future results
• Costs are mainly a performance fee (a fee paid when profit is made); the rate differs by provider

How copy trading works: 4 steps of automatic copying

In copy trading, you choose a trader who shares their trades (the provider) and your account copies their trades automatically. Providers are called "signal providers", "strategy providers" and similar names.

You do not need to read the market yourself. However, you still decide which provider to follow and how much to commit.

• Step 1: Choose a provider. In the broker's app or screen, compare the published results, risk level and fee settings.
• Step 2: Set the copy amount and ratio. You decide how the amount or trade size is set. Some brokers let you set a loss limit.
• Step 3: The provider's trades are copied automatically. Each time the provider trades, the same trade is made in your account according to your settings.
• Step 4: You can stop it yourself. You stop following on your own. Check the broker's options for open positions.

Copy trading vs EA, mirror trading and MAM/PAMM

Many similar terms exist. Three axes help: who operates the account, whether you can stop it yourself, and how costs are paid. This is a general summary, so confirm the actual terms in the broker's rules and official pages.

Names differ by broker. Do not judge by the name alone. Confirm who operates the account and how to stop it in the official explanation. See the beginner guide on EA (automated trading) basics on this site.

• EA (automated trading): a program you install in your own account places the trades. It stops if you remove the EA. Costs are the EA purchase price or usage fee and differ by EA.
• Copy trading: the provider's trades are copied into your own account. New copying stops when you stop following. Costs are mainly a performance fee to the provider, set by each provider.
• Mirror trading: some brokers use the term with the same meaning as copy trading. Who operates the account, how to stop it and costs depend on the broker's specification.
• MAM/PAMM: you deposit funds with a manager, who runs the accounts together. The cancellation and withdrawal procedure depends on the terms. Costs are the manager's fee, set by the manager.

Copy trading fees: look at three types of cost

Fee names differ by broker. Grouping costs by type makes it clearer what you pay for.

Key point: Check the rate after choosing a provider. Performance fee rates differ by provider. Before you start copying, check the rate and payment method on the provider's screen.

• Performance fee: part of the profit from copying is paid to the provider. Check the rate, the payment frequency and how the profit base is defined.
• Spread markup: the difference between the sell and buy price, charged on every trade. Check whether separate conditions apply to copying and whether they differ from normal.
• Per-account commission: a trading commission that depends on the account type. Check the eligible account type and the commission per lot.

Copy trading offered by listed brokers

Of the brokers listed on this site, official information has been confirmed in site columns for the two below. Figures are as of the verification date of each column (Axi: 27 September 2026; INFINOX: 26 September 2026), based on each company's official information.

Other listed brokers: whether they offer copy trading has not been confirmed on this site. Check each company's official page. See the columns on this site on how to start Axi copy trading and its fees, the differences between Axi Copy Trading, the app and Axi Select, and how INFINOX IX Social works and its performance fee.

• Axi: the Axi Copy Trading app (iOS and Android), linked to an MT4 or MT5 account. Followers have no minimum deposit requirement. There is no fee on copied trades, but a performance fee may be paid to the provider, capped at 50%. There are 4 copy size methods, and risk is set by maximum drawdown (the largest fall in equity).
• INFINOX: IX Social (app and web browser). Providers can set a performance fee of up to 50% of profit, received per trade, daily or weekly. A uniform minimum investment is not stated on the official site.

Is copy trading risky? 4 risks to know, and how to read a provider's results

For example, with Axi you can choose a copy size that matches the provider or one proportional to your account funds. When your funds rise or fall, your trade size moves with them. Note: Responsibility for choosing the provider is yours. The broker does not guarantee a provider's results. Whom you copy and how much you start with are your decisions, and you keep that responsibility even if you lose. See the beginner guides on types of forex risk and on leverage and stop out basics.

Results look different depending on how you read them. Look at how losses occur, not only how large profits are. Even results that look good do not guarantee the future. Consider safeguards such as not placing all funds with one provider and setting a loss limit first.

• Risk 1: the provider's losses become your losses as they are
• Risk 2: past results do not guarantee future results
• Risk 3: depending on the trade size (lot) setting, more money than expected can move
• Risk 4: the provider may change trading style suddenly
• Track record: do not judge on short-term results alone. Check whether the period includes times when market conditions changed.
• Maximum drawdown: the size of the largest fall in equity. Check whether you can tolerate it.
• Trade content: check that single losses are not large and trades are not concentrated in particular instruments.
• Fee settings: check the performance fee rate and payment frequency, and how your share changes.

What to check before you start copy trading

Note: Check the legal position. Entrusting funds to another person's judgment can come close to investment advice or delegated management. Check the legal treatment in the broker's terms and the provider's explanation, and ask support if anything is unclear.

To compare brokers, see the beginner guide on basic items for comparing forex brokers, and the list of listed brokers.

• Will you start with an amount that does not affect your daily life if lost?
• Have you decided the loss limit (the point at which you stop) in advance?
• Have you checked the cost types and rates on the provider's screen?
• Have you checked how open positions are handled when you stop?
• Have you checked the copy conditions and prohibited actions in the broker's terms?

Frequently asked questions

Sources and conditions

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