SpeedTrader Pricing Explained: All Plans, Costs & Fees (2026)

SpeedTrader Pricing Overview

SpeedTrader operates on a commission-based model rather than a monthly subscription fee. There is no monthly or annual charge to use the platform—instead, you pay commissions based on your trading activity. The broker offers two primary commission structures: per-share and per-trade pricing, both scaled to reward active traders.

The key barrier to entry is the $25,000 minimum account balance, which is required to comply with SEC Pattern Day Trader (PDT) rules for US equity trading. This minimum is non-negotiable for active day traders. If you're trading fewer than 4 round-trip trades per 5 business days, some brokers allow lower minimums, but SpeedTrader's positioning as a professional-grade DMA broker assumes you're a frequent trader who will hit this threshold.

SpeedTrader's strength lies in its execution infrastructure, not discount pricing. For traders executing 50+ trades daily, commission structure matters far less than order routing quality and execution speed—SpeedTrader's core value proposition.

All SpeedTrader Plans Compared

SpeedTrader doesn't organize pricing into "tiers" or "plans" in the traditional sense. Instead, it offers two commission models, both with zero monthly fees:

Commission Model	Structure	Best For	Monthly Fee
Per-Share Commissions	Pay a set rate per share traded (e.g., $0.001–$0.0015 per share typical across DMA brokers)	Scalpers and high-volume traders with tight spreads; traders holding positions for seconds to minutes	$0
Per-Trade Commissions	Pay a flat fee per trade executed, regardless of share quantity	Swing traders and momentum traders taking larger positions; fewer, higher-conviction trades	$0

Note: SpeedTrader's specific per-share and per-trade rates are not listed in publicly available pricing documentation. You must request a quote directly from SpeedTrader or contact their sales team. Commission rates may vary based on account size, trading volume, and negotiation.

Both models include:

• Direct market access (DMA) to US stock exchanges
• Multiple routing options to ARCA, NASDAQ, NYSE, BATS/EDGX, and ECNs
• Level 2 market data for real-time bid/ask visibility
• Professional short locate services for hard-to-borrow shares
• Multiple trading platforms: SpeedTrader PRO, Sterling Trader Pro, DAS Trader Pro
• Risk management tools, alerts, and paper trading for practice
• Mobile app access for on-the-go monitoring

Free Plan / Free Trial

SpeedTrader does not offer a free tier or free trading account. You must fund an account with the $25,000 minimum to trade live.

However, SpeedTrader does offer paper trading: This allows you to practice on the platform using simulated money before committing real capital. Paper trading includes access to Level 2 data and routing logic, making it valuable for learning the platform's mechanics and testing execution strategies risk-free.

If you're uncertain about whether SpeedTrader is right for you, the paper trading environment is essentially a free trial. You can request a demo account and spend 1–2 weeks testing strategies, platform responsiveness, and order routing without risking money. Most brokers require you to open an account to access demos, and SpeedTrader follows this standard.

Is the free trial worth it? Yes—if you're considering SpeedTrader, spending time in paper trading is essential. The platform is execution-focused and assumes professional-level trading knowledge. Paper trading lets you confirm that the platform's workflow and execution feel right before funding your account.

Hidden Costs and Fees

Beyond commissions, several costs can add up and aren't always obvious:

• Exchange and ECN fees: In addition to SpeedTrader's commission, exchanges and Electronic Communications Networks (ECNs) charge small fees for routing orders. These vary by exchange and order type. Typical range: $0.0001–$0.001 per share for routed orders. This is standard across all DMA brokers but adds up on high-volume trading days.
• Level 2 data: Real-time Level 2 market data (bid/ask depth) is typically included with active accounts but may carry a small monthly fee if your account volume drops below certain thresholds. Verify with SpeedTrader whether this is bundled or separate.
• Platform fees: If you use third-party platforms like Sterling Trader Pro or DAS Trader Pro, these may carry monthly subscription fees (typically $100–$500/month). The SpeedTrader PRO platform has no separate fee, but more advanced traders often use external platforms.
• Charting and news subscriptions: SpeedTrader's platform is execution-focused with minimal charting. Most professional traders subscribe to separate charting tools (TradingView, eSignal, etc.), adding $30–$200/month to your setup cost.
• Account inactivity: Some brokers charge inactivity fees if accounts fall dormant. Check SpeedTrader's specific account agreement, though this is less common for DMA brokers focused on active traders.
• Deposit and withdrawal fees: ACH transfers are typically free, but wire transfers may carry small fees ($0–$25 depending on direction).

For an active day trader executing 100+ trades daily, exchange and ECN fees typically dwarf the headline commission costs. On a $50,000 account, these hidden costs can amount to $50–$200/month even if headline commissions seem reasonable.

SpeedTrader Pricing vs Competitors

SpeedTrader competes primarily with other DMA brokers targeting professional traders. Here's how it stacks up:

Broker	Minimum Account	Commission Structure	Unique Strength
SpeedTrader	$25,000	Per-share or per-trade (rates vary)	No PFOF; multiple routing options; short locate services
SureTrader	$500–$2,000	Per-share (~$0.001) or flat fees	Lowest minimum; accepts international traders
Lightspeed	$25,000	Per-share ($0.0001–$0.0015) or per-trade	Institutional-grade platform; highest execution standards
Centerpoint Securities	$25,000	Per-share or per-trade (negotiable)	Proprietary trading program; lowest rates for high-volume traders

Who's cheaper? SureTrader and Centerpoint typically offer lower per-share rates than SpeedTrader, but SpeedTrader's value comes from execution quality and no payment-for-order-flow model, not lowest commissions. A scalper executing 200 trades daily will care far more about order routing speed than saving a few hundredths of a cent per share.

Where SpeedTrader wins: Its no-PFOF commitment is a competitive edge. Some brokers route retail orders through market makers to earn kickbacks; SpeedTrader routes directly to exchanges. For short sellers, SpeedTrader's reliable short locate services also differentiate it from retail-focused competitors.

Where SpeedTrader lags: SureTrader's $500–$2,000 minimum is far more accessible if you're learning day trading. Lightspeed is considered the gold-standard execution platform for prop traders but typically requires larger accounts or sponsorship through a proprietary firm.

Is SpeedTrader Worth the Price?

SpeedTrader is worth the price if you meet these criteria:

• You execute 50+ trades daily and execution speed is mission-critical to your edge
• You have $25,000+ to fund the account and won't need to withdraw capital for 6+ months
• You're experienced enough to understand DMA execution, routing options, and order types
• You're short-selling frequently and need reliable locate services for hard-to-borrow shares
• You're tired of PFOF-based brokers routing your orders through market makers instead of directly to exchanges

SpeedTrader is NOT worth the price if:

• You're a beginner day trader with less than $25,000 to risk (start with SureTrader or a cash account instead)
• You trade 5–10 times daily or less (commission savings won't offset the complexity; use a retail broker like Interactive Brokers or TD Ameritrade)
• You need forex, futures, or crypto trading (SpeedTrader is US equities and options only)
• You prioritize charting and analysis tools (you'll need to subscribe separately)
• You're a swing trader holding positions overnight (DMA routing complexity doesn't benefit you; cheaper retail brokers suffice)

Value for different trader types:

• Scalpers (holding seconds–minutes): Per-share commissions. SpeedTrader is excellent if your edge depends on sub-millisecond execution and tight spreads.
• Day traders (holding minutes–hours): Either model works. Evaluate whether SpeedTrader's routing options and short locate services justify the $25,000 minimum vs. SureTrader's lower entry point.
• Prop traders: SpeedTrader is professional-grade and often preferred, especially if sponsored by a prop firm that negotiates volume discounts.

How to Save on SpeedTrader

Direct savings strategies are limited because SpeedTrader's pricing is tied to trading activity and account size—there are no published discount codes or promotional pricing.

However, you can reduce total trading costs:

• Negotiate volume discounts: If you plan to execute 500+ trades monthly, contact SpeedTrader's sales team directly. Large account holders often negotiate better per-share or per-trade rates. This is the primary cost lever for active traders.
• Use the per-share model if you're a scalper: Compare your expected commission costs under both models. Scalpers often pay less per-share than per-trade. A 100-share scalp trade at $0.001/share costs $0.10; a $1-per-trade flat fee costs significantly more.
• Reduce hidden costs: Pair SpeedTrader with free charting tools (TradingView free tier, Yahoo Finance) to avoid $100+/month charting subscriptions. Use a fast, free newsfeeds to reduce information costs.
• Piggyback on a proprietary trading firm: If you trade through a prop firm, they negotiate bulk rates with brokers like SpeedTrader. Individual traders pay list rates; prop traders often get 30–50% discounts. This requires sponsorship but can significantly reduce per-share or per-trade costs.
• Pair with a cash account to reduce compliance costs: While less relevant to active day traders, using a margin account efficiently avoids unnecessary interest charges and regulatory overhead.

Bottom line on savings: SpeedTrader's pricing isn't about finding coupon codes—it's about volume. The more you trade at higher account sizes, the better rates you can negotiate. Start with standard rates, prove consistent profitability, then contact their institutional sales team to discuss discounts.

For a detailed comparison with other brokers, see our [SpeedTrader full review] and [DMA broker comparison].