Copy Trading Fees Explained: What You Actually Pay
The headline return is gross. The result you keep is shaped by spread, slippage, swaps, commissions where applicable and provider profit sharing.
Every copied trade has an execution cost • Holding time influences financing costs • Provider profit sharing must be included in comparisons
Spread and execution
The spread is built into the difference between buy and sell prices. Slippage is the difference between the provider’s execution and the follower’s. A high-frequency provider with small targets can be more sensitive to both.
Swap and financing
Positions held overnight may receive or pay a swap depending on the instrument and direction. A strategy that holds for weeks can have a very different cost profile from one that closes intraday.
Commission and account type
Some account structures charge a separate commission in exchange for different spreads. Other accounts price most trading cost into the spread. Check the exact account terms instead of assuming that a general broker fee table applies to your copy account.
Profit sharing
Many copy-trading models reward the provider with a percentage of eligible profit. The number can materially change net return. A High Water Mark model is designed to avoid charging again on profit that merely recovers an earlier loss, but the exact rules still matter.
A simple net-return comparison
Start with gross closed profit. Subtract spreads and commissions already reflected in the account, add or subtract swaps, account for slippage and then subtract provider profit sharing. Compare the remaining result with the drawdown and time period required to earn it.
Do not annualise one strong month. Costs and drawdowns do not scale in a straight line.
Questions to ask before copying
- What profit-share percentage has the provider selected?
- How frequently does the strategy trade?
- How long are positions held?
- Does the provider trade instruments with wider or volatile spreads?
- Are current open losses included in the return you are looking at?
What this means on PU Prime
PU Prime states that its copy-trading service has no management or subscription fee. Costs can include spreads, swaps, applicable transaction fees and provider profit sharing. PU Prime’s official 2026 fee guide lists a $50 minimum account deposit, $25 minimum allocation per provider and a provider profit-share cap of 50%.
Use net return after the provider share and trading costs. A cheaper-looking platform is not cheaper if the chosen strategy trades in a cost-heavy way.
Primary sources and transparency
Time-sensitive PU Prime facts are checked against its official copy-trading page, regulation page and legal documentation. Product terms and regional availability can change, so verify the documents that apply to your account before funding.
This article contains my PU Prime partner link. I may receive compensation if you register or use PU Prime through it, at no extra cost to you.
PU Prime copy trading involves leveraged CFD trading. You can lose the capital you allocate, and past performance does not predict future results. Only trade with money you can afford to lose.
Related guides
Review costs inside the actual provider profile.
Create the account in your own name, inspect the app and provider data, and make the allocation decision only after you understand the downside.