MetaQuotes Software, the dominant provider of trading platform technology, has implemented a significant price increase for its flagship MetaTrader products, affecting brokers worldwide.

Industry sources confirmed to Finance Magnates that the increase ranged between 20% and 25%, translating into additional thousands of dollars in monthly expenditures in the increasingly competitive contracts for difference (CFD) industry.

MetaQuotes Raises Platform Fees 25%

The company's 20–25% price hike, effective January 1, pushes the monthly cost for a comprehensive MetaTrader package to approximately more than $50,000 for brokers using both MT4 and MT5 platforms, Finance Magnates RU learned. However, it should be noted that this data is based solely on information obtained from a few firms that wish to remain anonymous, and the final cost depends on the individual offer negotiated with MetaQuotes.

It does not change the fact that the move marks another milestone in the company's pricing strategy, which has seen a substantial increase over the past decade.

For brokers, however, this should not come as a surprise. Finance Magnates reported earlier in December that MetaQuotes is preparing to increase MetaTrader licensing fees by “at least 20%,” and all interested parties have most likely been officially notified.

MetaQuotes justified the increase in a client memo, citing rising operational costs and investments in service quality. However, the timing of the announcement, just before the Christmas holidays, might have caught many brokers off guard.

“We would like to notify you of an upcoming amendment to the monthly license fees of the MetaTrader 4 products,” MetaQuotes wrote to its clients two months ago. “Our commitment to providing you with the highest quality products and services has led to an increase in operating costs, which, ultimately, necessitated this price update.”

Pricing Structure

The new pricing structure particularly impacts brokers utilizing the full suite of services, including mobile and web terminals, white label solutions, and server infrastructure. A complete MT4 package now costs around $35,000 monthly, while MT5 services add another $20,000 to the bill. Thus, for an all-inclusive package that includes support and maintenance, a brokerage could pay $55,000.

However, It is important to remember that brokers rarely can afford both MetaTrader series platforms. In practice, many firms do not use the full range of solutions offered; for example, not every broker requires white label solutions or an additional server.

Based on rough calculations, brokers providing both MT4 and MT5 platforms to their clients are estimated to have started paying MetaQuotes approximately $20,000 to $25,000 per month, effective from January 2025.

Finance Magnates’ sources also claim that each offer is different and that MetaQuotes has separate deals with various brokers. Consequently, the final values may differ from those assumed above.

MetaQuotes Monopoly

In the retail trading sector, the company behind MetaTrader platforms holds an unrivaled position, with their two flagship products dominating the market. The firm is actively encouraging brokers to transition to their latest platform iteration, MetaTrader 5, by discontinuing new license distribution for its predecessor.

Recent market analysis conducted by Finance Magnates Intelligence indicates that trading volumes on the newer platform are expected to eclipse those of its older counterpart this year.

The tech provider has further strengthened its market control by implementing stringent licensing requirements, particularly affecting international operators. This strategic move was highlighted when the company took decisive action against unauthorized platform usage targeting U.S. customers through proprietary trading services.

This article was produced with the assistance of Vadim Sviderski, a contributor at Finance Magnates RU.