Trading with an EA (Expert Advisor, or automated trading program) pairs very well with FX cashback. In this article, we’ll explain why this is the case and outline the key points EA users should keep in mind when taking advantage of cashback.
[Conclusion] Since cashback is paid based on trading volume (number of lots), the more trades an EA executes, the more cashback you’ll accumulate. While discretionary trading might involve only a few trades per month, it’s not uncommon for an EA to execute tens to hundreds of trades—resulting in a significant difference in the amount of cashback received, even with the same amount of capital. However, if an EA employs trading strategies prohibited by the broker, there is a risk of having your account frozen—let alone receiving any rebates—so it is essential to verify that the EA’s logic complies with the broker’s terms and conditions.
3 Reasons Why EA and Cashback Are a Great Match
With frequent transactions, rewards accumulate quickly
Cashback is calculated as the rebate amount per lot multiplied by the trading volume. Since it is paid regardless of whether a trade results in a profit or loss, the more frequently an EA trades, the higher the total rebate amount will be. Particularly for scalping and day trading EAs, these rebates help boost the EA’s overall profitability.
Actual trading costs will decrease, and the EA's performance will improve
Even with a strategy that “loses out on spreads” in an EA’s backtest, the net result can turn positive if cashback effectively reduces the effective spread. This effect is particularly pronounced with high-frequency EAs, which are highly sensitive to trading costs.
Since trading continues regardless of emotions, returns remain stable.
With discretionary trading, trading volume fluctuates depending on market conditions and investor sentiment, but an EA continues to trade methodically as long as the conditions are met. As a result, it becomes easier to predict the monthly returns.
Important Notes: Things to Check When Using EAs
Does this constitute a prohibited practice by the vendor?
Many FX brokers prohibit hedging across multiple brokers or accounts, latency arbitrage (trading on latency differences), and abuse of the zero-cut policy. Using an EA that incorporates these strategies may result in the cancellation of profits or account suspension—even before any cashback is applied. Be sure to verify that the EA’s trading logic does not violate the broker’s terms of service before installing it.
Cashback Eligibility Requirements
Depending on the broker and account type, certain securities and trades (such as those using bonuses) may be excluded from cashback. Be sure to check each broker’s cashback terms and conditions to confirm whether the securities traded by the EA are eligible for cashback.
Treatment of Extremely Short-Term Trades
While many brokers allow scalping, some may impose restrictions on extremely short-term trades—such as those closed within a few seconds—or exclude them from affiliate commission eligibility. If you plan to use an ultra-high-frequency scalping EA, it’s a good idea to check the broker’s terms and conditions and the eligibility criteria for commissions in advance.
In the case of copy trading
Copy trading (a system that automatically replicates other people’s trades) is generally eligible for cashback based on the trading volume, provided the trades are executed through your own account. However, since the cashback terms may differ for broker-specific copy trading accounts, please check individually to confirm whether the account type you plan to use is eligible.
Steps to Receive Cashback When Using an EA
- Sign up for REBATE ONE for free, and open a cashback account with a participating merchant (or update the linked account information for an existing account).
- Set up the EA on the MT4/MT5 platform of the account you opened and run it as usual.
- Cashback based on your EA trading volume is automatically credited to your My Page.
No special setup is required, and trades executed by EAs are eligible for rebates just like discretionary trades. Please see the list of supported brokers for details.
FAQ
Are EA trades eligible for cashback?
Yes. Since cashback is based on trading volume, it generally applies regardless of whether trades are executed manually or by an EA. However, trades using methods prohibited by the broker’s terms and conditions are excluded.
Can I still receive a cashback even if my EA loses?
You can receive it. The rebate is based on trading volume and is unrelated to the profit or loss on your trades. Even during a losing streak, the rebate will partially offset your losses.
Does this also apply to EAs running on a VPS?
This applies. Where you run the EA (home PC, VPS, etc.) does not affect the rebate.