Swap rates in MetaTrader 5 are in each symbol’s specification. Right-click the symbol in Market Watch, choose Specification, and read four fields: the swap type, which says what unit the rates are in, swap long, swap short, and the 3-day swap day. Swap already charged or credited on open positions appears in the Swap column of the Trade tab.
Key takeaways
- Path: Market Watch › right-click the symbol › Specification.
- Swap long applies to buy positions, swap short to sell positions; a negative figure is a charge.
- The swap type tells you the unit: points, a currency, or an annual interest rate.
- The 3-day swap field shows which weekday is charged three times to cover the weekend.
- Swaps are applied at the daily rollover, so a position opened and closed the same day pays none.
| Where | Market Watch › right-click › Specification |
|---|---|
| Swap long | Charge or credit per night on buy positions |
| Swap short | Charge or credit per night on sell positions |
| Swap type | Unit of the rates: points, money or interest |
| 3-day swap | Weekday charged triple |
| Where charges show | Toolbox › Trade, Swap column |
How to find swap rates on MT5 desktop
- Show Market Watch. Press Ctrl+M if it is hidden.
- Right-click the symbol. Choose Specification.
- Read the swap section. Swap type, Swap long, Swap short and 3-days swap.
- Note the contract size and point value. You need them to turn points into money.
On MT5 mobile, open Quotes, tap the symbol and choose the option that shows its details or specification. In Web Trader the specification is available from the symbol’s context menu. Menu names can differ slightly between MetaTrader 5 desktop, mobile and Web Trader, and between versions.
How to read the swap fields
| Field | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Swap type | The unit of the long and short values | In points |
| Swap long | Per lot, per night, for buy positions | −8.50 means a charge |
| Swap short | Per lot, per night, for sell positions | +2.10 means a credit |
| 3-days swap | Day on which three nights are applied | Wednesday |
How to turn swap points into money
When the swap type is in points: swap in money = swap points × point size × contract size × lots, in the quote currency. When it is an annual interest rate: swap = position value × rate ÷ 360 (or 365, depending on settings) per night.
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Symbol and position | EURUSD, buy 1.00 lot |
| Swap long | −8.5 points |
| Point size | 0.00001 |
| Contract size | 100,000 |
| Per night | −8.5 × 0.00001 × 100,000 = −$8.50 |
| On the 3-day swap day | −$25.50 |
Swap rates change, often weekly and whenever central banks move, so check the specification before holding a position for more than a few days. The reason swaps exist is explained in what a swap is and triple swap Wednesday; accounts without swaps are covered in swap-free accounts.
Where swap shows on your account
In the Trade tab, the Swap column shows the swap accumulated on each open position so far. When the position is closed, the total appears in the History tab alongside the profit. Swap is included in equity, so a large negative swap reduces free margin; see balance vs equity vs free margin.
Common mistakes to avoid
Reading the wrong side. Swap long is for buys, swap short for sells.
Ignoring the unit. Points, money and interest values are not comparable without conversion.
Forgetting the triple day. Holding over one night can cost three.
Assuming rates are fixed. They change with interest rates and market conditions.
Risk warning. Trading CFDs carries a high level of risk since leverage can work both to your advantage and disadvantage. As a result, the products offered on this website may not be suitable for all investors because of the risk of losing all of your invested capital. You should never invest money that you cannot afford to lose, and never trade with borrowed money.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find swap rates on MT5?
In Market Watch, right-click the symbol and choose Specification. The swap type, swap long, swap short and 3-days swap fields show the overnight rates and the day on which triple swap applies.
What do swap long and swap short mean?
Swap long is the overnight charge or credit for a buy position; swap short is the same for a sell position. The values are per lot per night, and a negative number is a charge.
How do I calculate swap in MT5?
If the swap type is in points, multiply the swap points by the point size, the contract size and the number of lots. For EURUSD, −8.5 points on 1 lot is −8.5 × 0.00001 × 100,000 = −$8.50 per night.
When is swap charged in MT5?
At the daily rollover, usually at server midnight. A position that is still open at that moment is charged or credited one night of swap, or three nights on the 3-day swap day.
Where can I see the swap I have paid?
The Swap column in the Toolbox Trade tab shows swap accumulated on open positions. For closed positions, it appears in the History tab.
Related reading
Recheck swap after rate decisions
Swap values set today can change at the next rate decision. On the economic calendar, find when each central bank behind a multi-week position next meets, and reopen the specification once its decision is out.
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