The bid price is generally the price at which a trader can sell; the ask is generally the price at which a trader can buy. The difference between them is the spread. Depending on chart settings, the chart may display bid prices by default, while a buy order uses the ask. That can make a buy fill appear above the visible chart price even when the market has not moved much.
Check these points first
1. Identify which price the chart displays.
Check the platform’s chart settings and determine whether an ask-price line is enabled. A chart showing bid candles may not show the ask unless you turn on that display option.
2. Compare the same symbol and timestamp.
Symbols can have different suffixes or contract specifications. Confirm that you are comparing the exact same instrument, account, and moment.
3. Check the spread at that time.
Spreads can change with market conditions. Around news, daily breaks, market opens, or lower-liquidity periods, the difference between bid and ask may widen.
Read SmartFin’s guide to why forex spreads can widen at night.
4. Review the order and deal history.
Record the order type, requested price if applicable, executed price, volume, and timestamp. A market order is executed at an available price under the provider’s execution terms, which can differ from a displayed price in fast-moving conditions.
See SmartFin’s explanation of what happens after you click Buy or Sell on MT5 for more on execution and slippage.
If the difference still looks unexplained
Save the relevant details before contacting support: instrument name, account type, order ticket or deal number, order type, volume, chart timestamp, executed price, and a screenshot showing the symbol and platform clock. Ask support to explain the pricing and execution using the account’s records.
Do not send passwords, one-time codes, or full payment details. A difference caused by bid/ask pricing or changing market conditions is not automatically evidence of an error; equally, a question about a specific execution should be checked against the transaction record.
Related reading: Why a forex trade can show a loss immediately after opening, Forex trade execution on MT5, and why forex spreads widen at night.
Risk Warning: Trading leveraged financial products involves significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. This material is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell any financial instrument.
