The ask price (also called the offer price) is the minimum price at which a seller is willing to sell a financial instrument. When you buy a currency pair, you buy at the ask price.

How It Works

In a currency quote like EUR/USD 1.0850/1.0852:

  • 1.0850 = Bid price (what buyers pay)
  • 1.0852 = Ask price (what sellers want)

The difference between the two is the spread — the broker’s profit on the trade.

Example

If EUR/USD is quoted at 1.0850/1.0852:

  • To buy EUR/USD, you enter at 1.0852 (ask)
  • To sell EUR/USD, you enter at 1.0850 (bid)

Key Points

  • The ask price is always higher than the bid price
  • A tight spread (small difference) indicates high liquidity
  • The ask price changes in real-time based on market conditions
  • Understanding ask prices is essential for calculating trade entry costs