Account One01
ECN
Advertised Spread
0.4 – 0.9
Commission
Not specified
Minimum Deposit
$300
Detailed Trading Account Comparison
Trading Account Comparison: Alpari ECNvs IC Markets Standard
Explore differences in spreads, commissions, deposits and trading conditions, alongside a detailed review of each account's advantages and limitations.
Account Two02
Standard
Advertised Spread
0.8 - 1.0
Commission
$0
Minimum Deposit
$200
ACCOUNT OVERVIEW
What Makes Alpari ECN Different from IC Markets Standard?
Before comparing the numbers, it is important to understand the purpose of each account and the conditions that may make it suitable for different traders.
Alpari ECN
The Alpari ECN account marks a clear transition from the spread-only Standard structure to tighter recorded spreads with a separate commission. According to Broker Alarab data, spreads range from 0.4–0.9 pips with a recorded average of 0.6 pips, commission is $3 per lot, the minimum deposit is $300 and orders use Market Execution. We categorize the account for experienced traders.
IC Markets Standard
The IC Markets Standard account is the broker’s straightforward pricing option for traders who prefer trading without a separate per-lot commission. According to Broker Alarab data, spreads range from 0.8–1.0 pips, commission is $0, the minimum deposit is $200 and orders use Market Execution. We categorize it for beginners, while comparing Standard with IC Markets Raw accounts becomes increasingly important as trading activity grows.
SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON
Compare Trading Accounts, Spreads, Commissions and Platforms
Review spreads, commissions, minimum deposits, trading platforms, execution methods and broker-level regulatory information.
Alpari
ECN
IC Markets
Standard
01 — Basic Account Information
Compare the broker, account name, account classification and regulatory information.
Broker
Alpari
Alpari
IC Markets
IC Markets
Account Name
Alpari
ECN
IC Markets
Standard
Account Type
Alpari
ecn
IC Markets
standard
Broker Regulatory Licenses
Broker-level regulatory information. Verify which legal entity serves your country.
Alpari
MISA
IC Markets
ASIC | CySEC | FSA | SCB
02 — Spreads and Trading Costs
Compare the recorded trading costs without assuming undocumented pricing.
Advertised Spread Range
Alpari
0.4 – 0.9
IC Markets
0.8 - 1.0
Minimum Recorded Spread
Based on the available account information.
Alpari
0.1
IC Markets
0.8
Average Recorded Spread
Alpari
0.6
IC Markets
0.9
Advertised Commission
Alpari
Not specified
IC Markets
$0
03 — Deposits and Execution
Review account funding requirements and order execution characteristics.
Minimum Deposit
Alpari
$300
IC Markets
$200
Order Execution Method
Alpari
Market Execution
IC Markets
Market Execution
Trading Platforms
Available platforms may differ by account type.
Alpari
MT4 | MT5
IC Markets
MT4 | MT5 | cTrader | TradingView
04 — Account Features and Conditions
Review relevant account characteristics and trading suitability.
Scalping Suitability
An internal classification, not a guarantee of suitability.
Alpari
Not classified in this category
IC Markets
Not classified in this category
05 — Broker Information and Regulation
Broker-level information does not guarantee that every license applies to the selected account.
Listed Regulatory Licenses
Alpari
MISA
IC Markets
ASIC | CySEC | FSA | SCB
Broker Maximum Leverage
Actual leverage may depend on the account, jurisdiction and legal entity.
Alpari
1:3000
IC Markets
1:500
Open a Trading Account
Alpari
Open Account ↗IC Markets
Open Account ↗Information is based on records available to Broker Alarab. Trading conditions may vary by account, country and legal entity.
| Comparison Criteria | Alpari ECN | IC Markets Standard |
|---|---|---|
01 — Basic Account Information Compare the broker, account name, account classification and regulatory information. | ||
| Broker | Alpari | IC Markets |
| Account Name | ECN | Standard |
| Account Type | ecn | standard |
| Broker Regulatory Licenses Broker-level regulatory information. Verify which legal entity serves your country. | MISA | ASIC | CySEC | FSA | SCB |
02 — Spreads and Trading Costs Compare the recorded trading costs without assuming undocumented pricing. | ||
| Advertised Spread Range | 0.4 – 0.9 | 0.8 - 1.0 |
| Minimum Recorded Spread Based on the available account information. | 0.1 | 0.8 |
| Average Recorded Spread | 0.6 | 0.9 |
| Advertised Commission | Not specified | $0 |
03 — Deposits and Execution Review account funding requirements and order execution characteristics. | ||
| Minimum Deposit | $300 | $200 |
| Order Execution Method | Market Execution | Market Execution |
| Trading Platforms Available platforms may differ by account type. | MT4 | MT5 | MT4 | MT5 | cTrader | TradingView |
04 — Account Features and Conditions Review relevant account characteristics and trading suitability. | ||
| Scalping Suitability An internal classification, not a guarantee of suitability. | Not classified in this category | Not classified in this category |
05 — Broker Information and Regulation Broker-level information does not guarantee that every license applies to the selected account. | ||
| Listed Regulatory Licenses | MISA | ASIC | CySEC | FSA | SCB |
| Broker Maximum Leverage Actual leverage may depend on the account, jurisdiction and legal entity. | 1:3000 | 1:500 |
| Open a Trading Account | Open Account ↗ | Open Account ↗ |
Information is presented as recorded by Broker Alarab. Spread and commission figures should not be treated as directly comparable without verifying the instrument, pricing units and fee structure.
EXPERT ANALYSIS
Broker Alarab's Assessment of Both Accounts
We review each account independently, highlighting strengths, limitations and the types of traders it may suit, without declaring an unsupported winner.
Alpari
ECN
IC Markets
Standard
Broker Alarab's Assessment
We see Alpari ECN as providing an important balance for experienced traders seeking tighter spreads than Standard without moving to the Pro ECN requirements. Recorded spreads are 0.4–0.9 pips with a 0.6-pip average, commission is $3 per lot and the minimum deposit is $300. A proper evaluation should therefore focus on total cost at the trader’s volume rather than the tighter spread alone.
Broker Alarab's Assessment
We see IC Markets Standard as better suited to traders who value simple commission-free pricing, particularly beginners who do not want to calculate spread and commission together. However, IC Markets offers several Raw alternatives, making comparison essential. Its 0.8–1.0 pip range can matter more as volume and trading frequency increase, so zero commission alone should not determine the choice.
Account Advantages
- ✓Recorded spreads range from 0.4–0.9 pips
- ✓Recorded average spread is 0.6 pips
- ✓Tighter recorded spread range than Micro and Standard
- ✓Recorded $3 per-lot commission is lower than Pro ECN
- ✓Categorized for experienced traders
Account Advantages
- ✓No separate trading commission according to Broker Alarab data
- ✓Spreads range from 0.8–1.0 pips in our data
- ✓Straightforward cost structure that is easier for beginners to understand
- ✓Minimum deposit is $200 according to our data
- ✓Provides a clear alternative for traders who do not want tight-spread pricing with a separate commission
Disadvantages and Considerations
- !A separate $3 per-lot trading commission applies
- !The $300 minimum deposit is higher than Micro and Standard
- !Recorded spreads are wider than Pro ECN
- !Spread and commission should be calculated together when evaluating actual costs
Disadvantages and Considerations
- !Spread range is wider than the Raw accounts listed in our data
- !Commission-free does not mean the transaction has no cost
- !Spread cost can become more important for scalping and frequent trading
- !Active traders should compare Standard with Raw Spread and the professional Raw tiers before choosing
Who Is This Account Suitable For?
- •Experienced traders according to Broker Alarab categorization
- •Users seeking tighter spreads than Standard
- •Traders willing to pay a separate commission for a tighter spread range
- •Users seeking an account between Standard and Pro ECN in requirements and pricing
Who Is This Account Suitable For?
- •Beginners looking for an IC Markets account with easy-to-understand pricing
- •Traders who prefer not to pay a separate commission per lot
- •Lower-frequency traders who are not focused exclusively on obtaining the tightest possible spread
- •Users who prefer a primarily spread-based cost model instead of combining spread and commission
Detailed Account Analysis
What Are the Alpari ECN Spread and Commission?
According to Broker Alarab data, recorded spreads range from 0.4–0.9 pips with a 0.6-pip average and commission is $3 per lot. The account should therefore not be evaluated using the 0.4-pip starting figure alone. A more meaningful cost calculation combines the spread encountered during trading with the commission generated by the traded lot volume.
Alpari ECN vs Standard: How Does the Pricing Model Differ?
Standard has recorded spreads of 1.2–1.7 pips, a $0 separate commission and a $100 minimum deposit. ECN has 0.4–0.9 pip spreads with a $3 per-lot commission and a $300 minimum deposit. ECN therefore shifts the pricing structure from primarily spread-based pricing toward tighter spreads combined with a separate commission.
Alpari ECN vs Pro ECN: Is Pro Always Cheaper?
Pro ECN has a tighter recorded range of 0.0–0.3 pips but increases commission to $4 per lot and the minimum deposit to $500. ECN has 0.4–0.9 pip spreads, a $3 commission and a $300 minimum. Pro cannot therefore be assumed to be automatically cheaper without considering spread and commission at the trader’s actual volume.
Detailed Account Analysis
IC Markets Standard vs Raw Spread: Which Account Is Better?
This is one of the most important comparisons when choosing an IC Markets account. According to Broker Alarab data, Standard uses a 0.8–1.0 pip spread range with no separate commission, while Raw Spread uses 0.0–0.3 pips with a $7-per-lot commission. Both have a $200 minimum deposit in our data, so the entry requirement does not decide the comparison. Standard provides simpler pricing, while Raw Spread reduces the spread in exchange for commission. The better option depends on lot size, trading frequency and the total cost produced by each structure.
Is the IC Markets Standard Account Good for Beginners?
Broker Alarab categorizes Standard for beginners, and one reason this type of account can suit newer traders is the clarity of its cost structure. There is no separate per-lot commission, allowing traders to focus primarily on the spread when understanding entry and exit costs. This does not reduce trading risk or guarantee that Standard is always the cheapest account. Its main advantage for beginners is pricing simplicity, while Raw accounts can be compared later as trading size and frequency increase.
When Does a Raw Account Make More Sense Than Standard?
As traders become more spread-sensitive or increase their transaction frequency and trading volume, comparing Standard with the Raw accounts becomes more important. Standard is listed at 0.8–1.0 pips in our data, while several Raw options use tighter ranges with separate commissions. Traders should translate both the spread difference and commission into an effective cost at their expected lot size. This produces a more useful decision than relying only on labels such as commission-free or tight spread.
Important details about the Alpari ECN account
The recorded commission is $3 per lot
Commission is a separate ECN cost component and should be calculated together with the spread rather than comparing accounts on spreads alone.
The recorded average spread is 0.6 pips
Spreads range from 0.4–0.9 pips, so 0.4 represents the beginning of the recorded range rather than the complete account cost.
The minimum deposit is $300
This is the account requirement recorded by Broker Alarab, higher than Standard and lower than Pro ECN, and it is not a recommendation for suitable capital.
Important details about the IC Markets Standard account
Commission-free does not mean free trading
Standard has a $0 commission in our data, but its 0.8–1.0 pip spread range remains an important component of transaction cost and should be included in comparisons.
The minimum deposit in our data is $200
Broker Alarab lists a $200 minimum deposit for Standard. This is an account requirement rather than a recommendation for suitable trading capital or risk.
Compare Standard and Raw using total trading cost
The presence of commission on a Raw account or its absence on Standard does not determine the cheaper option by itself. Spread differences and commission should be compared using expected volume and transaction frequency.
DECISION GUIDE
How to Choose the Right Trading Account
Numbers alone are not enough. Account suitability depends on your trading strategy, capital, financial instruments and the conditions applicable to you.
01
Compare Spreads and Commissions Together
The recorded spread for Alpari ECN is 0.4 – 0.9, while IC Markets Standard shows 0.8 - 1.0. Evaluating overall trading costs also requires checking commission rates, pricing units, instruments and position sizes.
02
Review Minimum Deposit Requirements
The recorded minimum deposit for Alpari ECN is $300, compared with $200 for IC Markets Standard. A lower deposit requirement may provide more flexibility, but it does not automatically make an account better.
03
Compare Trading Platforms and Execution
Check which trading platforms each broker actually offers for the selected account, including MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5 where supported. Also review execution policies and potential slippage. Availability and conditions may vary by account and country.
04
Verify Regulation and Eligibility
Confirm the legal entity that will serve your account, the regulatory framework applicable to that entity, and whether the selected account is available in your country.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs About Alpari ECN vs IC Markets Standard
Answers to common questions about account comparisons, trading costs and account conditions.
What is the difference between Alpari ECN and IC Markets Standard?+
The recorded spread for Alpari ECN is 0.4 – 0.9, compared with 0.8 - 1.0 for IC Markets Standard. The advertised commissions are Not specified and $0, respectively. You should also consider execution conditions, deposit requirements and account availability.
Is the account with the lowest spread always better?+
Not necessarily. Trading costs should be evaluated using both spreads and commissions, while considering the financial instrument, position size and execution conditions.
Can I compare two accounts from the same broker?+
Yes. Broker Alarab allows traders to compare accounts from the same broker or from different brokers.
How can I verify the trading conditions?+
Review the broker's official account specifications, applicable legal entity and trading conditions. Spreads, commissions and leverage may vary by instrument, account and jurisdiction.
What is the Alpari ECN account?+
Alpari ECN is categorized by Broker Alarab for experienced traders. Recorded spreads range from 0.4–0.9 pips with a 0.6-pip average, commission is $3 per lot, the minimum deposit is $300 and orders use Market Execution.
What is the Alpari ECN commission?+
The commission recorded for Alpari ECN in Broker Alarab data is $3 per lot. It should be calculated alongside the recorded 0.4–0.9 pip spread range and 0.6-pip average because evaluating either the spread or commission independently does not represent the complete pricing structure.
What is the Alpari ECN minimum deposit?+
The recorded minimum deposit is $300. This is higher than the $100 required for Standard and lower than the $500 required for Pro ECN. The figure represents the account requirement recorded by Broker Alarab rather than a recommendation for suitable trading capital.
What is the difference between Alpari ECN and Pro ECN?+
ECN has recorded spreads of 0.4–0.9 pips, a $3 per-lot commission and a $300 minimum deposit. Pro ECN has 0.0–0.3 pip spreads, a $4 per-lot commission and a $500 minimum deposit. Both use Market Execution according to Broker Alarab data.
What is the IC Markets Standard account?+
The IC Markets Standard account has no separate trading commission and is categorized by Broker Alarab for beginners. According to our data, spreads range from 0.8–1.0 pips, commission is $0, the minimum deposit is $200 and orders use Market Execution. It differs from the Raw accounts by placing trading cost primarily within the spread instead of combining tighter spreads with a separate commission.
What is the IC Markets Standard spread and commission?+
According to Broker Alarab data, IC Markets Standard spreads range from 0.8–1.0 pips and there is no separate trading commission. The spread therefore represents the primary transaction cost. Zero commission does not mean cost-free trading, which is why Standard and Raw Spread should be compared using total trading cost rather than commission alone.
Explore Both Trading Accounts in Detail
Review the full account information, compare trading conditions and verify the broker's requirements before opening an account.