Broker Alarab
Detailed Trading Account Comparison

Trading Account Comparison: Exness Raw Spreadvs IC Markets Standard

Explore differences in spreads, commissions, deposits and trading conditions, alongside a detailed review of each account's advantages and limitations.

ACCOUNT OVERVIEW

What Makes Exness Raw Spread 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.

Exness Raw Spread

The Exness Raw Spread account targets traders who place a high priority on tighter spreads and are comfortable with a pricing model that includes a separate commission. Its value is better assessed through total transaction cost rather than spread alone, making it especially relevant to scalping, active trading and strategies where small differences in entry and exit costs can matter.

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.

Exness
Raw Spread
IC Markets
Standard

01 — Basic Account Information

Compare the broker, account name, account classification and regulatory information.

Broker

Exness
Exness
IC Markets
IC Markets

Account Name

Exness
Raw Spread
IC Markets
Standard

Account Type

Exness
raw
IC Markets
standard

Broker Regulatory Licenses

Broker-level regulatory information. Verify which legal entity serves your country.

Exness
FCA | CySEC | FSCA | JSC
IC Markets
ASIC | CySEC | FSA | SCB

02 — Spreads and Trading Costs

Compare the recorded trading costs without assuming undocumented pricing.

Advertised Spread Range

Exness
0.0 – 0.3
IC Markets
0.8 - 1.0

Minimum Recorded Spread

Based on the available account information.

Exness
0
IC Markets
0.8

Average Recorded Spread

Exness
0.1
IC Markets
0.9

Advertised Commission

Exness
Not specified
IC Markets
$0

03 — Deposits and Execution

Review account funding requirements and order execution characteristics.

Minimum Deposit

Exness
$200
IC Markets
$200

Order Execution Method

Exness
Market Execution
IC Markets
Market Execution

Trading Platforms

Available platforms may differ by account type.

Exness
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.

Exness
Classified as suitable for scalping
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

Exness
FCA | CySEC | FSCA | JSC
IC Markets
ASIC | CySEC | FSA | SCB

Broker Maximum Leverage

Actual leverage may depend on the account, jurisdiction and legal entity.

Exness
1:2000
IC Markets
1:500

Open a Trading Account

Information is based on records available to Broker Alarab. Trading conditions may vary by account, country and legal entity.

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.

Exness logo

Exness

Raw Spread

IC Markets logo

IC Markets

Standard

Broker Alarab's Assessment

Raw Spread is a more specialized account than Standard or Pro. We see it as suitable for traders who understand how commissions and spreads affect total costs and whose strategies benefit from lower spreads. The correct comparison should be based on the complete transaction cost rather than the spread figure 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

  • ✓Low spreads suitable for cost-sensitive strategies
  • ✓Suitable for active traders
  • ✓Can be practical for scalping strategies
  • ✓Clear pricing structure combining spreads and commissions
  • ✓Designed for more 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

  • !Trading commissions must be considered alongside spreads
  • !More complex than commission-free accounts
  • !Not necessarily the lowest-cost option for every instrument or strategy
  • !May not be the most suitable choice for beginners

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?

  • •Active traders
  • •Traders using scalping strategies
  • •Those who place a high priority on low spreads
  • •Traders comfortable calculating spreads and commissions together

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

Raw Spread vs Standard

Raw Spread and Standard use different cost models. Standard relies on spreads without a direct trading commission, while Raw Spread aims to provide lower spreads while adding a trading commission. Standard can therefore be easier for traders who prefer simple pricing, whereas Raw Spread may become more attractive to frequent traders who genuinely benefit from lower spreads after including commission in the total transaction cost.

Raw Spread vs Pro

Pro offers a model without a direct commission and more competitive spreads than basic accounts, while Raw Spread separates more of the trading cost between the spread and commission. The choice depends on instruments, trading volume and frequency. Traders prioritizing simplicity may prefer Pro, while those highly sensitive to spread costs may favor Raw Spread after comparing the complete transaction cost under both pricing models.

Raw Spread vs Zero

Both accounts target traders focused on reducing spread-related costs, but their pricing and commissions vary by account and instrument. There is therefore no single answer that applies to every trader. A better comparison is to select the instruments normally traded and calculate both spread and commission under each account. This helps determine whether Raw Spread or Zero is more cost-efficient for the trader's actual strategy.

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 Exness Raw Spread account

Low spreads with a separate commission

Raw Spread separates more of the trading cost from the spread and charges it as a per-lot commission. For this reason, traders should compare the combined spread-and-commission cost rather than choosing the account based on spread alone.

Commission depends on the instrument

Exness states that Raw Spread commission can be up to USD 3.50 per lot per side on most instruments, with the exact amount depending on the instrument traded. Commission applies to both directions of the trade, so contract specifications should be checked.

Designed for more active trading

Exness positions Raw Spread for experienced traders, combining ultra-low spreads with market execution and no general limit on the number of open positions. This structure makes it relevant for scalping, active trading and spread-sensitive strategies.

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 Exness Raw Spread is 0.0 – 0.3, 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 Exness Raw Spread is $200, 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 Exness Raw Spread vs IC Markets Standard

Answers to common questions about account comparisons, trading costs and account conditions.

What is the difference between Exness Raw Spread and IC Markets Standard?+
The recorded spread for Exness Raw Spread is 0.0 – 0.3, 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 Exness Raw Spread account and who is it suitable for?+
Exness Raw Spread is a professional account focused on providing tight spreads in exchange for a separate trading commission. This pricing structure makes it particularly relevant to active traders, scalpers and spread-sensitive strategies, although the spread and commission should always be combined when evaluating the true cost of a trade.
How much is the commission on the Exness Raw Spread account?+
The Raw Spread commission depends on the instrument traded. Exness states that commission can be up to $3.50 per lot per side on most instruments, meaning traders should consider the cost of both opening and closing a position together with the spread. The exact commission can vary by instrument.
What is the difference between Exness Raw Spread and Zero?+
Both accounts target traders who value tight spreads and both use separate commission structures, but their pricing differs by account and instrument. Zero focuses on the availability of zero spreads on eligible instruments during specified periods, while Raw Spread focuses on consistently tight raw-style pricing. The more useful comparison is the total cost on the instruments a trader actually uses.
Is the Exness Raw Spread account good for scalping?+
Raw Spread can be suitable for scalping because tighter spreads can matter when a strategy executes many trades or targets relatively small price movements. Its suitability still depends on the total cost after commission, the instrument traded, position size, market conditions and the execution requirements of the strategy.
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.