Broker Alarab
Detailed Trading Account Comparison

Trading Account Comparison: Exness Zerovs 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 Zero 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 Zero

The Exness Zero account is built for traders focused on accessing zero or extremely tight spreads on eligible instruments while accepting an instrument-based commission. The account should therefore be judged by the final transaction cost and the markets being traded rather than the Zero label alone, making it particularly relevant to active traders and highly spread-sensitive strategies.

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
Zero
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
Zero
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 – 0.2
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
Instant 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
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

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

Zero

IC Markets logo

IC Markets

Standard

Broker Alarab's Assessment

Zero can be a strong option for traders who prioritize low spreads on their main instruments, but it requires a clear understanding of commissions and total trading costs. We recommend comparing it directly with Raw Spread on the instruments actually traded rather than making a decision based on spreads 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

  • ✓Very low spreads on selected instruments
  • ✓Suitable for spread-sensitive strategies
  • ✓Can appeal to active traders
  • ✓Provides a specialized alternative to commission-free accounts
  • ✓Useful for traders comparing costs on specific instruments

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 vary by instrument
  • !Total costs must be considered rather than spreads alone
  • !May not be the best option for every instrument
  • !The pricing structure requires more understanding than basic accounts

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 spread-sensitive strategies
  • •Those focused on specific trading instruments
  • •Traders comfortable comparing commissions and spreads 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

Zero vs Standard

The difference between Zero and Standard starts with their pricing models. Standard provides a simpler experience without a direct trading commission, while Zero targets very low spreads on selected instruments and applies commissions that vary by instrument. Standard may therefore be clearer for general traders, while Zero becomes more relevant to active traders who closely monitor entry and exit costs and can evaluate spreads and commissions together.

Zero vs Pro

Pro and Zero offer two different approaches to achieving more competitive trading costs. Pro retains a model without a direct commission, while Zero uses commissions in exchange for more specialized spread conditions on selected instruments. The right choice depends on markets, trading frequency and position size. Traders should therefore compare actual costs on their main instruments rather than choosing an account based on either spreads or commissions in isolation.

Zero vs Raw Spread

Zero and Raw Spread are the closest options for traders who are highly sensitive to spread costs, but their commission and pricing structures vary by instrument. The better account cannot be determined from the account name alone. A more accurate approach is to compare the same instrument and position size under both accounts, then combine spread and commission costs. This is particularly useful for scalpers and highly active traders.

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 Zero account

Zero spread does not mean zero trading cost

The defining feature of Zero is the availability of zero spreads on selected instruments during specified portions of the trading day, but the account charges an instrument-based commission. Total cost should therefore include both commission and the actual spread.

Zero-spread availability varies by instrument and time

According to Exness, zero spreads are available on more than 30 popular instruments for 95% of the trading day and on other available instruments for 50% of the day, subject to market volatility. The Zero name therefore does not mean every instrument remains at zero spread continuously.

Relevant for active and automated strategies

Zero uses market execution, and Exness states that it is suitable for Expert Advisors with no general limit on the number of open orders. This can make it relevant to active traders when their preferred instruments benefit from the account pricing structure.

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 Zero is 0.0 – 0.2, 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 Zero 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 Zero vs IC Markets Standard

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

What is the difference between Exness Zero and IC Markets Standard?+
The recorded spread for Exness Zero is 0.0 – 0.2, 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 Zero account and is the spread always zero?+
Exness Zero is a professional account focused on providing zero spreads on a selection of eligible instruments during specified periods. The Zero name does not mean every instrument will have a zero spread at all times. Pricing can change by instrument and market conditions, and the trading commission must also be included when calculating total transaction cost.
How much is the commission on the Exness Zero account?+
There is no single commission rate that applies to every instrument on the Exness Zero account because commission varies by instrument. Traders should check the commission for the specific market they intend to trade and combine it with the spread when comparing Zero with Raw Spread or Pro, since a zero or tight spread alone does not determine the final trading cost.
What is the difference between Exness Zero and Raw Spread?+
Zero and Raw Spread are both professional accounts with separate commission structures, but Zero focuses on the availability of zero spreads on eligible instruments while Raw Spread focuses on tight raw-style spreads. The better choice depends on the instruments traded, commission rates, position size, trading frequency and the resulting total transaction cost.
Is the Exness Zero account suitable for scalping and active trading?+
Zero can be suitable for scalping and active trading when a strategy is highly sensitive to spread, particularly on instruments where very tight pricing is available. Commission should not be ignored, however, because high-frequency and active strategies are affected by the complete execution cost rather than the spread alone.
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.