Account One01
Zero
Advertised Spread
0.0 - 0.3
Commission
Not specified
Minimum Deposit
$25
Detailed Trading Account Comparison
Trading Account Comparison: HFM 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 Two02
Standard
Advertised Spread
0.8 - 1.0
Commission
$0
Minimum Deposit
$200
ACCOUNT OVERVIEW
What Makes HFM 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.
HFM Zero
The HFM Zero account is the broker’s low-spread account and is categorized by Broker Alarab for scalpers and active traders. According to our data, spreads range from 0.0–0.3 pips, commission starts from $6 per lot, the minimum deposit is $25 and orders use Market Execution. It is particularly relevant to searches for HFM Zero Spread and comparisons of Zero vs Pro on spreads, commissions and overall pricing.
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.
HFM
Zero
IC Markets
Standard
01 — Basic Account Information
Compare the broker, account name, account classification and regulatory information.
Broker
HFM
HFM
IC Markets
IC Markets
Account Name
HFM
Zero
IC Markets
Standard
Account Type
HFM
raw
IC Markets
standard
Broker Regulatory Licenses
Broker-level regulatory information. Verify which legal entity serves your country.
HFM
FCA | CySEC | FSCA | FSA | FSC | CMA
IC Markets
ASIC | CySEC | FSA | SCB
02 — Spreads and Trading Costs
Compare the recorded trading costs without assuming undocumented pricing.
Advertised Spread Range
HFM
0.0 - 0.3
IC Markets
0.8 - 1.0
Minimum Recorded Spread
Based on the available account information.
HFM
0
IC Markets
0.8
Average Recorded Spread
HFM
0.1
IC Markets
0.9
Advertised Commission
HFM
Not specified
IC Markets
$0
03 — Deposits and Execution
Review account funding requirements and order execution characteristics.
Minimum Deposit
HFM
$25
IC Markets
$200
Order Execution Method
HFM
Market Execution
IC Markets
Market Execution
Trading Platforms
Available platforms may differ by account type.
HFM
MT4 | MT5 | HFM Platform | WebTrader
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.
HFM
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
HFM
FCA | CySEC | FSCA | FSA | FSC | CMA
IC Markets
ASIC | CySEC | FSA | SCB
Broker Maximum Leverage
Actual leverage may depend on the account, jurisdiction and legal entity.
HFM
1:2000
IC Markets
1:500
Open a Trading 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 | HFM Zero | IC Markets Standard |
|---|---|---|
01 — Basic Account Information Compare the broker, account name, account classification and regulatory information. | ||
| Broker | HFM | IC Markets |
| Account Name | Zero | Standard |
| Account Type | raw | standard |
| Broker Regulatory Licenses Broker-level regulatory information. Verify which legal entity serves your country. | FCA | CySEC | FSCA | FSA | FSC | CMA | ASIC | CySEC | FSA | SCB |
02 — Spreads and Trading Costs Compare the recorded trading costs without assuming undocumented pricing. | ||
| Advertised Spread Range | 0.0 - 0.3 | 0.8 - 1.0 |
| Minimum Recorded Spread Based on the available account information. | 0 | 0.8 |
| Average Recorded Spread | 0.1 | 0.9 |
| Advertised Commission | Not specified | $0 |
03 — Deposits and Execution Review account funding requirements and order execution characteristics. | ||
| Minimum Deposit | $25 | $200 |
| Order Execution Method | Market Execution | Market Execution |
| Trading Platforms Available platforms may differ by account type. | MT4 | MT5 | HFM Platform | WebTrader | 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. | Classified as suitable for scalping | 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 | FCA | CySEC | FSCA | FSA | FSC | CMA | ASIC | CySEC | FSA | SCB |
| Broker Maximum Leverage Actual leverage may depend on the account, jurisdiction and legal entity. | 1:2000 | 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.
HFM
Zero
IC Markets
Standard
Broker Alarab's Assessment
We see HFM Zero as particularly relevant to traders searching for tight spreads or a scalping-oriented account, but the 0.0-pip figure should never be viewed separately from commission starting at $6 per lot. With a $25 minimum deposit, it also differs clearly from Pro. A useful comparison should focus on expected total cost rather than the minimum 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
- ✓Spreads range from 0.0–0.3 pips according to Broker Alarab data
- ✓Tightest listed spread range among the four HFM accounts in our database
- ✓Minimum deposit is $25
- ✓Categorized for scalpers and active traders
- ✓Provides a low-spread pricing model for traders comfortable with a separate commission component
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
- !Commission starts from $6 per lot according to our data
- !A spread starting at 0.0 does not mean trading cost is zero
- !Cumulative commission becomes more relevant as total traded volume increases
- !Traders should compare total cost with Pro rather than spreads alone
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?
- •Scalpers according to Broker Alarab account categorization
- •Active traders who prioritize a tight spread range
- •Users who understand pricing that combines spreads with per-lot commission
- •Traders comparing HFM Zero with Pro before selecting a pricing model
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
Does the HFM Zero Account Offer Spreads From 0.0 Pips?
Yes. The spread range listed for HFM Zero by Broker Alarab is 0.0–0.3 pips. This figure should be read together with the listed commission, which starts from $6 per lot. A spread reaching 0.0 therefore does not mean a transaction has no cost. Spread and commission should be evaluated together, particularly for active traders operating with larger total trading volumes.
HFM Zero vs Pro: Which Has Lower Trading Costs?
The answer depends on trading behavior because the pricing models differ. Zero uses 0.0–0.3 pip spreads with commission from $6 per lot, while Pro uses 0.6–1.0 pip spreads without a separate commission. Zero also has a $25 minimum deposit compared with $100 on Pro. Expected total cost should therefore be compared using lot size and transaction frequency rather than automatically choosing Zero because its listed spread is tighter.
Is HFM Zero Suitable for Scalping and Active Trading?
Broker Alarab categorizes HFM Zero for scalpers and active traders in our data. This classification accompanies the account’s listed 0.0–0.3 pip spread range and commission starting from $6 per lot. Active traders should pay particular attention to cumulative commission because increasing the total number of traded lots increases the commission component of overall trading costs.
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 HFM Zero account
Commission starts from $6 per lot
Broker Alarab data records the commission as starting from $6 per lot, so it should not be presented as a fixed $6 commission in every circumstance.
The listed spread range is 0.0–0.3 pips
A spread reaching 0.0 does not mean cost-free trading because the separate commission remains part of the account pricing model.
The minimum deposit is $25
This is the account requirement stored in our data and is not a recommendation that $25 represents appropriate trading capital or risk management.
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 HFM Zero 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 HFM Zero is $25, 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 HFM Zero vs IC Markets Standard
Answers to common questions about account comparisons, trading costs and account conditions.
What is the difference between HFM Zero and IC Markets Standard?+
The recorded spread for HFM Zero 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 HFM Zero account?+
HFM Zero is a low-spread account categorized by Broker Alarab for scalpers and active traders. According to our data, spreads range from 0.0–0.3 pips, commission starts from $6 per lot, the minimum deposit is $25 and orders use Market Execution.
What is the HFM Zero spread?+
According to Broker Alarab data, HFM Zero spreads range from 0.0–0.3 pips. A spread reaching 0.0 does not mean free trading because the account carries commission starting from $6 per lot. Spread and commission should therefore be evaluated together when estimating trading costs.
What is the HFM Zero commission and minimum deposit?+
According to our data, HFM Zero commission starts from $6 per lot and the minimum deposit is $25. The wording from is important because it does not necessarily mean commission is fixed at exactly $6 in every case. The minimum deposit should also not be interpreted as recommended trading capital.
What is the difference between HFM Zero and Pro?+
Zero has 0.0–0.3 pip spreads, commission from $6 per lot and a $25 minimum deposit. Pro has 0.6–1.0 pip spreads, no separate commission and a $100 minimum deposit. The accounts therefore use clearly different cost structures and have different entry requirements.
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.