Broker Alarab
Detailed Trading Account Comparison

Trading Account Comparison: IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader)vs XM 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 IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) Different from XM 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.

IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader)

The IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) account is the Raw option categorized by Broker Alarab for advanced traders seeking a cTrader-focused account with tight spreads and separate commission pricing. Spreads range from 0.0–0.3 pips, commission is $3 per lot, the minimum deposit is $200 and orders use Market Execution, giving it a distinct position versus the regular Raw Spread and Standard accounts.

XM Standard

The XM Standard account is one of XM’s main account options for traders looking for straightforward commission-free pricing. Based on Broker Alarab account data, spreads range from 1.0–1.5 pips, the minimum deposit is $5 and orders use Market Execution, making Standard worth comparing with XM Micro, Ultra Low and Zero before choosing an account.

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.

IC Markets
Raw Spread (cTrader)
XM
Standard

01 — Basic Account Information

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

Broker

IC Markets
IC Markets
XM
XM

Account Name

IC Markets
Raw Spread (cTrader)
XM
Standard

Account Type

IC Markets
raw
XM
standard

Broker Regulatory Licenses

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

IC Markets
ASIC | CySEC | FSA | SCB
XM
CySEC | ASIC | DFSA | FSCA | FSC

02 — Spreads and Trading Costs

Compare the recorded trading costs without assuming undocumented pricing.

Advertised Spread Range

IC Markets
0.0 - 0.3
XM
1.0 – 1.5

Minimum Recorded Spread

Based on the available account information.

IC Markets
0
XM
1

Average Recorded Spread

IC Markets
0.1
XM
1.2

Advertised Commission

IC Markets
Not specified
XM
$0

03 — Deposits and Execution

Review account funding requirements and order execution characteristics.

Minimum Deposit

IC Markets
$200
XM
$5

Order Execution Method

IC Markets
Market Execution
XM
Market Execution

Trading Platforms

Available platforms may differ by account type.

IC Markets
MT4 | MT5 | cTrader | TradingView
XM
MT4 | MT5

04 — Account Features and Conditions

Review relevant account characteristics and trading suitability.

Scalping Suitability

An internal classification, not a guarantee of suitability.

IC Markets
Classified as suitable for scalping
XM
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

IC Markets
ASIC | CySEC | FSA | SCB
XM
CySEC | ASIC | DFSA | FSCA | FSC

Broker Maximum Leverage

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

IC Markets
1:500
XM
1:1000

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.

IC Markets logo

IC Markets

Raw Spread (cTrader)

XM logo

XM

Standard

Broker Alarab's Assessment

We see IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) as an account that should be evaluated through both cTrader preference and Raw pricing rather than as another version of Raw Spread. Our data lists the same 0.0–0.3 pip range but a $3-per-lot commission compared with $7 on Raw Spread. Platform preference, commission and trading volume can therefore become decisive factors.

Broker Alarab's Assessment

We see XM Standard as a straightforward option for traders who want commission-free pricing and conventional position sizing. It should not automatically be treated as the cheapest XM account, however. Spread-sensitive and active traders should compare Standard directly with Ultra Low and Zero before opening an account.

Account Advantages

  • ✓Spreads range from 0.0–0.3 pips according to Broker Alarab data
  • ✓Commission is $3 per lot according to our data
  • ✓The cTrader-focused Raw option within our IC Markets account lineup
  • ✓Categorized for advanced traders
  • ✓Listed commission is lower than Raw Spread while sharing the same spread range in our table

Account Advantages

  • ✓No separate trading commission based on our account data
  • ✓Minimum deposit starts from $5
  • ✓Straightforward pricing structure primarily based on the spread
  • ✓Suitable for traders who prefer conventional position sizing over the Micro structure
  • ✓Easy to compare with other XM accounts on spread and overall trading cost

Disadvantages and Considerations

  • !Carries a separate $3-per-lot commission
  • !A spread starting at 0.0 does not represent the complete transaction cost
  • !May be less relevant to traders who do not prioritize cTrader
  • !Should be compared with Raw Spread, Standard and the other Raw accounts before choosing

Disadvantages and Considerations

  • !The 1.0–1.5 pip spread is not the lowest among XM accounts in our data
  • !Ultra Low has a tighter displayed spread range without a separate commission
  • !May not be the most cost-efficient option for highly spread-sensitive traders
  • !Active or frequent traders should compare its total cost with XM Zero

Who Is This Account Suitable For?

  • •Advanced traders who prefer cTrader within the IC Markets account options
  • •Traders seeking to combine cTrader with a tight spread range
  • •Users comparing cTrader account commission with the regular Raw Spread account
  • •Traders who evaluate both spread and commission when choosing an account

Who Is This Account Suitable For?

  • •Traders looking for an XM account without a separate trading commission
  • •Users who prefer conventional position sizing rather than the Micro structure
  • •Beginners who want a straightforward and easy-to-understand pricing model
  • •Traders looking for an XM account with a $5 minimum deposit

Detailed Account Analysis

IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) vs Raw Spread: What Is the Difference?

According to Broker Alarab data, both accounts share 0.0–0.3 pip spreads, a $200 minimum deposit and Market Execution. The clear difference in our table is commission alongside the cTrader focus of this account. Raw Spread (cTrader) carries a $3-per-lot commission, while Raw Spread carries $7 per lot. Traders should therefore compare their preferred platform and total trading cost rather than assuming the accounts are identical because both carry the Raw Spread name.

Who Is the IC Markets cTrader Account For?

Broker Alarab categorizes Raw Spread (cTrader) for advanced traders. The account becomes particularly relevant to users specifically seeking a cTrader experience while also wanting tight Raw pricing. Platform choice alone does not determine suitability, however. Traders should also consider the $3-per-lot commission, 0.0–0.3 pip spread range and expected trading volume, allowing the account to be evaluated as a complete combination of trading workflow and cost.

IC Markets cTrader vs Standard: Which Account Fits Your Trading Style?

The pricing structures differ clearly in our data. Raw Spread (cTrader) uses 0.0–0.3 pip spreads with a $3-per-lot commission, while Standard uses 0.8–1.0 pips with no separate commission. Both have a $200 minimum deposit. Traders seeking simpler pricing may consider Standard, while those prioritizing cTrader and tighter spreads should evaluate the cTrader account after including commission in the total transaction cost.

Detailed Account Analysis

XM Standard vs Micro: Which Account Should You Choose?

Broker Alarab data shows the same headline spread range of 1.0–1.5 pips for Standard and Micro, with no separate trading commission and a $5 minimum deposit on both. The meaningful difference is therefore not the basic pricing. Micro is more focused on smaller position sizing and granular control of exposure, while Standard is closer to conventional contract sizing. Traders who do not specifically need the smaller sizing structure of Micro may find Standard the more straightforward choice.

XM Standard vs Ultra Low: Are You Paying a Higher Spread?

This is one of the most important comparisons to make before choosing Standard. Our data lists Standard spreads at 1.0–1.5 pips compared with 0.6–1.0 pips for Ultra Low, while both have no separate trading commission and a $5 minimum deposit. On displayed spread alone, Ultra Low has a clear advantage in our dataset. Traders should therefore consider the full account structure rather than assuming Standard is automatically the best default XM account.

XM Standard vs Zero: Spread or Commission?

Standard and Zero use different pricing models. Standard has no separate trading commission in our data and spreads of 1.0–1.5 pips, while Zero is listed at 0.0–0.3 pips with a $7-per-lot commission. The cheaper account cannot therefore be identified from spread alone. Active traders should compare total transaction cost, while traders who value simpler commission-free pricing may find the Standard structure easier to evaluate.

Important details about the IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) account

The cTrader account commission is $3 per lot in our data

Broker Alarab data lists a $3-per-lot commission for Raw Spread (cTrader). This should be considered alongside the spread when comparing trading costs.

Raw Spread and Raw Spread (cTrader) are not identical

Although their spread ranges and minimum deposits match in our data, commission differs and this account has a cTrader focus, so the two should be evaluated separately.

Choosing cTrader does not remove the importance of cost

Platform preference matters, but spread, commission and trading volume remain important factors when determining whether the account fits a trader.

Important details about the XM Standard account

Standard does not have the lowest XM spread in our data

Broker Alarab lists Standard spreads at 1.0–1.5 pips. Ultra Low has a tighter range in our data, while Zero combines lower displayed spreads with a commission, so Standard should not be selected automatically without comparison.

Commission-free does not mean cost-free trading

The Standard account has no separate trading commission in our data, but the spread remains an important part of transaction cost. Traders should evaluate the effective cost of a trade rather than looking at the commission field alone.

The minimum deposit is not recommended trading capital

Our account data lists a $5 minimum deposit for XM Standard. This is an account entry requirement and should not be interpreted as the amount of capital appropriate for every strategy, position size or level of trading risk.

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 IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) is 0.0 - 0.3, while XM Standard shows 1.0 – 1.5. 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 IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) is $200, compared with $5 for XM 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 IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) vs XM Standard

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

What is the difference between IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) and XM Standard?+
The recorded spread for IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) is 0.0 - 0.3, compared with 1.0 – 1.5 for XM 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 IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) account?+
The IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) account is the cTrader-focused Raw option and is categorized by Broker Alarab for advanced traders. According to our data, spreads range from 0.0–0.3 pips, commission is $3 per lot, the minimum deposit is $200 and orders use Market Execution. It differs from the regular Raw Spread account in our table through its commission and cTrader focus.
What is the IC Markets cTrader spread and commission?+
According to Broker Alarab data, Raw Spread (cTrader) spreads range from 0.0–0.3 pips and commission is $3 per lot. A spread starting at 0.0 does not mean trading is cost-free because commission must be included when evaluating each transaction. Traders should therefore consider both components, particularly when operating at greater volume or frequency.
What is the IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) minimum deposit?+
The IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) minimum deposit listed in Broker Alarab data is $200. This matches the minimum currently stored for the other IC Markets accounts in our table. The amount represents the account requirement in our database and should not be interpreted as a recommendation for suitable trading capital or risk.
What is the difference between IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) and Raw Spread?+
According to our data, both accounts use 0.0–0.3 pip spreads, a $200 minimum deposit and Market Execution. Raw Spread (cTrader) carries a $3-per-lot commission, while Raw Spread carries a $7-per-lot commission. The cTrader account is also categorized for advanced traders in our data, making both platform preference and trading cost important comparison factors.
What is the XM Standard account?+
The XM Standard account is one of XM’s main trading account options and uses a pricing structure without a separate trading commission. Broker Alarab data lists spreads of 1.0–1.5 pips, a $5 minimum deposit and Market Execution. It is closer to conventional position sizing than the XM Micro account.
What is the XM Standard account spread and commission?+
Our account data lists XM Standard spreads at 1.0–1.5 pips with no separate trading commission. That does not automatically make Standard the lowest-cost XM account. Ultra Low has a tighter displayed spread range in our data, while Zero combines lower spreads with a per-lot commission.

Explore Both Trading Accounts in Detail

Review the full account information, compare trading conditions and verify the broker's requirements before opening an account.