Broker Alarab
Detailed Trading Account Comparison

Trading Account Comparison: IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader)vs XS Cent

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 XS Cent?

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.

XS Cent

The XS Cent account is designed for traders who want live trading through a cent-based account structure, allowing capital and position sizing to be managed on a smaller scale. According to Broker Alarab data, spreads range from 1.1–1.8 pips with no separate trading commission, no minimum deposit and Market Execution, making it relevant to beginners and strategy testing.

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)
XS
Cent

01 — Basic Account Information

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

Broker

IC Markets
IC Markets
XS
XS

Account Name

IC Markets
Raw Spread (cTrader)
XS
Cent

Account Type

IC Markets
raw
XS
cent

Broker Regulatory Licenses

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

IC Markets
ASIC | CySEC | FSA | SCB
XS
ASIC | CySEC | FSA | LFSA | FSCA | FSC | SCA

02 — Spreads and Trading Costs

Compare the recorded trading costs without assuming undocumented pricing.

Advertised Spread Range

IC Markets
0.0 - 0.3
XS
1.1 – 1.8

Minimum Recorded Spread

Based on the available account information.

IC Markets
0
XS
1.1

Average Recorded Spread

IC Markets
0.1
XS
1.4

Advertised Commission

IC Markets
Not specified
XS
$0

03 — Deposits and Execution

Review account funding requirements and order execution characteristics.

Minimum Deposit

IC Markets
$200
XS
$0

Order Execution Method

IC Markets
Market Execution
XS
Market Execution

Trading Platforms

Available platforms may differ by account type.

IC Markets
MT4 | MT5 | cTrader | TradingView
XS
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
XS
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
XS
ASIC | CySEC | FSA | LFSA | FSCA | FSC | SCA

Broker Maximum Leverage

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

IC Markets
1:500
XS
1:2000

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)

XS logo

XS

Cent

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 the XS Cent account as most valuable as a bridge between demo and conventional live trading, or as an environment for testing strategies with real money on a smaller scale. No separate commission and no minimum deposit support that use case, but its 1.1–1.8 pip spread range means it is not primarily designed around achieving the lowest trading cost.

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

  • ✓Cent-based account structure supports live trading on a smaller scale
  • ✓No separate trading commission according to Broker Alarab data
  • ✓No minimum deposit based on our account data
  • ✓Can be useful for testing strategies and risk management with real money
  • ✓Provides a practical transition between demo trading and conventional live accounts

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 1.1–1.8 pip spread range is not the tightest among XS accounts in our data
  • !The account serves a specific purpose and may not suit traders seeking conventional position sizing
  • !Successful Cent trading does not remove the psychological and risk differences that come with larger capital
  • !Spread-sensitive traders should compare the account with XS Pro and Elite

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?

  • •Beginners seeking a gradual transition from demo to live trading
  • •Traders who want to test a strategy with real money on a smaller scale
  • •Users practicing practical money management and trading discipline
  • •Traders specifically looking for a cent-based structure rather than a conventional account

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

XS Cent vs Micro: What Is the Real Difference?

Cent and Micro can appear similar because both can support smaller-scale trading, and our data lists both at 1.1–1.8 pips with no separate commission and no minimum deposit. Their purpose is not identical, however. Cent is distinguished by its cent-based account structure, while Micro focuses more directly on smaller trade sizing. The choice therefore depends on how the trader wants to manage account balance and position size rather than a spread or commission difference in our dataset.

XS Cent vs Standard: Gradual Learning or Conventional Trading?

Standard and Cent share the same 1.1–1.8 pip spread range in Broker Alarab data, with no separate commission or minimum deposit on either account. The key distinction is account purpose. Standard is a general option closer to conventional trading, while Cent makes more sense when a trader specifically wants a cent-based environment for learning or strategy testing. A trader may therefore use Cent as a transitional environment before moving to Standard when conventional account sizing becomes more appropriate.

XS Cent vs Pro: When Does a More Advanced Account Make Sense?

As the trader moves from learning and testing toward reducing transaction costs, comparison with Pro becomes more important. Cent is listed at 1.1–1.8 pips with no separate commission or minimum deposit, while Pro has a tighter 0.6–1.0 pip range with no separate commission and a $500 minimum deposit in our data. Cent therefore prioritizes accessibility and testing, while Pro becomes more relevant as capital and trading activity increase and spread cost has a greater impact.

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 XS Cent account

Understand how balance is represented in a Cent account

A Cent account uses a cent-based structure, so traders should understand how the balance and trade value are represented before trading. The structure supports smaller-scale trading but does not make profits or losses unreal.

Cent is not the lowest-spread XS account

Broker Alarab data lists the XS Cent spread at 1.1–1.8 pips. Its main value therefore comes from the account structure and its usefulness for learning and testing rather than from providing the lowest trading cost available at XS.

Smaller-scale trading does not remove risk

Using a Cent account can help reduce market exposure, but it does not eliminate trading or leverage risk. Position sizing, loss limits and disciplined risk management remain important even when trading on a smaller scale.

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 XS Cent shows 1.1 – 1.8. 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 $0 for XS Cent. 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 XS Cent

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

What is the difference between IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) and XS Cent?+
The recorded spread for IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) is 0.0 - 0.3, compared with 1.1 – 1.8 for XS Cent. 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 XS Cent account?+
The XS Cent account is a cent-based trading account designed for traders who want live-market experience or strategy testing on a smaller scale. According to Broker Alarab data, spreads range from 1.1–1.8 pips, there is no separate trading commission, no minimum deposit is listed and orders use Market Execution.
What is the XS Cent minimum deposit?+
Broker Alarab data lists no minimum deposit for the XS Cent account. No stated minimum does not mean every balance is suitable for trading. Capital should still be selected according to position size, leverage, strategy and acceptable risk, even when using a cent-based account.

Explore Both Trading Accounts in Detail

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