
Trading Account Comparison: IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader)vs XS Standard
Explore differences in spreads, commissions, deposits and trading conditions, alongside a detailed review of each account's advantages and limitations.


Standard
What Makes IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) Different from XS 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.
XS Standard
The XS Standard account is the core XS account for traders looking for straightforward commission-free pricing with no minimum deposit according to Broker Alarab data. Spreads range from 1.1–1.8 pips with Market Execution, making it primarily suited to beginners and general trading, while Pro and Elite deserve comparison when lower trading costs become a priority.
Compare Trading Accounts, Spreads, Commissions and Platforms
Review spreads, commissions, minimum deposits, trading platforms, execution methods and broker-level regulatory information.
01 — Basic Account Information
Compare the broker, account name, account classification and regulatory information.
Broker
Account Name
Account Type
Broker Regulatory Licenses
Broker-level regulatory information. Verify which legal entity serves your country.
02 — Spreads and Trading Costs
Compare the recorded trading costs without assuming undocumented pricing.
Advertised Spread Range
Minimum Recorded Spread
Based on the available account information.
Average Recorded Spread
Advertised Commission
03 — Deposits and Execution
Review account funding requirements and order execution characteristics.
Minimum Deposit
Order Execution Method
Trading Platforms
Available platforms may differ by account type.
04 — Account Features and Conditions
Review relevant account characteristics and trading suitability.
Scalping Suitability
An internal classification, not a guarantee of suitability.
05 — Broker Information and Regulation
Broker-level information does not guarantee that every license applies to the selected account.
Listed Regulatory Licenses
Broker Maximum Leverage
Actual leverage may depend on the account, jurisdiction and legal entity.
Open a Trading Account
Information is based on records available to Broker Alarab. Trading conditions may vary by account, country and legal entity.
| Comparison Criteria | IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) | XS Standard |
|---|---|---|
01 — Basic Account Information Compare the broker, account name, account classification and regulatory information. | ||
| Broker | IC Markets | XS |
| Account Name | Raw Spread (cTrader) | Standard |
| Account Type | raw | standard |
| Broker Regulatory Licenses Broker-level regulatory information. Verify which legal entity serves your country. | ASIC | CySEC | FSA | SCB | ASIC | CySEC | FSA | LFSA | FSCA | FSC | SCA |
02 — Spreads and Trading Costs Compare the recorded trading costs without assuming undocumented pricing. | ||
| Advertised Spread Range | 0.0 - 0.3 | 1.1 – 1.8 |
| Minimum Recorded Spread Based on the available account information. | 0 | 1.1 |
| Average Recorded Spread | 0.1 | 1.4 |
| Advertised Commission | Not specified | $0 |
03 — Deposits and Execution Review account funding requirements and order execution characteristics. | ||
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $0 |
| Order Execution Method | Market Execution | Market Execution |
| Trading Platforms Available platforms may differ by account type. | MT4 | MT5 | cTrader | TradingView | MT4 | MT5 |
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 | ASIC | CySEC | FSA | SCB | ASIC | CySEC | FSA | LFSA | FSCA | FSC | SCA |
| Broker Maximum Leverage Actual leverage may depend on the account, jurisdiction and legal entity. | 1:500 | 1:2000 |
| Open a Trading Account | Open Account ↗ | Open Account ↗ |
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
Raw Spread (cTrader)

XS
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 the XS Standard account as most relevant to beginners and traders seeking a general-purpose account with no separate commission and no minimum deposit. Its simplicity is an advantage, but the 1.1–1.8 pip spread range is not the tightest within XS in our data, so more active traders should compare Standard with Pro and Elite.
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 according to Broker Alarab data
- ✓No minimum deposit based on our account data
- ✓Straightforward pricing structure primarily based on the spread
- ✓Positioned for beginners and general trading in our account classification
- ✓Swap-free trading is available according to the account conditions in our data
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
- !XS Pro has a tighter spread range for traders placing greater emphasis on trading costs
- !May not be the most cost-efficient choice for active or spread-sensitive traders
- !Elite offers a substantially tighter displayed spread range but uses a separate commission model
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 looking for a straightforward XS trading account
- •Traders who prefer not to pay a separate trading commission
- •Users looking for an XS account with no minimum deposit according to our data
- •General traders who do not specifically require a tight-spread raw pricing model
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 Standard vs Micro: Which Account Is Better for Starting Out?
Standard and Micro have very similar headline pricing in our data. Both show spreads of 1.1–1.8 pips, no separate trading commission, no minimum deposit and Market Execution. There is therefore no clear pricing advantage based on spread or commission alone. The more important distinction is account use: Standard is classified for beginners and general trading, while Micro focuses more specifically on smaller trade sizing. Traders who do not require the Micro structure may find Standard the more straightforward starting point.
XS Standard vs Pro: Is the Tighter Spread Worth the Higher Deposit?
This comparison introduces a more meaningful cost difference. Standard has spreads of 1.1–1.8 pips, no separate commission and no minimum deposit in our data, while Pro narrows the spread range to 0.6–1.0 pips with no separate commission but requires a $500 minimum deposit. Pro therefore has a clear displayed spread advantage, while Standard significantly lowers the entry requirement. The choice depends on whether accessibility or tighter spreads matter more to the trader.
XS Standard vs Elite: Simple Pricing or Very Tight Spreads?
The difference between Standard and Elite is larger because the pricing models are different. Standard has no separate commission and spreads of 1.1–1.8 pips, while Elite is listed at 0.0–0.2 pips with a $6-per-lot commission and a $500 minimum deposit. Standard offers simpler pricing and lower entry requirements, whereas Elite is aimed more directly at spread-sensitive trading. A proper comparison should include spread, commission and trading volume together.
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 Standard account
No minimum deposit does not mean trading requires no capital
Broker Alarab data lists the XS Standard account with no minimum deposit. This means there is no stated account minimum in our dataset, but it does not mean every funding amount will be suitable for live trading or responsible risk management.
No commission does not mean there is no trading cost
Standard has no separate trading commission in our data, but its 1.1–1.8 pip spread remains an important part of transaction cost. Traders should evaluate effective trading cost rather than focusing only on the commission field.
Swap-free trading is available subject to account conditions
Our data records swap-free availability while maintaining the same trading conditions. Traders should still review eligibility and applicable account or instrument conditions before relying on the swap-free feature.
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.
Compare Spreads and Commissions Together
The recorded spread for IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) is 0.0 - 0.3, while XS Standard shows 1.1 – 1.8. Evaluating overall trading costs also requires checking commission rates, pricing units, instruments and position sizes.
Review Minimum Deposit Requirements
The recorded minimum deposit for IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) is $200, compared with $0 for XS Standard. A lower deposit requirement may provide more flexibility, but it does not automatically make an account better.
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.
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.
FAQs About IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) vs XS Standard
Answers to common questions about account comparisons, trading costs and account conditions.
What is the difference between IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) and XS Standard?+
Is the account with the lowest spread always better?+
Can I compare two accounts from the same broker?+
How can I verify the trading conditions?+
What is the IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) account?+
What is the IC Markets cTrader spread and commission?+
What is the IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) minimum deposit?+
What is the difference between IC Markets Raw Spread (cTrader) and Raw Spread?+
What is the XS Standard account?+
What is the XS Standard account spread and 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.
