Account One01
Raw Spread
Advertised Spread
0.0 - 0.3
Commission
Not specified
Minimum Deposit
$200
Detailed Trading Account Comparison
Trading Account Comparison: IC Markets Raw Spreadvs XM Micro
Explore differences in spreads, commissions, deposits and trading conditions, alongside a detailed review of each account's advantages and limitations.
Account Two02
Micro
Advertised Spread
1.0 – 1.5
Commission
$0
Minimum Deposit
$5
ACCOUNT OVERVIEW
What Makes IC Markets Raw Spread Different from XM Micro?
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
The IC Markets Raw Spread account is categorized by Broker Alarab for scalpers and uses tight-spread pricing with a separate commission. Spreads range from 0.0–0.3 pips, commission is $7 per lot, the minimum deposit is $200 and orders use Market Execution. Its key use case is therefore evaluating frequent-trading costs and comparing them directly with Standard and the other Raw options.
XM Micro
The XM Micro account is designed for traders who want to trade with smaller position sizes while using a live trading environment. Based on our account data, it has spreads of 1.0–1.5 pips, no separate trading commission and a $5 minimum deposit, making it worth considering for beginners and traders focused on controlling position size and risk.
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
XM
Micro
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
XM
Micro
Account Type
IC Markets
raw
XM
cent
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
Not classified in this category
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
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 | IC Markets Raw Spread | XM Micro |
|---|---|---|
01 — Basic Account Information Compare the broker, account name, account classification and regulatory information. | ||
| Broker | IC Markets | XM |
| Account Name | Raw Spread | Micro |
| Account Type | raw | cent |
| Broker Regulatory Licenses Broker-level regulatory information. Verify which legal entity serves your country. | ASIC | CySEC | FSA | SCB | CySEC | ASIC | DFSA | FSCA | FSC |
02 — Spreads and Trading Costs Compare the recorded trading costs without assuming undocumented pricing. | ||
| Advertised Spread Range | 0.0 - 0.3 | 1.0 – 1.5 |
| Minimum Recorded Spread Based on the available account information. | 0 | 1 |
| Average Recorded Spread | 0.1 | 1.2 |
| Advertised Commission | Not specified | $0 |
03 — Deposits and Execution Review account funding requirements and order execution characteristics. | ||
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $5 |
| 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. | Not classified in this category | 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 | CySEC | ASIC | DFSA | FSCA | FSC |
| Broker Maximum Leverage Actual leverage may depend on the account, jurisdiction and legal entity. | 1:500 | 1:1000 |
| 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.
IC Markets
Raw Spread
XM
Micro
Broker Alarab's Assessment
We see IC Markets Raw Spread as an account to evaluate for scalping and spread-sensitive trading rather than automatically assuming it is cheaper than Standard. Its 0.0–0.3 pip range is tight, but the $7-per-lot commission matters, particularly with frequent trading. The most useful approach is to calculate spread and commission together and compare the result directly with Standard pricing.
Broker Alarab's Assessment
We see the XM Micro account as most relevant to beginners and traders who prioritize smaller position sizing over finding the tightest possible spread. Its $5 minimum deposit and commission-free structure are straightforward, but spread-sensitive or more active traders should compare Micro directly with XM Ultra Low and Zero before choosing an account.
Account Advantages
- ✓Spreads range from 0.0–0.3 pips according to Broker Alarab data
- ✓Categorized for scalping in our account data
- ✓Clear pricing model combining tight spreads with a defined commission
- ✓Minimum deposit is $200
- ✓Provides a tight-spread alternative to the Standard account
Account Advantages
- ✓Supports smaller trade sizing and more gradual control of market exposure
- ✓No separate trading commission based on our account data
- ✓Minimum deposit starts from $5
- ✓Can suit traders moving from demo to live trading
- ✓Provides a practical way to learn position sizing and risk control
Disadvantages and Considerations
- !Commission is $7 per lot according to our data
- !A spread starting at 0.0 does not mean cost-free trading
- !Frequent trading makes cumulative commission an important factor to calculate
- !Other Raw accounts in our table have different commissions and should be compared
Disadvantages and Considerations
- !The 1.0–1.5 pip spread is not the lowest available across XM account types
- !May be less attractive to active traders focused primarily on transaction costs
- !Smaller position sizes do not remove leverage or market risk
- !Should be compared with Ultra Low and Zero when tighter spreads are the priority
Who Is This Account Suitable For?
- •Scalpers who place particular importance on tight spreads
- •Traders making a larger number of entries and exits
- •Users who prefer Raw pricing and include commission in each trade-cost calculation
- •Traders who want to compare Raw Spread directly with Standard
Who Is This Account Suitable For?
- •Beginners who want to start live trading with smaller position sizes
- •Traders learning practical position sizing and money management
- •Users who prefer an account without a separate trading commission
- •Traders looking for an XM account with a $5 minimum deposit
Detailed Account Analysis
Is the IC Markets Raw Spread Account Good for Scalping?
Broker Alarab categorizes Raw Spread for scalping, and spreads range from 0.0–0.3 pips in our data. This can be relevant to a strategy involving frequent entries and exits and potentially smaller targeted price movements. The account also carries a $7-per-lot commission, however, so costs can accumulate as transaction count and volume rise. Scalpers should therefore calculate total cost at their expected trading volume rather than choosing the account solely because of its tight spread range.
IC Markets Raw Spread vs Standard: Which Is Better?
According to Broker Alarab data, Standard uses 0.8–1.0 pip spreads with no separate commission, while Raw Spread uses 0.0–0.3 pips with a $7-per-lot commission. Both carry a $200 minimum deposit and Market Execution. Standard provides a simpler pricing structure, while Raw Spread reduces the spread in exchange for commission. The more suitable account therefore changes with lot size, trading frequency and how sensitive the strategy is to spread.
How Should You Calculate IC Markets Raw Spread Costs?
A common mistake is to look at a spread starting from 0.0 pips and treat that figure as the complete measure of cost. In our data, the $7-per-lot commission must be considered alongside the actual spread at execution. Traders operating at greater volume or frequency should monitor cumulative costs and compare them with what they might pay through the Standard spread or the commissions on other Raw accounts. This makes the comparison relevant to real account usage.
Detailed Account Analysis
XM Micro vs Standard: What Is the Important Difference?
Micro and Standard have similar headline costs in our account data: both show spreads of 1.0–1.5 pips, no separate trading commission and a $5 minimum deposit. The more meaningful distinction is how the account is used and the position sizes it supports. Micro is more relevant to traders who want smaller sizing and gradual control over exposure, while Standard is closer to conventional standard-lot trading. The decision should therefore be based on the position-sizing structure you actually need rather than simply assuming Micro is only a beginner account.
XM Micro vs Ultra Low: Is the Lower Spread Better?
Our account data shows Micro at 1.0–1.5 pips and Ultra Low at 0.6–1.0 pips, with both accounts carrying no separate trading commission and a $5 minimum deposit. Ultra Low can therefore look more attractive when spread is the main consideration, but Micro serves a different purpose through smaller trade sizing. Traders focused on controlling position size may still prefer Micro, while those becoming more sensitive to transaction costs should compare the effective cost of both accounts.
XM Micro vs Zero: Position Size or Pricing Model?
The difference between Micro and Zero goes beyond the account names. Micro uses a commission-free pricing structure with spreads of 1.0–1.5 pips, while our data lists Zero at 0.0–0.3 pips with a $7-per-lot commission. They therefore target different priorities. Micro can make more sense for traders focused on smaller sizing and simple pricing, whereas Zero becomes more relevant to spread-sensitive traders who are comfortable evaluating total transaction cost after commission.
Important details about the IC Markets Raw Spread account
Raw Spread commission is $7 per lot in our data
Broker Alarab data lists a $7-per-lot commission. The account should therefore be evaluated using total trading cost rather than its tight spread alone.
Scalping makes repeated transaction costs important
Because we categorize the account for scalping, traders should consider how spread and commission can accumulate as the number of transactions and total lots increase.
Raw Spread and Standard have the same minimum deposit in our data
Both accounts carry a $200 minimum, so comparison should focus on pricing structure and trading style rather than the entry requirement.
Important details about the XM Micro account
A Micro account does not make trading low risk
The ability to use smaller trade sizes can help control exposure, but it does not prevent losses. Position size should still reflect account equity, leverage and the amount of capital a trader is prepared to risk.
Micro does not have the lowest XM spread in our data
Broker Alarab data lists Micro spreads at 1.0–1.5 pips. Ultra Low has a tighter displayed range, while Zero combines lower spreads with a commission, so pricing should be compared according to trading style.
Minimum deposit is not the same as suitable trading capital
Our data lists a $5 minimum deposit for XM Micro. That figure represents the account entry requirement and should not be interpreted as the amount of capital appropriate for every strategy or risk level.
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 is 0.0 - 0.3, while XM Micro 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 is $200, compared with $5 for XM Micro. 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 vs XM Micro
Answers to common questions about account comparisons, trading costs and account conditions.
What is the difference between IC Markets Raw Spread and XM Micro?+
The recorded spread for IC Markets Raw Spread is 0.0 - 0.3, compared with 1.0 – 1.5 for XM Micro. 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 account?+
The IC Markets Raw Spread account is a tight-spread account categorized by Broker Alarab for scalping. According to our data, spreads range from 0.0–0.3 pips, commission is $7 per lot, the minimum deposit is $200 and orders use Market Execution. It differs from Standard by using tighter spreads in exchange for a separate per-lot commission.
What is the IC Markets Raw Spread spread and commission?+
According to Broker Alarab data, IC Markets Raw Spread spreads range from 0.0–0.3 pips and commission is $7 per lot. A spread starting at 0.0 does not mean the transaction is cost-free because commission is a direct component of the pricing model. This is particularly important for scalping and frequent trading, where transaction costs can accumulate.
What is the IC Markets Raw Spread minimum deposit?+
The IC Markets Raw Spread minimum deposit listed in Broker Alarab data is $200. This matches the minimum listed for Standard and the other IC Markets accounts currently in our table. The figure represents the account requirement rather than a recommendation for suitable trading capital or risk.
What is the difference between IC Markets Raw Spread and Standard?+
According to our data, Raw Spread uses 0.0–0.3 pip spreads with a $7-per-lot commission, while Standard uses 0.8–1.0 pip spreads with no separate commission. Both start at $200 and use Market Execution. Raw Spread is categorized for scalpers, while Standard is categorized for beginners, making total cost and trading style central to the comparison.
What is the XM Micro account?+
The XM Micro account is a trading account built around smaller position sizing compared with conventional standard-lot trading. Broker Alarab data lists spreads of 1.0–1.5 pips, no separate trading commission and a $5 minimum deposit. This can make the account relevant to beginners and traders who want more granular control over market exposure.
What is the XM Micro account minimum deposit?+
The minimum deposit listed in our data for the XM Micro account is $5. The minimum deposit is an account requirement rather than a recommendation for suitable trading capital. The amount actually used for trading should reflect position size, leverage, strategy and the level of risk the trader is prepared to accept.
Explore Both Trading Accounts in Detail
Review the full account information, compare trading conditions and verify the broker's requirements before opening an account.