Broker Alarab
Detailed Trading Account Comparison

Trading Account Comparison: IC Markets Raw Spreadvs XM Zero

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 Different from XM Zero?

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 Zero

The XM Zero account targets traders who prioritize tight spreads and are comfortable with a separate commission-based pricing model. Based on Broker Alarab account data, spreads range from 0.0–0.3 pips, commission is $7 per lot, the minimum deposit is $5 and orders use Market Execution, making Zero distinctly different from XM Standard and Ultra Low.

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
Zero

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
Zero

Account Type

IC Markets
raw
XM
raw

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
0.0 – 0.3

Minimum Recorded Spread

Based on the available account information.

IC Markets
0
XM
0

Average Recorded Spread

IC Markets
0.1
XM
0.2

Advertised Commission

IC Markets
Not specified
XM
Not specified

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

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

XM logo

XM

Zero

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 XM Zero as particularly relevant to active and spread-sensitive traders rather than those simply looking for the easiest pricing model. Its 0.0–0.3 pip range is the tightest among the XM accounts in our data, but the $7-per-lot commission means the real comparison should be based on total cost versus Ultra Low and Standard.

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

  • ✓Displayed spread range of 0.0–0.3 pips based on Broker Alarab data
  • ✓Tightest displayed spread range among the XM accounts in our dataset
  • ✓Can suit active and spread-sensitive traders
  • ✓Minimum deposit starts from $5
  • ✓Separates part of the trading cost into a clearly stated per-lot commission

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

  • !Carries a $7-per-lot trading commission according to our account data
  • !Tighter spreads do not guarantee the lowest total cost on every trade
  • !Its pricing model requires traders to evaluate spread and commission together
  • !Ultra Low may be simpler for traders who prefer no separate commission

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?

  • •Traders who place a high priority on tight spreads
  • •Active traders comparing execution costs across a larger number of trades
  • •Users comfortable with part of their trading cost being charged as a defined per-lot commission
  • •Traders directly comparing XM’s tighter-spread Zero account with Ultra Low

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 Zero vs Ultra Low: Which Account Has Lower Trading Costs?

This is the key comparison when evaluating XM Zero. Broker Alarab data lists Zero spreads at 0.0–0.3 pips with a $7-per-lot commission, while Ultra Low is listed at 0.6–1.0 pips with no separate commission. Zero therefore has a clear advantage in displayed spread range, but that does not prove it is cheaper overall. Traders should add the Zero commission to the spread cost and compare the result with Ultra Low according to instrument, trade size and trading frequency.

XM Zero vs Standard: Is the Lower Spread Worth the Commission?

The two accounts use clearly different pricing models. Our data lists Standard at 1.0–1.5 pips with no separate trading commission, compared with 0.0–0.3 pips and a $7-per-lot commission for Zero. Looking at spread alone favors Zero, but a proper cost comparison must include commission. Standard provides simpler commission-free pricing, while Zero gives spread-sensitive traders a tighter displayed range in exchange for a separate and measurable trading charge.

Is the XM Zero Account Good for Scalping and Active Trading?

The tighter displayed spread range makes XM Zero worth evaluating for active traders and strategies that are particularly sensitive to entry and exit costs. Suitability cannot be determined from spread alone, however. As trading frequency and volume increase, the $7-per-lot commission becomes an increasingly important part of total cost. Active traders should therefore compare the effective cost of Zero with Ultra Low using their own position sizes and trading frequency.

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 Zero account

Zero does not mean zero trading cost

The account name and tight spread range do not mean trading is free. Our data lists spreads of 0.0–0.3 pips together with a $7-per-lot commission, so both components need to be included when evaluating cost.

The lowest spread does not always mean the cheapest account

Zero has the tightest displayed spread range among the XM accounts in our data, but Ultra Low has no separate trading commission. Total cost can therefore differ according to trade size, instrument and trading frequency.

Minimum deposit does not define suitable trading capital

Our data lists a $5 minimum deposit for XM Zero, but this is an account requirement rather than a recommended trading balance. Capital and position size should reflect strategy, leverage and acceptable 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 is 0.0 - 0.3, while XM Zero shows 0.0 – 0.3. 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 Zero. 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 Zero

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

What is the difference between IC Markets Raw Spread and XM Zero?+
The recorded spread for IC Markets Raw Spread is 0.0 - 0.3, compared with 0.0 – 0.3 for XM Zero. The advertised commissions are Not specified and Not specified, 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 Zero account?+
The XM Zero account uses a low-spread pricing model with a separate per-lot commission. According to Broker Alarab account data, XM Zero spreads range from 0.0–0.3 pips, commission is $7 per lot, the minimum deposit is $5 and orders use Market Execution. This distinguishes Zero from Standard and Ultra Low, which have no separate trading commission in our data.
What is the XM Zero spread and commission?+
Broker Alarab data lists the XM Zero spread at 0.0–0.3 pips with a $7-per-lot commission. This is the tightest displayed spread range among the XM accounts in our dataset, but the commission needs to be included when comparing total trading cost with XM Ultra Low or Standard rather than judging the account by spread 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.