Account One01
Standard
Advertised Spread
0.8 - 1.0
Commission
$0
Minimum Deposit
$200
Detailed Trading Account Comparison
Trading Account Comparison: IC Markets Standardvs XS Cent
Explore differences in spreads, commissions, deposits and trading conditions, alongside a detailed review of each account's advantages and limitations.
Account Two02
Cent
Advertised Spread
1.1 – 1.8
Commission
$0
Minimum Deposit
$0
ACCOUNT OVERVIEW
What Makes IC Markets Standard 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 Standard
The IC Markets Standard account is the broker’s straightforward pricing option for traders who prefer trading without a separate per-lot commission. According to Broker Alarab data, spreads range from 0.8–1.0 pips, commission is $0, the minimum deposit is $200 and orders use Market Execution. We categorize it for beginners, while comparing Standard with IC Markets Raw accounts becomes increasingly important as trading activity grows.
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
Standard
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
Standard
XS
Cent
Account Type
IC Markets
standard
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
0.8 - 1.0
XS
1.1 – 1.8
Minimum Recorded Spread
Based on the available account information.
IC Markets
0.8
XS
1.1
Average Recorded Spread
IC Markets
0.9
XS
1.4
Advertised Commission
IC Markets
$0
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
Not classified in this category
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
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 Standard | XS Cent |
|---|---|---|
01 — Basic Account Information Compare the broker, account name, account classification and regulatory information. | ||
| Broker | IC Markets | XS |
| Account Name | Standard | Cent |
| Account Type | standard | cent |
| 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 | 0.8 - 1.0 | 1.1 – 1.8 |
| Minimum Recorded Spread Based on the available account information. | 0.8 | 1.1 |
| Average Recorded Spread | 0.9 | 1.4 |
| Advertised Commission | $0 | $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. | 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 | 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 ↗ |
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
Standard
XS
Cent
Broker Alarab's Assessment
We see IC Markets Standard as better suited to traders who value simple commission-free pricing, particularly beginners who do not want to calculate spread and commission together. However, IC Markets offers several Raw alternatives, making comparison essential. Its 0.8–1.0 pip range can matter more as volume and trading frequency increase, so zero commission alone should not determine the choice.
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
- ✓No separate trading commission according to Broker Alarab data
- ✓Spreads range from 0.8–1.0 pips in our data
- ✓Straightforward cost structure that is easier for beginners to understand
- ✓Minimum deposit is $200 according to our data
- ✓Provides a clear alternative for traders who do not want tight-spread pricing with a separate commission
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
- !Spread range is wider than the Raw accounts listed in our data
- !Commission-free does not mean the transaction has no cost
- !Spread cost can become more important for scalping and frequent trading
- !Active traders should compare Standard with Raw Spread and the professional Raw tiers 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?
- •Beginners looking for an IC Markets account with easy-to-understand pricing
- •Traders who prefer not to pay a separate commission per lot
- •Lower-frequency traders who are not focused exclusively on obtaining the tightest possible spread
- •Users who prefer a primarily spread-based cost model instead of combining spread and commission
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 Standard vs Raw Spread: Which Account Is Better?
This is one of the most important comparisons when choosing an IC Markets account. According to Broker Alarab data, Standard uses a 0.8–1.0 pip spread range with no separate commission, while Raw Spread uses 0.0–0.3 pips with a $7-per-lot commission. Both have a $200 minimum deposit in our data, so the entry requirement does not decide the comparison. Standard provides simpler pricing, while Raw Spread reduces the spread in exchange for commission. The better option depends on lot size, trading frequency and the total cost produced by each structure.
Is the IC Markets Standard Account Good for Beginners?
Broker Alarab categorizes Standard for beginners, and one reason this type of account can suit newer traders is the clarity of its cost structure. There is no separate per-lot commission, allowing traders to focus primarily on the spread when understanding entry and exit costs. This does not reduce trading risk or guarantee that Standard is always the cheapest account. Its main advantage for beginners is pricing simplicity, while Raw accounts can be compared later as trading size and frequency increase.
When Does a Raw Account Make More Sense Than Standard?
As traders become more spread-sensitive or increase their transaction frequency and trading volume, comparing Standard with the Raw accounts becomes more important. Standard is listed at 0.8–1.0 pips in our data, while several Raw options use tighter ranges with separate commissions. Traders should translate both the spread difference and commission into an effective cost at their expected lot size. This produces a more useful decision than relying only on labels such as commission-free or tight spread.
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 Standard account
Commission-free does not mean free trading
Standard has a $0 commission in our data, but its 0.8–1.0 pip spread range remains an important component of transaction cost and should be included in comparisons.
The minimum deposit in our data is $200
Broker Alarab lists a $200 minimum deposit for Standard. This is an account requirement rather than a recommendation for suitable trading capital or risk.
Compare Standard and Raw using total trading cost
The presence of commission on a Raw account or its absence on Standard does not determine the cheaper option by itself. Spread differences and commission should be compared using expected volume and transaction frequency.
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 Standard is 0.8 - 1.0, 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 Standard 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 Standard vs XS Cent
Answers to common questions about account comparisons, trading costs and account conditions.
What is the difference between IC Markets Standard and XS Cent?+
The recorded spread for IC Markets Standard is 0.8 - 1.0, compared with 1.1 – 1.8 for XS Cent. The advertised commissions are $0 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 Standard account?+
The IC Markets Standard account has no separate trading commission and is categorized by Broker Alarab for beginners. According to our data, spreads range from 0.8–1.0 pips, commission is $0, the minimum deposit is $200 and orders use Market Execution. It differs from the Raw accounts by placing trading cost primarily within the spread instead of combining tighter spreads with a separate commission.
What is the IC Markets Standard spread and commission?+
According to Broker Alarab data, IC Markets Standard spreads range from 0.8–1.0 pips and there is no separate trading commission. The spread therefore represents the primary transaction cost. Zero commission does not mean cost-free trading, which is why Standard and Raw Spread should be compared using total trading cost rather than commission alone.
What is the IC Markets Standard minimum deposit?+
The IC Markets Standard minimum deposit listed in our data is $200. This is also the minimum currently listed for all five IC Markets accounts in the Broker Alarab account table. The $200 amount represents the account requirement in our dataset rather than a recommendation for how much capital a trader should use.
What is the difference between IC Markets Standard and Raw Spread?+
Standard uses 0.8–1.0 pip spreads with no separate commission, while Raw Spread uses 0.0–0.3 pip spreads with a $7-per-lot commission according to our data. Both have a $200 minimum deposit and use Market Execution. Standard offers simpler pricing, while Raw Spread is categorized for scalpers and requires spread and commission to be evaluated together.
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.