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 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
1.1 – 1.8
Commission
$0
Minimum Deposit
$0
ACCOUNT OVERVIEW
What Makes IC Markets Standard Different from XS 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 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 Micro
The XS Micro account is designed for traders who want live-market exposure with greater flexibility over position size and risk. 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 particularly relevant to beginners and traders testing strategies with smaller trade sizes.
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
Micro
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
Micro
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 Micro |
|---|---|---|
01 — Basic Account Information Compare the broker, account name, account classification and regulatory information. | ||
| Broker | IC Markets | XS |
| Account Name | Standard | Micro |
| 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
Micro
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 Micro account delivering its strongest value when position-size control matters more than finding the tightest spread. No separate commission and no minimum deposit keep the entry structure simple, but more experienced or active traders may find Pro or Elite more relevant when spread and execution cost become a higher priority.
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
- ✓Designed around smaller trade sizes and more granular position control
- ✓No separate trading commission according to Broker Alarab data
- ✓No minimum deposit based on our account data
- ✓Can provide a more gradual transition from demo to live trading
- ✓Useful for testing risk management and strategies with smaller market exposure
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
- !Does not have a displayed spread advantage over the XS Standard account
- !Can become less attractive when trading cost matters more than position-size flexibility
- !More active traders should compare Micro directly with Pro and Elite before choosing
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 who want to start live trading with smaller position sizes
- •Traders transitioning from a demo account into a live trading environment
- •Users testing a strategy or risk-management approach with lower market exposure
- •Traders who prioritize position-size flexibility over obtaining the tightest available spread
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 Micro vs Standard: What Is the Difference If Spreads Are Similar?
Broker Alarab data lists both Micro and Standard at 1.1–1.8 pips with no separate trading commission and no minimum deposit, so there is little reason to choose Micro based on headline cost alone. The more meaningful difference is how the account is used. Standard is a general trading account, while Micro focuses on smaller position sizing and more granular exposure control. Micro therefore makes more sense when a trader wants to start gradually or test money management with smaller trades rather than because it offers a better spread than Standard.
XS Micro vs Cent: Which Is Better for Smaller-Scale Trading?
Micro and Cent both address traders who may not want to begin with conventional trading sizes, but they approach that goal differently. Micro focuses directly on smaller trade sizing and can be useful for moving into live trading or testing strategies, while Cent serves traders who specifically want a cent-based account structure. The choice should therefore be based on balance denomination, contract sizing and the intended use of the account rather than simply choosing between the words Micro and Cent.
XS Micro vs Pro: When Does Moving to Pro Make Sense?
The distinction becomes clearer when the priority shifts from position sizing to trading cost. Micro is listed at 1.1–1.8 pips with no separate commission and no minimum deposit, while Pro has a tighter 0.6–1.0 pip range with no separate commission but a $500 minimum deposit in our data. Micro lowers the entry barrier and emphasizes flexibility, whereas Pro becomes more relevant as trading size or frequency increases and spread cost starts playing a larger role in account selection.
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 Micro account
Micro sizing does not automatically make trading low risk
The ability to use smaller position sizes can help control market exposure, but it does not make trading inherently low risk. Leverage, position size, stop-loss placement and overall money management remain important.
There is no displayed spread advantage over Standard in our data
Broker Alarab data lists both XS Micro and Standard at 1.1–1.8 pips. Micro should therefore be selected when its smaller trade-sizing structure is useful, rather than simply as a way to obtain lower trading costs.
No minimum deposit is not a recommendation for trading capital
Our data lists no minimum deposit for XS Micro, but this does not mean every account balance is suitable for live trading. Appropriate capital should reflect position size, leverage, strategy and individual risk limits.
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 Micro 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 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 Standard vs XS Micro
Answers to common questions about account comparisons, trading costs and account conditions.
What is the difference between IC Markets Standard and XS Micro?+
The recorded spread for IC Markets Standard is 0.8 - 1.0, compared with 1.1 – 1.8 for XS Micro. 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 Micro account?+
The XS Micro account is designed for traders who want smaller position sizes and more granular control over market exposure. 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 Micro minimum deposit?+
Broker Alarab data lists no minimum deposit for the XS Micro account. This should not be interpreted as meaning that every balance is suitable for live trading. Appropriate trading capital depends on position size, leverage, strategy and the amount 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.