- IC Markets Standard is spread-only, while Raw Spread and cTrader Raw add explicit commission
- The cheapest account depends on your pair, lot size, session and trade frequency
- Scalpers and EA traders often prefer Raw/cTrader Raw because small cost differences compound quickly
- Beginners should not choose Raw only because it says 0.0 pips; they must understand commission and risk first
Why IC Markets Account Choice Matters#
IC Markets is still mainly a raw-pricing and platform broker rather than a bonus-led beginner brand. The current global IC account overview does show a new Deposit Bonus navigation item, so bonus availability should be verified in the official client flow, but the account you choose still matters more than the logo or campaign headline.
The three practical paths are:
- Standard: spread-only pricing
- Raw Spread: MT4/MT5 raw quotes plus commission
- cTrader Raw: cTrader workflow with raw pricing and platform-specific commission reporting
If you only compare "from 0.0 pips", you are not comparing cost. You are comparing marketing.
IC Markets Standard Account#
The Standard account is easier to understand:
| Feature | Standard |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Spread-only |
| Commission | Usually no separate commission |
| Platform fit | MT4 / MT5 |
| Best for | Beginners, swing traders, lower-frequency users |
Standard can be fine if you do not trade frequently. A slightly wider spread may matter less than simplicity if you only take a few trades per week.
IC Markets Raw Spread Account#
Raw Spread is the account many active traders look for.
| Feature | Raw Spread |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Raw spread plus commission |
| Spread | Can show 0.0 pips in liquid conditions |
| Commission | Charged separately per side / lot |
| Best for | Scalpers, day traders, EAs, spread-sensitive systems |
The benefit is transparency. You see the spread and commission separately, which makes backtesting and trade journaling cleaner.
The risk is misunderstanding. A 0.0-pip quote plus commission can be more expensive than a 0.6-pip commission-free account depending on the pair, lot size and session.
IC Markets cTrader Raw#
cTrader Raw is attractive if you prefer:
- cleaner depth-of-market style workflow
- web and desktop cTrader
- detailed execution and commission reporting
- manual scalping tools and order controls
cTrader commission is often displayed differently from MT4/MT5. Do not assume the numbers are identical just because both accounts use the word "Raw".
How to Calculate True Cost#
Use this formula:
True cost = average spread + round-turn commission + slippage + swap impact
For intraday scalping, swap may be irrelevant. For swing trading, swap can dominate.
| Trader type | Most important cost |
|---|---|
| Scalper | Spread + commission + slippage |
| EA trader | Repeatability and average execution |
| Swing trader | Spread + swaps |
| News trader | Slippage and fill quality |
Example Decision Logic#
Choose Standard if:
- you are new to commissions
- you trade less often
- you want simpler reporting
- your strategy is not highly spread-sensitive
Test Raw Spread if:
- you trade frequently
- your strategy targets small moves
- you use MT4 or MT5 EAs
- you already journal all-in cost
Test cTrader Raw if:
- you prefer cTrader over MetaTrader
- you want clearer order controls
- you scalp manually
- you compare IC Markets with Pepperstone on cTrader
IC Markets vs Exness vs XM by Cost Profile#
| Broker profile | Cost angle | Better fit |
|---|---|---|
| IC Markets | Raw/cTrader infrastructure | Active traders and scalpers |
| Exness | Raw/Zero plus fast withdrawal reputation | Traders prioritising withdrawals and high-leverage workflows |
| XM | Simpler entry, education, low deposit | Beginners and small first deposits |
Read the full comparisons:
- Exness vs IC Markets
- XM vs IC Markets
- IC Markets vs Pepperstone
- IC Markets commission calculator
- IC Markets Standard vs Raw Spread
- IC Markets cTrader guide
- IC Markets scalping guide
A 7-Day IC Markets Cost Test#
Before scaling, run this:
- Open a demo or small live account on the exact platform you plan to use.
- Record spreads during your real trading window.
- Place minimum-size trades.
- Export the statement.
- Convert commission to dollars per trade and pips per lot.
- Compare with one alternative broker.
- Only scale if the cost and workflow match your strategy.
Execution-focused trader? IC Markets is worth testing when your edge depends on raw pricing, cTrader or high-frequency cost control. Start with a small test, not a large first deposit.
Risk warning: Tight spreads do not make leveraged trading safe. A poor strategy loses money faster when execution is cheap because it trades more often.
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