- 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
Regulated Global Broker Open an IC Markets account through the official partner link
- Raw Spread from 0.0 pips
- MT4, MT5 and cTrader
- Built for scalping and EAs
- ASIC, CySEC and FSA entities
- Check your entity before funding
- Measure spread plus commission
Why IC Markets Account Choice Matters#
IC Markets is not mainly a bonus broker. Its appeal is cost structure and execution workflow. That means the account you choose matters more than the logo.
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:
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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