- Standard is simpler because commission is built into the spread
- Raw Spread can be cheaper for active traders after commission math
- cTrader Raw uses a different commission quote than MetaTrader Raw
- Premium Raw Pro tiers are not beginner accounts
July 2026 field note: IC Markets now presents the global brand as IC on some pages; always verify the exact legal entity, account page and client agreement for your region.
Quick Answer#
IC Markets Standard is simpler; Raw Spread is usually for traders who can measure all-in cost and trade actively enough to justify commission math.
Side-by-Side Rows on the Global Overview#
| Account row | Pricing idea | Overview deposit note |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Spread-only | $0 minimum on the overview |
| MetaTrader Raw Spread | From 0.0 pips + $3.50 per lot per side | $0 minimum on the overview |
| cTrader Raw Spread | From 0 pips + $3.00 per USD 100k | Shown with cTrader Raw positioning |
| Raw Pro / Raw Pro+ | Premium raw tiers | Much larger balance expectations |
Leverage still depends on entity, product and client classification. Raw does not mean free trading.
Decision Test: Standard or Raw?#
- List the pairs and average hold time you actually trade.
- Log live Standard and Raw spreads during that session for several days.
- Add MetaTrader Raw round-turn commission ($3.50 × 2 per standard lot as overview planning) or convert cTrader’s per-USD-100k commission for your notional.
- Include swaps if you hold overnight.
- Pick the lower all-in result—or open both account types where your entity allows and compare statements.
Example: An active major-pair scalper often lands on Raw after maths; a beginner placing a few wide-target trades per week may keep Standard for simpler statements.
Common mistake: choosing Raw solely because the spread shows 0.0 while never converting commission into pips.
Professional tip: if cTrader depth matters to you, compare cTrader Raw against MetaTrader Raw separately—the commission quote units differ.
Who Should Skip Raw Pro Tiers for Now#
Raw Pro / Raw Pro+ are premium rows with much larger balance expectations on the overview. They are not the default path for first-time IC Markets accounts. Start with Standard vs Raw Spreads that match your platform, then revisit premium tiers only if the official materials for your entity justify the balance.
Entity and Risk Caveats#
Account menus differ by country and company. Leveraged CFDs can lose money on either Standard or Raw.
Related IC Markets Research#
Continue with our IC Markets review, IC Markets account guide, IC Markets spread guide and IC Markets safety review. If you are comparing brokers, also read XM vs Exness vs IC Markets and lowest spread forex brokers.
Bottom Line#
Choose IC Markets Standard for simplicity and Raw only when measured all-in cost—including the listed commission model—wins for your pairs and frequency.
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