Forex Account Types Explained — Standard vs ECN vs Micro

By Mark Davis · March 28, 2026 · Forex Account Opening & KYC Specialist

Brokers offer multiple account types, each designed for different trading styles and experience levels. Choosing the wrong one can cost you money through wider spreads, unnecessary commissions, or position sizes that do not match your risk tolerance. This guide breaks down every major account type.

Overview: Account Types at a Glance

• Standard — All-inclusive pricing, no commission, spreads from 0.6-1.0 pips. Best for beginners.
• ECN/Raw — Raw interbank spreads from 0.0 pips, with per-lot commission. Best for active traders.
• Micro/Cent — Smaller lot sizes (0.01 standard lot = 1 micro lot). Best for testing strategies with minimal risk.
• Zero — Near-zero spreads on select instruments with commission. Best for scalpers.
• Demo — Virtual money, real market conditions. Best for learning.

Standard Account

The Standard account is the default choice for most traders. The broker's revenue is built into the spread, so there is no separate commission charge. This makes cost calculation simple: you pay the spread and nothing else.

Typical Conditions

• EUR/USD spread: 0.6-1.5 pips
• Commission: $0
• Min lot size: 0.01 (micro lot)
• Min deposit: $5-10
• Execution: Market execution

Best for: Beginners, swing traders, anyone who wants simple all-inclusive pricing.

On XM, the Standard account starts from 1.0 pips on EUR/USD, while the Ultra Low variant starts from 0.6 pips — both with zero commission. On Exness, the Standard account averages 0.6 pips.

ECN / Raw Spread Account

ECN (Electronic Communication Network) accounts give you direct access to interbank liquidity. Spreads are raw — meaning the broker does not add any markup. Instead, you pay a fixed commission per lot.

Typical Conditions

• EUR/USD spread: 0.0-0.3 pips
• Commission: $3.00-3.50 per side per lot
• Min lot size: 0.01
• Min deposit: $100-200
• Execution: Market execution with depth of market

Best for: Active traders, scalpers, algorithmic traders, anyone who trades more than 5 lots per day.

The total cost on an ECN account can be lower than a standard account if the raw spread is tight enough. For example, a 0.1 pip spread + $7 commission = $8 total cost vs. a 1.0 pip standard spread = $10 total cost.

Micro / Cent Account

Micro accounts use smaller lot sizes than standard accounts. One micro lot equals 1,000 units of the base currency (vs 100,000 for a standard lot). Cent accounts go even smaller — one lot equals 1,000 units denominated in cents.

Typical Conditions

• Min lot size: 0.01 micro lots (100 units)
• Pip value: $0.01-0.10 per pip
• Min deposit: $1-5
• Spreads: Same as Standard or slightly wider

Best for: Complete beginners learning to trade, strategy testing with real money, traders with very small accounts.

Exness offers a Standard Cent account that lets you trade with cent-denominated balances. A $10 deposit shows as 1,000 cents, making it psychologically easier to manage risk while still experiencing real market conditions.

Zero Spread Account

Zero spread accounts maintain 0.0 pip spreads on selected instruments (typically the top 30 most liquid pairs) for the majority of the trading day. They charge a per-lot commission that varies by instrument.

Typical Conditions

• EUR/USD spread: 0.0 pips (95%+ of the day)
• Commission: $3.50 per side (varies by instrument)
• Min deposit: $200+

Best for: Scalpers who need the tightest possible entry, high-frequency traders, traders who value transparent pricing.

Demo Account

Every reputable broker offers a demo account with virtual funds. The market data is real — only the money is virtual. Use demo accounts to:

• Learn the trading platform (MT4/MT5)
• Test strategies before risking real money
• Practice execution in live market conditions
• Get comfortable with position sizing and risk management

Spend at least 2-4 weeks on a demo account before switching to live. The goal is not to make profit on demo but to develop consistent execution habits.

Which Account Type Should You Choose?

• Brand new to forex? Start with a Demo, then move to Standard or Micro with $5-10.
• Casual trader (1-5 trades/day)? Standard account with a reputable broker like XM or Exness.
• Active trader (5-20 trades/day)? ECN/Raw account for lower total cost per trade.
• Scalper (20+ trades/day)? Zero or Raw account with the lowest commission.
• Testing a new strategy? Cent/Micro account with minimal capital.