How to Choose a Forex Account Type: Standard, ECN or Cent
Pick by how you trade. A standard account (spread only, no commission) suits most traders and is usually the one that gets bonuses. An ECN or raw-spread account (near-zero spread plus a commission) is cheaper for active traders and scalpers. A cent or micro account lets you trade tiny sizes with a small balance. Compare total cost (spread + commission), not the headline spread.
The three main types
| Standard | ECN / raw spread | Cent / micro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spread | Wider | From about 0.0 pips | Usually standard-like |
| Commission | None | Per lot | Usually none |
| Typical minimum | Low | Often higher | Very low |
| Bonuses | Usually eligible | Usually excluded | Varies |
| Best for | Most traders, bonus users | Scalpers, high volume, EAs | Small balances, practice |
How to compare costs
Convert commission into pips. On EUR/USD a pip is worth $10 per lot, so:
- Standard: spread 1.6 pips → $16 per lot round turn
- ECN: spread 0.2 pips + $7 round-turn commission → $2 + $7 = $9 per lot
These figures are only an illustration of the method. Use each broker’s published spreads and commissions, which we collect on the spread comparison and ECN brokers pages. Read spread basics for how spreads behave in practice.
Real line-ups from brokers’ sites
| Broker | Accounts (as published) |
|---|---|
| XM Global | Standard ($5 min), Ultra Low ($5 min), Shares ($10,000 min) |
 Titan FX |
Zero Standard (no commission), Zero Blade (ECN, $3.5 per 100k), Zero Micro (no minimum) |
 FXGT |
Standard, Optimus, Low Spread, Mini, ECN Zero |
 XS.com |
Cent, Micro, Standard, Pro, Elite |
 BigBoss |
OMEGA, Deluxe, Standard, Pro Spread |
Which one is right for you
Choose standard if you trade a few times a week, want a bonus, or are starting out. The simplicity of a single cost (the spread) helps.
Choose ECN if you trade often, scalp or run EAs. Commission is fixed per lot, so your cost doesn’t balloon when spreads are tight. Check the broker allows your strategy: see scalping rules.
Choose cent or micro if your balance is under a few hundred dollars, or you want to run a strategy with real money at minimal size. See lot sizes and cent account brokers.
Other differences to check
- Leverage can differ by account. Titan FX allows 1000:1 on Zero Micro but 500:1 on Standard and Blade for major pairs.
- Instrument range. Micro and cent accounts often have fewer symbols.
- Swap-free option. XM Global offers it on all accounts; others limit it. See swap.
- Platform. Some accounts are MT5-only. See MT4 vs MT5.
Best ECN Forex Brokers 2026
| Broker | Account types | Visit broker | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Vantage | 4.3/5 | ✓ | 1.4 pips | 3 types | Visit |
 Exness | 4.2/5 | ✓ | 0.8 pips | 5 types | Visit |
 HFM | 4.1/5 | ✓ | 1.4 pips | 5 types | Visit |
| XS.com | 4.1/5 | ✓ | 1.1 pips | 5 types | Visit |
| FXGT | 4.1/5 | ✓ | 1.9 pips | 5 types | Visit |
| Titan FX | 3.7/5 | ✓ | 1.2 pips | 3 types | Visit |
 Axi | 3.5/5 | ✓ | 0.68 pips minimum | Standard, Premium | Visit |
 EBC Financial | 3.5/5 | ✓ | 1.1 pips minimum | Standard | Visit |
 AXIORY | 3.4/5 | ✓ | 1.3 pips | Nano, Standard, Max, Zero | Visit |
| BigBoss | 3.2/5 | ✓ | 1.9 pips | 4 types | Visit |
Related
- Forex Broker Comparison Tool: Compare Up to 4 Brokers
- What Is Offshore Forex Trading? How It Works and Who It's For
- Is Offshore Forex Trading Legal? What Regulators Say
- Regulated vs Offshore Forex Brokers: Leverage, Protection and Tax
- Forex Leverage Explained With Worked Examples
- Negative Balance Protection Explained
- Margin Level, Margin Call and Stop Out Explained
- Lot Size in Forex: Standard, Mini and Micro Lots
- What Is a Pip in Forex and How to Calculate It
- What Is Spread in Forex and When Does It Widen
- Forex Swap and Rollover Explained
- Hedging Rules at Forex Brokers
- How Forex Bonuses Work: Withdrawal Conditions Explained
- Forex Cashback Rebates Explained
- Using Multiple Forex Broker Accounts: Pros and Rules
- Forex Inactivity Fees by Broker
- Forex Glossary
Frequently asked questions
Is an ECN account better than a standard account?
Cheaper per trade for most active traders, once commission is converted into pips. But ECN accounts often have higher minimum deposits and are usually excluded from bonuses.
Which account type gets bonuses?
Usually the standard account. XM Global, for example, describes its Standard account as the one that gets bonuses.
What is a cent account for?
Trading with very small real amounts, for practice after a demo or for testing an EA with real execution. Balances are shown in cents.
Can I have more than one account type?
Most brokers let you open several accounts under one profile, so you can try a standard and an ECN account side by side.