Broker Account Types · 8 Models · 2026
Forex Broker Account Types Compared
Every EU-regulated forex broker offers a menu of account types — each with different pricing, leverage, minimum deposits, and target traders. Use this hub to compare the eight most common account models side-by-side and find the one that fits your strategy and capital. Every account listed here is available at ESMA-compliant brokers with full retail protections.
Last verified: April 2026
Browse All Account Types
Click into any account type to see the best EU-regulated brokers offering it, full pros and cons, and answers to common questions.
Standard
Standard Account
A simple spread-only pricing model that's ideal for most retail traders.
View best brokers →
Raw Spread
Raw Spread Account
Interbank spreads from 0.0 pips plus a fixed commission — the cheapest model for active traders.
View best brokers →
ECN
ECN Account
Direct market access to the interbank liquidity pool with no dealing desk.
View best brokers →
Islamic
Islamic / Swap-Free Account
Sharia-compliant accounts with zero overnight interest charges.
View best brokers →
Professional
Professional Account
ESMA-exempt leverage up to 500:1 for traders who qualify as professional clients.
View best brokers →
Micro
Micro Account
Trade with micro lots and tiny deposits — perfect for risk-free learning.
View best brokers →
VIP
VIP / Platinum Account
Elite-tier accounts with the tightest spreads, lowest commissions, and concierge service.
View best brokers →
Demo
Demo Account
Practice trading with virtual money in a risk-free environment.
View best brokers →
Feature Comparison Grid
Quick reference showing typical pricing and who each account type is designed for.
| Account Type | EUR/USD Spread | Commission | Min Deposit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Account | 0.6 - 1.2 pips on EUR/USD | None (spread-only) | EUR 0 - EUR 250 | Beginners, casual traders, and anyone who prefers simple pricing without commission calculations. |
| Raw Spread Account | 0.0 - 0.2 pips on EUR/USD | USD 3 - USD 3.50 per lot per side | EUR 100 - EUR 500 | Scalpers, day traders, high-volume traders, and algorithmic (EA) traders. |
| ECN Account | 0.0 - 0.3 pips on EUR/USD | USD 3 - USD 6 per lot per side | EUR 200 - EUR 2,000 | Active traders who need the best possible execution quality and tightest pricing. |
| Islamic / Swap-Free Account | Same as broker's standard spreads | Varies by broker | EUR 100 - EUR 500 | Muslim traders seeking a Sharia-compliant account and any position or swing trader who holds trades overnight for multiple days. |
| Professional Account | Same as retail equivalent | Same as retail equivalent | EUR 1,000 - EUR 10,000+ | Experienced traders with a proven trading history, substantial capital (EUR 500K+ portfolio), or financial-industry backgrounds. |
| Micro Account | 0.8 - 1.5 pips on EUR/USD | None (spread-only) | EUR 0 - EUR 100 | Absolute beginners learning on a live account, traders testing new strategies with minimal risk, and anyone who wants to experience real-money trading psychology before scaling up to larger sizes. |
| VIP / Platinum Account | 0.0 pips on EUR/USD | USD 2 - USD 3 per lot per side | EUR 25,000 - EUR 100,000 | High-net-worth traders with EUR 25,000 to EUR 100,000+ to deposit, or active traders generating 100+ standard lots per month. |
| Demo Account | Matches live account | Matches live account | None (free) | Anyone new to a broker's platform, beginners learning the basics of order execution, strategy developers backtesting new systems, and traders familiarising themselves with a new trading instrument before committing capital. |
How to Choose the Right Account Type
Start on a Demo
Every beginner should spend at least four weeks on a demo account before committing real money. Test the platform, order types, and basic strategies without risk.
Graduate to Micro or Standard
After the demo phase, move to a Micro Account for real-money learning at low risk, or go straight to a Standard Account if you are comfortable sizing positions.
Active? Go Raw Spread or ECN
If you trade 10+ round-turn lots per month, switching from Standard to Raw Spread/ECN saves money on every trade. Scalpers and EAs should use ECN by default.
Observant Muslim? Islamic Account
An Islamic / Swap-Free account removes overnight interest to comply with Sharia law. Anyone holding positions for several days can also benefit from zero swap.
Qualify as Pro? Upgrade for Leverage
If you meet ESMA's professional client criteria, a Professional Account unlocks leverage up to 500:1 — though you lose some retail protections in return.
High Balance? Negotiate VIP
VIP/Platinum tiers offer genuinely reduced commissions if you deposit EUR 25,000+ or trade high monthly volume. Only worth pursuing if you naturally qualify.
CFD Risk Warning
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
This website is for informational purposes only. The content does not constitute investment advice. Trading leveraged products carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. EU retail leverage limits apply (ESMA): up to 30:1 on major FX pairs, 20:1 on minor FX, 20:1 on major indices, 10:1 on commodities, 5:1 on equities, 2:1 on crypto.