Short answer: For most traders, the raw account. A typical raw account costs about $7 per lot (0.1 pips + $6 commission) against about $12 on a Standard account. The gap only stops mattering if you trade very small or very rarely.
Side by side
| Standard | Raw / ECN | |
|---|---|---|
| Spread on EUR/USD | Around 1.0–1.5 pips | Around 0.0–0.3 pips |
| Commission | None | About $6–7 per lot, round turn |
| Typical all-in cost per lot | About $12 | About $7 |
| Minimum deposit | Often lower | Sometimes higher |
What the difference adds up to
Trade 5 lots a month and the $5 difference is $25 a month, or $300 a year. Trade 20 lots a month and it’s $1,200 a year. At 0.1 lots a month, it’s about $6 a year, and simplicity may matter more.
When Standard can still make sense
- You trade micro lots only and want the simplest pricing
- A bonus or account feature you need is only on the Standard account
- You trade instruments where the raw account has no commission advantage
Read more on ECN vs STP vs market maker, or compare all-in costs on our compare page.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Most 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.
