Learn Trading Costs Account Types
Account Types
Account types change how you pay trading costs (spread vs commission) and sometimes how your orders get filled. The goal is not a “fancy” label — it’s predictable, low all-in cost for your trading style.
Risk warning: This content is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Forex trading involves risk, and you can lose money.
Forex account types
Account types mainly change how you pay costs and how your trades get filled. Pick what fits your style.
- Standard: spread-only (simple)
- RAW/ECN: tight spread + commission
- Swap-free: no swap, possible conditions/fees
Compare account types by all-in cost and execution — not by buzzwords.
Common forex account types
- Standard (spread-only): you “pay” via a spread markup. Simple pricing, but often wider all-in cost during liquid hours.
- RAW / ECN-style (spread + commission): tighter spreads, with a separate commission. Best compared using all-in cost.
- Swap-free (Islamic): no overnight swap, but some brokers replace it with an admin/holding fee or conditions.
- “STP/ECN” labels: terminology varies per broker — use costs + fill quality as the deciding factors (not the label).
What an account type actually changes
- Pricing model: spread-only vs spread + commission.
- Overnight rules: swap/rollover applies (or is replaced by swap-free rules).
- Execution & restrictions: your fill quality, order acceptance, and “edge cases” in fast markets.
A simple account choice by trading style
- New beginners: start with what’s easiest to understand, then upgrade after you can track all-in cost consistently.
- Short-term / tight targets: costs and fills matter most → compare RAW vs Standard properly, then read Cheaper for Scalping?
- Swing / holds: swap + stability matters more → see Better for Swing?
- Automation: prioritize execution consistency and slippage behavior → Slippage and Requotes / Order Rejection.
Go deeper only where it matters for your style
Related lessons
