Raw vs standard accounts: what's the difference in plain language?

A standard account usually charges no commission but has a wider spread. A raw account shows near-zero spreads but charges commission per lot. The total cost can be lower or higher depending on how you trade.

Raw vs standard accounts: what's the difference in plain language? — bid-ask spread diagram
The bid-ask spread on a currency pair

How did you choose?

  • your account type and why
  • whether you compared the total cost per trade on both
  • which is cheaper for your trade size and frequency
Raw vs standard accounts: what's the difference in plain language? — risk-reward diagram
A risk-reward ratio of 1 to 2

Worked cost comparisons are exactly what this thread is for. The trading costs guide has the formula.

Background: The real cost of a forex trade: spread, commission and swap

Every trade has costs, and they are easy to underestimate. Here is how to add up the spread, commission and overnight swap on a position.

What is a spread in forex?

The difference between the bid (sell) and ask (buy) price. You pay it every time you open a trade, and it widens when the market is less liquid.

Is a raw spread account cheaper?

Not automatically. Add the spread and the round-trip commission together and compare the total with a spread-only account's typical spread on the pairs you trade.

Read the full guide

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