The ECN vs standard account choice comes down to how you pay to trade. A standard account folds the broker's cost into a single, slightly wider spread with no commission. An ECN (or "raw") account shows the raw market spread — often from 0.0 pips — and charges a separate commission per lot. ECN isn't automatically cheaper: it depends on how much you trade. Here's the full comparison and how to choose.
ECN vs standard at a glance
| Feature | Standard account | ECN / raw account |
|---|---|---|
| Cost structure | Wider spread, no separate commission | Raw spread (from ~0.0 pips) + a commission per lot |
| Typical EUR/USD spread | From around 1.0 pip | From around 0.0–0.3 pip, plus commission |
| Commission | None | Yes — a fixed charge per lot traded |
| Execution | STP or market-maker, varies by broker | Routed to liquidity providers; no dealing desk |
| Simplicity | Easier to read — one number | Two costs to add up (spread + commission) |
| Best for | Beginners, low-volume, simplicity | Scalpers, EA users, active traders |
The key difference
On a standard account you pay one number — the spread — and nothing else. On an ECN/raw account you pay a much tighter raw spread plus a commission. The headline "spreads from 0.0 pips" only tells half the story; the honest comparison is the raw spread plus commission against the standard account's all-in spread. For active traders that combined ECN cost is usually lower; for someone placing a handful of trades, the difference is small and the standard account is simpler.
Add the commission to the raw spread and compare it with the standard spread on the pairs you actually trade. That single calculation — not the marketing — tells you which account is cheaper for you.
Which should you use?
- Choose a standard account if you're a beginner or low-volume trader who values simplicity and one clear cost. See the best MT4 brokers for beginners.
- Choose an ECN/raw account if you scalp, run Expert Advisors, or trade often enough that a tighter all-in cost matters. See the best ECN MT4 brokers.
- Try both — most brokers let you open a standard and a raw account under one login and compare them on a demo first.
Compare account types on a free demo
Open a free MT4 demo with a broker that offers both standard and raw/ECN accounts, and compare the all-in cost on your pairs before committing real money.
⚠ Trading forex and CFDs is high-risk and most retail traders lose money. This is not financial advice.
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Related guides
Read the ECN definition, compare the best ECN MT4 brokers and lowest-spread brokers, or work out costs with the pip calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an ECN and a standard account?
It's mainly the cost structure. A standard account charges through a single, wider spread with no commission. An ECN (or 'raw') account shows the raw market spread — often from 0.0 pips — and adds a separate commission per lot. ECN orders are routed to liquidity providers with no dealing desk; standard accounts may be STP or market-maker depending on the broker.
Is an ECN account worth the commission?
For active traders and scalpers, usually yes — the raw spread plus commission often works out cheaper than a wider standard spread once you trade enough volume. For occasional traders placing a few trades a week, a commission-free standard account can be simpler and cost about the same. Compare the all-in cost on the pairs you actually trade.
Which account is better for beginners?
Many beginners start on a standard account because there's only one cost to think about — the spread — and no commission maths. Once you trade more often or run EAs and scalping strategies, the tighter all-in cost of an ECN/raw account starts to pay off. There's no single right answer; it depends on how you trade.
Are ECN spreads really lower?
The raw spread is genuinely lower — often near 0.0 pips on majors — because it isn't marked up. But that's only half the cost: you also pay a commission. The fair comparison is the raw spread plus commission versus the standard account's all-in spread. On that basis ECN tends to win for high volume.
Can I switch between ECN and standard accounts?
Yes. Most brokers let you open more than one account type under the same login and move funds between them, so you can run a standard and a raw account side by side and compare. Opening an additional account is usually quick and free.
Trading foreign exchange and contracts for difference (CFDs) carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Leverage can work against you as well as for you. You could lose some or all of your deposited funds; do not trade with money you cannot afford to lose. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Nothing on MT4Download.com is financial, investment, or trading advice. Consider your circumstances and seek independent advice if needed.