IC Markets Raw Spread Account Review
An in-depth look at IC Markets' Raw Spread account offering, including fees, execution speeds, and trading conditions.
IC Markets has established itself as one of the premier forex brokers, particularly popular among scalpers and high-frequency traders. Their Raw Spread account has become an industry benchmark for tight spreads and fast execution. Let's examine what makes this account type stand out.
Spread and Commission Structure
The Raw Spread account offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips on major currency pairs. This is achieved by aggregating liquidity from multiple tier-1 providers. In exchange for these tight spreads, IC Markets charges a commission of $3.50 per lot per side ($7 round trip).
For active traders, this commission structure often results in lower overall costs compared to standard spread accounts. The math works out favorably especially for scalpers who need tight spreads for short-term trades and can benefit from the transparent pricing model.
Execution Quality
IC Markets operates on an ECN model with average execution speeds under 40 milliseconds. Their servers are located in the Equinix NY4 data center, which is the same facility used by major banks and institutional traders. This infrastructure ensures minimal latency and slippage.
During high-impact news events, spreads may widen temporarily, which is normal for any true ECN broker. However, IC Markets' deep liquidity pool means spreads typically return to normal levels faster than many competitors.
Available Platforms
The Raw Spread account is available on MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader platforms. Each platform connects to the same liquidity pool, so you get identical pricing regardless of your platform choice. cTrader is particularly popular for its advanced order types and depth of market display.
Who Should Choose This Account
The Raw Spread account is ideal for scalpers and day traders who make multiple trades daily, algorithmic traders who need consistent pricing, experienced traders who understand the commission model, and anyone trading major pairs where raw spreads are tightest.
Beginners might find the Standard account (with spreads built into the price) easier to understand initially. However, serious traders should consider the Raw Spread account for its transparency and overall lower costs on active trading.
Final Verdict
IC Markets' Raw Spread account remains one of the best offerings for retail forex traders seeking institutional-grade conditions. The combination of tight spreads, fast execution, and reasonable commissions makes it a top choice for traders who prioritize execution quality above all else.