"ECN", "Raw Spread", "Pro", "Standard" — every broker labels accounts differently. Strip the marketing and there are essentially two cost structures.
Standard accounts
- Wider spread, no commission.
- Cost is bundled into the spread.
- Simpler for new traders to track.
ECN / Raw / Pro accounts
- Tight raw spread, with explicit per-lot commission.
- Cost = (raw spread × pip value) + commission round-turn.
- Better for high-frequency / scalping styles.
- Often requires a higher minimum deposit.
Which is cheaper?
Compute the all-in cost. EUR/USD example: Standard account at 1.2 pip spread = ~$12 round-turn per lot. ECN at 0.1 pip spread + $7 round-turn commission = $1 + $7 = ~$8 round-turn. Raw is cheaper here. On wider-spread instruments the gap can flip.
Which fits which trader?
- High-frequency scalpers / EA users → ECN almost always wins.
- Swing traders making 5–15 trades a month → either works; Standard is operationally simpler.
- Position traders holding for weeks → cost matters less than swap and reliability.
Next steps on ShaFX
- Free trading calculators — position size, pip value, margin, risk/reward, drawdown.
- Take a quiz on this topic and see what you missed.
- Glossary — precise definitions for every term used here.
- Compare brokers using our methodology.
Educational only. This article is general information for trader education. It is not financial advice, tax advice, legal advice, or a recommendation to trade. Trading CFDs and forex is high-risk and most retail investor accounts lose money. Read the Risk Disclosure.