How to compare CFD account types

Most CFD brokers don't offer just one account — they offer a menu. Standard, raw or ECN, Islamic (swap-free), sometimes a 'pro' tier. They can trade the same markets on the same platform, but the cost structure and terms differ, and choosing the wrong one quietly costs you money. Here's how to compare them.

The account types you'll see

• Standard account. No commission, but a slightly wider spread with the cost built in. Simple and usually the default. Good for beginners and lower-frequency traders.
• Raw / ECN / 'zero' account. Very tight, near-market spreads plus a separate per-trade commission. The all-in cost can be lower for active traders, but only once you add the commission back. Don't be fooled by the tiny headline spread.
• Islamic (swap-free) account. Removes overnight swap charges to comply with Sharia principles — relevant to many UAE traders. Brokers may instead apply an administration fee on long-held positions, so check exactly how the swap-free terms work.
• Demo account. Virtual money on the real platform. Essential for testing a broker and platform before funding, and for practising a strategy risk-free.

Standard vs raw: which is actually cheaper?

This is the choice most people get wrong. A raw account showing '0.0 pips' looks cheaper than a standard account at '1.0 pip' — until you add the commission. Whether raw beats standard depends on your trade size and how often you trade:

• Trade often, in decent size? The tighter raw spread usually wins even after commission.
• Trade occasionally, in small size? The simpler standard account is often just as cheap and less to think about.

The honest way to decide is to work out the all-in cost — spread plus commission — for your typical trade, exactly as described in how to compare broker fees.

Other terms worth checking

• Minimum deposit. Account tiers often have different entry amounts.
• Minimum trade size. Some accounts don't allow the very small positions beginners should start with.
• Available leverage. This can vary by account and by regulator — see how to compare leverage.
• Base currency. If you fund in AED but the account is in USD, watch for conversion costs.

Match the account to how you trade

There's no 'best' account type, only the best one for your style and size. A beginner is usually well served by a standard account with a small minimum trade size; a frequent, larger-size trader often does better on a raw/ECN account; and many UAE traders need a genuine swap-free option. Whatever you pick, start on the demo first.

The bottom line

Compare account types on their all-in cost and terms, not the headline spread. Add commission back before deciding raw is cheaper, confirm swap-free accounts really are free of hidden charges, and check minimums and base currency. Then fit the account to your trading — the last piece of the UAE broker checklist.