XM Account Types 2026: Micro vs Standard vs Ultra Low vs Zero vs Shares
XM offers five distinct account types, each built for a different trading style and budget. Picking the wrong one early on means paying more in spreads or commissions than you need to. This guide breaks down what each account actually offers — contract size, spread structure, and who it's genuinely built for — so you can choose with confidence.
📋 Quick Facts — XM Account Types
- 5 account types: Micro, Standard, Ultra Low, Zero, Shares
- Micro and Standard: spread-only pricing, no commission
- Ultra Low: tighter spreads, still commission-free
- Zero: raw spreads from 0.0 pips with a fixed per-lot commission
- Shares: real stock ownership, no leverage, much higher minimum
- Account type availability varies by region and regulatory entity
- Cannot convert between account types — open a new account instead
- All accounts include negative balance protection
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XM Account Types at a Glance
| Account | Contract Size | Spread | Commission | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro | 1,000 units | From ~1.0 pip | None | Beginners, precise risk control |
| Standard | 100,000 units | From ~1.0 pip | None | Growing traders, simple pricing |
| Ultra Low | 1,000 or 100,000 units | Tighter (~0.6-0.8 pip cited) | None | Active/day traders |
| Zero | 100,000 units | From 0.0 pip (raw) | Fixed per lot/side | Scalpers, high-frequency traders |
| Shares | Varies by stock | Market-dependent | Per-share/trade fee | Equity investors |
Micro Account
For beginners who want precise risk control
The Micro account uses a 1,000-unit contract — meaning each pip move on EUR/USD is worth roughly $0.10 instead of $10 on a standard lot. This dramatically reduces dollar risk per trade, making it the natural starting point for traders still building confidence with position sizing and risk management.
Pricing is spread-only with no separate commission, and the account supports an Islamic (swap-free) option on request.
Standard Account
The default choice for most traders
Standard uses the full 100,000-unit contract with the same spread-only, commission-free pricing as Micro. The key difference is each pip is worth roughly $10 on a standard lot, so position sizing becomes more consequential. This is XM's most commonly opened account type and mirrors what most brokers mean by a "standard" forex account.
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Ultra Low Account
Built for active and day traders
Ultra Low tightens spreads compared to Standard while remaining commission-free — sources commonly cite spreads starting around 0.6-0.8 pips, though exact figures vary. You can choose between Ultra Low Standard (100,000-unit lots) and Ultra Low Micro (1,000-unit lots), giving you control over position sizing alongside the tighter spread.
This account suits traders who execute frequently enough that the spread savings compound into a meaningful cost difference over time, without wanting to deal with a separate commission line.
Zero Account
For scalpers who want raw spreads
The Zero account offers spreads from 0.0 pips on the most popular instruments, with a fixed commission charged per lot per side instead of a wider spread. This pricing model tends to be more predictable and can work out cheaper for high-volume traders, since the commission stays fixed even when market spreads widen during volatile or low-liquidity periods.
Shares Account
Real stock ownership, no leverage
The Shares account is fundamentally different from the other four — it provides direct access to real shares on global stock exchanges rather than CFDs. There's no leverage, no overnight swap, and no margin trading involved; you own actual equity with full ownership exposure.
The minimum deposit is consistently cited as significantly higher than other account types (commonly around $10,000), and commissions apply per share or per trade depending on the specific market (US, UK, German stocks each have different fee structures). This account isn't suitable for forex or short-term CFD trading — it's built for investors treating XM as a long-term equity platform.
How to Choose the Right Account
✅ Choose Micro or Standard if...
- ➕ You're new to live trading
- ➕ You want simple, predictable spread-only pricing
- ➕ You're still developing your risk management approach
- ➕ You want eligibility for the widest range of promotions
🎯 Choose Ultra Low or Zero if...
- ➕ You trade frequently enough that spread cost compounds
- ➕ You're scalping or running an EA with tight entry requirements
- ➕ You're comfortable comparing fixed commission vs spread tradeoffs
- ➕ Zero is confirmed available in your region
Frequently Asked Questions — XM Account Types
Ready to Open Your Account?
Choosing between XM's account types ultimately comes down to how often you trade and how sensitive your strategy is to spread versus commission costs. Most traders start with Micro or Standard, then open a second account once their strategy and trade frequency make Ultra Low or Zero worth the switch.
Free registration · Multiple account types available
