Choosing the right trading account is one of the most important decisions for any trader. Understanding the differences between XM account types is essential before funding your profile. XM offers three main account options such as Standard, Ultra Low, and Shares, each designed for different trading styles and experience levels. This article breaks down the key features of each account, including spreads, commissions, leverage, and minimum deposit requirements. By the end, you will know exactly which best XM account suits your trading needs.
Overview of XM Account Types
Before diving into the details, it is helpful to understand the big picture. XM account types are divided into three main categories: Standard, Ultra Low, and Shares. The Standard account is designed for beginners and retail traders who prefer simple spread-based pricing with no commissions.
The Ultra Low account is aimed at scalpers and high-frequency traders who need tight spreads starting from as low as 0 pips. The Shares account is intended for experienced investors who want to trade real stocks rather than CFDs, but it requires a significantly higher minimum deposit. Choosing the best XM account depends entirely on your trading style, experience level, and available capital.
XM Account Types Comparison Table
| Feature | Standard | Ultra Low | Shares |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $5 | $5 | $10,000 |
| Spreads from | 1 pip | 0.6 pips (Standard variant) 0 pips (Zero variant) | Variable (market spreads) |
| Commission | None | None (Standard variant) $3.5 per lot per side (Zero variant) | None |
| Leverage up to | 1:1000 | 1:1000 | Lower (varies by stock) |
| Contract Size | 1 lot = 100,000 units | 1 lot = 100,000 units | Real shares (not CFDs) |
| Available Instruments | Forex, indices, commodities, metals, energies, crypto | Forex, indices, commodities, metals, energies, crypto | Real stocks (company shares) |
| Best For | Beginners and retail traders | Scalpers, EA users, high-frequency traders | Long-term equity investors |
| Swap/Rollover Fees | Yes | Yes | Yes (for leveraged positions) |
| Islamic Account Option | Yes | Yes | No |
| Demo Account Available | Yes | Yes | No |
XM Standard Account
The XM Standard account is the most popular choice among retail traders, especially beginners. It offers a simple and transparent pricing model with no hidden commissions.
Key Features:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $5 |
| Spreads | from 1 pip |
| Commission | $0 (none) |
| Leverage | up to 1:1000 |
| Contract Size | 1 lot = 100,000 units |
| Execution Type | Market execution |
| Stop Out Level | 50% |
| Negative Balance Protection | Yes |
Who is it for?
The Standard account is ideal for:
- Beginner traders who are just starting their journey
- Traders who prefer simple spread-based pricing without calculating commissions
- Those using manual trading strategies or copy trading
- Traders with smaller account balances
Advantages:
- Low minimum deposit of just $5
- No commission on any trade
- High leverage up to 1:1000
- Access to all instruments: forex, indices, commodities, metals, energies, and crypto
Disadvantages:
- Spreads are wider compared to the Ultra Low Zero account
- Not optimal for scalpers who need tight spreads
XM Ultra Low Account
The XM Ultra Low account is designed for traders who demand tight spreads and fast execution. It comes in two variants: Ultra Low Standard (no commission) and Ultra Low Zero (commission-based with spreads from 0 pips).
Key Features:
| Feature | Ultra Low Standard | Ultra Low Zero |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $5 | $5 |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | None | $3.5 per lot per side ($7 round turn) |
| Leverage | up to 1:1000 | up to 1:1000 |
| Contract Size | 1 lot = 100,000 units | 1 lot = 100,000 units |
| Execution Type | Market execution | Market execution |
| Stop Out Level | 50% | 50% |
| Negative Balance Protection | Yes | Yes |
Who is it for?
The Ultra Low account is ideal for:
- Scalpers who open and close positions within seconds or minutes
- EA (Expert Advisor) users who require low spreads for automated strategies
- High-frequency traders
- Experienced traders who understand commission structures
Advantages:
- Extremely tight spreads starting from 0 pips (Zero variant)
- Choice between commission-free (Ultra Low Standard) or raw spreads (Ultra Low Zero)
- Same low $5 minimum deposit as Standard account
- Fast execution with no requotes
Disadvantages:
- Ultra Low Zero variant charges commission per lot
- Not necessary for casual or swing traders who can use Standard account
- Requires more careful calculation of total trading costs
XM Shares Account
The XM Shares account is fundamentally different from the Standard and Ultra Low accounts. While the other two accounts are designed for trading CFDs (Contracts for Difference), the Shares account allows traders to invest directly in real stocks of major companies.
Key Features:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $10,000 |
| Spreads | Variable (market spreads) |
| Commission | None |
| Leverage | Lower than CFD accounts (varies by stock) |
| Contract Size | Real shares (not CFDs) |
| Available Markets | US, UK, European, and Asian stock exchanges |
| Short Selling | Not available (you cannot short sell real shares) |
| Dividend Payments | Yes, you receive real dividends |
| Stop Out Level | Varies |
| Negative Balance Protection | Yes |
Who is it for?
The Shares account is ideal for:
- High-net-worth retail investors
- Long-term investors who want to hold real company shares
- Traders who prefer owning the underlying asset rather than a derivative
- Those who want to receive dividend income from their positions
Advantages:
- Ownership of real shares, not CFDs
- Receive actual dividend payments
- No commission on trades
- Transparent pricing with market spreads
Disadvantages:
- Very high minimum deposit of $10,000 (compared to $5 for other accounts)
- No short selling allowed
- Lower leverage compared to CFD trading
- Not available for Islamic (swap-free) trading
- No demo account option
Important Note:
The Shares account is not available in all countries. Traders should check XM’s official website or contact customer support to confirm eligibility in their region.
How to Choose the Right XM Account
Choosing the right account type depends on several factors, including your trading style, experience level, available capital, and financial goals. Use the decision guide below to find which XM account to choose for your specific situation.
Decision Guide by Trader Profile:
| Trader Profile | Recommended Account | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Complete beginner | Standard | Low $5 deposit, no commissions, simple pricing |
| Small account ($5 – $500) | Standard | No commission, affordable spreads |
| Scalper (seconds to minutes) | Ultra Low Zero | Spreads from 0 pips, fast execution |
| Day trader (minutes to hours) | Ultra Low Standard | Tight spreads from 0.6 pips, no commission |
| Swing trader (days to weeks) | Standard | Wider spreads acceptable for longer holds |
| EA / Algorithmic trader | Ultra Low Zero | Lowest possible spreads for automated strategies |
| Long-term stock investor | Shares | Real share ownership and dividends |
| High-volume trader (10+ lots/day) | Ultra Low Zero | Commission cost offset by tighter spreads |
Key Questions to Ask Yourself:
1. How much capital do you have?
- Less than $10,000 → Standard or Ultra Low
- $10,000 or more → All accounts are available, including Shares
2. How long do you hold positions?
- Very short (seconds/minutes) → Ultra Low Zero
- Short to medium (hours/days) → Ultra Low Standard
- Long (days/weeks) → Standard
3. Do you prefer simple pricing?
- Yes → Standard or Ultra Low Standard (no commission)
- No, I want raw spreads → Ultra Low Zero
4. Do you want to own real shares?
- Yes → Shares account (requires $10,000 minimum)
- No → Standard or Ultra Low
5. Do you use automated trading systems?
- Yes → Ultra Low Zero (lowest spreads for EA performance)
- No → Standard or Ultra Low Standard
Final Recommendation:
If you are still unsure which XM account to choose, start with the Standard account. It requires only $5, has no commissions, and works for most trading styles. As you gain experience, you can open additional accounts like Ultra Low for scalping or Shares for stock investing. Proper XM account selection at the beginning will save you time and money in the long run.
Can You Switch Between XM Accounts?
A common question among traders is whether they can switch XM account types after registration. The answer is yes, but with some important limitations.
Opening Multiple Accounts:
XM allows traders to open multiple accounts XM under the same profile. This means you can have a Standard account for swing trading, an Ultra Low account for scalping, and even a Shares account (subject to the $10,000 minimum deposit) for long-term stock investing – all under one login.
How to Open a Second Account:
- Log into your XM member area
- Click “Open New Account”
- Select the desired account type (Standard, Ultra Low, or Shares)
- Choose leverage and base currency
- Complete the application
Can You Convert an Existing Account?
No, you cannot convert or switch XM account from one type to another. For example, if you have a Standard account and want to use an Ultra Low account, you must open a new separate account rather than converting the existing one.
Transferring Funds Between Accounts:
Yes, XM allows internal transfers between your own accounts. This is useful if you want to move profits from one account to fund another for a different strategy.
Conclusion
All three XM account types – Standard, Ultra Low, and Shares – have their own strengths. The XM Standard account is ideal for beginners and retail traders who prefer simple spread-based pricing with no commission. The XM Ultra Low account is the best choice for scalpers and EA users who need tight spreads. The XM Shares account is designed exclusively for high-net-worth investors who want to trade real stocks. Evaluate your trading style and choose the best XM account that matches your goals.
FAQ
What is the minimum deposit for XM accounts?
The XM Standard account and XM Ultra Low account require a minimum deposit of $5. The XM Shares account requires $10,000.
Does XM charge commissions on Standard accounts?
No, the Standard account has no commission. Only the Ultra Low Zero variant (a type of XM Ultra Low account) charges a commission.
Which XM account is best for scalping?
The XM Ultra Low account is best for scalping due to spreads from 0 pips (Ultra Low Zero variant).
Can I open multiple XM accounts?
Yes, you can open Standard, Ultra Low, and Shares accounts under the same XM profile (subject to eligibility for Shares).
What is the maximum leverage on XM accounts?
XM offers leverage up to 1:1000 on Standard and Ultra Low accounts. Leverage for the Shares account is lower and varies by stock.
Can I switch between XM account types?
You cannot convert an existing account, but you can open new accounts of different types under the same profile.
Is there a demo account for the Shares account?
No, the Shares account does not offer a demo account. Demo accounts are available for Standard and Ultra Low only.
Which XM account is best for beginners?
The XM Standard account is the best choice for beginners due to its low $5 deposit, no commissions, and simple pricing.
