At a glance: XM highlights Standard, Ultra-Low and Shares (Micro is also available in many entities). Minimum deposit typically starts at $5 for CFD accounts and is higher for Shares. Availability varies by region—see our Risk Warning and Region Notice, and always confirm on XM’s official site.
Last updated: 2025-10-27
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison (Key Trading Specs)
Figures are indicative. Conditions vary by entity, instrument, platform (MT4/MT5), and liquidity. Confirm on the official XM page for your country.
XM Account Types — Key Specs
| Feature | Micro | Standard | Ultra-Low | Shares |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contract size | 1 lot = 1,000 units | 1 lot = 100,000 units | 1 lot = 100,000 units | Physical shares (no CFDs) |
| Min trade size | From 0.1 micro lot | From 0.01 lot | From 0.01 lot | Per share (whole units) |
| Minimum deposit | $5 (typical) | $5 | $5 | ~$10,000 (varies) |
| Pricing model | Spread-only | Spread-only | Tighter spreads (entity policy) | Commissioned share dealing |
| Spreads (typical) | Wider vs Standard | Variable | Lower vs Standard | N/A |
| Commission | No | No | Usually No (check) | Yes (per venue/schedule) |
| Swaps | Yes (swap-free in some regions) | Yes | Often reduced vs Standard (entity-specific) | N/A (cash shares, no overnight financing) |
| Best for | Small balance, fine sizing | All-round use | Cost-sensitive, higher volume | Stock investors |
Note: If your country doesn’t show a given account type at sign-up, it may not be offered for that entity.
Who Each Account Suits (Decision Guide)
Micro — for risk-conscious beginners
- 1,000-unit contract keeps pip value small, enabling fine-grained position sizing.
- Good for small deposits and learning risk control without oversizing trades.
Standard — for most traders
- Spread-only pricing with the familiar 100k contract size.
- Broad instrument access and a simple fee model for general use.
Ultra-Low — for cost-focused, active styles
- Tighter spreads than Standard; some entities also emphasize reduced swaps/fees.
- Suitable for higher-frequency or cost-sensitive strategies. Confirm your entity’s final costs.
Shares — for investors who want direct stocks
- Commissioned cash equities (no CFD leverage).
- Typically higher minimum deposit; suits buy-and-hold stock investors.
Fees Explained: Spread, Commission & Swaps
- Spread: The bid/ask difference; lower spread generally means lower execution cost. Ultra-Low is positioned with tighter spreads vs Standard; Micro’s spread profile is similar to Standard but with smaller pip value due to contract size.
- Commission: CFD accounts (Micro/Standard/Ultra-Low) are usually spread-only in many entities. Shares trading is commissioned. Some regions may list additional account variants (e.g., tight spread + per-lot commission).
- Swaps (overnight financing): Charged/credited when positions roll overnight. Rates vary by instrument and entity. Some locales highlight lower swaps alongside Ultra-Low—always verify current tables/formulas.
Tip: Your holding time matters. A very tight spread helps scalpers, but if you hold overnight, swaps can dominate cost.
Risk & Region Notes (Must-Read)
- Entity differences: XM operates via multiple regulated entities. Account line-ups, leverage limits, promotions, and minimums may differ by country of residence.
- Availability: If a product or account type doesn’t appear for your country during sign-up, assume it’s not offered.
- Leverage & instruments: Check the legal docs / KIDs / PDS for your entity before trading.
- Islamic (swap-free) options: Available in many locales; confirm at sign-up.
See also: Risk Warning · Region Notice · Contact
How to Choose in 2 Minutes
- Budget & risk per trade
- Need tiny pip value/position sizing → Micro
- Comfortable with standard sizing → Standard
- Cost is king and entity offers it → Ultra-Low
- What you trade
- Mainly forex/CFDs → Micro / Standard / Ultra-Low
- Mainly stocks to own → Shares
- Confirm final numbers
- Open XM’s official Account Types page → select your country → review spreads, swaps, minimums, instruments, and legal docs.
FAQs — XM Account Types
Is Micro safer for beginners?
Not inherently safer, but the 1,000-unit contract reduces pip value, helping you size trades conservatively while you learn.
Does Ultra-Low always have the lowest total cost?
Usually tighter spreads, but total cost depends on your entity’s swaps/fees and your holding time. Confirm the schedule for your country.
What about XM Zero or other variants?
Some regions list an additional variant (e.g., tight spreads + commission). If it doesn’t appear on your country’s account page, assume it’s not offered.
What is the minimum deposit?
CFD accounts like Standard/Ultra-Low commonly show $5. Shares typically requires a much higher minimum. Always verify your entity’s page.
Are there swap-free (Islamic) options?
In many locales, yes. Availability depends on country/entity—check during sign-up.
Simple Call-to-Action
Ready to compare on the official site? Start with your real country of residence, review the entity-specific terms, and only fund what you can afford to lose. If you’re unsure, reach out via Contact.