Traders can choose from multiple account types that cater to different levels of experience, trading strategies, and financial capabilities. Whether you’re a beginner looking to start with minimal investment or a professional trader seeking advanced trading tools, there’s an account type designed to meet your specific needs.

Best CFD Trading Account Types Overview

Top CFD Brokers Account Types Comparison

Commision Instruments Min Dep Leverage Platforms
Exness
4.8 / 5.0
No commission fees, cost through spreads
Forex
Crypto
Metals
Indices
Commodities
$10 Up to 1:2000
MT4
MT5
Web Terminal
Mobile App
IG
4.8 / 5.0
$0 (cost via spreads)
Forex
Indices
Commodities
Stocks
Crypto
$250 Up to 1:200
IG Platform
MT4
Mobile App
Plus500
4.3 / 5.0
$0
Forex
Indices
Commodities
Stocks
Cryptocurrencies
$100 Up to 1:30
Proprietary platform
Web
Mobile
eToro
4.6 / 5.0
$0 (cost via spreads)
Forex
Stocks
Crypto
ETFs
Commodities
$50 Up to 1:30
eToro Platform
Mobile App
Interactive Brokers
4.8 / 5.0
$0.08-$0.20 per lot (tiered pricing)
Forex
Stocks
Options
Futures
Crypto
$0 Up to 1:50
Trader Workstation
IBKR Mobile

Detailed Account Type Breakdown

Exness provides a variety of account types that cater to different levels of traders and trading styles. The Standard Account and Standard Cent Account are particularly beneficial for beginners and those wanting to place small trades. The spread is low, and no commission is charged on the Standard Account, making it economically friendly to new traders. The Standard Cent Account is perfect for practicing trading with minimal risk, allowing trades in cent lots with small volumes.

For professional traders, Exness offers advanced accounts such as the Pro Account, Raw Spread Account, and Zero Account:

  • Pro Account: Targets professional traders with ultra-tight spreads, no commissions, and fast market execution
  • Raw Spread Account: Offers spreads as low as 0.0 pips with competitive commissions, providing near-direct market conditions
  • Zero Account: Combines ultra-low commissions with zero spreads on major pairs, ideal for traders demanding precise and transparent trading costs

Each account type is meticulously designed to provide special features targeted at different trading styles and preferences, with Exness leading the way in flexibility and trader-centric account options.

Standard Accounts Across Top CFD Brokers

The world of CFD trading offers a diverse range of account types designed to meet the needs of traders at every level. Exness stands out as a leader in providing flexible and user-friendly trading options that cater to both newcomers and seasoned professionals. Their Standard Account has become particularly popular due to its accessibility and competitive trading conditions.

Other top brokers like eToro, Plus500, Interactive Brokers, and IG Markets offer similar standard account options, each with their unique approach to meeting traders’ needs. The key differentiator is often in the details – from minimum deposit requirements to specific trading features and platform accessibility.

Professional Accounts for Advanced Traders

For more experienced traders seeking advanced trading conditions, professional accounts become crucial. Exness offers a range of professional account types, including the Pro Account, Raw Spread Account, and Zero Account. These accounts are designed for traders who require tighter spreads, faster execution, and more sophisticated trading tools.

Competing brokers have developed their own professional account offerings, each attempting to provide the most attractive conditions for high-volume and professional traders. The competition has led to increasingly refined trading environments, with brokers constantly innovating to attract and retain skilled traders.

Professional Accounts for Advanced Traders

Islamic Accounts: Sharia-Compliant Trading

Recognizing the diverse needs of global traders, many top CFD brokers now offer Islamic accounts that comply with Sharia law. Exness has been particularly thoughtful in this area, providing an account type that eliminates swap or rollover fees on overnight positions. This approach ensures that traders can participate fully in the market without compromising their religious principles.

Other brokers like eToro, IG Markets, and Plus500 have also developed similar offerings, understanding the importance of providing inclusive trading options for Muslim traders.

Demo Accounts: Risk-Free Learning

Demo accounts have become an essential feature for both new and experienced traders. Exness offers a comprehensive demo account that creates a simulated trading environment, allowing users to practice their strategies without risking real money. The account provides access to a wide range of instruments and fully replicates live market conditions.

Similar demo account options are available from other top brokers, each designed to help traders build confidence and test their strategies before committing real funds.

Demo Accounts: Risk-Free Learning

Social Trading: A Modern Approach

The rise of social trading has transformed how many individuals approach financial markets. Exness’s Social Account exemplifies this trend, allowing traders to follow and copy the strategies of experienced market participants. This approach is particularly appealing to those who may lack the time or expertise to develop complex trading strategies independently.

Platforms like eToro have been pioneers in this space, with other brokers quickly developing their own social trading features to meet growing demand.

Choosing the Best CFD Trading Account for Beginners

Navigating the world of CFD trading can be challenging for newcomers, which is why many top brokers offer specialized accounts designed to ease beginners into the market. Exness stands out with its Standard and Standard Cent Accounts, which are particularly well-suited for those taking their first steps in trading.

The Standard Account is an excellent entry point for new traders, offering very low spreads and no commissions. This makes it an incredibly cost-effective option for those learning the ropes of trading. The Standard Cent Account takes beginner-friendly trading a step further, allowing traders to work with smaller volumes and consequently reduce their risk. Both account types provide access to a wide range of trading instruments through user-friendly platforms like MT4 and MT5, making them ideal for those just starting their trading journey.

Minimum Deposits Across CFD Platforms

The flexibility of minimum deposit requirements has become a key feature for brokers looking to attract new traders. Exness, along with other top CFD brokers, has developed a tiered approach to account types that caters to different levels of trading experience and financial capacity.

Beginner-friendly accounts typically come with no minimum deposit requirement, allowing new traders to start with whatever amount they feel comfortable investing. This approach democratizes trading, removing financial barriers for those wanting to enter the market. The Standard and Standard Cent Accounts from Exness exemplify this approach, providing a low-risk entry point for new traders.

For more advanced traders, professional-level accounts often come with a slightly higher minimum deposit. Exness, like many top brokers, sets this at around $200 for its Pro, Raw Spread, and Zero Accounts. These accounts are designed for more experienced traders, offering improved conditions such as tighter spreads and advanced trading features.

Other top CFD brokers follow similar patterns:

  • eToro offers low-entry accounts with social trading features
  • Plus500 provides beginner-friendly accounts with minimal initial investment
  • Interactive Brokers caters to more experienced traders with professional-level accounts
  • IG Markets offers a range of account types to suit different trader needs

Choosing the Right Account

While Exness provides an excellent range of account types, the best choice depends on individual trading goals, experience level, and financial situation. Beginners should focus on accounts that:

  • Offer low-risk entry points
  • Provide educational resources
  • Have minimal initial investment requirements
  • Allow practice through demo accounts

Ultimately, the goal is to find an account that provides a comfortable learning environment while offering the tools and features necessary to develop trading skills. Exness continues to be a top choice for many, but traders should carefully compare different brokers to find the most suitable option for their specific needs.

Choosing the Right Account

Steps to Open a CFD Trading Account

Opening a CFD trading account has become increasingly straightforward across top brokers. While the specific steps may vary slightly between platforms, the general process remains consistent. Using Exness as a prime example, here’s a comprehensive guide to opening a trading account:

1. Platform Selection: Navigate to the official website of your chosen broker. Look for the “Open Account” or “Sign Up” button, typically located in the top-right corner of the homepage.

2. Personal Registration: Enter your basic personal information. This usually includes:

  • Email address
  • Password creation
  • Country of residence
  • Account type selection

3. Email Verification: Check your inbox for a verification email. Click the provided link to confirm your email address and complete the initial registration process.

4. Profile Completion: Add detailed personal information such as full name, phone number, and residential address. This information is crucial for account activation and compliance with financial regulations.

5. Identity Verification: Submit necessary documentation to prove your identity and residence. Most brokers, including Exness, eToro, Plus500, and Interactive Brokers, require:

  • A government-issued photo ID (passport, national ID, or driver’s license)
  • A recent utility bill or bank statement (typically not older than six months)

6. Account Funding: Once verified, you can fund your account using various payment methods:

  • Bank transfers
  • Credit/debit cards
  • E-wallets
  • Cryptocurrencies (supported by some platforms)

7. Begin Trading: After funding, you can start trading using the broker’s trading platforms, such as MT4, MT5, or proprietary platforms.

Account Verification Process

Account verification is a critical step in the CFD trading process, serving multiple important purposes:

  • Ensuring compliance with international financial regulations
  • Protecting against unauthorized account access
  • Maintaining the security of your personal and financial information

The verification process typically involves:

  1. Identity Confirmation: Submitting a clear, valid government-issued photo ID that displays:
    • Full name
    • Date of birth
    • Photograph
  2. Address Validation: Providing a recent document (less than six months old) that confirms your residential address, such as:
    • Utility bill
    • Bank statement
    • Official government correspondence
  3. Document Review: The broker’s verification team will carefully examine the submitted documents. This process usually takes a few hours but can extend up to 24 hours in some cases.
  4. Account Activation: Upon successful verification, you’ll receive a confirmation email and gain full access to the platform’s features, including:
    • Higher deposit and withdrawal limits
    • Full trading capabilities
    • Access to advanced trading tools
Account Verification Process

Pros & Cons of CFD Trading Account Types

Standard Account Overview

Pros

Standard accounts are designed to be the entry point for most traders, offering a balanced approach to CFD trading. These accounts typically provide low minimum deposit requirements, making them accessible to beginners with limited capital. Key advantages include:

  • No or low commission fees, reducing overall trading costs
  • High leverage options to maximize potential returns
  • Broad range of tradable instruments including forex, metals, and cryptocurrencies
  • Fast trade execution in various market conditions
  • Flexible trading options for those new to the market

Cons

However, standard accounts come with some limitations:

  • Potentially higher spreads compared to more advanced account types
  • Market execution can lead to slight price variations in volatile markets
  • Risk of overleveraging, which can result in significant losses
  • Limited access to advanced trading tools and features

Cent/Micro Account

Pros

Cent or micro accounts offer a unique approach for new traders:

  • Extremely low minimum deposit requirements
  • Ability to trade in micro lots, minimizing financial risk
  • No additional commission fees
  • Perfect for strategy testing and learning
  • Low-stakes environment for building trading confidence

Cons

These accounts also have notable drawbacks:

  • Wider spreads compared to standard accounts
  • Limited range of available trading instruments
  • Basic features that may not satisfy experienced traders

Professional Trading Accounts

Pros

Professional-level accounts cater to experienced traders with:

  • Extremely tight spreads (often as low as 0.1 pips)
  • Commission-free trading for high-frequency traders
  • Ultra-fast market execution
  • Flexible leverage options
  • Comprehensive access to multiple trading instruments
  • Advanced risk management tools

Cons

These accounts are not without their challenges:

  • Higher minimum deposit requirements
  • Complex trading environment
  • Less suitable for beginners
  • Potential for higher trading costs with commission structures

Specialized Account Types

Raw Spread Accounts

Designed for traders seeking maximum transparency:

  • Real market spreads with no markups
  • Direct market access
  • Ideal for professional and algorithmic traders
  • Comprehensive instrument range

Zero Spread Accounts

Offering unique trading conditions:

  • Zero or minimal spreads on major currency pairs
  • Ultra-fast execution
  • Professional-grade trading environment
  • Flexible leverage options

Islamic Accounts

Pros

Tailored for traders following Islamic financial principles:

  • No swap or overnight fees
  • Compliant with Sharia law
  • Available across multiple account types
  • Broad range of trading instruments

Cons

  • Limited availability in some regions
  • Potential slight variations in spreads
  • Less beneficial for short-term traders

Demo Accounts

Pros

An essential tool for trader education:

  • Risk-free trading environment
  • Full access to platform features
  • Unlimited practice opportunities
  • Simulates real market conditions

Cons

  • Lacks emotional involvement of real trading
  • Can create unrealistic trading expectations
  • Slight differences in execution compared to live trading
Etoro Demo Accounts

Social Trading Accounts

Pros

A modern approach to trading:

  • Easy access to copy trading
  • Diversified trading strategies
  • Low entry requirements
  • Transparent performance metrics

Cons

  • High dependence on strategy providers
  • Potential additional fees
  • Limited personal control over trades

Conclusion

Choosing the right CFD trading account depends on individual trading goals, experience level, and risk tolerance. While Exness offers a comprehensive range of account types, traders should carefully evaluate their specific needs, considering factors like trading costs, available instruments, and platform features.

Each account type presents unique advantages and challenges. Beginners might start with standard or cent accounts, while more experienced traders could benefit from professional or specialized account types. The key is to understand your trading objectives and select an account that aligns with your financial goals and trading strategy.

FAQ

Can I Have Multiple Accounts?

Most top CFD brokers understand that traders may have different strategies and needs, which is why they allow opening multiple trading accounts under a single profile. This flexibility means you can explore various trading approaches, using different account types simultaneously to diversify your trading methods or test out various strategies.

Which Account Type is Best?

How Many Account Types Are Available?

How Do I Change My Account Type?

Traders can choose from multiple account types that cater to different levels of experience, trading strategies, and financial capabilities. Whether you’re a beginner looking to start with minimal investment or a professional trader seeking advanced trading tools, there’s an account type designed to meet your specific needs.Maniam Fernandez is a financial markets analyst with over 5 years of industry experience. He specializes in CFD trading across multiple asset classes including Forex, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities, and Stocks. With an MSc in Financial Economics and CISI membership, Maniam provides expert analysis on broker platforms, trading conditions, and market opportunities. His reviews focus on practical aspects that matter most to traders.

Maniam Fernandez
Financial Content Writer