Exness Account Types Overview
Exness is renowned for its diverse range of account types, generally categorised into Standard and Professional accounts. These are designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of traders, from beginners to high-volume professionals.
Standard Accounts
Exness's Standard accounts are arguably their most popular, offering straightforward trading conditions with no commission. They are ideal for new traders or those who prefer a simpler pricing structure.
* Standard Account: This account offers stable spreads and no commission, making it a good starting point. It typically features instant execution and allows trading across a wide range of instruments, including forex, metals, cryptocurrencies, energies, and indices.
* Standard Cent Account: Specifically designed for beginners, the Standard Cent account allows trading with micro lots (0.01 standard lot), reducing the financial risk and enabling traders to practice strategies with smaller capital. It also features no commission and stable spreads.
Professional Accounts
For more experienced traders seeking tighter spreads or specific execution models, Exness offers a selection of professional accounts, which usually come with commissions or ultra-tight spreads.
* Raw Spread Account: As the name suggests, this account offers raw, interbank spreads with a fixed commission per lot per side. It's ideal for scalpers and day traders who prioritise the tightest possible spreads.
* Zero Account: This account stands out by offering zero spreads on the top 30 trading instruments for 95% of the trading day. It comes with a commission that varies based on the instrument, but the lack of spread on key pairs can be highly attractive for certain strategies.
* Pro Account: This account balances tight spreads with no commission. It's designed for discretionary traders who value both competitive pricing and commission-free trading.
AvaTrade Account Types Overview
AvaTrade, while also offering a variety of trading options, typically streamlines its account structures, often focusing on a standard account with variations based on region, platform choice, or professional status.
Retail Investor Account
AvaTrade's primary offering for most retail traders is a single, comprehensive account type that provides access to all their trading instruments. The main distinctions often come from the chosen trading platform or specific regional regulations.
* Standard Account (Retail): This account typically features competitive spreads with no commission. It provides access to AvaTrade's full suite of instruments, including forex, cryptocurrencies, stocks, indices, commodities, and ETFs. Execution is generally market execution.
* AvaTradeGO/WebTrader: Traders can access this account through AvaTrade's proprietary platforms, offering user-friendly interfaces and integrated trading tools.
* MetaTrader 4/5: Full compatibility with the industry-standard MT4 and MT5 platforms for those who prefer their advanced charting and algorithmic trading capabilities.
Professional Account
For eligible professional traders, AvaTrade offers a dedicated account with different leverage and margin requirements, though the core pricing model (spread-based, no commission) often remains similar to the retail account.
* Professional Client Account: This account is available to traders who meet specific regulatory criteria (e.g., trading experience, portfolio size). It offers higher leverage than retail accounts, but traders forfeit certain ESMA protections. Spreads remain competitive, and there is generally no commission.
Exness vs AvaTrade: Account Types Comparison Table
| Feature/Account Type | Exness (Retail) | Exness (Pro) | AvaTrade (Retail) | AvaTrade (Pro) |
| :------------------- | :-------------- | :----------- | :---------------- | :------------- |
| Account Types | Standard, Standard Cent | Raw Spread, Zero, Pro | Standard | Professional |
| Spreads (EUR/USD)| From 0.3 pips (Standard) | From 0.0 pips (Raw Spread/Zero) | From 0.9 pips | From 0.9 pips |
| Spreads (GBP/USD)| From 0.7 pips (Standard) | From 0.0 pips (Raw Spread/Zero) | From 1.6 pips | From 1.6 pips |
| Spreads (XAU/USD)| From 10 pips (Standard) | From 0.0 pips (Raw Spread/Zero) | From 0.3 pips | From 0.3 pips |
| Commission | No commission | From $3.5/lot/side (Raw Spread), variable (Zero) | No commission | No commission |
| Min. Deposit | From $1 (Standard/Cent) | From $200 (Raw Spread/Zero/Pro) | From $100 | From $100 |
| Leverage (Retail)| Up to 1:Unlimited | Up to 1:Unlimited | Up to 1:30 | Up to 1:30 (UK/EU) |
| Leverage (Pro) | N/A (high for all) | N/A (high for all) | Up to 1:400 | Up to 1:400 |
| Regulators (UK) | FCA (via Cyprus entity) | FCA (via Cyprus entity) | FCA, CBI, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, etc. | FCA, CBI, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, etc. |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal | MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal | MT4, MT5, WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, DupliTrade, ZuluTrade | MT4, MT5, WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, DupliTrade, ZuluTrade |
*Note: Spreads, commissions, and minimum deposits are typical, at time of writing — please check the broker's official website for the most current figures and terms.*
Exness vs AvaTrade: Verdict by Trader Type
Choosing between Exness and AvaTrade ultimately depends on your individual trading preferences, experience, and capital.
For Beginners & Casual Traders
* Exness: With its Standard and especially Standard Cent accounts, Exness offers a very accessible entry point. The low minimum deposit and commission-free trading with stable spreads make it appealing for those just starting out or testing strategies with smaller funds. The high leverage available (up to unlimited for retail in certain jurisdictions, though capped in the UK/EU) can be a double-edged sword but signals flexibility.
* AvaTrade: AvaTrade's single Standard Account is also beginner-friendly due to its commission-free structure and intuitive proprietary platforms (AvaTradeGO, WebTrader). The higher minimum deposit compared to Exness's cent account might be a slight barrier for absolute beginners, but its strong regulatory standing and educational resources are a plus.
Verdict: Exness edges out slightly for absolute beginners due to the Standard Cent account and lower initial deposit requirements. However, AvaTrade's streamlined approach and excellent platform options are also highly commendable.
For Experienced & High-Volume Traders
* Exness: Exness truly shines for experienced and high-volume traders with its Raw Spread, Zero, and Pro accounts. These offer ultra-tight spreads, often from 0.0 pips, with either low fixed commissions or commission-free models, making them highly cost-effective for scalping, high-frequency trading, and strategies that demand precise entry and exit points. The ability to trade with high leverage (outside UK/EU) further appeals to those with robust risk management.
* AvaTrade: AvaTrade's Professional Account offers higher leverage for eligible clients but largely maintains the spread-only pricing model. While its spreads are competitive, they are generally not as tight as Exness's Raw Spread or Zero accounts. This might make it slightly less attractive for extreme high-volume, cost-sensitive strategies.
Verdict: Exness is generally the superior choice for experienced and high-volume traders seeking the absolute tightest spreads and specific execution models. AvaTrade's professional offering is solid but less specialised in its pricing structure.
For Automated & Algo Traders
* Exness: Excellent support for MT4/MT5, combined with the Raw Spread and Zero accounts, makes Exness a strong candidate for algo traders. The precise pricing and deep liquidity on these accounts are crucial for expert advisors (EAs) and automated strategies.
* AvaTrade: Also strong with MT4/MT5 support, AvaTrade is a good option for algo traders. Its robust infrastructure and various platforms (including DupliTrade and ZuluTrade for social/copy trading, which can be integrated into automated strategies) provide flexibility.
Verdict: Both are strong contenders. Exness might have a slight edge due to its ultra-tight spread accounts, which can be critical for the profitability of certain automated strategies. However, AvaTrade's broader platform ecosystem also appeals.
Our Featured Partner: Vantage
For those seeking a highly regulated broker with competitive trading conditions, consider our featured partner: Open a Vantage account
Vantage offers a robust trading environment, catering to various strategies with a focus on competitive spreads and reliable execution. With a strong commitment to client satisfaction and a broad range of trading instruments, Vantage provides a compelling option for traders in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the main difference between Exness Standard and Professional accounts?
A: Exness Standard accounts are commission-free with slightly wider but stable spreads, ideal for beginners. Professional accounts (Raw Spread, Zero, Pro) offer much tighter spreads, often from 0.0 pips, and may involve commissions, catering to experienced traders and scalpers.
Q: Can I open a professional account with AvaTrade in the UK?
A: Yes, if you meet the specific criteria set by the FCA for professional client status. This typically involves demonstrating sufficient trading activity and a certain portfolio size. Professional accounts offer higher leverage but fewer regulatory protections than retail accounts.
Q: Which broker is better for low-minimum deposits?
A: Exness generally offers lower minimum deposit options, especially with its Standard Cent account, which can be opened with as little as $1. AvaTrade's minimum deposit is typically around $100.
Q: Do both Exness and AvaTrade offer MetaTrader 4 and 5?
A: Yes, both Exness and AvaTrade widely support both MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), allowing traders to use these popular platforms for analysis and trading. Exness also offers its proprietary Exness Terminal, and AvaTrade provides AvaTradeGO and WebTrader.