Which Exness Broker to Choose on MT5? Account Types, Spreads & Trading Guide
A decision-tree guide to picking the right Exness account for MetaTrader 5: Standard, Standard Cent, Pro, Raw Spread and Zero compared by cost, deposit, style and risk.
Opening MetaTrader 5 with Exness is easy. Choosing which Exness account to use on MT5 is where traders waste money. Pick an account that charges commission when you trade twice a month, or a pure-spread account when you scalp thirty times a day, and the difference in costs adds up fast. ๐งญ
This page is built as a decision tree. Answer a few honest questions about your budget, your trading style and your experience, and you will land on the account that fits. At the end there are cost examples, a comparison, and a short checklist for switching later. If you prefer to look at the live options as you go, you can Pick your account type inside the Exness registration flow and compare them in the sign-up flow.
๐ณ The Decision Tree in 30 Seconds
- ๐ต Is your starting capital very small, and do you want to learn with limited exposure? โ Consider Standard Cent.
- ๐ Are you a beginner or casual trader who trades a few times a week? โ Consider Standard.
- ๐ฏ Are you an active trader who wants the tightest pricing and accepts a commission? โ Consider Raw Spread or Zero, depending on the instruments you trade.
- ๐ Are you experienced, with a larger deposit and a need for stable execution? โ Consider Pro.
- ๐งช Are you unsure? โ Start on a demo of the account type you are considering and test it for two weeks.
Account names, minimum deposits and conditions change over time and vary by country, so use this as a map and verify the figures on the official site.
๐งฉ The Five Account Types at a Glance
- ๐ข Standard: the default option for most traders. Spreads are built in, no commission, low minimum deposit and wide instrument coverage.
- ๐ช Standard Cent: trades in cent units, so lots represent much smaller exposure. Good for testing live with tiny risk.
- ๐ต Pro: aimed at experienced traders, with tight spreads and no commission on many instruments, and instant or near-instant execution on market orders as described by the company.
- โก Raw Spread: very low spreads from the start, with a fixed commission per lot per side.
- ๐๏ธ Zero: spreads from zero on a set of major instruments, with commission, and typically a larger deposit requirement.
The correct choice is the one that lowers your total cost per trade for the way you really trade, not the one with the loudest marketing.
๐ฐ Understanding Total Cost: Spread Plus Commission
Every trade has an entry cost. In a spread-only account, you pay it all through the difference between buy and sell. In a raw account, the spread is narrow and you pay a fixed commission. To compare:
Total cost per lot = spread cost + commission.
Illustration with invented numbers (check live data before using): suppose EURUSD has a 1.0-pip spread on Standard and 0.1 pip plus 7 dollars commission per lot round trip on a raw account. At about 10 dollars per pip per lot, Standard costs about 10 dollars per lot. The raw account costs about 1 dollar plus 7 dollars, about 8 dollars. In this invented example, raw is cheaper. For very small traders who place a few trades, the difference is pennies, and simplicity may matter more.
๐งฎ When the Cheaper Account Is Not the Cheaper Account
- Commission accounts need higher minimum deposits, which can tie up money.
- If you only trade at news times when raw spreads widen, the advantage shrinks.
- If you often hold trades for weeks, swap may dominate costs, not spread.
- If you trade exotic or crypto instruments, spreads differ greatly from majors.
Always test with the instruments and times you will actually trade.
๐ช Who Should Consider Standard Cent?
Cent accounts count balance in cents, so a deposit of 10 dollars shows as 1,000 cents. Trade sizes are expressed in cent lots, which represent a fraction of a standard lot. This makes risk smaller and suits:
- Complete beginners wanting a live feel with tiny exposure.
- Traders testing a strategy with real execution before scaling.
- People who want to experience emotion with money on the line, but not much money.
Limitations: it is not intended for large capital, and some features available on other accounts may differ. It is a learning tool.
๐ Who Should Consider Standard?
Standard is the all-rounder. It works well when you trade a modest number of times per week, hold positions for hours or days, and prefer a simple cost structure. The low deposit requirement suits people who prefer to start modestly. Many traders begin here and move to a different account once they know their style.
๐ต Who Should Consider Pro?
Pro is for traders who already know their strategy and want stable conditions. Because deposit requirements are higher, it makes sense when your capital supports sensible position sizing. The key benefit highlighted by the company is execution and tight spreads without commission on many instruments. Check which instruments are included and the conditions that apply, as these may vary.
โก Who Should Consider Raw Spread or Zero?
If your approach relies on small price moves and many trades, such as scalping or high-frequency tactics, commission accounts can reduce costs. Raw Spread typically offers low spreads on all instruments and a commission, while Zero offers zero spreads on a defined group of instruments for a majority of the trading day. Compare the lists and the conditions. For a benchmark of what raw pricing looks like at another broker, Check how Pepperstone's Razor account compares on raw pricing and set it next to Exness during the same session.
๐งฐ MT5 Features That Matter in Your Choice
MetaTrader 5 offers 21 timeframes, more order types than MT4, an economic calendar, a depth-of-market view, hedging and netting modes depending on the broker, and a strategy tester that supports multi-currency tests. In practice, ask yourself:
- Do I need depth of market? If yes, check that the instrument offers it.
- Will I use Expert Advisors? Then a VPS and a stable account type matter.
- Do I want to trade stocks or indices? Confirm they are available on the account.
- Will I trade during news? Look at execution rules and typical spread behaviour.
๐ How to See the Real Spread on MT5
- Open Market Watch and right-click, then choose Specification for the symbol.
- Check the contract size, minimum lot, step and swap.
- Add the Spread column in Market Watch to watch live spreads.
- Record spreads at several times of day over a week.
- Compare with another account type on a demo.
The spread you measure at your usual trading hours is more useful than any advertised average.
๐งช Cost Scenarios: Three Traders, Three Choices
Scenario A: Maria, the weekend learner
Maria trades twice a week, holds positions for a day or two, and deposits a modest amount. Her total spread cost per month is small, while the commission on a raw account would add up to the same amount. She also wants simple numbers. Best fit: Standard, perhaps starting with Cent for the first month.
Scenario B: Daniel, the London-session scalper
Daniel trades EURUSD and gold every morning, placing around twenty trades per day. At that frequency, a pip saved on each trade is a major improvement. He can fund a larger account and values low spreads. Best fit: Raw Spread or Zero, after confirming the commission and the instruments included.
Scenario C: Amira, the swing trader with a larger balance
Amira holds trades for several days, trades fewer instruments and values stable execution on a larger balance. Spread cost is a small portion of her average move. Swap matters more for her. Best fit: Standard or Pro, depending on deposit size and instrument coverage; check swap-free options if relevant for her situation.
The point is that no account is best for everyone, and that your trade frequency is the main driver.
๐น๏ธ Cent, Standard and Pro: Position Sizing Differences
On Standard accounts, one lot is 100,000 units of the base currency for forex pairs, and minimum volume is usually 0.01 lot. On Cent accounts, the lot is a hundredth in effect, so risk per trade is lower even at the same displayed volume. On Pro accounts, the structure is like Standard with different costs and conditions. Always compute risk in money, not in lots, so that switching account types does not change your discipline.
๐ Leverage and Account Type
Leverage options vary by account type, instrument and your country, and may change with equity or in volatile periods. High leverage tempts people to open big positions, but your risk comes from position size relative to your balance and stop distance. If you are a beginner, choose a leverage level that does not tempt you to over-trade, and let your risk-per-trade rule decide lot size.
โป๏ธ Can You Switch Account Types Later?
In most cases you can open additional trading accounts of a different type within the same profile without closing the first one. This allows you to test a new account type with a small deposit, compare costs, and move money gradually. Some people keep two accounts: a cent or standard account for testing new ideas, and another for their proven strategy. Keep records of the trading account numbers and platforms so you do not confuse them.
๐งพ Documents, Deposits and Withdrawals
Account type does not change the need to verify your identity. Keep your documents ready, and note that minimum deposit may vary by payment method and country. When you withdraw, you generally use the same route as your deposit. Test a small withdrawal early to know the real timing.
โ๏ธ Common Selection Mistakes
- Choosing Raw because "raw sounds professional" while trading rarely.
- Choosing Cent and expecting to build a large account quickly.
- Choosing Pro with a deposit so small that one position uses most of the margin.
- Comparing only the spread on one calm moment.
- Ignoring swap when holding positions for weeks.
- Forgetting that commissions are charged per side and per lot.
- Switching account types every week instead of improving the strategy.
๐งญ A Final Selection Checklist
- Write how many trades you place per week and how long you hold them.
- List your main instruments.
- Decide how much capital you can afford to risk.
- Measure spreads at your usual times on a demo.
- Calculate cost per round trip for two candidate accounts.
- Pick the cheaper account only if it fits your capital and temperament.
- Revisit the decision after thirty trades.
When you have a shortlist, Open the official Exness account-types page and verify the numbers and run the same test on a demo before you place any real order.
๐ Putting It All Together
The right account on MT5 depends on your trade frequency, your capital and your experience. Standard and Cent suit learners, Pro suits experienced traders with stable capital, and Raw Spread or Zero suit active traders who benefit from commission-based pricing. Verify live figures, measure costs on a demo, and avoid choosing by hype.
๐ How to Connect Your Chosen Account to MT5, Step by Step
After you create a trading account in your personal area, you will see its number, server name and a place to set the trading password. To connect:
- ๐ป Download MetaTrader 5 from the official website or the platform link shown in your personal area.
- ๐ช Install and open it, then choose File and Login to Trade Account.
- ๐ข Enter your trading account number, not your email.
- ๐ Enter the trading password you created for that specific account.
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Choose the server exactly as written, for example a name that includes the account type and a number.
- โ Tick Save password only on a private device.
- ๐ Wait for the status bar to show connection and live data.
If the login fails, the most common causes are a wrong server, a typo in the account number, or using the personal-area password instead of the trading password. Resetting the trading password from the personal area usually solves it.
๐งฑ Profiles of Each Account: Strengths and Weak Points
Standard
Strengths: simple costs, low entry barrier and broad instrument range. Weak points: spreads are not the tightest, which can matter for scalpers.
Standard Cent
Strengths: tiny risk, ideal for testing. Weak points: small scale, and the cent structure can confuse people moving later to a standard account.
Pro
Strengths: tighter pricing, designed for experienced use. Weak points: higher deposit, and the savings may not matter for a low-frequency trader.
Raw Spread
Strengths: very low spreads, and a transparent commission. Weak points: the commission is easy to forget and hurts if you trade rarely.
Zero
Strengths: zero spreads on selected instruments for most of the day, attractive for specific strategies. Weak points: not all instruments are covered, and conditions have limits.
๐งโ๐ฌ How to Run a Fair Two-Week Account Test
Create two demo accounts of the types you are considering. Define a single strategy with fixed rules and fixed size, and trade the same setups on both at the same time. Record the entry spread, any slippage, and the final profit and loss. At the end of two weeks, compute the cost difference per trade. If the difference is smaller than the noise of your results, choose the simpler account. If it is meaningful, pick the cheaper one and confirm with a small live test, since demo execution can differ from live execution.
๐ก๏ธ Risk Settings You Should Apply Whatever Account You Pick
- Set a stop-loss on every order.
- Risk a fixed small percentage per trade.
- Keep the number of simultaneous positions limited.
- Watch margin level and keep a buffer well above the stop-out level.
- Avoid holding leveraged positions through major news unless planned.
- Withdraw profit periodically to lock in gains.
These rules are more important than the account label. A well-managed Standard account will outperform a mismanaged Pro account.
๐ Practical Notes for Traders From Different Regions
Account availability, payment methods, leverage and swap-free options vary by country. A trader in one country may see different conditions from a trader in another, and some account types may not be offered everywhere. Always read the conditions shown for your country, and remember that Exness is not available in all jurisdictions.
๐ฌ What Experienced Traders Say About Choosing Accounts
Veteran traders often repeat the same advice, and it is worth passing on. First, start with the simplest structure you can understand fully. Complexity does not improve results. Second, cost control comes after risk control: saving half a pip means little if your position size is reckless. Third, do not change account types in response to a losing week, because the cause is almost always behaviour, not the account. Fourth, measure, do not assume: the best account for a friend may be wrong for you because your hours, instruments and holding times differ. Finally, keep the number of variables small. Change one thing at a time, such as account type, instrument or timeframe, so you can learn what really made a difference.
Finally, remember that the account you choose today is not permanent. Review your numbers every month: average spread paid, commission paid, swap paid and the share of total profit and loss that costs represent. If costs eat a large share of your gross result, your choice of account or your trading frequency deserves a second look, and that review costs nothing.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Which Exness account is best for beginners on MT5?
Standard or Standard Cent are common starting points because of low minimum deposits and simple costs.
Is Raw Spread better than Standard?
Not always. It can be cheaper for active traders but may not help occasional traders after commission.
Does the account type change the MT5 platform?
No. You use the same MT5 platform, but your login belongs to a specific trading account with its own conditions.
Can I have multiple accounts on MT5?
Yes. You can usually add several trading accounts under one profile, within the company's limits.
What is the minimum deposit?
It depends on the account type, payment method and country. Check the official website for current figures.
Do all instruments have the same spreads across account types?
No. Spreads and commissions differ by account type and instrument.
Should I choose Pro as soon as I can afford it?
Only if your style and size justify it. A higher deposit does not make a better trader.
Can I test account types for free?
Demo accounts let you test platform behaviour. Real spreads can differ slightly from demo, so confirm with a small live test.
๐ Safety Notes
Only download MetaTrader from official sources, never share your password or trading account details and be wary of unsolicited offers. Respect the laws of your country regarding leveraged trading and offshore brokers. If the broker does not accept clients from your country, do not attempt to bypass the restriction.
๐ฅ Your next move: pick the two accounts that look best from the decision tree, test both on demo this week, write down the cost per trade, and choose with numbers instead of hope. A smart choice now pays you back with every trade. ๐ฏ
*Educational content, not advice. Account conditions change, so confirm details with the official source.*
๐ Important: CFD Risk Warning and Disclosure
CFDs and leveraged forex are complex instruments. Because you trade on margin, a small price move against you can remove a large part of your balance quickly, and a majority of retail traders lose money when trading CFDs. Before you open or fund any account, make sure you understand how leverage, margin, swaps and stop-outs work, and only trade with money you can afford to lose. Examples in this article are illustrations, not forecasts, and past performance is not a reliable guide to future results.
Disclaimer: this article is general information and education only. It is not financial, investment, tax or legal advice, and it is not a recommendation to open an account with any provider. Broker conditions, licences, payment methods and local laws change; confirm the current position on the broker's official website, with the relevant regulator and, where needed, with a qualified adviser.
๐ Affiliate notice: we may earn a referral commission when readers open accounts via links here; your costs stay the same.