XM offers five main XM account types in 2026: Micro, Standard, Ultra Low Micro, Ultra Low Standard, and Shares. Each account targets a different kind of trader, with minimum deposits starting from $5 (Micro and Standard; $50 for Ultra Low) and spreads starting from 0.6 pips on the tightest accounts. This guide breaks down every specification, compares the accounts side by side, and explains which one fits your trading profile and deposit size. Verified June 2026.
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Risk warning: Forex and CFD trading carries significant risk. The majority of retail trader accounts lose money. You should not trade with money you cannot afford to lose.
Availability note: XM operates under multiple regulatory entities including CySEC (Cyprus), ASIC (Australia), Belize FSC, DFSA (Dubai), and FSCA (South Africa). Account features, leverage limits, and bonus eligibility vary by entity. Bonus programs are not available to clients in the EU, UK, Australia, or the US. This article applies primarily to traders in eligible regions including Nigeria, South Africa, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
XM Account Types Comparison Table
The table below compares all five XM account types across the specifications that matter most: minimum deposit, spreads, leverage, lot sizes, and platform availability.
| Feature | Micro | Standard | Ultra Low Micro | Ultra Low Standard | Shares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min. Deposit | $5 | $5 | $50 | $50 | $5 |
| Spreads From | 1.0 pip | 1.0 pip | 0.6 pip | 0.6 pip | Variable |
| Commission | None | None | None | None | Per-share |
| Contract Size | 1,000 units | 100,000 units | 1,000 units | 100,000 units | 1 share |
| Min. Trade Size | 0.01 lots (MT4) / 0.1 lots (MT5) | 0.01 lots | 0.01 lots (MT4) / 0.1 lots (MT5) | 0.01 lots | Check broker website for current details |
| Max. Leverage | Up to 1:1000 | Up to 1:1000 | Up to 1:1000 | Up to 1:1000 | 1:1000 |
| Max. Open Positions | 200 | 200 | Check broker website for current details | Check broker website for current details | Check broker website for current details |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 | MT4, MT5 | MT4, MT5 | MT4, MT5 | MT5 only |
| Swap-Free Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Bonus Eligible | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Base Currencies | Multiple (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.) | Multiple | Multiple | Multiple | Check broker website for current details |
Source: XM account specifications. Leverage varies by regulatory entity and instrument. Traders under XM Global (Belize FSC) may access higher leverage than CySEC or DFSA clients. Always confirm exact leverage available for your specific entity.
For a full breakdown of deposit requirements, see our XM minimum deposit guide. For the complete XM broker review, including regulation, platforms, and overall rating, visit our dedicated review page. If you are primarily comparing XM against other brokers, our broker comparison page puts the key numbers side by side.
XM Account Types Explained
Micro Account
The XM Micro account is built for beginners and traders who want the smallest possible position sizes. One lot on this account equals 1,000 units of the base currency, so a 1-pip movement on EUR/USD is worth roughly $0.10 per lot.
Key specifications:
- Minimum deposit: $5
- Contract size: 1,000 units per lot
- Spreads: From 1.0 pip, commission-free
- Leverage: Up to 1:1000 (entity-dependent)
- Minimum trade: 0.01 lots on MT4 (10 units), 0.1 lots on MT5 (100 units)
- Maximum open/pending orders: 200
- Platforms: MT4 and MT5
The Micro account is the best starting point for traders depositing between $5 and $100. The small contract size allows proper risk management even on minimal capital. If you deposit $50, for example, you can open multiple micro positions while keeping each trade below 2% of your account.
This account is eligible for XM’s deposit bonus program, which makes it a popular choice for traders who want to combine a low deposit with bonus margin. Details on the bonus structure are on our XM bonus page.
Standard Account
The XM Standard account is the broker’s most widely used account type. It uses standard lots (100,000 units per lot) and carries the same 1.0-pip starting spread as the Micro account, with no commissions.
Key specifications:
- Minimum deposit: $5
- Contract size: 100,000 units per lot
- Spreads: From 1.0 pip, commission-free
- Leverage: Up to 1:1000 (entity-dependent)
- Minimum trade: 0.01 lots (1,000 units)
- Maximum open/pending orders: 200
- Platforms: MT4 and MT5
Despite the $5 minimum deposit, trading effectively on the Standard account requires more capital because the lot sizes are 100 times larger than the Micro account. A 0.01-lot trade on Standard equals 1,000 units, the same as 1 full lot on Micro. Traders who are comfortable managing standard-sized positions and typically deposit $200 or more gravitate toward this account.
Like the Micro account, the Standard account is bonus eligible. If you plan to take advantage of XM’s deposit bonus, this account qualifies. Read the deposit bonus terms explained to understand how bonus volume requirements work before opting in.
Ultra Low Micro Account
The Ultra Low Micro account combines the smaller lot size of the Micro account (1,000 units per lot) with tighter spreads starting from 0.6 pips instead of 1.0 pip. The tradeoff is a higher minimum deposit of $50.
Key specifications:
- Minimum deposit: $50
- Contract size: 1,000 units per lot
- Spreads: From 0.6 pip, commission-free
- Leverage: Up to 1:1000 (entity-dependent)
- Minimum trade: 0.01 lots on MT4, 0.1 lots on MT5
- Platforms: MT4 and MT5
This account suits traders who want to keep position sizes small but pay less per trade. The 0.4-pip difference between 1.0 and 0.6 pips matters over hundreds of trades. Scalpers and high-frequency traders operating on micro lot sizes often prefer this option.
Important: Ultra Low accounts are not eligible for XM’s deposit bonus program. If you plan to claim a deposit bonus, you must use the Micro or Standard account instead. The bonus terms specifically exclude Ultra Low and Shares accounts.
Ultra Low Standard Account
The Ultra Low Standard account pairs full-size lots (100,000 units) with the same tight spreads from 0.6 pips. It requires the same $50 minimum deposit as the Ultra Low Micro.
Key specifications:
- Minimum deposit: $50
- Contract size: 100,000 units per lot
- Spreads: From 0.6 pip, commission-free
- Leverage: Up to 1:1000 (entity-dependent)
- Minimum trade: 0.01 lots (1,000 units)
- Platforms: MT4 and MT5
This is the XM account type optimized for experienced traders who want the lowest possible spreads without paying separate commissions. Unlike ECN-style accounts from other brokers that charge per-lot commissions on top of raw spreads, XM’s Ultra Low Standard bundles the cost into a single tight spread.
Traders who are past the learning curve and consistently trade standard lot sizes will find the Ultra Low Standard offers the lowest all-in cost at XM. If you are comparing cost structures across brokers, our XM vs Exness comparison breaks down trading costs in detail.
Like the Ultra Low Micro, this account is not bonus eligible.
Shares Account
The XM Shares account is a specialized account for trading actual share CFDs on MT5. Instead of lot-based forex trading, this account prices positions per share using real stock market data.
Key specifications:
- Minimum deposit: $5
- Contract size: 1 share
- Spreads: Variable, depends on underlying stock
- Leverage: 1:1000
- Platform: MT5 only
- Commission: Per-share commission applies
The Shares account is separate from XM’s forex and CFD accounts. It is not eligible for deposit bonuses and is designed for traders specifically interested in stock CFDs. Most forex-focused traders will not use this account type.
How XM Account Types Differ on Spreads
Spreads are the primary cost difference between XM’s account tiers. The gap between 1.0 pip and 0.6 pip may seem small, but it compounds significantly over time. For a deeper breakdown of spread costs across all XM instruments, see our XM spreads guide.
Cost example on EUR/USD (per standard lot):
| Spread | Cost Per Trade | Cost Per 100 Trades | Cost Per 1,000 Trades |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 pip (Micro/Standard) | $10.00 | $1,000 | $10,000 |
| 0.6 pip (Ultra Low) | $6.00 | $600 | $6,000 |
| Savings with Ultra Low | $4.00 | $400 | $4,000 |
Calculations based on EUR/USD minimum spreads for illustration. Actual spreads fluctuate based on market conditions. Micro account costs are proportionally smaller due to 1,000-unit lot size.
For traders placing 100 or more trades per month, the Ultra Low accounts save $400 per month in spread costs on standard lots. That number makes the $50 minimum deposit requirement a minimal barrier for active traders.
If spread costs are your top priority, also consider how XM compares to ECN-style brokers. Some competitors like Tickmill or RoboForex offer raw spread accounts with per-lot commissions that can be lower than XM’s Ultra Low for very high-volume trading. Our broker directory covers these alternatives.
Which XM Account Type Should You Choose?
The right XM account type depends on three factors: your deposit size, your trading frequency, and whether you plan to claim a bonus.
Choose Micro if:
- You are depositing less than $100
- You are a beginner learning position sizing and risk management
- You want to test XM’s execution with minimal capital
- You plan to claim XM’s deposit bonus
Choose Standard if:
- You are depositing $200 or more
- You are comfortable with standard lot calculations (1 pip = ~$10 per lot)
- You want bonus eligibility with full-size positions
- You trade a moderate number of positions per week
Choose Ultra Low (Micro or Standard) if:
- You are depositing $50 or more
- You prioritize lower spreads over bonus eligibility
- You are an active or high-frequency trader
- You scalp or trade strategies sensitive to spread costs
Choose Shares if:
- You specifically want to trade stock CFDs on MT5
- Forex trading is not your primary activity
Most beginner traders in emerging markets should start with the Micro account. It has the lowest barrier to entry ($5), supports the smallest position sizes, and qualifies for the deposit bonus program. As your account grows and your strategy matures, you can open additional accounts in the XM Members Area and allocate funds to Ultra Low for lower-cost trading.
XM allows you to hold multiple live accounts under one profile. You do not have to choose a single account type permanently. Many traders keep a Micro account for bonus trading and an Ultra Low account for their primary strategy.
XM Account Types and Bonus Eligibility
Bonus eligibility is a deciding factor for many traders, so this section clarifies exactly which accounts qualify for XM’s promotional programs.
| Program | Micro | Standard | Ultra Low | Shares |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30 No-Deposit Bonus | Not confirmed per account type — check XM’s current terms | Not confirmed per account type — check XM’s current terms | Not confirmed per account type — check XM’s current terms | No |
| Deposit Bonus (50% + 20%) | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| XM Loyalty Program (XMP) | Check broker website for current details | Check broker website for current details | Check broker website for current details | No |
Bonus availability depends on your regulatory entity. Clients under CySEC (EU), ASIC (Australia), DFSA (Dubai), FCA (UK), and US regulation are not eligible for any bonus programs. Always confirm eligibility on XM’s promotions page for your region.
If claiming the deposit bonus is part of your plan, you must use a Micro or Standard account. The deposit bonus offers a 50% match up to $500 on the first deposit, then 20% on subsequent deposits up to $4,500 more, for a total potential bonus of $5,000. The bonus credit is non-withdrawable, but profits earned while trading with the bonus are withdrawable. Zero and Ultra Low accounts are explicitly excluded from this program.
For full details on bonus terms including volume requirements and withdrawal rules, visit our XM bonus page.
XM Account Features Common to All Types
Regardless of which account you choose, all XM accounts share these features:
- Platforms: MT4 and MT5 (desktop, web, mobile). Shares account is MT5 only.
- Execution: Market execution on all account types. No re-quotes.
- Negative balance protection: XM applies negative balance protection, meaning your account cannot go below zero.
- Swap-free option: Available on Micro, Standard, and Ultra Low accounts for traders in countries where swap charges are not permitted. Not available on Shares accounts.
- Deposit and withdrawal fees: XM charges no fees on deposits or withdrawals. Third-party provider fees may still apply.
- Base currencies: XM supports multiple base currencies including USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF, AUD, HUF, PLN, SGD, and ZAR. For emerging-market traders, USD is typically the most practical choice. South African traders benefit from the ZAR option.
- Customer support: 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone.
- Regulation: XM operates under CySEC (Cyprus), Belize FSC (XM Global), DFSA (Dubai), ASIC (Australia), and FSCA (South Africa). Your regulatory entity depends on your country of residence.
For details on how to fund any XM account type, see our XM minimum deposit guide. For the withdrawal process, see our XM withdrawal guide.
How XM Accounts Compare to Other Brokers
XM’s account structure is not unique. Most major brokers offer tiered accounts. Here is how XM’s lineup compares to alternatives popular in the same emerging markets.
| Broker | Beginner Account | Min. Deposit | Tightest Spread | Commission Model | Bonus Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XM | Micro | $5 | 0.6 pip (Ultra Low) | Spread only | Yes (Micro/Standard) |
| Exness | Standard Cent | $10 | 0.0 pip (Raw Spread) | From $3.50/lot | No (Exness states it offers no bonuses) |
| FBS | Cent | $5 | From 0.7 pips | Spread only | Yes |
| HFM | Cent | $5 | Check broker site | Spread only | Yes |
| RoboForex | ProCent | $10 | 0.0 pip (ECN) | From $20/M lots | Yes |
| InstaForex | Standard | $1 | Check broker website for current details | Check broker website for current details | Yes |
Data from the forex-bonus.com Broker Matrix, verified June 2026. See our broker comparison page for full side-by-side analysis.
XM stands out for combining a $5 minimum deposit with commission-free accounts. The Ultra Low accounts at 0.6 pips are competitive, though brokers like Exness and RoboForex offer raw spread accounts that may be cheaper for very high-volume traders. XM’s main advantage is its commission-free structure across all account types, which simplifies cost calculations for newer traders.
If you are specifically comparing XM and Exness, our detailed XM vs Exness comparison covers account types, spreads, and withdrawal processes side by side. For a broader view, the best forex broker for beginners guide ranks XM against other beginner-friendly options.
XM Account Types FAQ
What are the different XM account types available in 2026?
XM offers five account types: Micro, Standard, Ultra Low Micro, Ultra Low Standard, and Shares. The Micro and Standard accounts start at $5 minimum deposit with spreads from 1.0 pip. The Ultra Low accounts require $50 minimum with tighter spreads from 0.6 pip. The Shares account is for stock CFD trading on MT5 only.
Which XM account type is best for beginners?
The XM Micro account is the best option for beginners. It has the lowest minimum deposit at $5, uses 1,000-unit lots (keeping position sizes small), and qualifies for the deposit bonus program. The small lot size means a 1-pip move costs roughly $0.10 per lot, allowing new traders to learn without significant financial exposure.
Can I have multiple XM account types at the same time?
Yes. XM allows you to open and manage multiple live accounts under one profile through the XM Members Area. Many traders keep a Micro or Standard account for bonus-eligible trading and a separate Ultra Low account for their primary strategy where lower spreads matter more.
What is the difference between XM Ultra Low and Standard accounts?
The main differences are minimum deposit and spreads. The Standard account requires $5 minimum with spreads from 1.0 pip. The Ultra Low Standard requires $50 minimum with spreads from 0.6 pip. Both use 100,000-unit lots with no commissions. The Ultra Low account is not eligible for deposit bonuses, while the Standard account is.
Are all XM account types eligible for bonuses?
No. Only the Micro and Standard accounts are eligible for XM’s deposit bonus program. Ultra Low (both Micro and Standard variants) and Shares accounts are explicitly excluded from the bonus. Swap-free versions of eligible accounts may also have restrictions. Bonus programs are not available in the EU, UK, Australia, or the US regardless of account type.
Can I switch my XM account type after opening it?
You cannot change the type of an existing XM account. However, XM allows you to open multiple live accounts under one profile through the XM Members Area. If you started with a Micro account and want to move to Ultra Low, open a new Ultra Low account, then transfer funds between accounts using the internal transfer feature. This means you do not have to close your original account or go through registration again.
Does XM offer an ECN or raw spread account?
No. XM does not offer a dedicated ECN or raw-spread account with per-lot commissions. All XM account types use a spread-only pricing model with zero commission. The tightest spreads available at XM are on the Ultra Low accounts, starting from 0.6 pips. If you specifically need raw spreads from 0.0 pips with a separate commission, brokers like Exness (Raw Spread account) or FBS (ECN account) offer that model. See our broker comparison page for side-by-side analysis.
Is there a maximum number of XM accounts I can hold?
XM allows you to open multiple live trading accounts under a single client profile. The exact limit on concurrent accounts may vary by entity. Most traders use two to three accounts — for example, a Micro or Standard account for bonus-eligible trading and an Ultra Low account for their primary strategy with lower spreads. You can manage all accounts, transfer funds between them, and monitor performance from the XM Members Area dashboard.
This guide was last verified on June 3, 2026. XM may update account specifications, spreads, and bonus eligibility at any time. Always confirm current conditions on XM’s official website before opening an account. forex-bonus.com is an independent review site and is not affiliated with XM.