Raw Trading Ltd Account Types & How to Open

When we set out to review the account structure of Raw Trading Ltd, the entity behind the IC Markets brand on the icmarkets.sc domain, we found a broker that is clearly built for active, high-volume traders. The official website lists five distinct account types, each tailored to a different execution style and cost preference. In FXCanary's assessment, the common thread across all of them is a focus on raw pricing, low latency, and deep liquidity — the hallmarks of an ECN-style broker rather than a market maker.

It is important to note that our records show Raw Trading Ltd is registered in Seychelles and holds a single licence from the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Seychelles as a Securities Dealer, licence, status Licensed. This is an offshore licence with light oversight, which we discuss in more detail in the risk section below. The account types themselves are clearly presented on the broker's website, and we have cross-checked the details against the official pages where possible. However, as with many offshore brokers, some specifics — such as minimum deposit amounts and exact leverage per account — are not fully disclosed on the public pages we reviewed, and we flag those gaps where they exist.

The two newest account types, Raw Pro+ and Raw Pro, are positioned as the premium raw-pricing options. According to the official account overview page, both are available on MetaTrader, with spreads from 0.0 pips. The key difference lies in the commission structure: Raw Pro+ charges $1.0 per lot per side, while Raw Pro charges $1.5 per lot per side. In practical terms, this means Raw Pro+ is the cheaper option for high-frequency traders who generate large volumes, as the lower commission can significantly reduce overall trading costs over time.

For a scalper or an algorithmic trader executing dozens of trades a day, the difference between $1.0 and $1.5 per lot per side can add up quickly. Our view is that Raw Pro+ is aimed squarely at professionals who prioritise the lowest possible all-in cost, while Raw Pro offers a slightly higher commission but may come with different execution characteristics or minimum volume requirements that are not fully disclosed. We could not find explicit information on minimum deposits for these accounts, so we recommend that traders confirm this directly with the broker before opening an account.

The Raw Spread account is the broker's flagship offering and comes in two platform variants. On MetaTrader, the commission is $3.5 per lot per side, with spreads from 0.0 pips. On cTrader (and TradingView), the commission is $3.0 per USD 100,000 traded, with spreads also from 0.0 pips. The cTrader version is slightly cheaper in commission terms, but the difference is marginal for most traders. Both versions are designed for those who want the tightest possible spreads and are willing to pay a transparent commission instead of a markup.

This account type is best suited to day traders, scalpers, and expert advisor users who value execution speed and low spreads over simplicity. The broker's website claims an average execution speed of under 40ms, which, if accurate, is competitive. However, we note that these are the broker's own claims and we have not independently verified them. The Raw Spread account is the most popular choice according to the website, and it is easy to see why: the combination of 0.0 pip spreads and a clear commission model appeals to traders who want to know exactly what they are paying.

For traders who prefer a simpler cost structure, the Standard account on MetaTrader offers no commission, with spreads starting from 0.08 pips according to the broker's forex trading page. This is a classic spread-only model, where the broker's compensation is built into the spread. The Standard account is likely to appeal to newer traders or those who trade less frequently, as the lack of commission makes it easier to calculate costs in advance.

However, it is important to understand that a spread-only account can be more expensive in the long run for high-volume traders, because the spread is typically wider than on raw accounts. The 0.08 pip minimum spread is competitive, but the actual spread will vary depending on market conditions. In our assessment, the Standard account is a sensible entry point for retail traders who are just starting out, but active traders will almost certainly find the raw accounts more cost-effective once they factor in the commission.

Raw Trading Ltd offers trading on MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and TradingView, covering the most popular platforms in the industry. The MetaTrader platforms are the default choice for most forex traders, offering a wide range of indicators, automated trading capabilities, and a large community. cTrader is favoured by many professional traders for its advanced charting and order management features, while TradingView is known for its powerful charting tools and social trading features.

The broker's website highlights low-latency connectivity, with servers located in the Equinix NY4 data center in New York for MetaTrader, and we have seen references to LD5 in London for other platforms. This is a positive sign for traders who require fast execution, as proximity to the exchange servers can reduce slippage and improve fill rates. However, we could not verify the exact server locations for all account types, so this should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

The broker's website mentions leverage up to 1:1000 on forex products, which is a high ratio that can amplify both gains and losses. While such leverage is common among offshore brokers, it carries significant risk, especially for retail traders who may not fully understand the implications. In FXCanary's assessment, a leverage of 1:1000 is suitable only for experienced traders who have a robust risk management strategy in place.

It is also worth noting that the regulatory environment in Seychelles does not impose the same leverage caps as, for example, ESMA in Europe or ASIC in Australia. This means that traders who open accounts with Raw Trading Ltd will not benefit from the negative balance protection or leverage limits that are mandatory in more stringent jurisdictions. We strongly advise traders to consider their own risk tolerance and to use leverage conservatively, particularly given the offshore nature of the entity.

One of the gaps we encountered in our review is the lack of clear information on minimum deposits. The official website does not prominently display a minimum deposit figure for the various account types, and our records do not include this detail. This is not unusual for offshore brokers, but it is a point of caution for traders who are comparing costs across brokers.

We also found no detailed information on funding methods, such as bank transfers, credit cards, or e-wallets, on the pages we reviewed. The broker's website mentions a 'Deposit Bonus' in the trading conditions page, but the terms and conditions of this bonus are not detailed. In our view, traders should contact the broker directly to obtain precise information on minimum deposits, funding options, and any fees associated with deposits or withdrawals before committing funds.

The account opening process at Raw Trading Ltd appears to be fully online, as is standard for forex brokers. Traders are typically required to provide personal information, proof of identity, and proof of address, and to complete a suitability questionnaire. The broker's website offers a 'Try a Free Demo' option, which suggests that demo accounts are available for all account types, allowing traders to test the platforms and trading conditions without risking real money.

We could not verify the exact steps or the time required for account approval, as this information is not published on the public pages we reviewed. However, based on our experience with similar brokers, the process is usually straightforward and can be completed within a few business days. We recommend that traders have their documents ready and ensure that they meet the broker's eligibility criteria, which may include restrictions for residents of certain countries such as the US, Canada, and New Zealand, as noted in third-party reviews.

In FXCanary's assessment, Raw Trading Ltd offers a well-designed range of account types that cater to different trading styles, from the cost-conscious scalper to the new retail trader. The raw spread accounts are competitive, with 0.0 pip spreads and transparent commissions, and the availability of multiple platforms is a plus. However, the lack of clear information on minimum deposits and funding methods is a drawback, and the offshore regulatory status in Seychelles is a significant consideration.

We would advise traders to weigh the benefits of low spreads and fast execution against the risks of trading with an offshore entity that is not subject to the same oversight as brokers in major financial centres. The broker's own claims about execution speed and liquidity should be taken with a degree of caution, as we have not independently verified them. Ultimately, the account offering is solid, but the regulatory environment and information gaps mean that traders should proceed with due diligence and only risk capital they can afford to lose.