Raw/ECN vs Standard Accounts: Which Earns More Forex Cashback?
Admin · 1 October 2026
Most brokers offer at least two account families:
- Standard — no separate commission; the broker's fee is built into a wider spread.
- Raw / ECN / Pro — very tight spreads, plus a fixed commission per lot.
Rebates are calculated differently on each, so the headline rebate can be misleading. What matters is the net cost per lot after the rebate.
How each account pays you
| Standard | Raw / ECN | |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Wider (e.g. from ~1.0 pip) | Tight (e.g. from ~0.0 pip) |
| Commission | None | Fixed, e.g. $6–7 per round-turn lot |
| Typical rebate format | $ per lot or pips per lot | % of commission or $ per lot |
Figures are typical ranges for illustration; each broker page lists the actual values.
The calculation
Net cost per lot = (average spread in pips × pip value) + commission − rebate
Example — EURUSD, one standard lot, pip value $10:
| Standard | Raw | |
|---|---|---|
| Average spread | 1.1 pips → $11.00 | 0.1 pips → $1.00 |
| Commission | $0.00 | $7.00 |
| Rebate | −$4.00 | −$2.10 (30% of $7) |
| Net cost | $7.00 | $5.90 |
In this example the Raw account is cheaper even though its rebate is smaller. With a different broker, a different pair, or a wider raw spread at news times, the answer can flip — which is why you should run the numbers with your own instruments.
Rules of thumb
- Scalpers and high-frequency traders usually do best on Raw accounts: every pip of spread matters when you trade often.
- Swing traders who trade less often may prefer Standard for simplicity; the rebate still lowers cost.
- Gold and indices can have very different costs from FX. Check the instrument-level rebate table on the broker page — see rebates for gold traders.
Where to find the numbers
Every broker page lists spread, commission and rebate per account type. Put two candidates side by side in compare, and estimate your monthly total with the rebate calculator.