Raw Zero vs Pure Spread Account: Which Spec Markets Account Type Should You Choose?
Decide between Spec Markets' Raw Zero and Pure Spread accounts by analyzing your trading frequency and preferred pricing model for optimal savings.
Decide between Spec Markets' Raw Zero and Pure Spread accounts by analyzing your trading frequency and preferred pricing model for optimal savings.
Choosing between Raw Zero and Pure Spread accounts at Spec Markets comes down to one critical factor: your trading frequency. Both accounts deliver institutional-grade execution in 0.028 seconds with leverage up to 1000:1, but your trading style determines which pricing model saves you more money.
Raw Zero accounts start with spreads from 0.0 pips but charge $3.50 commission per lot per side. Pure Spread accounts offer spreads from 1.0 pips with zero commission. The math is straightforward — high-frequency traders benefit from Raw Zero's tight spreads, while lower-volume traders prefer Pure Spread's simplicity.
Most brokers fragment their offerings across multiple account tiers, creating confusion with Standard, Premium, VIP, and ECN variations. Spec Markets simplifies this with just two clear choices, both sharing identical core features:
The only difference is pricing structure. This clarity eliminates the guesswork that plagues competitor platforms where account types vary by minimum deposits, leverage limits, or execution quality.
Raw Zero accounts target active traders who execute multiple positions daily. With spreads starting from 0.0 pips, you pay only the commission — $3.50 per lot per side — regardless of market conditions.
Raw Zero becomes cost-effective when you trade frequently enough that commission costs stay below what you'd pay in spread markup. For EUR/USD trading, Pure Spread accounts typically show 1.0-1.5 pip spreads during active sessions. If Raw Zero's actual spread stays below 0.7 pips, you save money despite the $7 round-trip commission.
Example calculation for 1 standard lot EUR/USD:
Scalpers executing 20+ trades daily see significant savings. A trader making 100 round trips monthly on EUR/USD could save $200-500 by choosing Raw Zero over Pure Spread, assuming typical spread differentials.
Start Trading with Raw Zero Account
Pure Spread accounts suit traders who prefer predictable, all-inclusive pricing without commission calculations. You pay only the spread — starting from 1.0 pips — with no additional fees per trade.
Pure Spread accounts work better for traders who hold positions longer or trade less frequently. Without commission pressure, you can enter and exit positions based purely on market analysis rather than cost considerations.
Ideal Pure Spread scenarios:
Pure Spread also benefits traders who struggle with commission-based psychology. Some traders hesitate to close losing positions quickly when facing additional commission costs, leading to larger losses. Pure Spread eliminates this mental barrier.
FeatureRaw ZeroPure SpreadMinimum Spread0.0 pips1.0 pipsCommission$3.50/lot/side$0Round Trip CostSpread + $7Spread onlyBest Trading StyleScalping, day tradingSwing, position tradingMinimum Deposit$50$50LeverageUp to 1000:1Up to 1000:1Execution Speed0.028 seconds0.028 secondsPlatformMT5MT5
Both accounts access identical features: social trading, Weekly Trading Sprint Challenge participation, EA support, and the full range of forex, indices, commodities, metals, and cryptocurrency CFDs.
Your monthly trading volume determines which account saves more money. Here's how to calculate your optimal choice:
Raw Zero typically wins for traders executing 50+ standard lots monthly. The 0.0 pip starting spread advantage compounds across multiple trades, offsetting commission costs.
Monthly savings example:
This range requires careful calculation. Traders in this bracket should test both accounts or calculate based on their most-traded pairs during typical market sessions.
Pure Spread almost always costs less for traders executing fewer than 10 standard lots monthly. Commission costs outweigh spread savings at low volumes.
Different asset classes show varying spread characteristics that affect account choice:
Major pairs typically show the smallest spread differentials between accounts, making Raw Zero attractive for high-frequency forex trading.
Minor and exotic pairs often have wider natural spreads, reducing Raw Zero's advantage. Pure Spread may be more cost-effective for these pairs.
Index and commodity CFDs can show significant spread variations during different sessions. Raw Zero often provides better value during volatile periods when Pure Spread markups increase.
Crypto CFDs experience high volatility and wide spreads. Raw Zero's commission structure can provide more predictable costs during extreme market movements.
Gold and silver CFDs benefit from Raw Zero's tight spreads, especially during active trading sessions when precious metals show high liquidity.
Your trading approach influences which account structure aligns with your strategy:
Scalpers need the tightest possible spreads since they target small price movements. Raw Zero's 0.0 pip starting spreads provide the edge needed for profitable scalping, even with commission costs.
News traders benefit from Raw Zero's predictable commission structure. During high-impact news releases, Pure Spread markups can widen significantly, while Raw Zero commissions remain fixed.
Automated strategies often execute high-frequency trades where spread costs compound quickly. Most profitable EAs perform better on Raw Zero accounts due to reduced execution costs.
Social trading followers should consider their copied trader's frequency. If copying high-frequency traders, Raw Zero reduces overall costs. For swing trading signals, Pure Spread works fine.
Spec Markets allows traders to operate both account types simultaneously, enabling direct cost comparison. You can:
This flexibility lets you optimize costs as your trading evolves without being locked into a single pricing model.
Follow this decision framework to choose your optimal account:
Choose Raw Zero if:
Choose Pure Spread if:
Test both if:
Both Raw Zero and Pure Spread accounts start with just $50 minimum deposit and provide access to institutional-grade trading conditions. Your trades execute in 0.028 seconds with 99.9% platform uptime, backed by segregated client funds and zero cut protection.
Ready to experience spreads from 0.0 pips or commission-free trading? Open your Spec Markets account and start with the account type that matches your trading style. You can always test both options with demo accounts before committing real capital.
Risk Disclaimer: CFD trading involves significant risk of loss. Leverage can amplify both profits and losses. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Only trade with capital you can afford to lose.
