Spec Markets Review 2026: Raw Zero vs Pure Spread Account — Which Should You Choose?
Compare Spec Markets' Raw Zero and Pure Spread accounts to find the best cost-effective structure for your specific forex and CFD trading style.
Compare Spec Markets' Raw Zero and Pure Spread accounts to find the best cost-effective structure for your specific forex and CFD trading style.
If you've been shopping for a raw zero account forex broker in 2026, you already know the problem: every broker looks the same on paper. MT5, raw spreads, high leverage — it's the same checklist, repeated everywhere. What actually matters is whether the account structure fits how you trade.
Spec Markets cuts through that noise with two accounts and no hidden tiers. No fragmented sub-accounts split across entities, no six-option menu that requires a spreadsheet to decode. This review breaks down exactly what Raw Zero and Pure Spread offer, what each one costs under real trading conditions, and which one makes sense for your style.
Spec Markets is a regulated CFD and forex broker built on MetaTrader 5. From a single MT5 account, you can trade forex, indices, commodities, metals, and cryptocurrencies.
A few numbers worth knowing before we get into the accounts:
Client funds are held in segregated accounts at top-tier banks. Regulated status isn't a footnote here — it's central to how the broker operates.
The Raw Zero account is designed for traders who want the tightest possible spreads and are comfortable paying a fixed commission per trade.
Key specs:
With 15+ top-tier liquidity providers behind it, the Raw Zero account passes near-institutional pricing directly to you. On major pairs like EUR/USD, spreads regularly sit at or near 0.0 pips during active sessions.
This is the account most active traders have in mind when they search for a raw zero account forex option. The spread is as tight as it gets — the commission is the trade-off.
The Pure Spread account drops the per-lot commission entirely. The cost is built into a wider spread instead.
Key specs:
Everything else — platform, execution speed, leverage, safety features — is identical to the Raw Zero account. The only real difference is how you pay for the spread.
| Feature | Raw Zero | Pure Spread |
|---|---|---|
| Spreads | From 0.0 pips | From 1.0 pips |
| Commission | $3.50/lot/side | None |
| Minimum Deposit | $50 | $50 |
| Leverage | Up to 1000:1 | Up to 1000:1 |
| Platform | MT5 | MT5 |
| EA Support | Yes | Yes |
| Zero Cut System | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Scalpers, day traders | Swing & long-term traders |
Both accounts are available at specmarkets.com/en-us/accounts/overview/.
This is where the decision actually gets made — and the math depends entirely on how many lots you trade.
Raw Zero cost per round-turn trade:
Pure Spread cost per round-turn trade:
At a 1.0 pip spread, Pure Spread costs roughly $3 more per round-turn standard lot. That gap compounds fast at volume.
Example — 50 trades per week at 1 standard lot each:
That's a $150 weekly difference — around $7,800 per year — from account type alone.
For scalpers and day traders running high volume, Raw Zero wins on cost. For traders placing fewer, larger trades where the per-lot commission is less significant, Pure Spread keeps things simpler.
Live spread data is available at specmarkets.com/en-us/trading/spreads/ and commission details at specmarkets.com/en-us/trading/commissions/.
The Raw Zero account makes sense if:
Raw Zero is the natural fit for the trader Spec Markets is built for: cost-conscious, high-frequency, running MT5 with EAs.
Pure Spread is the better fit if:
Pure Spread also suits traders already factoring in swap rates on overnight positions. Current rates are at specmarkets.com/en-us/trading/swap-rates/.
The account choice matters, but it's not the whole picture. Here's what you get regardless of which account you open.
0.028 seconds average execution. 99.9% uptime. No requotes. No rejections. For scalpers, this is just as important as the spread — a 0.0 pip spread means nothing if your order fills two seconds late.
The Zero Cut System is Spec Markets' negative balance protection. If a position moves against you and your balance approaches zero, the system closes your positions before you go into debt. When you're trading with leverage up to 1000:1, that protection matters.
Social trading lets you copy top-performing traders or share your own strategy with others. If you're building a track record, it's worth paying attention to.
The Trading Sprint Challenge runs weekly with a $1,100 prize pool across a 10-week format. Rankings are based on return percentage — skill-based, not luck-based. Most raw zero account forex brokers don't offer anything close to this. It's built around trader progression and recognition, not a promotional gimmick.
The Rewards Program adds another layer of value for active traders. Check the current details on-site for eligibility and tier structure.
| Broker | Raw Spread Account | Commission (round turn) | Min Deposit | Weekly Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spec Markets | From 0.0 pips | $7.00/lot | $50 | Yes — $1,100 pool |
| IC Markets | From 0.0 pips | ~$7.00/lot | $200 | No |
| Pepperstone | From 0.0 pips | ~$7.00/lot | $200 | No |
| FP Markets | From 0.0 pips | ~$6.00/lot | $100 | No |
| Exness | From 0.0 pips | Variable | $10 | No |
| Vantage Markets | From 0.0 pips | ~$6.00/lot | $50 | No |
Note: Competitor figures are based on publicly available 2026 information and may vary. Always verify directly with each broker.
On raw execution pricing, Spec Markets sits with the top tier. Where it pulls ahead: a $50 minimum deposit that undercuts IC Markets, Pepperstone, and FP Markets; a weekly cash competition none of them offer; and a two-account structure that removes the confusion of picking from five or six account types.
What is a raw zero account in forex trading?
A raw zero account gives you direct access to interbank spreads, often starting at 0.0 pips on major pairs. Instead of a marked-up spread, you pay a fixed commission per lot. Spec Markets' Raw Zero account charges $3.50 per lot per side, with spreads from 0.0 pips.
Is the Raw Zero account better than the Pure Spread account?
It depends on your trading volume and style. High-frequency traders and scalpers generally save money with Raw Zero because the fixed commission per lot is lower than the cost of a 1.0 pip spread at high volume. Swing traders and lower-frequency traders often prefer Pure Spread for its simpler, commission-free structure.
What is the minimum deposit for a Spec Markets account?
Both the Raw Zero and Pure Spread accounts require a minimum deposit of $50.
Does Spec Markets support Expert Advisors (EAs)?
Yes. Both account types support full EA and algorithmic trading on MetaTrader 5, with no restrictions on automated strategies.
What is the Zero Cut System?
The Zero Cut System is Spec Markets' negative balance protection. It automatically closes open positions if your account balance approaches zero, preventing losses beyond your deposited funds. It applies to both account types.
Can I switch between Raw Zero and Pure Spread accounts?
You can open multiple accounts with Spec Markets. For specific account management questions, contact the support team at specmarkets.com/en-us/about/contact/.
What is the Trading Sprint Challenge?
A weekly competition with a $1,100 prize pool running across a 10-week format. Rankings are based on return percentage, making it skill-based. Both Raw Zero and Pure Spread account holders can participate.
For most active traders running high volume — scalpers, day traders, EA operators — Raw Zero is the clear call. Spreads from 0.0 pips with a $7.00 round-turn commission will cost less per lot than any spread-inclusive account at comparable frequency.
If you trade less often, hold positions longer, or just want one clean number to track, Pure Spread removes the commission variable entirely.
Either way, the $50 minimum deposit, 0.028-second execution, and Zero Cut System come with both accounts. You're not giving anything up on the infrastructure side by choosing one over the other.
Start with the account that matches how you trade now. You can always open a second account as your approach evolves.
Open a Raw Zero or Pure Spread account at specmarkets.com.
Risk disclaimer: CFD trading involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all traders. Leverage up to 1000:1 can amplify both profits and losses. You may lose more than your initial deposit if negative balance protection does not apply in your jurisdiction. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Ensure you fully understand the risks before trading.
