The Three Accounts at a Glance
All three XM accounts are commission-free and run on MT4 and MT5, and all start at a $5 minimum deposit. The real differences are contract size and spread structure — and the per-lot rebate that follows from them:
| Account | Min. deposit | Spreads | Contract size | Forex rebate/lot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro | $5 | From 1.0 | 1,000 units | $9 |
| Standard | $5 | From 1.0 | 100,000 units | $9 |
| Ultra-Low | $5 | Lower; see live spreads on the official site | 100,000 units | $4 |
Precious metals split the same way: $26 per gold lot and $90 per silver lot on Standard and Micro; $9 per gold lot and $15 per silver lot on Ultra-Low. Energy pays $2.15 per lot across accounts; indices pay $12 per lot on Standard and Micro and $5.25 on Ultra-Low — full details on the XM rebate page.
Micro: A Training Ground for Small Balances
Micro lots are 1,000 units — one hundredth of a standard lot — so a $5 deposit still supports genuine position-size practice. Rebates are paid on nominal lots: $9 per forex lot and $26 per gold lot, identical to Standard. Trading 0.1 lots on either account earns the same $0.9 rebate. Start on Micro as a beginner and move to Standard once your typical position reliably exceeds 0.1 lots.
Standard: The Workhorse for Most Traders
Standard lots are 100,000 units — the same "standard lot" convention used by mainstream market software and EA backtests, so position sizing needs no second conversion. Spreads start at 1.0 with no commission, and the $9 per-lot forex rebate suits traders whose frequency has settled into a routine. For folding rebates into EA backtests, see how EA traders use rebates to offset costs.
Ultra-Low: Balancing Spreads Against Rebates
Ultra-Low trades lower spreads for smaller rebates: $4 per forex lot and $9 per gold lot. It is the only account of the three that saves on the spread side — your total cost equals spread outlay minus rebate income. Lower spreads make per-trade costs more predictable; rebates pay back more as volume grows. Which side wins depends on your instruments' spreads and your frequency — run your own numbers through the rebate calculator before deciding, not just one side of the ledger.
Choosing by Trading Style
Beginners with small balances pick Micro; stable sizes focused on major pairs pick Standard; spread-sensitive intraday traders compare Ultra-Low. Gold traders should weigh the two rebate tiers ($26 vs $9) against the spread gap — the conclusion is in XM gold rebates. Scalping-style strategies are the most spread-sensitive; the cost math is in scalping: spreads, commissions and rebates.
FAQ
Which account pays the biggest rebate?
Nominally Standard and Micro ($9 per forex lot), but their spreads are wider too. Total cost equals spreads minus rebates — at high frequency Ultra-Low often comes out ahead, so run your own volume through the math.
Do Micro and Standard pay the same rebate?
Yes — $9 per forex lot and $26 per gold lot on both; the difference is contract size and the applicable spread tier.
Can I switch account type after opening?
You can request an additional or changed account type in the member area; to move an existing account under us for rebates, see the XM transfer guide.
How much is the gold rebate per lot?
$26 per lot on Standard and Micro, $9 per lot on Ultra-Low, settled daily to MyWallet.
