XM Account Types – Standard, Micro, Ultra Low & Shares
XM offers several account types to serve different groups of traders – from beginners with small balances to experienced participants or stock-focused investors. Understanding each account type, its fee structure and key risks helps you choose the right “frame” from day one instead of having to switch multiple times later.
XM’s main account families
At the “family” level, XM usually groups accounts into a few core categories. Names and exact details can vary slightly between legal entities, but the overall logic is similar. You should always cross-check with the latest information on XM’s website and inside the Members Area before making decisions.
Standard Account
The go-to choice for a large share of traders. It offers low minimum deposits, broad product coverage (forex, indices, precious metals, energies, commodities, stock CFDs, and more) and a straightforward fee structure, often with no separate commission on many products.
Micro Account
A Standard-style account with smaller contract sizes, making risk easier to manage with a modest balance. It suits traders transitioning from Demo to Real or those who want to test several strategies in parallel with a small allocation for each one.
Ultra Low Account
An account type that further optimises for spreads, aimed at scalpers, day traders and systems that are highly sensitive to trading costs. In return, the way it interacts with bonuses/loyalty programmes and the exact fee structure may differ from Standard and Micro.
Shares Account
A dedicated account for stocks, with higher entry capital and clearly different trading conditions. It is designed for investors who prioritise shares and accept tighter regulatory and margin frameworks compared with typical leveraged CFDs.
Demo Account
A practice account funded with virtual money and no real capital at risk. It allows you to get used to XM platforms, test strategies and understand how spreads and margin work before moving to a live account.
Islamic / Swap-free option
An additional mode available to eligible clients. Instead of a completely separate account name, swap-free treatment is often applied to selected existing account types, with its own administrative fee structure for certain instruments.
Note: Figures for spreads, minimum deposits, leverage and product lists can vary across XM entities and change over time. Always verify directly on the XM website for your country of residence.
Standard vs Micro vs Ultra Low – where should you start?
These three account families are like three “modes” running on the same XM infrastructure. Instead of only comparing one spread or leverage figure, focus on how each account fits your trading style and account size.
Standard Account
A solid starting point for many new and intermediate traders. Standard typically offers:
- Low minimum deposits (often from a few USD or equivalent, depending on the entity).
- Flexible access to a broad product range.
- A simple fee structure – many products without a separate commission line.
- Eligibility for XM bonuses/loyalty programmes where available.
If you are not yet sure about your long-term trading style or do not want to “over-optimise” too early, a Standard account is a balanced, low-friction choice.
Micro Account
Micro accounts keep the core logic of Standard but shrink contract size so that:
- Risk per trade is easier to manage with a smaller account.
- Pip value is lower, which reduces emotional pressure.
- You can test strategies outside Demo with real money but very small position sizes.
Micro is a good fit when you are stepping up from Demo to Real or splitting capital across several strategies while keeping each risk unit modest.
Ultra Low Account
Ultra Low accounts are built for systems that care deeply about entry/exit costs:
- Lower spreads on selected instruments compared with Standard/Micro.
- A natural fit for scalpers, day traders and higher-frequency strategies.
- A fee, commission and bonus/loyalty profile that may differ from other accounts.
Before choosing Ultra Low, take time to read the specific Terms & Conditions for this account type and any bonus/loyalty programmes you are considering on the XM website.
Risk warning: Choosing an account type does not change the fundamental risks of CFD trading. High leverage can boost gains, but it also increases losses. Always size your positions in line with a personal risk management plan that you understand and can sustain.
Demo & Islamic / Swap-free – supporting modes
Demo Account
The Demo account lets you trade in simulated market conditions with virtual funds. It is a good environment to:
- Learn the MT4/MT5 platforms or the XM App.
- Test basic strategies, expert advisors and indicators.
- Explore different product groups before committing real capital.
Demo cannot fully reproduce the emotions involved in risking your own money, so a logical next step is a Real account with very small position sizes.
Islamic / Swap-free option
In many cases, Islamic or Swap-free status is offered as an option layered onto Standard, Micro or other eligible account types, rather than as a completely separate account label.
Overnight swaps may be replaced by alternative administrative charges on certain instruments or after a number of days. XM explains these details in its official Islamic/swap-free documentation.
How to enable & verify
If you are interested in Islamic/swap-free treatment, you should:
- Read the Islamic / Swap-free section for the XM entity serving your country.
- Log in to the Members Area to see which options are available on your account.
- Contact XM’s support team if anything about fees or conditions is unclear.
Leverage, margin & risk management by account type
The account name is not the only factor that determines your maximum leverage. XM’s leverage caps are usually driven by the entity you trade under, regional regulation, the product group and, in some cases, the overall risk profile of your account.
What drives your leverage limits
Maximum leverage is usually set based on:
- The XM entity that serves your country of residence.
- The regulatory framework in that region (for example, EU or AU caps).
- The product group: major FX, minor FX, gold, indices, stock CFDs, and so on.
How to think wisely about leverage
High leverage is not automatically “better”. Instead of asking “What is the maximum X on this account?”, it is often more useful to focus on:
- Risk per trade (as a % of equity and distance to the stop).
- The largest drawdown you’re willing to tolerate.
- A realistic capital and return plan, not just theoretical peaks.
Where to find official numbers
Detailed leverage and margin tables for each XM entity are published on the website and in the Members Area. Before applying any strategy, cross-check your assumptions against those official figures rather than relying solely on external summaries.
Risk warning: Trading CFDs and other leveraged products involves a high level of risk and may result in the loss of your entire investment. You should not risk money that you cannot afford to lose and should carefully read all risk disclosures, terms of service and any local regulations before opening an account.
How to choose your first XM account type
This is not investment advice, but a practical framework you can use to decide which account type may align with your situation and risk tolerance.
Completely new to trading?
Start with a Demo account to learn the platform and how to open/close trades. Once you are comfortable with the interface, open a Standard or Micro account with a small deposit and very modest position sizes to experience what it feels like to risk real money.
Some experience, smaller capital, testing systems?
A Micro account lets you trade with real money but a much smaller pip value, which can be psychologically easier to handle. A Standard account can also work if you already know how to size positions responsibly and avoid “oversizing” too early.
Clear strategy, very sensitive to spread?
Ultra Low can be worth considering if you know exactly how your system works and how spread/commission flows through to your PnL. Just make sure you understand whether Ultra Low accounts are currently eligible for the bonuses and loyalty programmes you care about.
XM account types – key FAQs
Which XM account type suits beginners best?
Many new traders start with a Demo account to learn the basics and then move to a Standard or Micro account with a small deposit. Standard offers a balanced framework, while Micro helps keep risk per pip lower. The right choice depends on your goals, capital and personal risk tolerance.
Is the Ultra Low account always better than Standard because of tighter spreads?
Not necessarily. Ultra Low focuses on lower spreads but may come with different fees and bonus/loyalty conditions. If your strategy is not yet stable or you do not fully understand how trading costs affect your PnL, Standard or Micro accounts are often simpler and more forgiving starting points.
Is the Shares Account suitable for all traders?
The Shares Account is designed for stock-focused investors with relatively higher starting capital and a primary interest in equities. If you mainly trade forex, indices, gold or focus on copy trading, accounts like Standard, Micro or Ultra Low will usually be a better fit.
Is Islamic / Swap-free a separate account type or just an option?
In many cases, Islamic / Swap-free is an option applied to Standard, Micro or other eligible accounts rather than a completely separate account label. XM’s official documentation explains which products are covered and how any administrative charges work.
How can I check the official specifications for each XM account type?
The most accurate way is to visit the XM website and log in to the Members Area. There you will find up-to-date tables for spreads, leverage, margin, fees and conditions for the XM entity serving your country of residence. Any external guide should only be treated as supplementary information.