Eightcap Account Types Guide, Covering Forex Broker Checks, Trading Use Cases, and Risks

Key takeaway: Eightcap offers multiple account types — Standard, Raw, and Islamic — each designed for different trading styles. This guide compares spreads, commissions, leverage, and minimum deposits, helping you choose the right account while understanding the risks involved.

What Are Eightcap Account Types?

Eightcap offers a range of trading accounts tailored to different trader profiles. The primary account types are the Standard Account, the Raw Account, and the Islamic (Swap-Free) Account. Each account type varies in terms of spreads, commissions, minimum deposit requirements, and leverage availability.

Eightcap is a globally recognised broker with multiple regulatory licences, including the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under reference number 920058, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) under AFSL 391441, and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) under Licence 424/22. The broker also holds a licence from the Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SCB) under SIA-F217.

📋 Regulatory verification: Eightcap's regulatory status can be verified directly through the FCA Financial Services Register, ASIC Professional Register, and CySEC's public register. Always confirm the licence status for the entity that will hold your account before depositing funds.

Eightcap's account types are available across its proprietary and MetaTrader platforms, including MT4 and MT5. The broker supports over 800 tradable instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, equities, and cryptocurrencies.

Standard vs. Raw Account

The two main account types — Standard and Raw — cater to different trading styles and cost structures. Below is a detailed comparison of their key features.

Feature Standard Account Raw Account
Spreads (EUR/USD) From 1.0 pips From 0.0 pips
Commission None (zero commission) $3.50 per side per standard lot (≈$7 round-turn)
Minimum Deposit $100 (or equivalent) $100 (or equivalent)
Leverage (max) Up to 1:500 (entity dependent) Up to 1:500 (entity dependent)
Best For Beginners, swing traders, and those who prefer no commissions Scalpers, day traders, and high-volume traders
Execution Type Market execution with no dealing desk Market execution with raw interbank spreads
Minimum Trade Size 0.01 lots (micro-lot) 0.01 lots (micro-lot)
Cost comparison: On the Standard account, the cost is built into the spread. On the Raw account, you pay a lower spread but a commission applies. For active traders, the Raw account is often more cost-effective, especially when trading larger volumes. The break-even point depends on your trading frequency and position size.

According to Eightcap's official pricing, the all-in cost on the Raw account for EUR/USD can be as low as 0.5–0.6 pips when factoring in the commission. This makes it highly competitive for active traders. However, the Standard account remains a popular choice for beginners due to its simplicity and zero-commission structure.

Islamic Account (Swap-Free)

Eightcap offers an Islamic (swap-free) account for traders who follow Sharia law, which prohibits earning or paying interest (riba). On this account, no swap or rollover fees are charged on overnight positions. Instead, Eightcap may apply an administrative fee to cover the cost of holding positions overnight, which is disclosed in the account terms.

The Islamic account is available on both the Standard and Raw account structures, with the same spreads, commissions, and minimum deposit requirements. To open an Islamic account, you must request it during the account opening process and provide evidence of your religious adherence.

Islamic Account Features

  • No swap or rollover fees on overnight positions
  • Available on Standard and Raw account structures
  • Administrative fees may apply for positions held overnight
  • Requires special request and documentation

Important Considerations

  • Administrative fees are deducted from account balance
  • Fees may vary by instrument and position size
  • Not all instruments may be swap-free — check terms
  • Verify current fee structure with Eightcap directly
Always verify: Administrative fees and swap-free terms can change. Check the official Eightcap website or contact support directly for the most current Islamic account terms before opening a position.

Broker Checks and Regulation

Before opening any account with Eightcap, performing thorough due diligence is essential. This includes verifying the broker's regulatory status, understanding the investor protections available, and reviewing the fees and terms that apply to your specific account type.

How to Verify Eightcap's Regulatory Status

You can check Eightcap's licences and registration through the following official registers:

According to the CFTC's retail forex fraud education materials and the IOSCO investor alerts, verifying a broker's regulatory status is one of the most critical steps in avoiding fraudulent operations. Always cross-reference the licence number and entity name directly with the regulator's website, not just the broker's own site.

🔍 Expert due diligence: In addition to regulatory checks, review Eightcap's client agreement, risk disclosure, and order execution policy. These documents outline the terms of service, fees, and your rights as a client. They are typically available on the broker's website under "Legal Documents" or "Terms and Conditions."

Trading Use Cases for Each Account

Choosing the right account type depends heavily on your trading style, frequency, and risk tolerance. Below are three practical scenarios illustrating which account type may suit different approaches.

Scenario 1 – Beginner Swing Trader (Standard Account): Emily is new to forex trading. She plans to hold positions for several days to weeks, focusing on major currency pairs. She chooses the Standard account because it has no commissions and a simple cost structure (spread only). Her average trade size is 0.1 lots, and she trades 3–5 times per week. The Standard account's higher spread is acceptable given her lower trading frequency.

Scenario 2 – Active Scalper (Raw Account): James trades EUR/USD and GBP/USD multiple times per day, using the 1-minute and 5-minute charts. He needs tight spreads to minimise costs. He chooses the Raw account, which offers spreads from 0.0 pips, and pays the $3.50 commission per side. For his volume (average 1–2 lots per trade), the Raw account is more cost-effective than the Standard account.

Scenario 3 – Sharia-Compliant Trader (Islamic Account): Ahmed is a Muslim trader who follows Sharia law. He opens an Islamic (swap-free) account on the Raw structure to benefit from tight spreads while avoiding interest charges. He holds positions for a few days and pays an administrative fee instead of swap. He carefully reviews the fee schedule to ensure it aligns with his trading plan.

How to Choose the Right Account

Selecting the right account type involves evaluating your trading style, capital, and cost sensitivity. Use this practical checklist to guide your decision.

Checklist: Choosing an Eightcap Account Type

  • Assess your trading frequency: Do you trade multiple times per day (scalping/day trading) or less frequently (swing trading)? Higher frequency favours the Raw account.
  • Evaluate your position size: If you trade 1+ lots per trade, the Raw account's commission structure is likely more cost-effective. For smaller sizes (0.01–0.1 lots), the Standard account may be simpler.
  • Consider your trading instruments: Do you trade forex only, or also indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies? Spreads vary by instrument on each account type.
  • Check your capital: Both Standard and Raw accounts have a $100 minimum deposit, but Raw accounts are more beneficial for traders with larger capital due to commission scalability.
  • Religious requirements: If you require a swap-free account, request the Islamic account during onboarding.
  • Test with a demo account: Eightcap offers demo accounts for both Standard and Raw structures. Use them to compare costs and execution before committing real funds.
  • Review the terms: Read the account terms, including margin requirements, leverage limits, and any account maintenance fees.

Tip: You can contact Eightcap's support team to discuss your trading needs and receive guidance on the most suitable account type.

Common Mistakes When Choosing an Account

  • Choosing based on spreads alone: Many traders focus only on spreads and ignore commissions. For the Raw account, the commission must be factored into the all-in cost. Calculate the break-even point between the two account types based on your trading volume.
  • Not considering your trading frequency: If you only trade a few times per week, the Standard account's spread cost may be acceptable. If you trade dozens of times per day, the Raw account's lower spread (with commission) is likely better.
  • Ignoring entity differences: The account features (leverage, margin requirements) may vary between Eightcap's regulated entities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC, SCB). Ensure you understand the entity that will hold your account.
  • Overlooking swap fees: For the Standard and Raw accounts, swap fees apply to overnight positions. If you hold positions for extended periods, these costs can accumulate and eat into profits.
  • Not testing with a demo first: Some traders open a live account without testing the platform or account type on a demo. This can lead to surprises regarding execution speed, slippage, or platform usability.
  • Assuming all instruments have the same spreads: Spreads vary by instrument and market conditions. The EUR/USD spread on the Standard account may be 1.0 pip, but spreads on exotic pairs or cryptocurrencies can be significantly wider.

Risk Warning and Trading Considerations

Important Risk Disclosure

Forex and CFD trading carry a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. According to ESMA and ASIC data, a significant proportion of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. Eightcap reports that approximately 70–75% of retail investor accounts lose money trading CFDs with the firm.

Key risks to consider regardless of your account type:

  • Leverage risk: Eightcap offers leverage up to 1:500 on some entities. While leverage can amplify profits, it also magnifies losses. A small adverse move can result in significant losses.
  • Market volatility: Currency prices can be affected by economic news, geopolitical events, and central bank policies. Unexpected volatility can lead to slippage and rapid losses.
  • Liquidity risk: During low-liquidity periods (e.g., holidays or after major news events), spreads may widen, and orders may be filled at less favourable prices.
  • Counterparty risk: Although Eightcap is regulated and holds client funds in segregated accounts, there is always a theoretical risk of broker insolvency. Regulatory oversight and compensation schemes (e.g., FSCS in the UK, ICF in Cyprus) provide some protection but do not eliminate all risk.

This guide is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or trading advice. Always verify current leverage limits, margin requirements, and risk policies directly with the official Eightcap website or your client area. Consider consulting a qualified financial advisor before making any trading decisions.

References: FCA Financial Services Register, ASIC Professional Register, CySEC Public Register, CFTC RED List, ESMA Product Intervention Measures, and Eightcap's official risk disclosure documents.

Risk Management Best Practices

FAQs About Eightcap Account Types

What is the minimum deposit for Eightcap accounts?

The minimum deposit for both the Standard and Raw accounts is $100 (or equivalent in other currencies). This applies to most entities, though regional variations may exist.

What is the difference between the Standard and Raw accounts?

The Standard account has no commission but wider spreads (from 1.0 pips on EUR/USD). The Raw account has tighter spreads (from 0.0 pips) but charges a commission of $3.50 per side per standard lot. The Raw account is generally more cost-effective for active, high-volume traders.

Does Eightcap offer an Islamic (swap-free) account?

Yes. Eightcap offers an Islamic account on both the Standard and Raw structures. This account is swap-free and is available to traders who follow Sharia law. Administrative fees may apply for overnight positions.

Can I change my account type after opening it?

Yes, in most cases. You can request to switch your account type from Standard to Raw or vice versa by contacting Eightcap's support team. However, you may need to open a new account for the Islamic version.

What leverage is available on Eightcap accounts?

Leverage depends on the regulatory entity. For retail clients under FCA and CySEC, maximum leverage is capped at 1:30 for major currency pairs. Under ASIC and SCB, leverage can go up to 1:500, subject to eligibility.

Does Eightcap charge inactivity fees?

Eightcap does not typically charge inactivity fees, but this may vary by entity and account type. Check the official terms and conditions for your specific account.

Is Eightcap a regulated broker?

Yes. Eightcap is regulated by multiple authorities, including the UK FCA (FRN 920058), ASIC (AFSL 391441), CySEC (Licence 424/22), and SCB (SIA-F217). Always verify the regulator for your specific region.

Which Eightcap account is best for beginners?

The Standard account is often recommended for beginners due to its simple cost structure (no commissions) and ease of understanding. It allows new traders to focus on learning the markets without the added complexity of commission calculations.