Vantage Account Types 2026: STP vs Raw ECN
Vantage offers Standard STP, Raw ECN, and Pro ECN accounts, each suited to different trading volumes. Compare spreads, commission, and minimums.
Reviewed using our forex & CFD broker review methodology
Vantage offers three primary live account types—Standard STP, Raw ECN, and Pro ECN—each optimized for different trading volumes and cost preferences. Standard STP charges no commission but includes wider spreads (typically 1.0–1.4 pips on EUR/USD), making it suitable for low-frequency traders or beginners with a $50 minimum deposit. Raw ECN charges $3 per side per standard lot with tighter spreads (from 0.0 pips), favoring moderate-to-high-volume traders who save on total round-turn costs. Pro ECN offers institutional-grade spreads with lower commission structures but requires higher capital thresholds or professional client status, targeting high-volume traders. All account types share platform access (MT4, MT5, ProTrader), leverage up to 1:2000 for offshore (VFSC) entity clients per Vantage's own official Help Center (entity-dependent — tier-1 regulated entities like FCA/ASIC cap retail leverage far lower), and the same 1,000+ instrument range. The optimal account depends on monthly trading volume: traders executing fewer than 15 standard lots per month typically pay less with Standard STP, while higher volumes benefit from commission-based pricing.
Account selection directly impacts your lifetime trading costs. A trader executing 20 standard lots per month on EUR/USD will pay approximately $240 in spreads with Standard STP versus $140 in combined spreads and commissions with Raw ECN—a difference of $1,200 annually. This guide provides the cost calculations, breakeven thresholds, and decision framework you need to choose the account type that minimizes your trading expenses.
Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you open an account through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Vantage Account Types at a Glance
| Feature | Standard STP | Raw ECN | Pro ECN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $50 USD | $50 USD | $10,000 USD |
| Pricing model | Commission-free, wider spreads | $3/side per lot + tight spreads | $1.50/side per lot + tightest spreads |
| EUR/USD typical spread | 1.0–1.4 pips | 0.0–0.3 pips | Tighter than Raw ECN |
| Commission per standard lot | $0 | $6 round-turn ($3 per side) | $3 round-turn ($1.50 per side) |
| Total cost per lot (EUR/USD) | ~$12–$14 | ~$6–$9 | Lower than Raw ECN |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, ProTrader | MT4, MT5, ProTrader | MT4, MT5, ProTrader |
| Leverage (max) | Varies by entity | Varies by entity | Varies by entity |
| Margin call / Stop out | 50% / 20% | 50% / 20% | 50% / 20% |
| Ideal monthly volume | Under 10–15 lots | 15–50+ lots | 50+ lots (high-volume traders) |
| Best for | Beginners, infrequent traders | Active retail traders | Professional/institutional volume |
Vantage also offers a Spread Betting account in the UK and cent account variants in select jurisdictions. Cent accounts display balances in cents (100 cents = $1 USD) for psychological comfort and low-barrier testing, available on Standard or Raw pricing structures but not offered under all regulatory entities. Availability varies; confirm with Vantage for your jurisdiction.
Standard STP Account: Commission-Free Simplicity
The Standard STP account routes your orders directly to Vantage's liquidity providers without a dealing desk, using Straight Through Processing technology. You pay no commission per trade; instead, Vantage applies a markup to the raw interbank spreads it receives from liquidity providers.
Pricing Structure
- Commission: $0 per lot (commission-free on forex, indices, commodities; some stock/ETF CFDs may have commissions)
- EUR/USD spread: Typically 1.0–1.4 pips during normal market hours
- GBP/USD spread: Typically 1.2–1.8 pips
- USD/JPY spread: Typically 1.0–1.5 pips
- Total cost per standard lot (EUR/USD): Approximately $10–$14, depending on market conditions
One standard lot of EUR/USD at a 1.2-pip spread costs $12 in total round-turn expense (no additional commission). A trader executing 10 standard lots per month pays approximately $120 in spread costs on EUR/USD alone.
Who Benefits from Standard STP
Standard STP makes economic sense for:
- Low-frequency traders: Executing fewer than 10–15 standard lots per month across all instruments
- Beginners: The $50 minimum deposit and zero-commission model simplify cost tracking—you pay only the spread, visible in the platform's bid-ask difference
- Small position sizes: Traders using mini or micro lots where commission-based accounts charge $0.60–$3.00 per round-turn, which can represent a larger percentage of position size
- Swing and position traders: Holding trades for days or weeks, where spread cost is a one-time entry/exit expense rather than a per-scalp fee
When Commission-Based Becomes Cheaper
The breakeven point depends on spread differential. Using current typical conditions:
- Standard STP EUR/USD: 1.2 pips average = $12 per standard lot
- Raw ECN EUR/USD: 0.1 pips average + $6 commission = $7 per standard lot
On EUR/USD, Raw ECN saves $5 per standard lot. If you trade 10 standard lots per month, switching to Raw ECN saves $50 monthly or $600 annually. At 5 lots per month, the annual saving is $300—meaningful but less urgent. Below 5 lots per month, the cost difference narrows to under $250 annually, and Standard STP's simplicity may outweigh the modest savings.
Decision threshold: If your combined monthly volume across all instruments exceeds 10–15 standard lots, calculate your actual per-pair costs and consider Raw ECN. If you trade fewer lots or prefer commission-free transparency, Standard STP likely offers better value.
Limitations
- Higher total cost at volume: Active traders and scalpers pay materially more as lot count rises
- Spread widening during news/volatility: Commission-free accounts can experience wider spreads during high-impact events, increasing slippage
- Not optimal for tight-stop strategies: Wider entry spreads mean positions start further from breakeven, requiring larger moves to reach profit
Standard STP is not designed for high-frequency scalping or traders consistently executing 20+ lots per month, where commission-based pricing delivers measurable savings.
Raw ECN Account: Tight Spreads for Active Traders
The Raw ECN account passes through the unaltered interbank spreads Vantage receives from its liquidity providers, often starting at 0.0 pips on major pairs. To compensate for the absence of spread markup, Vantage charges a fixed commission of $3 per side per standard lot ($6 round-turn) — this is the figure published for Vantage's global/offshore entity.
Pricing Structure
- Commission: $3.00 per side per standard lot = $6.00 round-turn (global/offshore entity, per Vantage's APAC help center)
- UK entity note: Vantage's UK FCA-regulated entity (Vantage Global Prime LLP) publishes a lower rate — "from $1.00 per lot per side" per its own commission help page. If you're opening a Raw ECN account through the UK entity, confirm which rate applies rather than assuming the $3.00 global figure.
- Mini lot (10,000 units): $0.60 round-turn
- Micro lot (1,000 units): $0.06 round-turn
- EUR/USD spread: From 0.0 pips; typically 0.1–0.3 pips during liquid hours
- GBP/USD spread: From 0.0 pips; typically 0.2–0.5 pips
- USD/JPY spread: From 0.0 pips; typically 0.1–0.4 pips
Total Cost Calculation
For one standard lot of EUR/USD with a 0.1-pip spread:
- Spread cost: 0.1 pips = $1.00
- Commission: $6.00
- Total round-turn cost: $7.00
Compare this to Standard STP at 1.2 pips ($12.00), and Raw ECN saves $5.00 per lot. At 20 standard lots per month:
- Standard STP: 20 lots × $12 = $240/month
- Raw ECN: 20 lots × $7 = $140/month
- Monthly saving: $100 ($1,200 annually)
At 50 standard lots per month, the annual saving grows to $3,000.
Who Benefits from Raw ECN
Raw ECN is optimal for:
- Moderate-to-high-volume traders: Executing 15+ standard lots per month across all instruments
- Scalpers: Tight spreads reduce the breakeven distance on each trade, crucial when holding positions for seconds or minutes
- Day traders: Multiple entries per day accumulate significant savings when per-lot costs are lower
- Strategy testers: Traders backtesting or forward-testing strategies benefit from raw spreads that more accurately reflect institutional pricing
Breakeven Volume Analysis
Using EUR/USD as a proxy (spreads and savings vary by pair):
| Monthly Volume (Standard Lots) | Standard STP Cost | Raw ECN Cost | Monthly Saving | Annual Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | $60 | $35 | $25 | $300 |
| 10 | $120 | $70 | $50 | $600 |
| 15 | $180 | $105 | $75 | $900 |
| 20 | $240 | $140 | $100 | $1,200 |
| 30 | $360 | $210 | $150 | $1,800 |
| 50 | $600 | $350 | $250 | $3,000 |
The crossover point where Raw ECN becomes cheaper is approximately 8–10 lots per month on EUR/USD. Below this threshold, Standard STP may cost less or roughly the same; above it, Raw ECN delivers clear savings that compound with volume.
Limitations
- Commission visibility: Some traders prefer seeing only spread in their P&L; Raw ECN shows separate commission lines in trade history
- Less intuitive for beginners: Understanding total cost requires adding spread + commission, rather than observing a single spread value
- Minimum profitability per trade: Each standard lot incurs a $6 commission floor; very small position sizes (micro lots) pay proportionally less but still carry commission overhead
Raw ECN is not ideal for traders below 10 lots per month who prioritize simplicity, or those trading exclusively exotic pairs where spreads may be wide even on Raw ECN, reducing the commission-based advantage.
Compare Vantage account types and open an account to start trading with the pricing structure that fits your volume.
Pro ECN Account: Institutional-Grade Pricing
Pro ECN is Vantage's institutional-tier offering, providing the tightest spreads and lower per-lot commissions than Raw ECN. The standard published rate is $1.50 per lot per side ($3.00 round turn), with a $10,000 minimum deposit — though exact terms can still vary by regulatory entity and client classification, so confirm current figures for your jurisdiction before funding.
Pricing and Eligibility
- Commission: $1.50 per lot, per side ($3.00 round turn) — lower than Raw ECN's $3.00 per side; confirm with Vantage if your entity varies
- Spreads: Tighter than Raw ECN, often from 0.0 pips on major pairs during liquid hours
- Minimum deposit/eligibility: $10,000 standard; some entities may additionally require professional client status or demonstrated trading volume
Correction (verified against both help centers): Pro ECN and "Premium ECN" are not the same product under two names — they're two different top-tier accounts offered by different Vantage entities. The figures above ($1.50/lot/side, $10,000 minimum, per the APAC help center) apply to Pro ECN on Vantage's global/offshore entity. Vantage's UK FCA-regulated entity (Vantage Global Prime LLP) does not list Pro ECN among its live account types at all — its UK account listing instead offers Premium ECN, a separate product with its own terms: $0.75 per lot per side commission, a $25,000 minimum deposit, and three supported currencies (USD/GBP/EUR) per the UK help center. If you're opening an account through the UK entity, use the Premium ECN figures, not the Pro ECN figures above. Always confirm current rates for your specific entity before funding, as terms can be adjusted by jurisdiction and client classification.
Who Benefits from Pro ECN
Pro ECN targets:
- High-volume retail traders: Consistently executing 50+ standard lots per month who will benefit from lower per-lot costs
- Professional traders: Those classified as professional or wholesale clients under regulatory frameworks (ASIC wholesale, FCA professional, etc.)
- Algorithmic traders: Lower per-lot costs and tighter spreads improve the profitability of high-frequency or systematic strategies
- Institutions and fund managers: Entities requiring institutional-grade execution and willing to meet capital or volume thresholds
How to Access Pro ECN
Because Pro ECN specifics are entity-dependent, contact Vantage directly or check your client portal to confirm:
- Minimum deposit or capital requirement for your jurisdiction
- Professional/wholesale client classification criteria
- Available base currencies and platform options
- Commission structure applicable to your entity
Traders interested in Pro ECN should verify they meet volume thresholds where the lower per-lot cost justifies any higher barriers to entry.
Limitations
- Higher barriers: $10,000 minimum deposit and, in some jurisdictions, professional status requirements or volume commitments restrict access
- Entity-specific availability: Not all Vantage entities offer Pro ECN; check your regulatory jurisdiction
- Confirm before funding: While $1.50/side commission and $10,000 minimum deposit are the standard published figures, always verify current rates directly with Vantage for your specific entity, since terms can vary
Pro ECN is not suitable for beginners, low-volume traders, or those unable to meet capital or classification requirements. It delivers value only when your trading volume is sufficient to generate meaningful per-lot savings over Raw ECN.
Platform, Leverage, and Instrument Access
All Vantage account types—Standard STP, Raw ECN, and Pro ECN—share the same platform options, instrument range, and core trading conditions. Your account type determines pricing (spreads and commissions) but not platform functionality or market access.
Platforms
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4): Industry-standard charting, expert advisors (EAs), and custom indicators
- MetaTrader 5 (MT5): Additional timeframes, economic calendar integration, and advanced order types
- ProTrader: Web-based platform with TradingView integration and one-click trading
- Vantage App: Mobile iOS/Android app for on-the-go trading with full order management
Demo accounts are available for all account types with unlimited timeframes, allowing you to test each pricing structure with virtual funds before committing capital.
Leverage
Maximum leverage varies by regulatory entity and instrument class. Retail clients under ASIC (Australia) and FCA (UK) face regulatory caps, typically 1:30 for major forex pairs and lower for other instruments. VFSC (Vanuatu) clients may access leverage up to 1:2000 per Vantage's own official Help Center (with a separate Premium Unlimited account product offering a much higher leverage figure for that specific product), subject to Vantage's risk management policies — Vantage can also reduce an account's leverage from 1:2000 down to 1:1000 or 1:500 if certain account requirements aren't met, so 1:500 may appear as a reduced tier rather than the ceiling. Professional or wholesale clients under ASIC/FCA may access higher leverage than retail clients.
Leverage does not vary by account type (Standard STP vs Raw ECN vs Pro ECN) but by your regulatory classification and entity. Check your client agreement or contact Vantage to confirm the leverage available to your account.
Instruments
All account types access the same 1,000+ CFD instruments:
- Forex: 40+ currency pairs including majors, minors, and exotics
- Indices: Global equity indices (US30, NAS100, S&P 500, DAX, FTSE, ASX200, etc.)
- Commodities: Gold, silver, crude oil, natural gas, and agricultural products
- Shares CFDs: Individual stock CFDs on US, UK, and Australian equities (commission may apply)
- ETF CFDs: Exchange-traded fund CFDs (commission may apply)
- Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other crypto CFDs (availability varies by entity)
There are no instrument restrictions based on account type. A Standard STP trader accesses the same forex pairs, indices, and commodities as a Pro ECN trader; only the pricing structure differs.
Margin Call and Stop-Out Levels
- Margin call level: 50% (you receive a notification when account equity falls to 50% of required margin)
- Stop-out level: 20% (positions are automatically closed if equity drops to 20% of required margin)
These risk management levels apply uniformly across Standard STP, Raw ECN, and Pro ECN accounts, providing consistent downside protection regardless of account type.
Swap-Free and Islamic Account Option
Vantage offers swap-free (Islamic) accounts for clients whose religious beliefs prohibit earning or paying interest on overnight positions. Swap-free accounts eliminate overnight rollover (swap) charges but may apply an administrative fee or adjust pricing to compensate.
Swap-free status is available across all main account types (Standard STP, Raw ECN, Pro ECN) and must be requested during account opening or via your client portal. Eligibility may require documentation confirming your religious adherence. Contact Vantage support or review the help center documentation for specific application steps.
Swap-free accounts are not a separate account type but a variant applied to your chosen pricing structure.
Regulatory Entities and Account Access
Your regulatory entity determines which account types are available, maximum leverage, investor protections, and compensation scheme eligibility. Vantage operates under multiple regulators, and your jurisdiction typically assigns you to a specific entity.
Vantage Regulatory Entities
Vantage operates under several regulatory jurisdictions. Your country of residence typically determines which entity holds your account. Review the regulations page to understand which entity serves your jurisdiction and the protections applicable to your account.
Key regulatory distinctions:
- Tier-1 regulators (ASIC, FCA): Offer stronger investor protections including negative balance protection for retail clients and access to government compensation schemes, but impose lower leverage caps (typically 1:30 for retail forex)
- Offshore entities (VFSC, others): May offer higher leverage (up to 1:2000 per Vantage's own Help Center, with leverage reducible to 1:1000 or 1:500 if account requirements aren't met) but provide reduced regulatory safeguards and no government compensation schemes
Choosing your regulatory entity involves trade-offs between leverage flexibility and regulatory protection. Confirm your entity assignment and applicable protections before depositing funds.
Investor Protections
- Negative balance protection: Tier-1 regulators (ASIC, FCA) mandate negative balance protection for retail clients, ensuring you cannot lose more than your deposited capital. Offshore entities may offer this as a commercial policy but are not regulated to do so.
- Segregated funds: Client deposits are held in segregated trust accounts separate from Vantage operating funds across all entities.
- Compensation schemes: Availability and coverage amounts vary by entity. Tier-1 regulators offer government-backed compensation schemes; offshore entities typically do not. Confirm your specific protections with Vantage.
Cost Comparison: Real Numbers Across Account Types
The following examples use typical spreads observed during normal market hours to show approximate total round-turn cost per standard lot on major forex pairs. Actual costs fluctuate with market liquidity and volatility. These figures are illustrative; verify live spreads via demo account before trading.
EUR/USD (Most Liquid Major Pair)
| Account Type | Typical Spread | Commission | Approx. Total Cost per Standard Lot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard STP | 1.2 pips | $0 | $12.00 |
| Raw ECN | 0.1 pips | $6.00 | $7.00 |
| Pro ECN | Tighter than Raw ECN | $3.00 | Lower than Raw ECN (spread + $3.00) |
GBP/USD (Volatile Major Pair)
| Account Type | Typical Spread | Commission | Approx. Total Cost per Standard Lot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard STP | 1.5 pips | $0 | $15.00 |
| Raw ECN | 0.3 pips | $6.00 | $9.00 |
| Pro ECN | Tighter than Raw ECN | $3.00 | Lower than Raw ECN (spread + $3.00) |
USD/JPY (Popular Asian-Session Pair)
| Account Type | Typical Spread | Commission | Approx. Total Cost per Standard Lot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard STP | 1.1 pips | $0 | $11.00 |
| Raw ECN | 0.2 pips | $6.00 | $8.00 |
| Pro ECN | Tighter than Raw ECN | $3.00 | Lower than Raw ECN (spread + $3.00) |
AUD/USD (Commodity-Correlated Major)
| Account Type | Typical Spread | Commission | Approx. Total Cost per Standard Lot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard STP | 1.3 pips | $0 | $13.00 |
| Raw ECN | 0.2 pips | $6.00 | $8.00 |
| Pro ECN | Tighter than Raw ECN | $3.00 | Lower than Raw ECN (spread + $3.00) |
Cumulative Cost Projection
The following table projects approximate total trading costs over 6 and 12 months for three trader profiles executing only EUR/USD:
| Profile | Monthly Volume | 6-Month Cost (Standard STP) | 6-Month Cost (Raw ECN) | 6-Month Saving | 12-Month Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swing trader | 5 lots | $360 | $210 | $150 | $300 |
| Active retail | 20 lots | $1,440 | $840 | $600 | $1,200 |
| High-volume | 50 lots | $3,600 | $2,100 | $1,500 | $3,000 |
If you trade multiple pairs, multiply your per-pair volume by the respective cost-per-lot to estimate total expenses. Savings compound when you trade across multiple instruments; a 20-lot-per-month trader across three pairs effectively executes 60 lots total, amplifying the annual cost difference.
Choosing Your Account: Decision Framework
Follow this three-step process to identify the account type that minimizes your trading costs:
Step 1: Assess Your Deposit Capacity
- Under $500: Standard STP or Raw ECN are accessible with the $50 minimum; choose based on monthly volume (Step 2)
- $500–$10,000: Standard STP or Raw ECN; Pro ECN likely unavailable unless your entity offers lower thresholds
- Over $10,000 and professional/wholesale status: Pro ECN may be available; confirm eligibility with Vantage
Step 2: Estimate Your Monthly Trading Volume
Calculate your typical monthly volume in standard lots across all instruments:
- Under 10 lots/month: Standard STP likely offers equal or lower total cost due to simplicity and no commission
- 10–15 lots/month: Breakeven zone; calculate actual per-pair costs using the comparison tables above to determine whether Standard STP or Raw ECN is cheaper
- 15–50 lots/month: Raw ECN delivers measurable savings; commission-based pricing reduces total cost per lot by 30–50% on majors
- Over 50 lots/month: Raw ECN is optimal unless you qualify for Pro ECN, which offers further per-lot savings at institutional volume
Step 3: Consider Experience and Strategy
- Beginner or infrequent trader: Standard STP simplifies cost tracking (single spread visible in platform) and requires no commission calculation
- Scalper or day trader: Raw ECN or Pro ECN tight spreads reduce breakeven distance, crucial for short-duration trades
- Swing or position trader: Standard STP may suffice if volume is low; spread is a one-time cost per trade rather than repeated per scalp
- Testing strategies: Open a demo account for each account type to observe spreads and commissions under your typical trading conditions
Decision Tree Summary
- Are you depositing under $10,000? → Yes: Proceed to volume assessment; No: Check Pro ECN eligibility
- Do you trade fewer than 10 lots per month? → Yes: Standard STP; No: Proceed to volume tier
- Do you trade 10–15 lots per month? → Calculate actual costs for your main pairs using comparison tables; choose lower total cost
- Do you trade 15+ lots per month? → Yes: Raw ECN or Pro ECN (if eligible)
- Do you qualify for Pro ECN and trade 50+ lots per month? → Yes: Pro ECN offers lowest per-lot cost; No: Raw ECN
Upgrade Triggers
Revisit your account type when:
- Monthly volume crosses 15 lots: Switch from Standard STP to Raw ECN to capture commission-based savings
- Monthly volume crosses 50 lots: Inquire about Pro ECN eligibility to reduce per-lot cost further
- Account equity grows beyond $10,000: Re-evaluate Pro ECN if you meet volume thresholds
- You transition from swing trading to day trading or scalping: Tighter spreads become more valuable as trade frequency increases
You can hold multiple live accounts simultaneously (e.g., a Standard STP account for testing new strategies and a Raw ECN account for main trading). Contact Vantage support to open additional accounts under your existing client profile.
Opening and Managing Your Vantage Account
Registration Process
- Visit the Vantage accounts page and select your preferred account type
- Complete the online form: Provide personal details (name, email, phone, country of residence, date of birth)
- Choose base currency: USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, or other supported currencies
- Select leverage: Choose maximum leverage appropriate for your risk tolerance and regulatory entity
- Submit the form: Registration typically takes under 5 minutes
Verification Requirements
After registration, upload identity and address verification documents:
- Proof of identity: Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, national ID card)
- Proof of address: Utility bill, bank statement, or government document dated within the last 3 months
Verification timeframes vary by entity and document type. Contact Vantage support if verification takes longer than expected or if additional documentation is required.
Funding Your Account
Vantage supports multiple deposit methods:
- Credit/debit card: Instant processing; may incur processing fees depending on issuer
- Bank wire transfer: 1–3 business days; no Vantage fees, but intermediary bank fees may apply
- E-wallets: Neteller, Skrill, and other supported processors; instant to 24-hour processing
- Local payment methods: Vary by jurisdiction (e.g., POLi in Australia, FasaPay in Asia)
Minimum deposit for Standard STP and Raw ECN is $50 USD (or equivalent in your account base currency). Pro ECN minimum is $10,000 USD, though eligibility criteria (e.g., professional client status) may vary by entity.
Switching or Upgrading Account Types
To change your account type:
- Log in to your Vantage client portal
- Navigate to "My Accounts" or contact support to request an account type change or open an additional account
- Complete any required documentation if switching to Pro ECN or professional client classification
- Transfer funds between accounts via internal transfer (instant, no fees)
There are typically no fees for opening additional accounts or switching account types, but confirm with Vantage support. You cannot directly convert an existing account from Standard STP to Raw ECN; instead, open a new Raw ECN account and transfer funds.
Multi-Account Strategy
You can hold multiple live accounts under the same client profile to:
- Test strategies: Run a small Standard STP account to test new EAs or manual strategies without exposing main capital
- Separate trading styles: Use Raw ECN for scalping major pairs and Standard STP for swing trading lower-volume instruments
- Currency diversification: Open accounts in different base currencies to avoid conversion costs when depositing in non-USD currencies
Check your client portal or contact support to confirm the maximum number of live accounts permitted under your entity's terms.
What to Verify Yourself Before Depositing
This guide provides framework and illustrative costs based on publicly available information. We have not tested these accounts with live capital. Before depositing, verify the following directly with Vantage or through demo account testing:
- Live spreads during your typical trading hours: Open a demo account for each account type and observe spreads on your main pairs during the sessions you trade (London, New York, Asian). Spreads widen during low liquidity and high-impact news.
- Commission charges in your account currency: If your base currency is EUR, GBP, or AUD rather than USD, confirm the commission rate in your account currency. Commissions are typically converted at prevailing exchange rates.
- Execution speed and slippage: Place demo orders at market and with pending orders to observe fill quality. Test during volatile periods (NFP, FOMC, etc.) if you plan to trade around news.
- Swap rates (if holding overnight): Verify overnight rollover costs on your main instruments using the Vantage platform's contract specifications. Swap rates can exceed spread or commission costs for longer-term holds.
- Withdrawal processing times: Check current withdrawal timeframes for your preferred payment method via the help center or client portal. Processing times vary by method and entity.
- Pro ECN eligibility criteria: The standard requirement is a $10,000 minimum deposit with $1.50/side commission; if you believe you qualify based on volume or capital, contact Vantage directly to confirm specific requirements for your jurisdiction.
- Cent account availability: Verify whether your regulatory entity offers cent accounts. These are not available under all regulators.
- Regulatory entity assignment: Confirm which Vantage entity will hold your account based on your country of residence. This determines leverage caps, investor protections, and account type availability.
Demo accounts replicate live pricing and conditions without financial risk. Use them to validate that the account type you choose delivers the spreads, commissions, and execution quality you expect before funding a live account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hold both a Standard STP and a Raw ECN account simultaneously?
Yes. Vantage permits multiple live accounts under the same client profile. You can open a Standard STP account and a Raw ECN account, then transfer funds between them via internal transfer (instant, no fees). This strategy is useful if you want to test new approaches on Standard STP while trading main strategies on Raw ECN, or to segregate different trading styles.
How do I upgrade from Standard STP to Raw ECN?
You cannot directly convert an existing account. Instead, open a new Raw ECN account via your client portal or by contacting Vantage support. Once the new account is open, use the internal transfer function to move funds from your Standard STP account to the Raw ECN account. There are no fees for opening additional accounts or transferring funds internally.
What if I trade more than 50 lots per month but don't have $10,000 for Pro ECN?
Stay with Raw ECN. You will benefit from lower per-lot costs compared to Standard STP, and the $50 minimum deposit makes it accessible. Pro ECN requires higher capital or professional client status, but Raw ECN already delivers significant savings over Standard STP at your volume. If you later meet Pro ECN eligibility criteria, you can open an additional Pro ECN account and transfer funds.
Does Vantage offer cent accounts for all regulatory entities?
No. Cent accounts (where 100 cents = $1 USD) are available in select jurisdictions but not under all regulatory entities. ASIC and FCA entities may restrict or not offer cent accounts. Contact Vantage support or check your client portal to confirm cent account availability for your jurisdiction.
What is the difference between Pro ECN and Raw ECN besides pricing?
The core difference is pricing structure: Pro ECN offers lower per-lot commissions and tighter spreads than Raw ECN, but requires higher capital or professional client status. Platform access, instrument range, leverage (within your entity's regulatory caps), and margin call/stop-out levels are identical. Pro ECN is designed for high-volume traders who will generate sufficient savings to justify the higher barriers to entry.
Can I switch my regulatory entity after opening an account?
No. Your regulatory entity is determined by your country of residence at account opening. If you relocate to a different jurisdiction, you may need to open a new account under the entity serving that jurisdiction. Contact Vantage compliance if your residency changes to understand the required steps.
Open a Vantage live account to access Standard STP, Raw ECN, or Pro ECN pricing based on your volume and eligibility.
Editorial Verification Process
Account-type terms, spreads, and commissions on this page are fact-checked against Vantage's official account pages and pricing documentation, following our 7-criteria broker review methodology. We have not completed a funded live-account test comparing real-money execution across Standard STP, Raw ECN, and Pro ECN. Cost and feature comparisons reflect published terms, not first-hand trading results — verify live spreads and commissions on a demo or funded account before choosing an account type.
Related Vantage Resources
- Vantage Markets Review — full broker review covering regulation, fees, and platforms
- Is Vantage Markets Safe? — entity-by-entity regulation and protection breakdown
- Vantage Spreads & Fees — full cost breakdown by account type and instrument
- Vantage Minimum Deposit — funding amounts by account type and entity
- Vantage Sign Up — full account-opening walkthrough and document checklist
Update History
- 16 Aug 2026 — Added a "Related Vantage Resources" internal linking block (Review, Safety, Spreads & Fees, Minimum Deposit, Sign Up) per the Giai đoạn 13 internal-linking hub.
- 16 Aug 2026 — Added a Sources section citing official Vantage and regulator pages.
- 16 Aug 2026 — Corrected the Pro ECN vs Premium ECN distinction (different products on different entities, not synonyms) and clarified that Raw ECN commission varies by entity.
- 16 Aug 2026 — Corrected offshore leverage figures (1:500) for consistency across the article.
- 15 Aug 2026 — Corrected Pro ECN pricing, entity count, and FSCA license number.
Sources
Official Vantage sources
- Vantage accounts page
- Vantage Standard STP account
- Vantage Raw ECN account
- Vantage regulatory entities and legal documentation
- Vantage APAC Help Center — Pro ECN account
- Vantage UK Help Center — commission fees
- Vantage UK Help Center — live account types
- Vantage UK Help Center — Premium ECN account
Last verified: 16 August 2026.
Risk warning: CFDs and leveraged forex products are complex and carry a high risk of losing money. Check the terms, entity and protections that apply to your jurisdiction before trading.
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Vantage Markets is a multi-regulated forex & CFD broker (FCA, ASIC, FSCA, CIMA, VFSC, FSC) trusted by 5 million+ traders, with Raw ECN pricing from $3/lot, no deposit/withdrawal fees, and full MT4/MT5/TradingView support.
Risk disclaimer: Vantage Markets is a live, regulated broker — trading forex and CFDs is done with real capital under normal market risk (this is not a simulated prop-firm evaluation). CFDs and leveraged forex products are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage; most retail investor accounts lose money trading these products. Consider whether you understand how CFDs/forex work and whether you can afford the high risk of losing your money. Affiliate disclosure: HNL Growth earns a commission when you open a Vantage Markets account through links on this page.