Account Types: the Standard Account and the Plus Account
MC Markets offers two types of trading account: the Standard Account and the Plus Account. Learn how they differ and what they have in common, so you can pick the one that suits you.
MC Markets offers two types of trading account: the Standard Account and the Plus Account. When you sign up, you start on the Standard Account by default, and you can switch later if you need to.
This guide explains both account types so you can decide which one suits you better.
1. Standard Account: No Fees on Regular Trades
The Standard Account is the default account for every user. Regular trades are fee-free: the trading cost is reflected only in the dynamic trading spread (the trading commission is 0).
- No fees on regular trades: the trading commission is 0
- The trading cost is reflected only in the dynamic trading spread
- Suits everyday trading and users who would rather not keep track of fee details
"No fees on regular trades" is accurate, but it does not mean trading costs nothing. The bid-ask spread and market slippage are natural costs of trading and exist on every platform. What sets the Standard Account apart is that the trading cost is already reflected in the dynamic trading spread, so the trading commission is 0 and is not listed separately.
Market slippage works both ways: it can make your fill price better or worse, or be zero, and the same rules apply to buying and selling.
2. Plus Account
The Plus Account is an account type you choose to switch on yourself. Its trading commission is listed separately.
- Trading commission of 0.005% per side (the same for Maker and Taker)
- Suits traders who need a higher request frequency and order capacity
The actual trading cost on the Plus Account = dynamic trading spread + trading commission.
3. What the Cost Is Made Of and How to Compare
- Standard Account: the trading cost is the dynamic trading spread (trading commission 0)
- Plus Account: the trading cost is the dynamic trading spread + the trading commission (0.005% per side, the same for Maker and Taker)
- Funding, deposits and withdrawals: listed separately in the fee schedule and not counted as trading costs
- Advanced orders (RFQ and Advanced TWAP, as shown on the page): on the Standard Account, 0.01% per side is charged on fills; the Plus Account charges nothing extra and applies its regular rate of 0.005% per side
When you compare the two account types, add the spread and the commission together and look at the total cost. Neither account type is promised to always be cheaper.
4. What Both Accounts Have in Common
Don't assume the Plus Account is "more advanced" in every way. The following are exactly the same:
- Both account types use the same set of risk rules
- The Plus Account does not raise leverage or position limits, and does not change the liquidation standard
- Net position mode: only one direction per instrument in the same account
- When your account's risk is high and opening or adding to positions is limited, you can still reduce or close positions
5. Which One Should You Choose?
| Your situation | Suggestion | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Small volume, occasional trading | Standard Account | No fees on regular trades; the cost is simple and transparent |
| Higher request frequency and order capacity needs | Plus Account | The trading commission is listed separately; suits higher request frequency and order capacity |
| Not sure | Start with the Standard Account | You can switch according to the rules |
| Even higher request frequency or order capacity, or institutional needs | Contact Support | Support records your needs and passes them to the relevant team for review |
6. Switching Rules
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| How to switch | Use the account switch at the top of the Portfolio page, or open the avatar menu > User Center > Overview and click Switch Account under Account Mode |
| Conditions | In either direction, you need to have no open positions and no open orders (spot orders included). If you have any position or order, you can't switch; deal with them first, then try again. The system will not close positions or cancel orders for you because you asked to switch. |
| If you can't switch | The page shows: "You cannot switch account types while you have open positions or open orders" |
| Waiting period | Upgrading from the Standard Account to the Plus Account: no wait, and the upgrade applies right away. For 24 hours after upgrading, you can't switch back to the Standard Account |
| What it applies to | The switch takes effect immediately and only affects orders placed after it, which are charged under the new account type; switching does not erase your trade history or fees already charged |
Further Reading
- Trading Fees Explained: Commissions, Holding Costs and Instant Swap Fees
- Net Position Mode: One Direction per Instrument, and Opposite Orders Offset First
- Why Doesn't the Fill Price Match What You Expected? Dynamic Trading Spread, Market Slippage and Slippage Control
Risk Warning
Both account types follow the same risk rules, and switching account type does not change leverage, position limits or the liquidation standard. Trading costs include the dynamic trading spread (plus the trading commission on the Plus Account), and market slippage can make your fill price better or worse. Only use funds you can afford to lose.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational and educational purposes only and may not apply to the regulations or products available in your region. It does not constitute investment, financial, or trading advice of any kind, nor an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any digital asset.
Trading digital assets involves high risk, prices can be extremely volatile, and you may lose all of your invested capital. Leveraged trading can result in losses exceeding your initial deposit. Past performance is not indicative of, and does not guarantee, future results.
You should make investment decisions independently based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance, and consult a licensed professional adviser where necessary. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information in this article, MC Markets accepts no liability for any errors or omissions, or for any loss you may suffer from using or relying on this information.