Kenji, an office worker in Osaka, has ¥100,000 set aside and three MT5 broker tabs open. Each offers a different account type, and a forum post has convinced him that logging in with one set of credentials will reveal what the other accounts really cost. That assumption is the first thing to test. Per the public research pulled today, an MT5 login is tied to the account it was opened for, and the same MetaTrader 5 software can quote different prices depending on each account's conditions.
The short answer: logging in with one MT5 login shows the pricing of that one account only. To compare account types, you open a separate account or demo for each, then add spread and commission together at your usual trade size. Per the Vantage Markets academy, two traders can run identical MT5 software and still receive different prices, spreads and account conditions. Per compareforexbrokers.co.uk, Axi came to £5.06 all-in for one standard lot across a three-pair set, against £6.82 at Pepperstone on the same set.
In this article you will get the reasons a shared login cannot reveal the full price menu, the published headline figures for Standard, Raw and Pro accounts, a worked cost example, a broker comparison, a way to frame an in-house platform against MetaTrader 5, and a five-step check you can run before funding anything.
Verdict: For a beginner with a small balance, start with a demo or the no-deposit route, because the no-deposit bonus ($30 where eligible No-Deposit Bonus) needs none of your own money. For a cost-focused trader running a multi-pair basket, the three-pair figures per compareforexbrokers.co.uk favour Axi (£5.06 all-in per standard lot) over Pepperstone (£6.82). Compare total cost, not headline spread, before you fund any account. Forex and CFD trading carries a high risk of loss.
What one MT5 login can and cannot show
The credential check looks like a shortcut, but MetaTrader 5 ties each login to a specific account. The software is the same across brokers. The account conditions behind it are not. That gap is where most comparison mistakes start, and it is the part many guides skip.
Why the same software quotes different prices
The price on your screen depends on the broker's liquidity, markup and the account model you signed up for. Per Vantage Markets' academy, two traders on the same MT5 build can receive different prices, spreads, symbols and account conditions. The platform is a window. The pricing sits behind the account.
This matters for the credential check because a login from one account type tells you nothing reliable about another type's spread, commission or symbol list. Kenji's first mistake would have been assuming the software equals the price.
The MT4 login trap
Per the Vantage Markets MT4 versus MT5 guide, an account is opened for one platform, so an MT4 login does not work in MT5, and MQL4 programmes do not carry over. Desktop, mobile and web access all use the same login for a given platform, which is convenient, but it does not let you cross platforms with one set of credentials.
| Question | What the research says | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Can one login show other account types? | The account is opened for one platform and one account model | You need a separate login per account type |
| Does the same software guarantee the same price? | No, prices depend on account conditions | Compare each account, not the software |
| Does an MT4 login work in MT5? | No, an account is opened for one platform | Plan platform choice before you open |
Where the credential check breaks
The check breaks in three predictable places. First, a demo login reflects the demo environment, which can differ from live conditions. Second, a live login for a Standard account gives you Standard prices only. Third, the spread you see at one time of day may not match another session. Treat the login as a way to see one account clearly, then repeat the process for each account type you are considering.
Standard, Raw and Pro: the account-type math
Headline figures are where the account types diverge. Per the published MT5 account-type table at dbinvesting.com, the three tiers differ sharply on minimum deposit, spread and commission. Those figures are the starting point, not the finish line.
| Account | Minimum deposit | Headline spread | Commission | Who it usually suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 10 USD | From 1.0 pip | 0 USD per side | Small balances that want simple pricing |
| Raw | 10 USD | From 0.0 pips | 3 USD per lot per side | Active traders who value tight spreads |
| Pro | 5,000 USD | From 0.0 pips | Set by the Pro terms | Larger balances |
Worked example: one standard lot on EUR/USD
For a USD-quoted pair, one pip on a standard lot is worth about 10 USD (general market arithmetic). Use it with the published headline figures to see how the two tiers compare on the same trade. These are illustrative calculations on headline numbers, not measured execution results.
- Standard: a 1.0-pip spread on one lot costs about 10 USD, with 0 USD commission. Total: roughly 10 USD.
- Raw: a 0.0-pip spread plus 3 USD per side on one lot costs 6 USD for an open and a close. Total: roughly 6 USD.
Now scale it to Kenji's balance. A 10 USD cost on a 50 USD account is 20% of the balance before the trade has moved. On a 500 USD account, the same 10 USD is 2%. The cost is identical; the damage relative to capital is not. That is why the account choice matters more for small balances.
The commission trap
The trap is treating a zero-spread headline as the cheapest option. Per the Pro-Scalper analysis of MT5 account types, a 0.0-pip Raw account with 7 USD per lot in commission can cost more than a wider-spread account with no commission. Add spread and commission together before you compare, every time.
Kenji's version of this check: he takes his usual lot size, adds each account's spread cost to its commission, and only then looks at which account is cheaper. The decision changes depending on whether he trades one lot or ten.
If you deposit 50 USD, the cheapest-looking account can still consume a fifth of your balance on a single round trip. If you deposit 500 USD, the same cost is a rounding error. Size the account to the cost, not the other way round.
With the Standard-versus-Raw math in hand, you can see the start of the first real trade-off. For the lowest-risk first step, Kenji's question becomes whether he needs to fund anything at all. You can test real spreads with zero of your own money: open a free demo or claim the no-deposit bonus ($30 where eligible No-Deposit Bonus): [open a free XM account and start with a demo]( check XM official promotions)
Cross-broker cost comparison for 2026
Two brokers in today's research have published the same kind of cost test, which makes a direct comparison possible. The third column is included for the reader who wants a regulated, multi-platform option with a demo path.
| Dimension | Axi | Pepperstone | XM |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-in cost, one standard lot, three-pair set | £5.06 (per compareforexbrokers.co.uk) | £6.82 (per compareforexbrokers.co.uk) | Not part of that test; compare on your own pairs |
| Pricing logic | Lower all-in cost on this test set | Higher all-in cost on this test set | Tiered accounts; check spread plus commission |
| Platform fit | MT5 supported in the cited test | MT5 supported in the cited test | MT5 with demo access |
| Entry route | Live account on the cited test | Live account on the cited test | Demo and no-deposit bonus ($30 where eligible No-Deposit Bonus) |
| Best for | Cost-focused multi-pair traders | Traders who weigh the broker's wider service set | Beginners who want a zero-risk start |
The three-pair test in plain terms
The £5.06 versus £6.82 gap is £1.76 per lot across that set. The figure is only meaningful at the test's trade size and conditions. A trader running ten lots a month would multiply that gap, while a beginner trading 0.01 lots would barely notice it. Scale the number to your own trading before you let it drive the decision.
Who should pick which
- The beginner with a small balance: start with a demo or the no-deposit route, then decide. XM is the pick for this reader because the first step costs nothing and the account-type choice can wait until the demo has taught you the platform.
- The cost-focused trader on several pairs: use the published three-pair test as your baseline. On that test, Axi's all-in cost is lower than Pepperstone's, so start there and confirm on your own pairs.
- The reader weighing service and platform depth: compare Pepperstone and XM on the features you actually use, not on headline spread alone.
Kenji fits the first profile. He is trading a small balance, so he picks the demo route first, then treats the live account as a second decision. For a beginner starting small, XM is the pick: [open your XM account]( check XM official promotions ) (free, a few minutes).
You can also review the mechanics of the deposit bonus. A deposit bonus (Up to $10,500 deposit bonus) adds a percentage cushion that can absorb some drawdown, but bonus credit is not directly withdrawable until a trading-volume condition is met. Per the official terms, read that condition before you count the bonus as spendable money.
Framing your in-house platform against MetaTrader 5
Many brokers offer an in-house platform alongside MT5. The question is not which one is better in the abstract. The question is which one matches what you need to do, and whether the price you see matches the account you intend to trade.
What MT5 gives you
MetaTrader 5 is the widely used reference point. Per the research, it runs across desktop, mobile and web with a single login for each account. Its value is portability and a familiar environment. It is not a pricing guarantee: the same MT5 software still shows each broker's own quotes and conditions.
When an in-house platform is enough
An in-house platform is enough when you trade manually, use the broker's built-in charts and order types, and do not need MQL5 programmes or third-party automation. If you rely on automated strategies, MT5 is the safer baseline because it is the platform those tools are written for. Check that your strategy's tools work on the platform you choose before you deposit.
Your platform checklist
- Do you need the same login across desktop, mobile and web? Confirm it on the platform you pick.
- Are your strategies or indicators written for MT5 or MT4? An MT4 login does not work in MT5.
- Does the platform show the same account type you plan to trade, with the same spread and commission?
- Can you run a demo on the exact account type before funding?
Framing MT5 against an in-house platform is less about loyalty and more about fit. Kenji adopts the checklist above, so the platform choice follows from his strategy rather than from habit.
How to run the cross-platform check in five steps
The credential check works best as a structured process rather than a one-time login. Here is the sequence Kenji follows.
- Write down your usual trade size and pairs. Use a realistic lot size, for example 0.1 lots on EUR/USD, so the spread and commission math reflects how you actually trade.
- Open a demo on each platform you are considering. Use the same account type you plan to fund, so the spread and commission match the live terms.
- Calculate total cost per account. Add the spread cost and the commission for one round trip. Record the number, not the headline spread.
- Compare against your balance. Divide the total cost by your starting deposit. If one account consumes a large share of your balance on a single trade, it is the wrong account for that deposit, however cheap the headline looks.
- Fund only one account type to start. Choose the account whose total cost fits your balance, then deposit only what you can afford to lose.
Kenji works through the five steps in an evening. His decision is clear: he opens the demo first, uses the total-cost figure to pick an account type, and only then considers funding. For a transactional next step, [open your XM account]( check XM official promotions ) and start on the demo before you touch live money.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see other account types' prices by logging in with the same MT5 credentials?
No. Per the Vantage Markets research, an account is opened for one platform and one account model, and the same MetaTrader 5 software can quote different prices depending on each account's conditions. A login shows the account it belongs to. To compare account types, open a separate demo or live account for each one and record the total cost of each. This is the only way to see the pricing on each account, rather than assuming that one login represents the whole broker.
Does an MT4 login work in MT5?
No. Per the Vantage Markets MT4 versus MT5 guide, an account is opened for one platform, so an MT4 login does not work in MT5, and MQL4 programmes do not transfer automatically. If you plan to use both platforms, open an account for each and check that your tools are written for the platform you use. Decide before you deposit, because switching later means opening a new account.
Why isn't a low headline spread enough to compare brokers?
A headline spread ignores commission. Per the Pro-Scalper analysis, a 0.0-pip Raw account with 7 USD per lot in commission can cost more than a wider-spread account with no commission. Add spread and commission together for one round trip at your usual lot size. The cheapest account for a 0.01-lot trader can be different from the cheapest account for a 1-lot trader, so run the sum at your own size.
Is XM a regulated broker?
XM operates under several regulators, including CySEC, ASIC and FSC, depending on the entity and the client's region. Check the regulator named on your own agreement, then confirm the entity on that regulator's public register. Regulation tells you who oversees the firm, not whether an account will suit your trading. Use the regulator register as your first check, then compare costs and platforms separately.
What does a no-deposit bonus actually let me do?
A no-deposit bonus ($30 where eligible No-Deposit Bonus) is credited on account opening and requires no deposit of your own money. It lets you trade with bonus credit while you learn the platform and test spreads on the account type you are considering. The bonus credit is not directly withdrawable until the trading-volume condition in the official terms is met, so read that condition before you plan around the credit.
How do I claim the bonus?
Open an account through the official offer, complete identity verification (KYC), and check the bonus terms shown in your account before trading. The bonus amount varies by region, so the figure in your own account is the one that applies to you. Keep the trading-volume condition in view from the start, because it governs when bonus credit can be withdrawn. To start without risking your own money, [claim the no-deposit offer on XM]( check XM official promotions ).
Kenji's decision and your next step
Kenji's opening question was simple: which MT5 account is cheapest, and can one login tell him? The answer is no, and that is useful. He now knows that each account type needs its own check, that the cheapest headline is not always the cheapest total, and that the platform should match his strategy. He picks the demo route first, runs the five steps on his usual lot size, and only then considers which live account suits his balance.
The next step for a beginner is the same one: open the demo, record the total cost of one round trip, and compare it against the balance you would fund. Once the numbers fit, you can decide on a live account with a clear figure in hand rather than a guess.
Because most retail CFD and forex accounts lose money, it matters that you can start with no deposit and practise first. A demo or no-deposit route puts none of your savings at risk while you learn how spreads, commissions and the platform behave. Trading CFDs and forex involves a high risk of losing your capital, and you should only fund what you can afford to lose.
[Open XM free — fund nothing to start]( check XM official promotions )
Methodology: This review aggregates publicly available data from broker official pages, regulator public registers, and independent review aggregators verified on 2026-11-07. The editorial team has not personally traded on the broker(s) reviewed. For our hands-on testing protocol when implemented, see our methodology. Affiliate disclosure: Some links are affiliate links — we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Compensation does not influence broker rankings; see our editorial policy.
FAQ
Can I see other account types' prices by logging in with the same MT5 credentials?
No. Per the Vantage Markets research, an account is opened for one platform and one account model, and the same MetaTrader 5 software can quote different prices depending on each account's conditions. A login shows the account it belongs to. To compare account types, open a separate demo or live account for each one and record the total cost of each. This is the only way to see the pricing on each account rather than assuming one login represents the whole broker.
Does an MT4 login work in MT5?
No. Per the Vantage Markets MT4 versus MT5 guide, an account is opened for one platform, so an MT4 login does not work in MT5, and MQL4 programmes do not transfer automatically. If you plan to use both platforms, open an account for each and check that your tools are written for the platform you use. Decide before you deposit, because switching later usually means opening a new account.
Why isn't a low headline spread enough to compare brokers?
A headline spread ignores commission. Per the Pro-Scalper analysis of MT5 account types, a 0.0-pip Raw account with 7 USD per lot in commission can cost more than a wider-spread account with no commission. Add spread and commission together for one round trip at your usual lot size. The cheapest account for a 0.01-lot trader can differ from the cheapest for a 1-lot trader, so run the sum at your own size before you choose.
Is XM a regulated broker?
XM operates under several regulators, including CySEC, ASIC and FSC, depending on the entity and the client's region. Check which regulator is named on your own agreement, then confirm that entity on the regulator's public register. Regulation tells you who oversees the firm, not whether a given account will suit your trading. Use the register as your first check, then compare costs and platforms separately.
What does a no-deposit bonus actually let me do?
A no-deposit bonus is credited on account opening and requires no deposit of your own money. It lets you trade with bonus credit while you learn the platform and test spreads on the account type you are considering. The bonus credit is not directly withdrawable until the trading-volume condition in the official terms is met, so read that condition before you plan around the credit. Your own balance and risk stay unchanged until you choose to fund an account.
How do I claim the bonus?
Open an account through the official offer, complete identity verification (KYC), and check the bonus terms shown in your account before you trade. The bonus amount varies by region, so the figure shown in your own account is the one that applies to you. Keep the trading-volume condition in view from the start, because it governs when bonus credit can be withdrawn. Starting on the no-deposit route means you learn the platform without putting your own savings at risk.
Sources & Verification
This article was fact-checked on 2026-11-07. Key claims:
- "Axi all-in cost of £5.06 versus Pepperstone £6.82 for one standard lot across a three-pair set" — verified via https://www.compareforexbrokers.co.uk/platforms/mt5/ on 2026-11-07
- "Standard MT5 account: 10 USD minimum deposit, spreads from 1.0 pip, 0 USD commission per side" — verified via https://dbinvesting.com/en/accounts-types/ on 2026-11-07
- "Raw MT5 account: 10 USD minimum deposit, spreads from 0.0 pips, 3 USD commission per lot per side" — verified via https://dbinvesting.com/en/accounts-types/ on 2026-11-07
- "Pro MT5 account: 5,000 USD minimum deposit, spreads from 0.0 pips" — verified via https://dbinvesting.com/en/accounts-types/ on 2026-11-07
- "Two traders using the same MT5 software can receive different prices, spreads, symbols and account conditions" — verified via https://www.vantagemarkets.com/academy/best-mt5-brokers-apps/ on 2026-11-07
- "An account is opened for one platform, so an MT4 login does not work in MT5, and MQL4 programmes do not carry over" — verified via https://www.vantagemarkets.com/en/academy/mt4-vs-mt5/ on 2026-11-07
- "A 0.0-pip Raw account with 7 USD per lot commission can cost more than a wider-spread account; compare total cost, not headline spread" — verified via https://www.pro-scalper.com/mt5-account-types-gold-trading on 2026-11-07
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