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Blog / Cent Account vs Standard Account: Best Choice for New Forex Traders Worldwide
Cent Account vs Standard Account

Cent Account vs Standard Account: Best Choice for New Forex Traders Worldwide

Published: 28.04.2025

Choosing between a cent account and a standard forex account is often the first decision new traders face. For beginners across Europe, Asia, Africa, LATAM, and MENA, picking the right account type can make a big difference in learning speed, risk management, and trading confidence. Let’s compare both account types focusing on low-deposit trading accounts ideal for new forex traders in regulated and emerging markets around the world.

What Is a Cent Account?

A cent account is a type of trading account where balances and trades are displayed in cents instead of dollars or euros. For example, a $10 deposit would show as 1,000 cents in the trading account. Cent accounts are designed to:

  • Allow real-market trading with very low risk
  • Use micro-lots (0.01 lots) for smaller positions
  • Help beginners practice in live market conditions without major financial stress

Cent accounts are perfect for total beginners who want real experience without risking large amounts of money.

What Is a Standard Account?

A standard forex account is the traditional trading account type. Balances and trades are measured in full currency units like USD, EUR, or GBP. Standard accounts usually require higher deposits and offer full exposure to market volatility. Standard accounts:

  • Trade full-lot sizes (standard, mini, or micro)
  • Often feature tighter spreads and lower trading costs
  • Are better suited for traders with more experience or a larger trading budget

They provide greater profit potential — but also come with higher risks.

Key Differences Between Cent and Standard Accounts

Feature
Cent Account
Standard Account
Display Currency
Cents (e.g., 1 USD = 100 cents)
Full currency (USD, EUR)
Minimum Deposit
Very low (starting from $1)
Higher ($100 or more)
Ideal For
Total beginners
Intermediate and confident beginners
Trade Size
Micro lots (0.01)
Mini to standard lots
Risk Level
Very low
Higher
Leverage Options
Often higher
Moderate, depending on regulations
Broker Availability
Popular in Asia, Africa, LATAM, and some EU/MENA brokers
Available globally

Which Account Type Is Better for New Forex Traders?

Choose a Cent Account if:

  • You are completely new to forex trading
  • You want to practice with very small deposits ($1–$10)
  • You’re based in Africa, Asia, LATAM, MENA, or using an EU broker offering cent accounts (like Exness)

Choose a Standard Account if:

  • You are ready for higher profit potential
  • You understand trading risks and lot sizes
  • You can comfortably deposit $100 or more

Final Thoughts

For new forex traders around the world, deciding between a cent and a standard account depends on experience level, budget, and trading goals. Cent accounts are ideal for first-time traders who want a safe, affordable way to learn and trade real markets.

Standard accounts are better once a trader gains confidence and is ready for larger positions and real profits. Whichever option a trader chooses, it’s crucial to start with a regulated broker, use a low-deposit strategy, and focus on steady learning before scaling up.

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