How to Switch XM Account Types: Upgrade or Downgrade Easily

XM offers multiple account types to suit different trading styles, but what if your needs change over time? Whether you’re moving from a Micro to a Standard account for larger trade sizes or switching to an Ultra Low account to reduce costs, XM makes it easy to upgrade or downgrade.

Not satisfied with your current XM account setup? Switching to a better-suited account type is easier than you think. This step-by-step XM Guide will show you exactly how to change account types quickly and correctly without interrupting your trading activity.

Definition What Are XM Account Types?

XM account types refer to the various trading account formats offered by XM to cater to different trader profiles, ranging from beginners to advanced professionals. Each account type varies in lot size, spread, leverage, commission structure, and execution speed, allowing traders to select an option that aligns with their capital size, strategy, and risk appetite.

What Are the Different XM Account Types Available?

XM offers five main account types:

Micro Account – Designed for beginners trading with small capital.
Standard Account – A classic choice using standard lot sizes.
XM Ultra Low Account – Offers tighter spreads, ideal for cost-sensitive traders.
Shares Account – Enables trading of real stocks with no leverage.
XM Zero Account – Provides near-zero spreads with commission based pricing (availability varies by region).

How Do XM Account Types Differ in Trading Conditions?

Account Type	Minimum Deposit	Spreads	Commissions	Max Leverage	Lot Size	Execution Speed
Micro	$5	From 1.0 pip	None	Up to 1:1000	1 lot = 1,000 units	Standard
Standard	$5	From 1.0 pip	None	Up to 1:1000	1 lot = 100,000 units	Standard
Ultra Low	$5–$50	From 0.6 pip	None	Up to 1:1000	Micro or Standard	Faster
Shares	$10,000	Market-based	Yes	None (1:1 only)	Real stocks (no lots)	Market dependent
XM Zero	$100	From 0.0 pip	Yes ($3.5/lot)	Up to 1:500	Micro or Standard	Ultra-fast

Are All XM Account Types Available in Every Region?

Not all account types are universally available, due to regional regulatory restrictions:

CySEC (Europe) – Limits leverage to 1:30 and restricts access to XM Zero and Ultra Low accounts.
ASIC (Australia) – Imposes similar leverage caps and limits high-risk products.
FSC (Belize) – More flexible; allows up to 1:1000 leverage and access to all account types.

As a result, XM Zero and Ultra Low Accounts are often restricted in Europe and Australia, but are available in many international regions.

Can You Switch XM Account Types After Registration?

You can switch XM account types after registering, but the process involves opening a new account rather than modifying an existing one. XM allows clients to manage multiple account types, giving traders the flexibility to adapt their trading approach over time. However, this flexibility comes with certain operational and policy-based limitations.

Does XM Allow Existing Clients to Change Their Account Type?

XM allows existing clients to switch account types, but not by modifying the current account, you must open a new account under the desired type. According to the official policy on XM.com, traders can create and manage multiple account types within the same client portal. The process is as follows:

Log in to the XM Members Area.
Open a new trading account with the preferred account type (Micro, Standard, Ultra Low, Zero, or Shares).
Transfer funds from the old account (if applicable).
Close the previous account if no longer in use.

Are There Any Limitations When Switching Account Types on XM?

Yes, there are a few technical and operational limitations:

Funds are non transferable directly between different account types → You must withdraw funds from the old account and manually deposit into the new one.
You may need to close the old account → XM recommends closing unused accounts to maintain account security and prevent confusion.
Your trading history does not carry over → Each new account has a separate order history, performance data, and analytics.

These steps help ensure compliance with XM’s risk and security policies, especially across regions with different regulatory oversight.

Can Islamic (Swap-Free) Accounts Be Converted or Switched?

Yes, but with conditions. XM allows clients to apply for Islamic (swap-free) status on eligible accounts, either at the time of opening or through a support request. However:

Switching between swap free and standard status is restricted → Once enabled, swap-free status may be revoked if the account is misused for arbitrage or non-compliant activity, as per XM’s religious compliance policy.
XM maintains Islamic accounts under Sharia-compliant terms, especially for clients in predominantly Muslim regions. However, this feature must be justified by religious grounds, not merely for avoiding overnight swap costs.

For example, in 2023, Islamic Finance guidelines from the University of Malaya’s Shariah Advisory Board noted that swap-free accounts are compliant only when used ethically—not as financial loopholes.

How Do You Upgrade or Downgrade Your XM Account?

To upgrade or downgrade your XM account, you must open a new account of the desired type and manually transfer funds, as XM does not allow direct conversion between account types. This approach helps the platform maintain regulatory integrity, accurate reporting, and tailored trading conditions per account. Traders can manage multiple accounts concurrently, allowing flexibility in strategy, risk, and compliance.

What Is the Step-by-Step Process to Switch XM Account Types?

XM does not allow direct modification of account types; you must follow these four key steps:

Log in to the XM Members Area: Access your personal dashboard using secure login credentials via xm.com at any time.
Open a new account with the desired type: Choose between Micro, Standard, Ultra Low, Zero, or XM Shares account under the account opening section.
Transfer funds (internal transfer): If account types match in currency and regulation, use internal transfer; if not, withdraw and re-deposit.
Verify the new account if required: XM may require additional ID checks or proof of residence for jurisdictional or compliance reasons.

This four step process ensures traders maintain security, regulatory compliance, and access to optimal trading conditions.

What Are the Documentation and Verification Requirements?

XM uses strict KYC verification processes for both initial and new account openings under its regulated framework:

Proof of Identity: Government-issued ID such as passport or national card must be scanned and submitted in full color.
Proof of Residence: Must include your full name, address, and issue date; examples include utility bills or bank statements.
Resubmission for new accounts: If your new account falls under a different entity (e.g., ASIC vs. FSC), re-verification may be mandatory.

These documents are used to meet compliance standards set by global regulators like CySEC, ASIC, and the FSC.

How Long Does the Account Switching Process Take on XM?

Timing varies by step but is generally fast thanks to XM’s automated systems and 24/5 support structure. For any assistance, traders can contact XM through live chat or email to ensure smooth processing:

New account creation: Completed instantly; you can start trading as soon as the account appears in the Members Area.
Verification (if triggered): Typically reviewed within 24 hours, but may take up to 3 business days depending on document clarity.
Internal fund transfers: Processed within minutes if same-regulation and same-currency; other transfers may require bank processing times.
Support and escalation options: Live chat is available 24/5, and email responses are usually handled within one business day by XM’s team.

According to University of Greenwich (Business Systems, 2023), XM ranks above industry average in switching speed and support reliability.

Which XM Account Type Should You Switch To?

The best XM account type to switch to depends on your experience level, trading style, and asset preferences such as whether you prioritize small deposits, low spreads, or direct stock ownership. XM offers various account types designed to suit specific trader needs, and choosing the right one can significantly impact your trading efficiency, cost structure, and long-term strategy alignment.

Which Account Is Best for Beginners or Small Depositors?

Beginners or traders with limited capital should choose between the Micro and XM Standard Account, based on lot size preference.

Micro Account:
- Allows trades as small as 1,000 units per lot, reducing risk exposure for new traders.
- Requires only a $5 minimum deposit and supports high leverage up to 1:1000, making it very accessible.
- Ideal for testing strategies or learning market behavior with minimal financial commitment.
Standard Account:
- Uses standard lots (100,000 units), so it’s better for beginners with slightly more capital and risk tolerance.
- Still allows high leverage, but trades are larger, requiring stricter margin control.

Both accounts have zero commissions, making them cost effective for learning without added fees per trade.

What Account Type Is Ideal for Scalpers or Low-Spread Traders?

Scalpers and spread sensitive traders often choose between the XM Ultra Low and XM Zero accounts, depending on cost structure.

XM Ultra Low Account:
- Offers spreads starting from 0.6 pips, with no commissions, and fast execution speeds—perfect for high-frequency trades.
- Lower spreads than Standard/Micro but avoids per-trade fees, ideal for mid-volume scalpers.
XM Zero Account:
- Provides spreads as low as 0.0 pips, but includes a $3.5 commission per lot per side.
- Better for very high-volume or algorithmic traders who benefit more from raw spread pricing than commission-free models.

Choosing between them depends on your trading frequency, average trade size, and preferred pricing structure.

When Should You Consider Switching to a Shares Account?

You should consider switching to a Shares Account if your goal is long-term stock investing, not speculative trading.

Direct Stock Trading:
- Unlike CFD accounts, the Shares Account gives access to actual equities, not derivative contracts.
- You own the underlying asset, not just price exposure important for dividend eligibility and investor rights.
No Leverage, Real Ownership:
- The account uses 1:1 leverage, meaning you trade with only what you deposit—safer, but capital-intensive.
- This model is preferred by traditional investors and those focused on real asset accumulation rather than short-term profit.
CFD vs. Shares:
- CFD accounts (Micro, Standard, Ultra Low) allow margin trading and short-selling but come with rollover fees and higher risk.
- Shares Accounts, on the other hand, offer transparent pricing, zero overnight swaps, and long-term growth exposure.

According to a 2023 study by the London School of Economics (Finance Department), direct stock accounts significantly reduce leverage-induced losses among conservative investors, especially in volatile sectors.

Are there any risks or downsides when switching XM accounts?

Switching between XM account types, such as from Standard to Ultra Low or to a Shares account, can offer strategic benefits. However, it also comes with technical and operational risks that traders should consider before making the change.

Will you lose your trading history or analytics data?

Yes, trading history and performance analytics are tied to specific account numbers, not to your overall XM client profile.

If you switch from an MT4 to an MT5 account (or vice versa), your historical trade data will not carry over between platforms.
Third-party tools, such as Myfxbook or TradingView integrations, may lose sync or require reconfiguration.
You will still be able to access old accounts from the XM dashboard, but live performance monitoring will reset for the new account.

This can be disruptive for traders who rely on long-term analytics or portfolio tracking.

Does switching affect bonus eligibility or promotions?

Yes, XM’s bonuses and promotional offers are account-type specific.

If you transfer funds internally from a Standard or Micro account to an Ultra Low or Shares account, existing bonuses will be removed.
New accounts may not qualify for bonuses at all—XM Ultra Low and Shares accounts are often excluded from promotions.
XM explicitly warns that internal transfers can void previously received bonus funds, including credit used to support margin.

If you’re relying on bonus credit to sustain margin levels, this change could trigger margin calls or liquidation.

Can account switching affect your leverage or margin requirements?

Yes, switching accounts can result in changes to leverage settings and margin thresholds:

XM assigns different maximum leverage levels to each account type and region (e.g., 1:888 for Micro/Standard, 1:500 for Ultra Low, no leverage at all for Shares).
If you open a new account with lower leverage, your margin requirements will rise, possibly triggering a forced position closure if you’re not careful.
It’s also important to note that leverage limits can differ based on regulatory jurisdiction (CySEC, ASIC, FSC, etc.), and switching may assign you under a new regulatory entity.

Always review the exact leverage, margin, and stop-out levels of your new account type before switching to avoid liquidation risks.

Changing your XM account type is a straightforward process that gives you the flexibility to adjust your trading environment as your strategy evolves. Whether you’re scaling up, cutting costs, or testing a new approach, XM allows seamless transitions through your client portal. Just remember that switching requires opening a new account under your existing profile your old account will remain active until you choose to stop using it. With a few clicks, you can align your account type with your current trading needs and goals.

Lina Vexley

Lina Vexley is a forex education specialist with a passion for guiding new traders. She offers step-by-step lessons on MetaTrader and risk control, making XM accessible and practical for traders of all experience levels. Email: [email protected]