If we think of trading as a world of investors, then your account is the vehicle that takes you there. It’s the very first and most important step in your journey, as it determines how you access the markets, manage your capital, and execute your strategies.
That’s why choosing the right one matters. There is no one-size-fits-all trading account type – each comes with its own features, cost structure, and execution model, making it suitable for different trading styles, goals, and experience levels.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the three main D Prime account types – Cent, STP, and ECN – so you can better understand how each works and decide where you fit best.
Cent Account – A Friendly Start for New Traders
Definition
As the name suggests, a Cent account is a type of real trading account where your balance is displayed in cents instead of dollars. This structure allows you to trade in the live market with a much smaller capital requirement.
Although it is a real account with actual market exposure, the smaller unit size makes it ideal for those who want to step into online trading accounts with minimal financial pressure.
How It Works
For a Cent account, the system simply multiplies your deposit by 100.
For example:
- Deposit $10 → Your account shows 1,000 cents.
- Deposit $100 → Your account shows 10,000 cents.
Lot sizes are also adjusted accordingly. In a standard trading account, 1 lot represents a full contract size. In a Cent account, 1 lot equals 0.01 lot of a standard account.
So, if you open 0.01 lot in a Cent account, the pip value may only be a few cents rather than several dollars. As a result, both potential profits and risks are significantly lower compared to other trading account types.
It’s important to note that the Cent account at D Prime provides access to three markets: Forex, Precious Metals, and Commodities, which is more limited compared to STP and ECN accounts.
Who Is It For?
With these features, the Cent account is best suited for:
- Beginners who want to experience real market conditions through a D Prime live account, but with lower risk exposure.
- Small-capital traders working with limited budgets, as the minimum deposit starts from just $5 (compared to $100 for STP or ECN).
- Strategy or bot testers who want to test automated systems in real-time market conditions using real spreads and execution.
In short, the Cent account offers a practical and affordable entry point into live trading, making it one of the most accessible D Prime account types available.
STP Account – Transparent and Flexible Trading
Definition
An STP (Straight Through Processing) account is a type of trading account where orders are sent directly to liquidity providers, such as banks and financial institutions without passing through a dealing desk.
Because of this structure, STP accounts are classified under the No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution model. Among the various trading account types, STP is often considered a balanced option between simplicity and market access.
How It Works
With an STP account, your trades are automatically routed to one or multiple liquidity providers. This allows you to receive the best available bid and ask prices in real time.
At D Prime, the STP D Prime live account does not charge commission fees. Instead, trading costs are included within the spread. Besides, the minimum deposit required is $100.
One key advantage is market access. Unlike the Cent account, the STP account allows you to trade across a full range of instruments, including:
- Forex
- Stocks (available on MT4 platform)
- Precious Metals
- Commodities
- Stock Indices
- Cryptocurrencies
This broader access makes it a versatile choice among online trading accounts, especially for traders looking to diversify their portfolio within one account.
Who Is It For?
The STP account is ideal for:
- Intermediate traders who are ready to move beyond micro-lot trading
- Swing and day traders seeking stable spreads and transparent execution
- Traders who prefer a commission-free structure without the complexity of ECN pricing
For many traders, STP represents the next natural step after starting with a Cent account, making it one of the most popular D Prime account types.
ECN Account – Precision for Professional Traders
Definition
When it comes to professional-level trading, the ECN account stands out.
An ECN (Electronic Communication Network) account connects traders directly to a network of liquidity providers, including banks, hedge funds, and other market participants. This model provides direct access to raw market pricing without dealing desk intervention.
Among all trading account types, ECN is known for offering the most competitive pricing structure.
How It Works
When you place a trade using an ECN D Prime live account, your order is sent directly into the ECN network and matched with the best available bid or ask price from banks, liquidity providers and other market participants.
The key advantage? Spreads can start from as low as 0.0 pips, offering extremely tight bid/ask pricing.
Instead of marking up spreads, D Prime charges a fixed commission per lot traded. This transparent pricing structure differentiates ECN from Cent and STP accounts.
For active traders using advanced strategies within online trading accounts, this cost efficiency can make a significant difference over time.
Who Is It For?
The ECN account is particularly suitable for:
- Professional traders who require precise execution and ultra-tight spreads
- Scalpers, as small price movements become more meaningful with low spreads
- High-volume traders aiming to reduce overall trading costs across multiple positions
If your strategy depends on speed, tight pricing, and institutional-grade execution, the ECN account is likely the right fit.
Final Thoughts
D Prime offers a variety of account types designed to match traders at every stage of their journey. Whether you are opening your first trading account or upgrading to a professional-level D Prime live account, there is a structure tailored to your needs.
We hope this guide has given you a clearer understanding of the available online trading accounts at D Prime and helped you identify which one suits you best.
If you need further assistance, our Support Team is always ready to help at en.support@dooprime.com.
Risk Disclosure
Trading in Securities, Futures, contracts for difference (CFDs) and other financial products carries high risks due to the rapid and unpredictable fluctuation in the value and prices of these financial instruments. This unpredictability is due to the adverse and unpredictable market movements, geopolitical events, economic data releases, and other unforeseen circumstances. You may sustain substantial losses including losses exceeding your initial investment within a short period of time.
You are strongly advised to fully understand the nature and inherent risks of trading with the respective financial instrument before engaging in any transactions with us. When you engage in transactions with us, you acknowledge that you are aware of and accept these risks.
Disclaimer
The information contained herein is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice or any other form of professional advice, a recommendation, or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instruments or engage in any trading strategy.
Trading in leveraged products such as contracts for difference (CFDs) involves a significant risk of loss and may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Any references to market trends, asset performance, price levels, or forward-looking statements reflect opinions or general market commentary as at the date of publication and are subject to change without notice.
This article does not take into account any individual investor’s objectives, financial situation, or risk tolerance. Readers should conduct their own independent research and seek professional advice before making any investment or trading decisions. D Prime and its affiliates make no representations or warranties about the accuracy or completeness or reliability of this information and disclaim any and all liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or other losses or damages arising out of or in connection with the use of or reliance on any information contained herein. The above information should not be used or considered as the basis for any trading decisions or as an invitation to engage in any transaction. Do not rely on this articlereport to replace your independent judgment.
“D Prime” is a brand name of D Prime Vanuatu Limited, a company incorporated and regulated by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (Company Number: 700238). The availability of products and services may vary depending on jurisdiction and applicable regulatory requirements.
