Cent vs USD account for running an EA
Updated 4 October 2026 · EzoO Bots
Many brokers offer a cent account next to their normal USD account. For running an EA, especially a grid EA, the choice matters a lot. This guide explains the difference and how settings change.
What a cent account is
On a cent account your balance is shown in US cents (often written USC). A $10 deposit shows as 1,000 USC. Trades are sized so that the same lot moves your balance in cents instead of dollars, which makes each trade about 100 times smaller in real money than on a standard USD account. The exact contract size depends on the broker, so check the symbol's Specification in MT5.
Why traders use cent accounts for EAs
- Real conditions, small money. You trade on a live server with real spreads and execution, but with a small balance.
- Room for a grid. A grid EA needs space for several levels. On a cent account a small deposit gives the same number of "units" as a much larger USD account.
- Learning the EA. You can watch how baskets open and close and how deep the drawdown gets before risking more.
Why traders use USD accounts
- Bigger balances. Cent accounts often have a maximum balance. Larger accounts run on standard USD accounts.
- More symbols and account features at some brokers.
- Results in real dollars without converting from cents.
How EA settings change on a cent account
Settings that are measured in money are read in the account currency. On a cent account that currency is cents. For example, in EzoO Frame:
| Setting | On a USD account | On a cent account |
|---|---|---|
| Max Drawdown Money = 20000 | $20,000 | 20,000 USC = $200 |
| Starting Lot = 0.01 | 0.01 standard lot | 0.01 cent lot (much smaller in dollars) |
| Basket Take Profit = 150 points | 150 points | 150 points (points do not change) |
| Max Drawdown % = 30 | 30% of balance | 30% of balance |
Percent and point settings work the same on both. Money settings need to be read in the account's own currency. If you move from a cent account to a USD account, check every money setting again.
Which one to start with
If you are new to an EA, start on a demo account, then a cent account, and only move to a USD account once you understand the drawdown you are comfortable with. Our backtests on the home page are shown for both cent and USD accounts.
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