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Tickmill Review 2023

By: Plamen Stoyanov
Updated: Nov 26, 2023
Overall Rating
4.4
  • Trust
    4.3
  • Fees
    4.4
  • Platforms and Tools
    4.3
  • Tradable Instruments
    4.3
  • Customer Support
    4.1
  • Research
    5
  • Deposit and Withdrawal
    4.9
  • Account Types and Terms
    4.9
  • Education
    5
  • How Did We Test and Rate This Broker?
    When trading forex and CFDs, understanding a broker's strengths and weaknesses is essential. We developed a proprietary rating system, which is the result of extensive research and hands-on evaluation by our expert reviewers. With a rigorous approach, our reviewers manually assess each broker, investing more than 50 hours per review, checking and testing the broker while analyzing over 250 variables to simplify the broker selection process for you. The categories we evaluate include trustworthiness, trading platforms, customer support, regulatory oversight, spreads, fees, the variety of instruments offered, education, and research tools. This unique rating system is specifically developed to ensure that the assessment is based on firsthand knowledge and experience. By dedicating a significant amount of time to each review, our team of experts can provide in-depth insights and help you make well-informed decisions when choosing the broker that best suits your trading goals.
    Chart
    Visit our methodology page to learn more about our review and rating process.
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    This is a review of a Classic account opened with Tickmill UK Ltd, one of the entities operating under the Tickmill Group. We evaluated the terms and conditions of the account type and the usability of the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platform – its desktop and mobile app versions.

    Data was collected on November 17, 2022.

    The Big Picture

    Tickmill managed to establish itself as one of the most popular brands in the trading industry since its foundation in 2014. The award-winning broker has garnered a reputation for its innovative trading solutions and wide range of supporting tools. The entities of Tickmill Group are all very transparent, have very competitive fees, and are licensed by some of the most trusted regulators in the industry.

    Tickmill performed remarkably in all major categories as one of the global industry leaders. It is a trustworthy broker that offers a wide selection of CFDs, futures contracts, and options. Tickmill’s assortment of research and education materials is quite extensive and diverse, and it also incorporates multiple third-party tools. In addition, the broker offers several account types, catering to the needs of different types of traders.

    There aren’t many major drawbacks to talk about except for some minor inconveniences, such as a lack of a proprietary platform for CFD trading.

    Overall, we found Tickmill suitable for different kinds of traders – from small retail traders to large corporations and from newbies taking their first steps on the market to seasoned vets with extensive experience.

    Tickmill Key Takeaways for 2022

    • We evaluated Tickmill across 9 categories (Trust and Stability, Fees, Tradable Instruments, Account Types, Deposit and Withdrawal, Research, Customer Support, Education, and Platform and Tools).
    • Tickmill performed quite well in the Account Types, Deposits, Research, and Education categories. Its clients are treated to a wealth of supporting materials, diverse account types, and free deposits and withdrawals.
    • It also scored highly in the Trust, Fees, and Instruments categories. The multi-regulated broker offers hundreds of tradable instruments from different asset classes with low spreads and commissions.
    • Tickmill earned above-average marks in the Customer Support and Platforms categories. Support is only available during office hours, while the MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms are not overly flexible.

    Who is Tickmill For?

    Tickmill boasts an impressive collection of educational and research materials, such as articles, market breakdowns, analyses, webinars, and seminars, illustrating the ever-changing market behavior. This multifaceted overview can be indispensable to traders with widely diverging styles – from the highly conservative rookie to the seasoned scalper.

    Additionally, Tickmill UK Ltd offers futures and options trading solutions to those wanting to exploit complex trading opportunities. The futures account type is suitable for more skilled traders seeking to gauge market volatility as it changes over time.

    Tickmill’s futures account type

    Tickmill Pros and Cons

    Pros Cons
    • Licensed by top-tier regulators
    • Competitive fees
    • Wide selection of tradable instruments and supporting tools
    • Diverse account types
    • No proprietary platform
    • Customer support only available during office hours

     

    Tickmill Main Features

    ☑️ RegulationsCySEC (Cyprus), FCA UK (United Kingdom), FSA Seychelles (Seychelles), FSCA South Africa (South Africa), Labuan FSA (Libya)
    🗺 Supported Languages
    Turkish, Korean, English, Filipino, Russian, Indonesian, Portuguese, Thai, Polish, Arabic, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Malaysian, German
    💰 ProductsOptions, Currencies, Stocks, Crypto, Bonds, Indices, Commodities, Futures
    💵 Min Deposit$100
    💹 Max Leverage1:500 (LFSA)
    🖥 Trading Desk TypeNo dealing desk
    📊 Trading PlatformsMT5, MT4
    💳 Deposit OptionsWire Transfer, Cryptocurrencies, Neteller, Webmoney, Skrill, Credit Card, PayPal, Trustly, Visa, Mastercard, SticPay
    💳 Withdrawal OptionsWire Transfer, Neteller, Webmoney, Skrill, Credit Card, PayPal, Trustly, Visa, Mastercard, SticPay
    🤴 Demo AccountYes
    🗓 Foundation Year2014
    🌎 Headquarters CountryUnited Kingdom
    Risk DisclosureCFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

    Tickmill Full Review

    Trust

    4.3
    How Did We Test the Broker's Trustworthiness?
    Assessing a broker's trustworthiness with your funds is vital. To help you make the right decision, we carefully checked each broker's regulatory license and examined how well they protect traders. Moreover, we looked at the broker's stability by studying their business history, corporate structure, and industry experience. Finally, we thoroughly reviewed all of the broker's legal documentation, including terms, conditions, and fees, and evaluated their transparency based on our analysis. Our hands-on approach ensures that even novice traders have the knowledge they need to make smart decisions.
    trust chart

    Tickmill earned a high mark in the Trust category. Five entities operate under the Tickmill Group, most of which are licensed by first-tier and second-tier regulators. They comply with some of the strictest safety guidelines in the industry, ensuring a very high level of protection.

    Tickmill Regulations

    In our reviews, we examine the licenses and regulations of each entity operated by a broker. This allows us to compare each entity’s different levels of protection. We rank licenses by various regulatory bodies on a three-tier system, where Tier-1 licensing indicates the highest level of regulation.

    Here is what we found concerning the several entities comprising the Tickmill Group:

    • Tickmill UK Ltd is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) in the United Arab Emirates through its representative office. The FCA ranks as a Tier-1 regulator while DFSA ranks Tier-2 on our system.
    • Tickmill Europe Ltd is authorized and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). CySEC ranks as a Tier-1 regulator on our system. 
    • Tickmill South Africa (Pty) Ltd is licensed and regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa. The FSCA ranks as a Tier-2 regulator on our system.  
    • Tickmill Asia Ltd. is authorized and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Labuan Malaysia. The FSA ranks as a Tier-2 regulator on our system.
    • Tickmill Ltd. is regulated and licensed by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Seychelles. The FSA ranks as a Tier-3 regulator on our system.
    Tickmill UK Ltd.’s licensing information on fca.org.uk

    We have summarized the most essential aspects of Tickmill’s entities in terms of regulation and safety in the table below:

    Entity Features Tickmill UK Ltd Tickmill Europe Ltd Tickmill South Africa (Pty) Ltd Tickmill Asia Ltd Tickmill Ltd
    Country/Region UK, London; Dubai, UAE Cyprus, Limassol South Africa, Cape Town Malaysia, Labuan Seychelles, Mahe
    Regulation FCA, DFSA CySEC FSCA Labuan FSA FSA
    Tier 1; 2 1 2 2 3
    Segregated Funds Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
    Negative Balance Protection Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
    Compensation Scheme Up to 85,000 GBP Up to 20,000 EUR No No No
    Max. Leverage 1:30 1:30 1:500 1:500 1:500

    Why is it Important to Know Where Your Broker is Regulated?

    Not all regulators mandate adherence to the same safety guidelines, meaning that traders are likely to enjoy different degrees of protection depending on where their broker is being regulated. Generally speaking, offshore regulators tend to have more lax requirements, making it easier for brokers to obtain a license.

    We have listed the most important safety policies to look for in a broker below:

    • Segregation of client funds. Keeping client funds in separate bank accounts from the ones used for the broker’s own capital is crucial for preventing accounting errors. All of Tickmill’s entities comply with this requirement.
    • Negative balance protection. Essentially, the negative balance protection policy ensures that a trader’s losses cannot exceed their account balance. All of Tickcmill’s entities adhere to this requirement.
    • Compensation scheme. A compensation scheme protects the clients of a broker against its corporate risk and liabilities in the unlikely event that it should become insolvent. Clients of Tickmill UK Ltd. are protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) and can be compensated by up to 85,000 GBP. Clients of Tickmill Europe Ltd are protected under the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) and can be compensated by up to 20,000 EUR. Tickmill’s other entities do not have compensation schemes.
    • Maximum leverage. Capping the maximum leverage permitted limits traders’ market exposure, but it also decreases the profit potential of their winning trades. That is why more risk-averse traders may find Tickmill’s EU and UK entities more suitable, as they afford maximum leverage of 1:30 on all retail accounts. Accordingly, the broker’s other entities have a maximum leverage of 1:500, which is a better fit for considerably less risk-averse traders.

    Is Tickmill Safe to Trade With?

    All of the subsidiaries of the Tickmill Group ensure segregation of client funds and negative balance protection. Not all of them have compensation schemes, but this should not be a major concern to traders since the prospects of a financial institution such as Tickmill going bankrupt are indeed very slim.

    The one thing traders should carefully consider when choosing between Tickmill’s five entities is how much market exposure they would like to have. Only highly experienced CFD traders should go for the 1:500 maximum leverage afforded by Tickmill’s overseas entities.

    Stability and Transparency

    In our tests for the Trust category, we also cover factors relating to stability and transparency. Here, we focus on how long the broker has been in business, how big the company is, and how transparent it is in terms of readily available information.

    The measure of a broker’s transparency is its frankness with regard to trading risk. It is a well-known fact that more than 70% of retail traders lose money, which is why all brokers must display warning notices on their websites. Tickmill can be commended for placing its notice at the top of the main page, while many other brokers would rather bury such discouraging information at the bottom.

    There are many other examples of Tickmill’s accountability to its clients. For instance, the accounts overview page cautions traders against the risk of significant spread discrepancies during market opens and closes. This is a well-known risk that nevertheless is very seldom cautioned against by other brokers.

    The company was founded 9 years ago and employs over 200 people. Tickmill received multiple awards like “Best Forex Spreads” and “Best Forex Trading Experience” and has been involved in various causes and initiatives.

    In summary, our findings indicate that Tickmill can be regarded as having a very good level of trust and stability due to the following factors:

    • It has top-tier licenses.
    • Adheres to some of the most rigid safety regulations in the industry.
    • Has a very high level of transparency and accountability.

    Fees

    4.4
    How Did We Test the Broker's Fees and Commissions?
    Broker commissions and fees can be challenging to understand. To simplify this for you, we carefully examined all the broker's fee-related documentation and presented it in a clear, easy-to-understand format. Furthermore, we conducted hands-on tests on spreads and commissions for the most common instruments during both London and New York trading sessions. We then compared these real-time test results to the market benchmark we've established through our extensive experience evaluating the industry.
    fees chart

    Tickmill scored highly in the Fees category. The broker offers spreads and swaps that are low-to-medium compared to the broader industry. Its commissions are also quite low. Additionally, swap-free trading is available via Tickmill’s Islamic accounts. There are no significant non-trading fees, making Tickmill’s service quite affordable.

    Tickmill has three main retail account types – Pro, Classic, and VIP – as well as one Futures account available with the broker’s UK entity. The Pro and VIP accounts offer a combination of raw spreads and fixed round turn commissions, whereas the Classic account affords a mixture of commission-free trading and floating spreads. Overall, Tickmill’s trading costs are better than the industry average.

    Tickmill Trading Fees

    Tickmill’s Spreads

    We tested Tickmill’s spreads during the most actively traded times – the London open at 8 AM GMT and just after the U.S. open at 2:45 PM GMT. The test was conducted on November 17, 2022.

    Instrument Live Spread AM Live Spread PM
    EURUSD 1.6 pips 1.6 pips
    GBPJPY 3.8 pips 3.5 pips
    Gold (XAUUSD) 18 pips 25 pips
    Crude Oil 0.05 pips 0.05 pips
    Apple NA 0.6 pips
    Tesla NA 0.2 pips
    Dow Jones 30 3.1 basis points 1.9 basis points
    Germany 40 0.9 basis points 0.9 basis points

    The recorded spreads on a Classic Tickmill account are low-to-medium compared to the broader industry. Its competitiveness is further bolstered by the fact that there are no commissions. It should also be pointed out that despite some minor exceptions, there were no major discrepancies in the spreads recorded between the AM and PM sessions. This is demonstrative of Tickmill’s steady liquidity supply, which, in turn, diminishes the risk of negative slippage.

    The only exception to this was the Dow Jones 30. This can be explained by the fact that U.S. markets remain closed during the European open, which is why it is normal for sizable spread imbalances to be observed on such instruments at such times.

    Tickmill’s Swap Rates

    A swap fee is a trader’s cost for holding an open position overnight because of changing interest rates. Swap long refers to the charge deductible or credit receivable for holding a buy position open overnight. In turn, swap short relates to the charges/credits deductible or receivable for holding a selling position open overnight.

    The values listed below are for one full contract (100,000 units) of the base currency.

    Instrument Swap Long Swap Short
    EURUSD Charge of $8.3 Credit of $5.64
    GBPJPY Credit of $12 Charge of $15.7

    Tickmill’s recorded swap rates are also low-to-medium compared to the rest of the industry.

    Tickmill’s Commissions

    The broker’s Pro account has a fixed commission of 2 currency units per side per lot. If your account’s base currency is, for instance, USD, you will be charged $2 for opening a trade worth 100,000 units of the underlying. You will also be charged $2 for closing the same position later. In other words, there is a 4 currency units round turn commission per traded lot on a Pro account type. This rate is lower than the industry average.

    Tickmill’s VIP account offers even more favorable conditions. Its round turn commission equals 2 currency units per traded lot.

    Tickmill’s Non-Trading Fees

    The broker does not have a maintenance fee for inactive accounts. Additionally, deposits and withdrawals are not charged. Both factors make Tickmill’s service even more affordable.

    Are Tickmill’s Fees Competitive?

    Tickmill’s spreads and swaps are generally below the industry average. The same applies to its fixed commissions on the Pro and VIP account types. Tickmill also doesn’t have any significant non-trading charges. All of this makes Tickmill’s fees quite competitive.

    Platforms and Tools

    4.3
    How Did We Test the Broker's Trading Platforms?
    We understand that platforms play a crucial role in your trading experience. That's why we spent many hours testing the broker's web, desktop, and mobile trading platforms to gain a real understanding of their usability, functionality, and overall performance. From experimenting with different order types to testing execution speeds, charting, and other features, we thoroughly examined every aspect of these platforms based on our trading expertise, helping you make an informed choice.
    platforms chart

    Tickmill earned an above-average mark in the Platforms category. While futures and options traders can choose between several leading platforms, such as the renowned  Agena, CFD traders are limited to a choice between MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and its successor (MT5). The broker does have its own mobile app, but the lack of a proprietary desktop platform prevented it from scoring higher.

    Even though MT5 has more features and tools than its predecessor, its rugged layout is not ideal for conducting sophisticated technical analyses. It does have some essential attributes, such as one-click trading and fast order execution, but it lacks the sleek design of newer platforms.

    With regards to the MT5 mobile app, it retains most of the features available on the desktop version though its usability is limited because it has to be run on small-screen devices. Nevertheless, its greatest advantage is that it affords traders access to their accounts on the go. Tickmill also has its own mobile app. It has a risk warning and biometric login, underpinning Tickmill’s safety and reliability.

    Tickmill’s Desktop MT5 Platform

    The desktop version of Tickmill’s MT5 platform

    General Ease of Use

    One of the advantages of MT5 is its practicality. It is not overly complex, which is why even newbie traders can find their way around the platform fairly quickly, as all the essential features are usually no more than several clicks away. The charts are positioned in the middle of the screen, account info can be found at the bottom, the watch lists and other trading options are positioned on the left, and the settings menu can be found on the above panel.

    Charts

    The chart is probably the most important component of every platform. It affords traders an outlook into price action behavior, which is crucial for making informed trading decisions. That is why the chart’s flexibility is so important.

    We have listed the most important features of MT5’s desktop version below:

    • Trading indicators. MT5 consists of 38 trading indicators, which can be separated into several categories – trend-based, volume-based, and oscillators – and are used to examine the ever-changing market sentiment. Tickmill’s UK entity also has its own tool for gauging market bias, which we found particularly useful.
    • Drawing tools. There are 24 drawing tools, such as trend lines, channels, and Fibonacci retracement levels. These are used to study price action behavior in order to outline key support and resistance levels, as well as potential breakout and breakdown levels within established trends.
    • The platform also has 21 different timeframes, which is well above the industry average and affords a multifaceted overview of price action behavior from multiple angles. This is arguably the biggest advantage of MT5 as it accommodates the implementation of widely different strategies – from scalping to position trading. This variety is enhanced by Tickmill’s very fast order execution speeds – averaging 0.20 seconds – ensured by its best execution policy.
    • Chart types. MT5 only has 3 chart types. Price action can be represented as a line, using bars or candlesticks. Despite this lack of variety, however, more than 80% of traders use either one of the three options.

    Orders

    Listed below is a breakdown of the order types available on MT5:

    • Market orders. Market orders are used for immediate entry at the best possible price. If triggered, they guarantee volume filling, though there could be a discrepancy between the requested price and the price where the order actually gets filled.
    • Limit orders. Unlike market orders, limit orders guarantee exact price execution. However, a limit order will not be filled if the price action does not reach the pre-determined execution price.
    • Stop orders. These have multiple variations, the most popular ones being stop loss and trailing stop orders. Stop orders are usually used to cap the maximum losses that can be incurred from an underlying position. For instance, if the stop loss order is triggered after the market reverses, it will be transformed into a market order and filled at the best possible price.

    Another thing that makes Tickmill stand out is its stop orders and limit orders policy on its Pro accounts. The broker allows its clients to place stop and limit orders near the market price. Traders can thus exercise greater control over their positions and limit the potential losses.

    Tickmill’s MT5 Mobile App

    As mentioned above, the primary purpose of the mobile app is to afford traders quick and easy access to their accounts while on the go. The app is used to monitor the market and, if necessary, to make changes to any open trades threatened by recent developments.

    General Ease of Use

    Beyond serving its primary function, MT5’s mobile app cannot be used for much else. Its low-resolution charts have a very limited scope making it difficult to study the underlying market sentiment. They get cramped fairly easily with each added indicator, which is why it is difficult to conduct probing technical analyses. On the flip side, the app has a very minimalistic structure, making it easy to navigate.

    A watch list of selected instruments (on the left), a chart section (in the middle), and an orders execution window (on the right)

    Charts

    The following is a breakdown of the key components of the mobile app’s charts:

    • Trading indicators. The app consists of 30 trading indicators, 8 less than the desktop version.
    • Drawing tools. It also has 21 drawing tools falling short of the 24 available on the desktop version.
    • The biggest discrepancy between the two is with regard to the available timeframes. The mobile app has only 8 of them.
    • Chart types. There are 3 chart types available.

    Orders

    Here is a rundown of the order types available for execution through the mobile app:

    • Market orders. Market orders are used for immediate entry at the best possible price. If triggered, they guarantee volume filling, though there could be a discrepancy between the requested price and the price where the order actually gets filled.
    • Limit orders. Unlike market orders, limit orders guarantee exact price execution. However, a limit order will only be filled if the price action reaches the pre-determined execution price.
    • Stop orders. These have multiple variations, the most popular ones being stop loss and trailing stop orders. Stop orders are usually used to cap the maximum losses that can be incurred from an underlying position.

    Tradable Instruments

    4.3
    How Did We Test the Broker's Tradable Instruments?
    For this section, we examined the broker's market offering, assessing the variety and depth of instruments and asset classes available for trading. Through our proprietary database, we then compared the results with other brokers. This comprehensive analysis allows you to determine if the broker offers the specific instruments and trading options you're looking for.
    tradable_instruments chart

    Tickmill scored highly in the Instruments category. The broker offers hundreds of CFDs from every major asset class, thus affording its clients a great degree of flexibility. Retail traders can also choose between several high-risk instruments like cryptocurrencies and low-risk securities like bonds. Tickmill’s UK entity also accommodates futures and options trading.

    There is a reasonable number of CFD shares, an average amount of FX pairs and commodities, and an above-average number of indices compared to the broader industry. Traders with varying levels of risk aversion can use Tickmill’s extensive collection of instruments to diversify their positions and implement different trading strategies.

    What are CFDs?

    Contracts for difference (CFDs) are derivatives used to speculate on the price of the underlying without physical delivery. For example, a long position on gold would generate a profit as the price rises or incur a loss as it falls. This is achieved without having to purchase actual bars of gold. One of the biggest advantages of trading CFDs is that traders can get in and out of the market almost instantaneously, thereby catching even minute changes in the price of the derivative.

    What Can You Trade With Tickmill?

    We have listed the available instruments by asset class below:

    • 63 CFD Currency Pairs
      • Majors, Minors, and Exotic.
    • 6 Commodities
      • Energy and Metals.
    • 17 Indices
      • Europe, U.S., Global
    • 533 CFD Stocks
      • Tech, Financial, Retail, and others.
    • 7 Bonds
      • Europe
    • 9 Cryptocurrencies
      • Majors and Minors.
    • 55 Futures
      • FX, Commodities, Indices, Other.
    • 6 Options
      • Nasdaq and S&P 500.

    Tickmill offers a well-balanced assortment of high-risk and low-risk instruments of different kinds. Traders wanting to leverage their account balances and ride price swings can opt for Tickmill’s several hundred CFDs, whereas traders wanting to gauge changes in the underlying volatility levels can take advantage of the available futures and options. These complex instruments are ideal for experienced traders seeking to maximize profits and restrict potential losses.

    CFD Currencies Commodities
    EURUSD | GBPJPY | USDCAD | EURCHF | EURNOK | NZDSGD | USDTRY Gold | Silver | Crude Oil | Brent Oil | Copper | Natural Gas
    Stocks Indices
    Apple | Tesla | Alibaba | Citigroup, General Electric | Wells Fargo | Visa US30 | S&P500 | DE40 | STOXX50 | CHINA50
    Cryptocurrencies Bonds
    Bitcoin | Litecoin | Ethereum | Cardano EURBUND | EURBOBL | EURBUXL | EURSCHA
    Futures Options
    Crude Oil | Eurodollar | E-Mini S&P 500 | Gold 100 oz | US 10-Yr Note Micro E-Mini S&P 500 | Micro E-Mini Nasdaq

    Customer Support

    4.1
    How Did We Test the Broker's Customer Support?
    Traders often underestimate the importance of customer support, yet it proves to be a critical aspect during times of crisis. We put the broker's customer support to the test ourselves using all possible channels, such as chat, phone, and others. Our evaluation focused on the accessibility of live agents, as well as the helpfulness and professionalism of their responses. This way, we provide you with comprehensive insights into whether a broker can deliver full support when you need it most.
    customer_support chart

    Tickmill earned an above-average score in the Customer Support category. The website contains a dedicated FAQ section that includes answers to most general queries. Support is available via phone, live chat, and email in 17 different languages. You can get in touch with Tickmill’s support team during office hours.

    The FAQ section of the website is helpful to traders having general questions about Tickmill’s service or the nature of trading. Each entry contains detailed explanations supported by practical examples. For more specific queries, you can contact the support team during office hours – Monday to Friday from 7 am to 4 pm GMT.

    Tickmill’s Customer Support Test

    When we test a broker’s customer support team, we evaluate the agents’ knowledge of their own website, how long it takes them to respond to questions, and how detailed their answers are.

    We conducted our test on November 17th via the live chat option available at the bottom-right corner of the main page. Before you can submit your question, you have to select a language you’d like to communicate in and see whether an agent speaking it is currently available, which we found particularly useful.

    Once our question was submitted, an agent connected within a couple of minutes. Though his answers were not overly detailed, they were helpful and well-informed.

    Later, we were contacted by a different agent over the phone. He was polite, with a good command of the English language, and very exhaustive in his answers.

    Our conversation with Tickmill’s support team

    Deposit and Withdrawal

    4.9
    How Did We Test the Broker's Deposit and Withdrawal Process?
    The deposit or withdrawal process can be tricky since you may encounter hidden fees or longer than expected processing time. To assess the broker's offerings, we examined their deposit and withdrawal options and conditions. Using our proprietary database, we then compared these results with those of other brokers.
    deposit chart

    Tickmill earned an outstanding mark in the Deposit and Withdrawal category. It does not charge any handling fees, though third-party banking fees may sometimes apply. All transactions are processed fairly quickly.

    Tickmill Deposits

    Method Currencies Min. Deposit Fee Processing Time Estimated Arrival Time
    Bank Transfer USD, EUR, GBP, PLN, CHF 100 $0 Within 1 business day 2-7 business days
    Visa/MasterCard USD, EUR, GBP, PLN 100 $0 Instant Instant
    Skrill USD, EUR, GBP, PLN 100 $0 Instant Instant
    Neteller USD, EUR, GBP, PLN, CHF 100 $0 Instant Instant
    Dotpay PLN 100 $0 Instant Instant
    Sofort EUR, GBP 100 $0 Instant Instant
    Rapid EUR, PLN, GBP, USD 100 $0 Instant Instant
    PayPal USD, EUR, GBP, PLN, CHF 100 $0 Instant Instant
    STICPAY EUR, GBP, USD 100 $0 Instant Instant

    Tickmill Withdrawals

    Method Currencies Min. Withdrawal Fee Processing Time Estimated Arrival Time
    Bank Transfer USD, EUR, GBP, PLN, CHF 25 $0 Within 1 business day 2-7 business days
    Visa/MasterCard USD, EUR, GBP, PLN 25 $0 Within 1 business day Up to 8 business days
    Skrill USD, EUR, GBP, PLN 25 $0 Within 1 business day Instant
    Neteller USD, EUR, GBP, PLN, CHF 25 $0 Within 1 business day Instant
    Dotpay PLN 25 $0 Within 1 business day Within 1 business day
    Sofort EUR, GBP 25 $0 Within 1 business day Not specified
    Rapid EUR, PLN, GBP, USD 25 $0 Within 1 business day Not specified
    PayPal USD, EUR, GBP, PLN, CHF 25 $0 Within 1 business day Not specified
    STICPAY EUR, GBP, USD 25 $0 Within 1 business day Not specified

    Many payment methods are available, and most transactions are processed very quickly. Furthermore, Tickmill will cover any banking fees for deposits via wire transfer above $5,000.

    Account Types and Terms

    4.9
    How Did We Test the Broker's Account Types and Terms?
    When it comes to achieving your trading goals, choosing the proper account is essential. We initiated our evaluation by personally opening an account with the broker, which allowed us to gain firsthand experience of the process and accurately asses, how fast and easy it is. In addition, we carried out an in-depth analysis of the account types and features offered by the broker, including spreads, maximum leverage, minimum deposits, and more. For a comprehensive comparison, we turned to our proprietary database and examined how this broker's account offerings and processes stacked up against other brokers.
    account chart

    Tickmill scored highly in the Account Types category. The broker offers three main retail accounts plus one futures account type, available only with the UK entity. Two of the CFD accounts offer raw spreads and fixed commissions, whereas the standard account affords commission-free trading and floating spreads. Swap-free trading is also available via Tickmill’s Islamic accounts.

    The broker’s generally low minimum deposit requirements and competitive fees make its account types suitable for all kinds of traders, from newbie retail traders with little experience to seasoned professionals with huge balances and sophisticated strategies.

    Why is Choosing the Right Account Type Important?

    Your account type should reflect your trading style, goals, and means. For instance, if you want to use scalping or intraday trading strategies, which usually involve getting in and out of trades frequently, consider opening an account without any fixed commissions. Conversely, day and position traders tend to place fewer trades that run for longer and are, therefore, likely to be more concerned with their spread rates.

    What Account Types Does Tickmill Offer?

    Account Type Pro Account Classic Account VIP Account
    Spreads From 0.0 pips 1.6 pips 0.0 pips
    Commission 2 currency units per side per lot $0 1 currency units per side per lot
    Min. Deposit 100 100 NA
    Min. Balance NA NA 50,000
    All Strategies Available Yes Yes Yes
    Islamic Account Yes Yes Yes
    Min. Trade Size 0.01 lots 0.01 lots 0.01 lots
    Max. Leverage 1:30 1:30 1:30
    Base Currency USD, EUR, GBP, PLN, CHF USD, EUR, GBP, PLN, CHF USD, EUR, GBP, PLN, CHF

    The Classic and Pro accounts are both affordable, with a minimum deposit requirement of 100 of the underlying base currency. The Classic account has no commissions and floating spreads starting from 1.6 pips. It’s suitable for high-frequency traders who tend to execute multiple small-sized positions within a short period of time. In comparison, the Pro account is a better fit for high-volume traders who are not as active but tend to place much larger orders.

    The VIP account type is an upgraded version of the Pro account with lower commissions, though traders should keep a minimum balance of at least 50,000 of the underlying base currency. The use of all types of strategies is permitted on all three.

    What is CFD Leverage?

    The leverage determines a trader’s overall market exposure. When trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs), positions can be opened for a fraction of their value because of the leverage. Essentially, the broker lends the trader money so that the latter can open bigger-sized positions. The leverage multiplies the profits a trader generates from winning positions but also the losses incurred from failed trades.

    Tickmill Account Opening Process

    We have summed up the process of opening an account with Tickmill below:

    • Step 1. Click the green ‘Create Account’ button at the top-right corner of the main page, and choose an account type.
    • Step 2. Fill in your personal details, including your name and date of birth. State whether you are a US citizen for tax purposes.
    • Step 3. Choose an entity you wish to set up an account with.
    • Step 4. Open the link in the confirmational email you are sent, and follow the instructions.
    • Step 5. Specify your nationality, physical address, and Tax Identification Number (TIN).
    • Step 6. Provide financial and trading experience information.
    • Step 7. Upload a copy of a personal identification document (passport, national identity card, or driving license).
    Tickmill’s account registration form

    Why is a Demo Account Important?

    Demo accounts serve a twofold purpose. Firstly, traders use them to hone their skills and test the functioning of their strategies as the underlying market bias is continually changing. Demo accounts are thus indispensable since they allow traders to tweak the parameters of their strategies in a safe environment. Secondly, demo accounts allow them to familiarize themselves with the broker’s services before funding a real account. Traders can test the spreads and quality of order execution without the risk of losing money.

    Tickmill’s Supported Countries

    The Tickmill Group operates on a global scale and has offices in London, Dubai, Cyprus, and South Africa, as well as several regional offices. This extensive presence enables it to cater to clients from diverse regions ensuring they receive dedicated support.

    Tickmill doesn’t accept clients from Afghanistan, Albania, American Samoa, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Botswana, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Canada, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Liberia, Mauritius, Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua, North Korea, Pakistan, Panama, Puerto Rico, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, SyriDFa, Uganda, Western Sahara, Yemen, Zimbabwe.

    Research

    5
    How Did We Test the Broker's Research Tools?
    Research options offered by brokers may not be seen as the most important feature for some traders, but they can provide a competitive advantage. To assess the broker's research offerings, we personally explored and tested both proprietary and third-party tools and content, such as Fundamental and Technical Analysis, Market News, educational videos, and webinars. After evaluating the availability and quality of the overall research offering, we compared the results with our benchmark to provide a comprehensive analysis of the broker's research capabilities.
    research chart

    Tickmill scored very highly in the Research category. It has hundreds of webinars in multiple languages, probing articles on a wide range of topics, professional market analyses, and an extensive collection of other supporting tools and third-party materials.

    The broker’s research content is quite comprehensive and suitable for traders with different skill levels. It affords a 360-degree overview of currently unfolding trading opportunities underpinned by the day’s prevailing financial, economic, and political developments.

    Tickmill’s rich articles section

    Research Tools

    We have broken down Tickmill’s research content by type:

    • Economic calendar. Concerning research tools, the economic calendar is the bread and butter of every broker. It highlights upcoming economic releases and other prominent events that impact the market. Traders use the calendar to spot potential trading opportunities over the upcoming days and weeks.
    • Forex calculators. Forex calculators help traders to better structure their positions by estimating how much a potential trade will cost, what its profit and loss potentials are, and more. The calculators are quite handy when traders have to make quick decisions during times of heightened volatility.
    • Video breakdowns. Tickmill’s YouTube channel contains hundreds of videos with different formats, including interviews with industry professionals, weekly trade analyses, Elliott Wave trading analyses, and others.
    • Tickmill’s articles are dedicated to examining more abstract and intricate trading topics. Tickmill’s articles and video breakdowns together provide a balanced and in-depth study of the general trading experience.
    • Market insights. Also found in the website’s blog section, Tickmill’s market insights cover various financial, economic, and political news. Each entry includes a brief explanation of how the underlying topic will likely impact the market and an analysis of a related instrument’s price action behavior. The insights are usually supported by a chart.
    • Technical and fundamental analyses. Tickmill’s technical and fundamental analyses are very informative, providing actionable insights. This type of content is suitable for traders wanting to understand the underlying forces driving price action behavior.
    A market insight by Tickmill

    Education

    5
    How Did We Test the Broker's Education Offering?
    Gaining knowledge about trading in the financial markets can make the difference between success and failure. To assess the broker's educational offerings, we personally tested and evaluated the quality of the content provided, considering its relevance for both novice and experienced traders. We explored the range of materials available, such as articles, videos, webinars, and courses. After evaluating the content's volume, update frequency, and overall quality, we compared the results with our benchmark to provide a well-rounded analysis of the broker's education offerings.
    education chart

    Tickmill earned a very high mark in the Education category. It has an extensive collection of different types of content, including a dedicated glossary, multiple videos, an infographics section, and several ebooks. The broker also conducts regular seminars and webinars in multiple languages.

    The cornerstone of Tickmill’s educational content is its glossary, which contains hundreds of entries explaining essential trading concepts and terms. There are also nearly 90 video tutorials delving even deeper – from the ABCs of trading to more complex topics, such as the psychology of trading. The broker also has 16 videos explaining the intricacies of MT4 and MT5.

    Tickmill has published over 700 educational webinars on its YouTube channel, representing the theoretical aspect of its educational content. The broker also periodically organizes seminars in different cities and countries, allowing attendees to get a sense of the general trading experience in practice. Tickmill thus strikes a fine balance between theory and practice. This balance is further enhanced by Tickmill’s 5 highly informative ebooks.

    Part of Tickmill’s collection of educational videos

    The Bottom Line

    Tickmill is a highly reliable broker, and it’s one of the leaders in the OTC derivates industry. It was founded in 2014, and since then, the company has been awarded many times for its high-quality service. The broker offers CFDs, futures, and options, allowing its clients the freedom to exploit different trading opportunities. This flexibility is enhanced by the many in-house and third-party tools available to Tickmill’s clients.

    The Tickmill Group is comprised of well-regulated entities entailing a high degree of protection. The fees are very competitive, and traders are treated to a wide selection of tradable instruments. The broker’s research and education materials are comprehensive and diverse.

    There aren’t any major drawbacks to Tickmill’s service, except for some minor issues. For instance, CFD traders have to choose between MT4 and MT5, which are not the most seamless platforms. Also, customer support is available during office hours, and futures and options trading is only available to clients of Tickmill UK Ltd.

    But overall, Tickmill offers very fair conditions to both small retail traders and big corporate clients, as well as inexperienced newbies and seasoned professionals.

    FAQ

    The Tickmill Group has offices in the UK, Dubai, Cyprus, South Africa, Malaysia, and Seychelles.
    ickmill UK Ltd is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. The other entities comprising the Tickmill Group have varying degrees of protection.
    Via the spreads and commissions, it charges for order execution.
    Yes, it has very competitive fees and a rich collection of supporting materials.
    Deposits can be processed using bank cards, wire transfers, and e-wallets.
    The minimum deposit is $100.
    Withdrawals can be processed using bank cards, wire transfers, and e-wallets.
    Most transactions are processed within the same day. However, the estimated arrival times vary depending on the chosen payment method.
    The maximum leverage is 1:30 for all retail accounts.
    Click the ‘Create Account’ button on the main page’s top-right corner and follow the instructions.
    MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5).
    Yes.

    See Tickmill Full Information

    Headquarters CountryUnited Kingdom
    Foundation Year2014
    RegulationsCySEC (Cyprus), FCA UK (United Kingdom), FSA Seychelles (Seychelles), FSCA South Africa (South Africa), Labuan FSA (Libya)
    Publicly TradedNo
    Number Of Employees275
    Trading Desk TypeNo dealing desk
    Trading PlatformsMT5, MT4
    Restricted Countries
    Samoa, Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Jamaica, Kenya, North Korea, Liberia, Nicaragua, Iran, Iraq, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, United States, Albania, Somalia, Puerto Rico, Belgium, Yemen, Botswana, Uganda, Syria, Sierra Leone, Cambodia, Panama, Mauritius, Japan, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sudan, Zimbabwe
    Supported Languages
    Turkish, Korean, English, Filipino, Russian, Indonesian, Portuguese, Thai, Polish, Arabic, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Malaysian, German
    Min Deposit$100
    Max Leverage1:500 (LFSA)
    Deposit OptionsWire Transfer, Cryptocurrencies, Neteller, Webmoney, Skrill, Credit Card, PayPal, Trustly, Visa, Mastercard, SticPay
    Withdrawal OptionsWire Transfer, Neteller, Webmoney, Skrill, Credit Card, PayPal, Trustly, Visa, Mastercard, SticPay
    Time to Withdrawal4
    Time to Open an Account9
    Crypto
    Bitcoin, Cardano, Litecoin, Ripple, Stellar, Solana, EOS, Ethereum, Chainlink
    Products
    Options, Currencies, Stocks, Crypto, Bonds, Indices, Commodities, Futures
    Demo AccountYes
    OCO OrdersNo
    Offers HedgingYes
    Automated TradingYes
    API TradingNo
    Guaranteed Stop LossNo
    Guaranteed Limit OrdersNo
    Guaranteed Fills / LiquidityNo
    Economic calendarYes
    Trading From ChartYes
    One-Click TradingYes
    Expert AdvisorYes
    Social TradingNo
    AutochartistYes
    Trading SignalsYes
    Platform Languages
    Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese, Serbian, Arabic, Czech, Slovak, Swedish, Turkish, Thai, Korean, Vietnamese, Danish, Hungarian, English, French, Farsi, Spanish, Russian, German, Bulgarian, Malaysian, Estonian, Greek, Croatian, Latvian, Hebrew, Polish, Indonesian, Slovenian
    24 Hours SupportNo
    Support During WeekendsNo
    Live ChatYes
    Daily Market CommentaryYes
    News (Top-Tier Sources)Yes
    WebinarsYes
    Deposit FeeNo
    Withdrawal FeeNo
    Inactivity FeeNo

    About the Author

    Having been a retail trader since 2013, Plamen has gained an in-depth understanding of the challenges that novice traders face today. His expertise is swing trading and day trading with a heavy emphasis on psychological and fundamental analysis. Plamen’s favourite trading instruments include FX majors and gold. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics and International Relations. Plamen's broad experience has equipped him with the expertise to recommend the best forex brokers.

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    At FXEmpire, we strive to provide unbiased, thorough and accurate broker reviews by industry experts to help our users make smarter financial decisions.

    Why you can trust FX Empire

    FXEmpire was founded in 2011, making us one of the first forex broker review sites. You can trust FXEmpire because of our thorough and unbiased review process. With over a decade of experience, we have a team of industry experts who conduct rigorous tests to ensure our reviews are accurate and unbiased. Our reviews are designed to bring clarity and confidence to the process of choosing a broker, and are based on objective criteria and measurable data. Our editorial team is composed of trading industry professionals and seasoned financial journalists, who ensure that our reviews are accurate and unbiased. Additionally, our review system is based on 9 core categories and over 250 distinct variables, which ensures that all aspects of a broker are considered before giving a final rating. So, you can trust FXEmpire to provide you with honest and informative reviews that will help you make an informed decision on which broker will best enable you to reach your financial goals.
    CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 72% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with Tickmill UK Ltd. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs, or any other of our products work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.