Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Tickmill vs ATFX, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Tickmill and ATFX are two online brokers, both unlisted on stock exchanges and not operating as banks. Tickmill, established in 2014, holds two Tier-1 licenses, indicating a high level of trust, and two Tier-2 licenses, making it overall a trusted choice with an 86 Trust Score by ForexBrokers.com. ATFX, launched in 2017, boasts four Tier-1 licenses, reflecting strong regulatory standing, alongside two Tier-2 licenses, resulting in an overall Trust Score of 85 on the same scale.
Whichever platform you choose, both brokers offer a level of trust that makes them suitable for trading activities. Tickmill edges slightly ahead with a slightly higher Trust Score, while ATFX strengthens its case with a greater number of highly regarded Tier-1 licenses. Investors seeking reliable and well-regulated platforms will find that both options maintain a standard above average in today's competitive marketplace.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2014 | 2017 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When comparing Tickmill and ATFX in terms of commissions and fees, Tickmill clearly stands out as the more cost-effective option for traders. Tickmill offers two types of accounts: the commission-free Classic account and the Raw account. The Raw account, which has replaced the Pro account, comes with a revised commission structure of $3 per side, or $6 per standard lot. Despite this increase, Tickmill remains a top choice for active traders due to its low spreads and competitive all-in costs, marking it as one of the best brokers in this category.
In contrast, specific data on average spreads for ATFX is not readily available, making direct cost comparisons challenging. However, when considering the broker's overall fee structure, ATFX has received a more modest rating for its commissions and fees. Tickmill earns an impressive 5-star rating thanks to its effective cost management and competitive pricing, while ATFX holds a 3-star rating.
According to ForexBrokers.com, Tickmill is ranked 4th out of 63 brokers for commissions and fees, which further emphasizes its status as a preferred choice among traders. ATFX, on the other hand, is ranked much lower, positioned at 60th out of 63 brokers. This ranking highlights the significant difference in value that traders can expect when choosing between these two brokers, with Tickmill being the more favorable option in terms of cost efficiency.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $500 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.51 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.31 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing Tickmill and ATFX for their range of available investments, both online brokers offer forex trading as Contracts for Difference (CFDs) or spot contracts. Tickmill stands out by offering a wider selection of tradeable symbols, boasting a total of 725 compared to ATFX's 150. In the realm of forex pairs, Tickmill also leads with 63 versus ATFX's 44, which could make it a more appealing choice for those focused on forex trading. However, both brokers do not provide exchange traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges, nor do they offer actual cryptocurrency purchasing options, only cryptocurrency derivatives. On the plus side, both platforms support copy trading, which could be beneficial for users who wish to mimic the trades of more experienced traders.
In terms of range of investments, both Tickmill and ATFX have been rated 3.5 stars, pointing to a similar level of offerings in this area. However, when ranked among 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, Tickmill holds the 42nd position, whereas ATFX is slightly lower at 57th place. This ranking suggests that while both offer a comparable variety of investment choices, Tickmill may provide slightly more comprehensive options for traders. Ultimately, the choice between the two may depend on specific trading needs and preferences.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 725 | 150 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 63 | 44 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
Tickmill and ATFX are both popular online brokers offering a range of trading platforms and tools that cater to traders of all levels. Both brokers provide simulated trading opportunities through free virtual demo accounts, allowing new traders to practice without financial risk. They also support Windows-based desktop download platforms and web-based trading platforms for greater flexibility. However, neither broker offers a proprietary platform but both support MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). For traders interested in social trading, both Tickmill and ATFX offer copy trading, though neither provides DupliTrade or ZuluTrade. Both brokers allow trading directly from stock charts and offer an equal number of drawing tools, with a total of 15, for charting and analysis.
Despite the similarities, Tickmill and ATFX differ in terms of user ratings and industry rankings. Tickmill is rated 4 stars for its trading platforms and tools, with ForexBrokers.com ranking it 32nd out of 63 brokers in the category. Meanwhile, ATFX holds a 3.5-star rating and is ranked 62nd, indicating a slight edge for Tickmill in overall user satisfaction and perceived value. Both platforms offer seven columns for customizing watch lists, providing users with ample options to tailor their trading experiences. Overall, the choice between Tickmill and ATFX could hinge on your preference for specific features or reputation as reflected in their rankings and user ratings.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | No | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of Tickmill and ATFX, both brokers provide comprehensive platforms for iPhone and Android devices that include essential features like price alerts and the ability to create watchlists with real-time quotes. However, neither app offers watchlist symbol syncing between the mobile app and the client’s online account, which could be a drawback for users looking for seamless integration across platforms. In terms of charting capabilities, Tickmill stands out by offering 30 technical studies compared to just 7 provided by ATFX. Both apps support drawing trendlines and viewing multiple time frames on a chart, and they auto-save any drawings, ensuring a consistent charting experience.
For those seeking a mobile app with more technical features, Tickmill might be the preferable choice, as reflected in its higher user rating of 4 stars compared to ATFX's 3.5 stars. Furthermore, Tickmill ranks better in the Mobile Trading Apps category, securing the 32nd spot among 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, while ATFX finds itself positioned at #63. This suggests that Tickmill’s app might offer a slightly superior user experience, although both brokers cater well to mobile traders' fundamental needs.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 7 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Both Tickmill and ATFX offer daily market commentary to keep traders informed, but there are notable differences in their research offerings. Tickmill provides forex news from top-tier sources such as Bloomberg and Reuters, while ATFX does not. When it comes to technical analysis tools, ATFX holds an advantage by offering resources from Autochartist and Trading Central. However, Tickmill provides a unique sentiment-based trading tool that displays the ratio of long and short positions across various instruments, a feature ATFX lacks. Tickmill also includes research tools from Acuity Trading's Signal Centre, adding an extra layer of market insight.
An economic calendar is available from both brokers, allowing traders to view current and upcoming global news events. However, Tickmill generally receives higher ratings for research, earning four out of five stars, compared to ATFX's three stars. In a ranking of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com for research capabilities, Tickmill stands at #22, significantly ahead of ATFX, which ranks at #54. These distinctions highlight Tickmill's stronger research offerings and broader access to market insights, making it a more comprehensive choice for traders focused on research capabilities.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing educational resources for beginners, both Tickmill and ATFX offer valuable learning tools for navigating forex and CFDs. Tickmill provides a range of educational materials, including more than ten articles, videos, and archived webinars focused on forex and CFDs, much like ATFX. However, Tickmill sets itself apart by hosting monthly online webinars dedicated to client education, a feature ATFX lacks. Both brokers maintain searchable archives of these webinars, allowing for easy access to past learning sessions.
Tickmill caters to both beginner and advanced traders with over ten video tutorials for each skill level, while ATFX focuses primarily on beginners, not extending to advanced topics. Additionally, both platforms offer an investor dictionary with over 50 investing terms to enrich user understanding. When it comes to ratings, Tickmill scores a commendable 4 out of 5 stars for its educational offerings, ranking 15th out of 63 brokers, while ATFX receives 3 stars, placing it at the 28th position. This comparative analysis highlights Tickmill's broader educational support, making it a more comprehensive resource for budding traders.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Tickmill is better than ATFX. Tickmill finished with an overall rank of #22, while ATFX finished with an overall rank of #51.
Tickmill is a run-of-the-mill MetaTrader broker that offers a limited selection of tradeable securities. The broker does offer very competitive commission-based pricing for professionals through its VIP and Pro accounts.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 85 |
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Both Tickmill and ATFX do not provide the option to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but each offers the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, allowing for significant market engagement without owning the underlying assets.
When comparing online brokers Tickmill and ATFX, neither offers ACH or SEPA transfers, both support Visa or Mastercard and bank wires for depositing or withdrawing funds, but while Tickmill provides PayPal and Skrill options, ATFX only offers Skrill.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | Tickmill | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Tickmill Review |
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| Regulation | Tickmill | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 86 | 85 | |
| Year Founded | 2014 | 2017 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Tickmill | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Tickmill | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Tickmill | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 725 | 150 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 63 | 44 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | Tickmill | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.51 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.31 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Tickmill | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $500 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | Tickmill | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | No | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Tickmill | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Tickmill | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 7 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | Tickmill | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Tickmill | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Tickmill | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | Tickmill Review |
| Overall | Tickmill | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Tickmill Review |
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