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 | 1.70 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.70 | 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 the range of investments between Tickmill and ATFX, both brokers offer forex trading as a contract for difference (CFD) or spot contract. However, Tickmill stands out with a broader selection, providing access to 637 tradable symbols compared to ATFX’s 150. For forex pairs, Tickmill again offers more variety with 63 options, while ATFX offers 44 pairs. Both brokers, however, do not provide access to exchange-traded securities from U.S. or international exchanges, such as Apple or Vodafone shares. Both platforms also support the buying of cryptocurrency derivatives but do not allow the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies.
In terms of features like copy trading, both Tickmill and ATFX offer this service, enhancing their appeal to investors interested in mirroring the strategies of successful traders. Despite having similar offerings, Tickmill edges ahead in rankings. With a rating of 3.5 stars for their range of investments, both brokers perform equally well. However, Tickmill is ranked 42nd while ATFX is positioned at 57th out of 63 brokers, reflecting a slight advantage for Tickmill in terms of overall range and diversity of investment options available to traders.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 637 | 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.
When comparing Tickmill and ATFX in terms of trading platforms and tools, both brokers offer comprehensive services that cater to traders at various levels. Both Tickmill and ATFX provide free virtual demo accounts for simulated trading, along with MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms for desktop and web-based trading. However, neither broker features proprietary platforms or offers integration with DupliTrade or ZuluTrade. For charting capabilities, Tickmill provides 9 drawing tools, while ATFX offers a more extensive range with 15 drawing tools. Both brokers facilitate trading directly from stock charts and include 7 columns in their watch lists.
Despite these similarities, some distinctions exist in overall performance and industry recognition. Tickmill edges ahead with a four-star rating and holds the 29th position out of 63 brokers in the trading platforms and tools category according to ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, ATFX receives a 3.5-star rating and ranks 62nd, suggesting that while both offer solid features, Tickmill may provide a slightly enhanced trading experience for those prioritizing platform and tool capabilities.
| 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) | 91 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 9 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both Tickmill and ATFX offer mobile trading apps that can be used on iPhone and Android devices, providing a platform for stock and forex trading on the go. Users of both apps can receive price alerts and have the ability to create watchlists with real-time quotes. However, neither allows watchlist symbol syncing between the app and online accounts. Both apps let users draw trendlines on charts and offer multiple time frames—such as daily, weekly, or intraday—while ensuring that these drawings are auto-saved for future reference.
When it comes to charting features, Tickmill stands out by offering 30 technical studies compared to ATFX’s 7, which might appeal to those who rely heavily on technical analysis. Although both apps provide a solid trading experience, Tickmill slightly edges out ATFX in user ratings with a score of 4 stars compared to ATFX’s 3.5 stars. This difference is reflected in their rankings for mobile trading apps by ForexBrokers.com, with Tickmill placed at #29 and ATFX at #63 out of 63 brokers. Overall, Tickmill’s mobile app may offer a more comprehensive set of features for serious traders.
| 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.
When comparing the market research offerings of online brokers Tickmill and ATFX, both provide valuable resources, but they diverge in certain areas. Tickmill stands out with its access to forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, ensuring that traders are well-informed with the latest industry updates. Additionally, Tickmill provides a sentiment-based trading tool, giving users insight into market positions across various instruments. Further enhancing their offering, Tickmill includes several research tools from Acuity Trading, such as the Signal Centre, and offers an economic calendar showcasing global news events. It’s no surprise that Tickmill earns a commendable 4-star rating for research, ranking 21st out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, ATFX offers a different array of market research tools. While it does not provide forex news from renowned sources, ATFX compensates by offering powerful technical analysis and fundamental research tools from partners like Autochartist and Trading Central. Like Tickmill, ATFX also supplies an economic calendar to track global events, enriching traders with comprehensive market insights. However, ATFX does not feature a sentiment analysis tool or resources from Acuity Trading. These distinctions contribute to ATFX's research rating of 3 stars, placing it at 54th among 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. Both brokers have their unique strengths, allowing traders to choose based on specific market research preferences.
| 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 | |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | |
| 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 |
| Broker Screenshots | Tickmill | ATFX | |
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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) | |||
| 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) | |||
| 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 |
| Investments | Tickmill | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 637 | 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 | 1.70 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.70 | 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) | 91 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 9 | 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 | ||
| 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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