Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Tickmill vs BlackBull Markets, 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 BlackBull Markets are both online brokers founded in 2014, neither of which are publicly traded or operate as banks. When it comes to trust and regulatory compliance, Tickmill holds an advantage with two Tier-1 licenses, reflecting a high level of credibility. Additionally, Tickmill possesses two Tier-2 licenses, which further bolster its regulatory standing. On the other hand, BlackBull Markets holds only one Tier-1 license, indicating a different level of oversight and regulation compared to its competitor.
According to ForexBrokers.com, Tickmill has earned a Trust Score of 86 out of 99, meaning it is considered a trusted broker. In comparison, BlackBull Markets holds a Trust Score of 78, suggesting an average risk level as per the established ratings. For traders and investors seeking a broker with reliable regulatory credentials, these ratings and licenses offer a clear differentiation between the two platforms.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2014 | 2014 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When evaluating commissions and fees, Tickmill stands out with its distinct account offerings that cater to different trading needs. The Tickmill Raw account, a replacement for the Pro account, includes a commission of $3 per side, translating to $6 per standard lot. Even with this recent increase, Tickmill remains a favored platform for active traders due to its low average spreads and comprehensive cost efficiency. The Raw account showcases a typical spread of 0.11 pips on the EUR/USD, with an all-in cost that totals 0.71 pips when accounted for the new commission. Alternatively, the Classic account charges no commission but comes with higher average spreads, sitting at 1.76 pips as of August 2023. Tickmill holds a commendable 5-star rating for its fee structure and is ranked 4th out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
BlackBull Markets offers a varied experience, with trading costs that fluctuate per the selected account type. The Prime account features a competitive average spread of 0.16 pips on the EUR/USD, which results in an all-in cost of 0.76 pips when considering the commission of 0.3 pips or $6 per 10,000 traded. The Standard account is commission-free but includes higher spreads, while the Prime account, with a minimum deposit of $2,000, is preferred for its lower spreads and a $3 per side commission. For more seasoned traders, the ECN Institutional account requires a $20,000 deposit and offers a reduced commission of $2 per side. Rated at 4.5 stars, BlackBull Markets holds the 18th position out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com in the Commissions and Fees category.
In summary, Tickmill presents itself as an attractive option for active traders seeking low spreads and efficient costs, supported by its top-tier ranking and star rating. Conversely, BlackBull Markets provides a range of account types that balance between cost and accessibility, with its Prime account being a notable middle-ground for traders looking to optimize fees and spreads.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.51 | 0.71 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.31 | 0.71 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes |
| 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 it comes to choosing an online broker based on their range of investment options, Tickmill and BlackBull Markets offer some key differences. Tickmill provides access to 725 tradeable symbols, including 63 forex pairs. However, it does not currently offer exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges. On the other hand, BlackBull Markets shines with a vast selection of 26,000 tradeable symbols, including 72 forex pairs. Additionally, BlackBull Markets allows trading of exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, giving clients broader market access. Both brokers offer the ability to trade currency derivatives, yet neither provides the option to purchase actual cryptocurrencies. Copy trading is also available with both, allowing investors to follow and replicate the trades of experienced traders.
In a side-by-side comparison, BlackBull Markets generally receives higher accolades for its range of investment options. Rated 5 stars for its investment range, it ranks 6th out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, showcasing its extensive offerings. In contrast, Tickmill receives a 3.5-star rating and ranks 42nd, highlighting a more limited selection in comparison. These differences may guide investors depending on their specific trading needs and preferences for market access.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 725 | 26000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 63 | 72 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| 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 the trading platforms and tools offered by Tickmill and BlackBull Markets, both brokers acknowledge the importance of meeting the diverse needs of traders. Both offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, providing flexibility and advanced features favored by many in the trading community. Moreover, they both provide essential options like Windows-based desktop platforms and web-based platforms for browser convenience. Both brokers also support simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts, allowing traders to practice and develop strategies without financial risk.
Despite several similarities, there are distinguishing factors. Tickmill supports more columns for watch lists, offering seven compared to BlackBull Markets' six. However, when it comes to drawing tools for charting, BlackBull Markets offers significantly more options with 60 tools compared to Tickmill's 15. An edge for BlackBull Markets lies in their support for ZuluTrade, which allows users to engage in social trading. Both brokers enable trading directly from stock charts and offer copy trading, enhancing the user experience. In overall ratings, both Tickmill and BlackBull Markets received 4 out of 5 stars for their platforms and tools, though BlackBull Markets ranks slightly higher at 29th place compared to Tickmill's 32nd in ForexBrokers.com's rankings.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 109 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 60 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 6 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of Tickmill and BlackBull Markets, both platforms offer users apps available on iPhone and Android devices. Traders can receive stock and forex price alerts on either app and have access to 30 technical studies for charting. Additionally, both apps allow users to draw trendlines and view multiple time frames, such as daily, weekly, or intraday, on stock or forex charts. They also have the functionality to auto-save drawings, ensuring that users do not lose their technical analysis work.
A key difference between the two mobile apps is their watchlist functionality. While both provide the ability to create a watchlist with real-time quotes, BlackBull Markets offers syncing for watchlist symbols. This means changes made to a user's watchlist can be updated across all devices. In contrast, Tickmill lacks this feature. Even though there's a slight difference in features, both apps have been rated 4 stars. Rankings by ForexBrokers.com place BlackBull Markets slightly higher at #31 compared to Tickmill's #32, out of 63 brokers evaluated for the Mobile Trading Apps category.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 |
| 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 online brokers Tickmill and BlackBull Markets for market research capabilities, both offer a range of valuable resources for traders. Each platform provides daily market commentary as well as a sentiment-based trading tool that can show the ratio of long or short positions across various currency pairs and other instruments. Additionally, both brokers present their users with an economic calendar that highlights current and upcoming global economic events. However, there are distinct differences between the two. Tickmill stands out by delivering forex news from top-tier sources such as Bloomberg and Reuters, while BlackBull Markets does not offer this feature. Tickmill also provides its users with research tools from Acuity Trading, including offerings like the Signal Centre, an advantage BlackBull Markets lacks.
On the other hand, BlackBull Markets compensates by equipping its traders with technical analysis or fundamental research tools from Autochartist, which are not available through Tickmill. Despite their varying strengths, both brokers receive a strong overall research rating of four out of five stars. As per ForexBrokers.com rankings, BlackBull Markets holds a slightly higher research rank at number 18 out of 63 brokers, compared to Tickmill at number 22. This comparison underscores the unique strengths of each broker, aiding traders in making informed decisions based on their specific trading needs and priorities.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, both Tickmill and BlackBull Markets offer an impressive array of materials to help new traders get started. Each broker provides a comprehensive selection of over ten educational pieces that include articles, videos, and archived webinars, all centered around forex and CFD trading. For those who prefer more engaging learning experiences, Tickmill and BlackBull Markets have monthly online webinars that clients can participate in, as well as easily accessible archives of previous webinars. Each broker also offers beginner-focused educational videos to ensure new traders have a strong foundation to build upon.
For those looking to deepen their trading knowledge, both brokers feature more than ten advanced educational videos tailored for experienced traders. To support their clients' trading journeys further, they each offer an investor dictionary with over 50 trading terms defined. Despite the similarities in their offerings, there is a slight edge in the rankings, with Tickmill being ranked #15 compared to BlackBull Markets' #29 in the education category by ForexBrokers.com. Still, both brokers receive a solid four-star rating for their educational services, making either an excellent choice for beginner traders eager to learn.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| 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 BlackBull Markets. Tickmill finished with an overall rank of #22, while BlackBull Markets finished with an overall rank of #24.
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
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 78 |
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Both Tickmill and BlackBull Markets provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither offers the ability to purchase actual, delivered cryptocurrencies.
When comparing Tickmill and BlackBull Markets, neither offers ACH or SEPA transfers, but Tickmill stands out by allowing PayPal for deposits and withdrawals, while both brokers support Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire transactions for account funding.
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 | BlackBull Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 78 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Tickmill Review | BlackBull Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Tickmill | BlackBull Markets | |
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| Regulation | Tickmill | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 86 | 78 | |
| Year Founded | 2014 | 2014 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Tickmill | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Tickmill | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Tickmill | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 725 | 26000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 63 | 72 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| 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 | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.51 | 0.71 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.31 | 0.71 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Tickmill | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $0 | |
| 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 | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | Yes |
| Trading Tools | Tickmill | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 6 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 109 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 60 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Tickmill | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 | |
| 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 | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Tickmill | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Tickmill | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | BlackBull Markets Review |
| Overall | Tickmill | BlackBull Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 78 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Tickmill Review | BlackBull Markets Review |
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