Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of FXCM vs Tickmill, 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.
FXCM, established in 1999, is a publicly traded online broker recognized for its high trust level, boasting a Trust Score rating of 95 out of 99 as per ForexBrokers.com. This makes it a highly trusted choice for traders, bolstered by the fact that it holds four Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses, which signify high trust and trust respectively. Despite not being a bank, FXCM's long-standing presence in the financial market highlights its stability and reliability.
In contrast, Tickmill, founded in 2014, is a privately-owned online broker with a Trust Score rating of 86 out of 99, which indicates that it is trusted, though not at the level of FXCM. Tickmill holds two Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses, pointing to its credibility in the industry. Like FXCM, Tickmill is not a bank, yet it offers a solid regulatory standing for traders seeking a secure and trustable platform.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2014 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
FXCM and Tickmill offer different approaches to commissions and fees, catering to various trader needs. FXCM, rated 4 out of 5 stars for commissions and fees, is ranked #25 out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. FXCM's standard account spreads on the EUR/USD average 0.78 pips for its EU, U.K., and Australia offerings, and 1.38 pips for its St. Vincent entity, slightly higher than the industry average. The Active Trader Rebate Program offers rebates ranging from $5 to $25 per million traded, but these are limited to non-U.K. and non-EU residents. FXCM’s commission-based accounts show lower spreads of 0.28 pips, yet with commissions, the effective spread is 0.74 pips, which can still provide competitive pricing for active traders, especially with higher volumes.
On the other hand, Tickmill scores an impressive 5 out of 5 stars and ranks #4 among 63 brokers for commissions and fees. Tickmill provides two main account types: Classic and Raw. The Classic account is commission-free but features higher spreads at 1.76 pips. The Raw account, which requires as little as $100 to start, offers more favorable terms for active traders. Typical spreads on the EUR/USD are 0.11 pips, with an all-in cost of 0.71 pips after accounting for the $6 commission per standard lot trade. Despite a recent commission increase for the Raw account, Tickmill remains highly regarded for its low costs and favorable trading conditions, making it an attractive choice for those who prioritize lower spreads and costs.
In summary, while FXCM offers competitive pricing through its Active Trader Rebate Program and commission-based accounts, Tickmill shines with its low-cost Raw account and efficient pricing structure, appealing primarily to active traders seeking the lowest overall trading costs. Both brokers have established themselves as viable options with different strengths, giving traders flexibility depending on their trading volume and market preferences.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.9 | 1.70 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | 0.70 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
Comparing FXCM and Tickmill for range of investments: both let you trade forex either as CFDs or spot. Tickmill lists more markets overall, with 637 tradeable symbols and 63 forex pairs, versus FXCM’s 440 symbols and 46 pairs. Neither broker offers direct, exchange-traded stocks on U.S. or international exchanges—so you can’t buy shares like Apple or Vodafone outright. Both support copy trading.
For crypto, neither broker lets you buy actual coins, but both offer cryptocurrency derivatives. In ForexBrokers.com’s Range of Investments category, each earns 3.5 out of 5 stars; Tickmill ranks #43 of 63 brokers, while FXCM ranks #48, reflecting Tickmill’s broader selection of symbols and currency pairs.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 637 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 46 | 63 |
| 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.
Comparing FXCM vs Tickmill on trading platforms and tools: both brokers offer free demo (paper) accounts, Windows desktop downloads, and web platforms. Each supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and copy trading. Tickmill adds MetaTrader 5 (MT5), while FXCM provides its own proprietary platform. FXCM also integrates ZuluTrade, whereas Tickmill does not, and neither broker supports DupliTrade. Both let you place trades directly from charts. Indicator counts aren’t specified, but for charting tools FXCM lists 10 drawing tools versus 9 at Tickmill.
FXCM’s watchlists provide 13 columns compared to 7 at Tickmill, which helps if you track many data points. According to ForexBrokers.com, FXCM earns 5 stars and ranks 6th out of 63 for Trading Platforms and Tools, while Tickmill earns 4 stars and ranks 30th. Choose FXCM if you want a proprietary platform, ZuluTrade access, and richer watchlist fields; pick Tickmill if MT5 is a must-have.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 91 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 10 | 9 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 13 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
FXCM and Tickmill both deliver mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android. Each app includes price alerts, real-time quote watchlists, trendline drawing tools, multiple chart time frames, and auto-saved chart drawings, making it easy to track markets and manage trades on the go.
The key differences show up in syncing, charting depth, and ratings. FXCM syncs mobile watchlists with your online account, while Tickmill does not. FXCM also offers 59 technical studies versus Tickmill’s 30. According to ForexBrokers.com, FXCM’s mobile app is rated 4.5 stars and ranks 16th out of 63 brokers, while Tickmill’s app is rated 4 stars and ranks 30th. If you want more indicators and seamless watchlist syncing, FXCM is the stronger pick; if you just need core tools on iOS and Android, Tickmill covers the basics.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 59 | 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 it comes to market research, both FXCM and Tickmill provide daily market commentary and share forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. However, FXCM seems to take the lead with an extensive selection of research tools. While neither broker partners with Autochartist, FXCM does offer resources from Trading Central, giving traders access to comprehensive technical analytics. In contrast, Tickmill does not provide tools from Trading Central but makes up for it with research options from Acuity Trading, such as the Signal Centre.
FXCM also integrates sentiment-based trading tools that display the ratio of long or short positions, a feature Tickmill also offers. When looking at market research from TipRanks, FXCM users can enjoy this advantage, whereas Tickmill does not provide it. Both brokers maintain an economic calendar to keep traders informed of global news. In terms of research ratings and rankings, FXCM scores 4.5 stars out of 5, placing 11th among 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, while Tickmill holds a 4-star rating and is ranked 21st. This suggests that FXCM might be the preferred choice for traders seeking richer market research offerings.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | Yes |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing the educational resources available for beginners, both FXCM and Tickmill offer a wealth of learning materials. Each provides over ten pieces of educational content, such as articles, videos, and archived webinars on forex and CFDs, making it easy for novices to get started. Additionally, both brokers host online educational webinars at least once a month, ensuring continuous learning opportunities for their clients. These brokers also maintain a searchable archive of previously recorded webinars, enabling users to access valuable insights at their convenience.
FXCM and Tickmill go the extra mile by offering at least ten beginner education videos, specifically designed for those new to trading, along with ten advanced videos catering to experienced traders. To further aid learning, both brokers feature an investor dictionary with over 50 investment terms. While FXCM earns a slightly higher education rating of 4.5 stars compared to Tickmill's 4 stars, both are very close in quality and rank closely at #14 and #15 respectively out of 63 brokers reviewed by ForexBrokers.com. Whether you're beginning your trading journey or expanding your expertise, both FXCM and Tickmill provide comprehensive educational resources to support your growth.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 FXCM is better than Tickmill. FXCM finished with an overall rank of #15, while Tickmill finished with an overall rank of #22.
For traders who appreciate advanced trading tools and quality market research, FXCM is a winner, especially for algorithmic trading. Its range of tradeable markets is fairly narrow, however, and the pricing at FXCM is just average.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 86 |
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Both FXCM and Tickmill do not offer the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but they do provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing FXCM and Tickmill for online broker services, FXCM stands out by offering both ACH and SEPA transfers for account fund transactions, while both brokers provide options for PayPal, Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires.
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 | FXCM | Tickmill | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review | Tickmill Review |
| Broker Screenshots | FXCM | Tickmill | |
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| Regulation | FXCM | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 95 | 86 | |
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2014 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | FXCM | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| 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) | FXCM | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | FXCM | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 637 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 46 | 63 | |
| 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 | FXCM | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.9 | 1.70 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | 0.70 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | FXCM | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $100 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | FXCM | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Trading Tools | FXCM | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 13 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 91 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 10 | 9 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | FXCM | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 59 | 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 | FXCM | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | FXCM | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | FXCM | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | FXCM Review | Tickmill Review |
| Overall | FXCM | Tickmill | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review | Tickmill Review |
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