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 account | 0.9 | 1.70 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | 0.70 |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
FXCM and Tickmill both let you trade forex either as CFDs or spot contracts. Tickmill lists more to trade overall, with 637 total symbols and 63 currency pairs, while FXCM offers 440 symbols and 46 pairs. If you want a wider selection by sheer count, Tickmill edges out FXCM.
Neither broker offers exchange-traded stocks on U.S. or international exchanges, but both support copy trading. You can trade cryptocurrency via CFDs at both brokers, though you can’t buy the actual coins. For Range of Investments, each is rated 3.5 out of 5 stars. In the ForexBrokers.com rankings, Tickmill places #43 of 63, ahead of FXCM at #48.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 637 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 46 | 63 |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | No | No |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | No | No |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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, web-based and Windows desktop platforms, copy trading, and the ability to place orders directly from charts. FXCM adds a proprietary, in-house platform on top of industry favorites, while both support MetaTrader 4 (MT4). If you need MetaTrader 5 (MT5), Tickmill has it, whereas FXCM does not.
For overall platform quality, FXCM earns 5 stars and ranks #6 out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, while Tickmill holds 4 stars and ranks #30. Choose FXCM if you want an in-house platform option and top-rated tools; pick Tickmill if MT5 access is a priority alongside MT4, web, and desktop trading.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 91 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
FXCM and Tickmill both offer mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android, and each supports price alerts to help you stay on top of market moves. A key difference is watchlists: the FXCM mobile app syncs your watchlists with your online account, so changes carry across devices, while Tickmill’s app does not support this syncing.
For charting, FXCM provides 59 technical studies compared with Tickmill’s 30; both apps let you draw trendlines and automatically save your drawings. In ForexBrokers.com’s Mobile Trading Apps category, FXCM earns 4.5 stars and ranks 16th out of 63 brokers, while Tickmill scores 4 stars and ranks 30th. If you want deeper chart tools and seamless watchlists, FXCM has the edge; if you need the essentials on the go, Tickmill still delivers.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 59 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | 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 (Articles) | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central | Yes | No |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Acuity Trading | No | Yes |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
FXCM and Tickmill both offer forex and CFD education that’s helpful for beginners. Each broker provides a library with at least 10 educational pieces, plus monthly live webinars. You’ll find at least 10 beginner-focused videos at both brokers to cover the basics—how trading works, platform tips, risk control, and chart reading. When you’re ready for more, both also include at least 10 advanced videos so you can keep learning without switching platforms.
Independent ratings give FXCM a slight edge for education: it earns 4.5 out of 5 stars and ranks 14th out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com. Tickmill scores 4 stars and ranks 15th. If you want the higher-rated learning hub, choose FXCM. If you prefer an alternative with the same steady webinar schedule and plenty of beginner and advanced videos, Tickmill is a close second.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | 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
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Tickmill
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|---|---|---|
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| Trust Score | 95 | 86 |
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In the FXCM vs Tickmill cryptocurrency trading comparison, neither broker supports purchasing actual (delivered) cryptocurrencies, but both allow trading cryptocurrency CFDs.
FXCM and Tickmill both support PayPal, Skrill, and bank wire deposits/withdrawals, but only FXCM offers ACH/SEPA transfers, while Visa/Mastercard availability is not specified for either broker.
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 (FSA 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. Stocks (Shares) | No | No | |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | No | No | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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 account | 0.9 | 1.70 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | 0.70 | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Order execution: Agency | Yes | Yes | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | FXCM | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $100 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | FXCM | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No |
| Trading Tools | FXCM | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 91 | |
| 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 Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] | |||
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 59 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | FXCM | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | FXCM | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | FXCM | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD [DELETED] | |||
| USD/JPY [DELETED] | |||
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF [DELETED] | |||
| USD/CAD [DELETED] | |||
| NZD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| AUD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| 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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