Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IC Markets 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.
Founded in 2007, IC Markets and Tickmill, which started in 2014, are prominent online brokers that consistently ensure client safety through solid regulatory credentials. Neither broker is publicly traded or operates as a bank. When comparing their adherence to financial standards, both hold two Tier-1 licenses, reflecting a category considered highly trusted and secure. However, Tickmill gains an edge with an additional two Tier-2 licenses, which mark it as more comprehensively regulated in trusted levels compared to IC Markets, which holds none.
Both brokers are assessed by ForexBrokers.com with Trust Scores within the trusted range: IC Markets earns a score of 84, while Tickmill is rated slightly higher at 86. This indicates that both brokers maintain a good level of safety for traders, with Tickmill showing marginally higher reliability within its regulatory framework. While both brokers present strong regulatory backgrounds, Tickmill's additional Tier-2 licenses contribute to its slightly superior trust rating.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2007 | 2014 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 1 |
When evaluating forex brokers, both IC Markets and Tickmill are standout choices for traders prioritizing low commissions and fees. IC Markets is praised for its competitive trading costs, rivaling top-tier low-cost brokers. It offers three account types: the commission-free Standard account and the commission-based Raw Spread and cTrader Raw Spread accounts. Notably, IC Markets has varied spreads based on the platform and account type, with cTrader offering a slightly lower commission at $3 per side for every 100,000 units. With average spreads on EUR/USD starting at 0.02 pips, the all-in cost is quite attractive at 0.62 pips for cTrader accounts. This efficiency has helped IC Markets earn a 5-star rating, ranking 5th out of 63 brokers in the Commissions & Fees category.
Tickmill also holds its own with a solid 5-star rating and an impressive 4th place ranking among 63 brokers. It provides two main accounts: the commission-free Classic and the newly structured Raw account. The Raw account, previously named Pro, now features a commission of $3 per side, totaling $6 per round turn, while still maintaining low spreads. Traders benefit from a typical spread of 0.11 pips on EUR/USD, though the all-in cost is now 0.71 pips. Despite the increased per-trade commission, Tickmill's low minimum deposit of $100 and tight spreads make it particularly appealing for active traders and those employing algo trading strategies.
Both brokers excel in offering low-cost trading, but their account structures cater to different trading styles. IC Markets combines its varied account offerings with tight spreads and competitive commissions, appealing to a broad range of traders. Meanwhile, Tickmill's focus on its Raw account makes it a compelling option for traders seeking low entry costs and versatile execution. With each broker achieving a 5-star rating for commissions and fees, they both serve as excellent options for cost-conscious traders.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.62 | 0.51 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.62 | 0.31 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | 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.
When comparing the available range of investments between IC Markets and Tickmill, both brokers offer forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts. However, IC Markets stands out with a significantly larger selection of tradeable symbols, providing 3,583 options compared to Tickmill's 725. While Tickmill offers slightly more tradeable forex pairs with 63 compared to IC Markets' 61, IC Markets does provide an edge by offering exchange-traded securities on international exchanges, an option not available with Tickmill. Both platforms do not offer exchange-traded securities on U.S. exchanges, nor do they allow clients to purchase actual cryptocurrencies, but they do provide cryptocurrency derivatives. Additionally, both brokers support copy trading, enhancing their offerings by allowing users to replicate the trades of experienced investors.
In terms of ratings, IC Markets is rated 4.5 stars for its range of investments, higher than Tickmill's 3.5 stars, showcasing a broader appeal among users. Furthermore, IC Markets holds a more favorable position in ForexBrokers.com's rankings, securing the 25th spot out of 63, while Tickmill is listed at 42nd. This overall better ranking indicates that IC Markets is generally perceived to offer a wider and more appealing selection of investment options compared to Tickmill.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3583 | 725 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 63 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | 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 online brokers IC Markets and Tickmill for their trading platforms and tools, both firms offer competitive options for traders. Each broker provides a free virtual demo account for users interested in simulated trading. Neither company has a proprietary platform, but they both support the highly popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). PC users will appreciate that both brokers offer Windows-based desktop download platforms, and there are also web-based platforms available for those who prefer to trade via a browser. For those interested in social trading, IC Markets includes ZuluTrade in their offerings, whereas Tickmill does not provide this option. Both brokers, however, support copy trading, giving users the chance to mimic successful trading strategies.
IC Markets and Tickmill feature the same number of technical drawing tools for charting, tallying at 15. Traders will find advantages in being able to execute trades directly from stock charts with both brokers. Each one offers a substantial seven columns for customizing watch lists. Despite these similarities, IC Markets edges out Tickmill in broader recognition, securing the 16th spot out of 63 brokers for trading platforms and tools according to ForexBrokers.com, while Tickmill ranks 32nd. Nevertheless, both are rated four stars for their trading platforms and tools, signaling reliable and user-friendly experiences for traders.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | 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 evaluating the mobile trading apps of IC Markets and Tickmill, both provide comprehensive support for iPhone and Android devices. Traders using either app can set up alerts for stock and forex prices, ensuring they stay updated on market movements. While both platforms offer 30 technical studies for charting, they also allow users to draw trendlines and view multiple time frames, whether daily, weekly, or intraday. Additionally, both apps support real-time watchlists, although without the ability to sync symbols across different platforms. One feature that stands out for draw-loving traders is that both apps auto-save drawings on charts.
Despite these similarities, IC Markets holds a slight edge in ranking, coming in at 22 out of 63 brokers as noted by ForexBrokers.com, compared to Tickmill's rank of 32. Both apps score a solid 4 out of 5 stars for mobile trading, indicating strong user satisfaction. For traders keen on mobile functionality, either app offers reliable and feature-rich options, but IC Markets may offer slightly better recognition among industry reviews.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| 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.
IC Markets and Tickmill are both robust online brokers renowned for their comprehensive market research offerings, making them strong contenders for traders seeking detailed insights. Both platforms provide daily market commentary and forex news from leading sources such as Bloomberg and Reuters, equipping traders with timely updates. However, IC Markets steps ahead by offering tools from Autochartist and Trading Central, providing users with technical and fundamental analyses that Tickmill lacks. Despite this advantage, both brokers support sentiment-based trading tools and offer economic calendars, ensuring traders remain informed about global economic events.
While IC Markets shines with a wider range of analytical tools, Tickmill compensates by providing resources from Acuity Trading like Signal Centre, which is absent in IC Markets' arsenal. In terms of ratings, both brokerages earn a commendable four-star rating for research. According to ForexBrokers.com rankings, IC Markets occupies the 23rd spot, closely trailing Tickmill, which is ranked 22nd. This close ranking reflects their solid performance in market research offerings, allowing traders to choose based on specific tool preferences and brokerage support services.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | Yes |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, both IC Markets and Tickmill deliver an extensive array of content to help traders start their journey. Each broker offers a minimum of 10 educational pieces, including articles, videos, and archived webinars, all focused on forex and CFDs. For those who prefer interactive learning, both platforms host online webinars every month and provide a searchable archive of past sessions, enabling clients to learn at their own pace and revisit important concepts anytime.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your expertise, IC Markets and Tickmill have you covered with at least 10 beginner-focused and 10 advanced educational videos. Both brokers also feature an investor dictionary that explains over 50 investing terms, ensuring traders can easily understand the language of the markets. While IC Markets is rated 4 stars for education and ranks #16 in the Education category by ForexBrokers.com, Tickmill mirrors this with a 4-star rating but goes one step further, ranking at #15. These rankings highlight the brokers' commitment to educating their clients, helping traders build a solid foundation for success.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
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 IC Markets is better than Tickmill. IC Markets finished with an overall rank of #20, while Tickmill finished with an overall rank of #22.
IC Markets’ competitive pricing and scalable execution make it an excellent option for algorithmic traders. Though it supports an impressive range of third-party tools and plugins, IC Markets’ research and education offerings are not as impressive as those offered by industry leaders.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 86 |
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Both IC Markets and Tickmill do not offer the option to purchase actual (delivered) cryptocurrencies, but they do provide the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both IC Markets and Tickmill provide multiple deposit and withdrawal options including PayPal, Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, but neither offers ACH or SEPA transfers.
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 | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IC Markets Review | Tickmill Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
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| Regulation | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 84 | 86 | |
| Year Founded | 2007 | 2014 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | 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) | No | 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) | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3583 | 725 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 63 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | 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 | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.62 | 0.51 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.62 | 0.31 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $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 | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Trading Tools | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IC Markets | 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 | IC Markets | 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 | IC Markets Review | Tickmill Review |
| Overall | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IC Markets Review | Tickmill Review |
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