Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Tickmill vs IFC 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.
When comparing online brokers Tickmill and IFC Markets, it's important to look at their regulatory standing and trust ratings. Tickmill, founded in 2014, has made a significant mark in the financial landscape with a Trust Score of 86 out of 99, according to ForexBrokers.com. This score places Tickmill in the 'trusted' category. Tickmill holds two Tier-1 licenses, which are highly trusted, and two Tier-2 licenses. In contrast, IFC Markets, which was established in 2006, holds a Trust Score of 73, indicating an average risk and has no Tier-1 licenses but one Tier-2 license available. Neither Tickmill nor IFC Markets are publicly traded, nor do they operate as banks, offering similar foundations but varying levels of regulatory confidence.
The distinction in regulatory credentials between Tickmill and IFC Markets is clear, as Tickmill demonstrates a stronger regulatory footing with its Tier-1 licenses, contributing to its higher trust rating. While both brokers provide online trading services, the licensing and trust metrics offer potential clients a basis to assess the comparative security and reliability of these two financial entities. As these factors are crucial for traders, the differences in trust scores and legal authorizations are notable, providing insight into the brokers' adherence to regulatory standards and overall investor protection.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2014 | 2006 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When comparing Tickmill and IFC Markets in terms of commissions and fees, Tickmill generally stands out for its favorable trading conditions, especially for active traders. Tickmill offers two account types: the Classic and the newly introduced Raw account. The Classic account is commission-free, with traders only paying the bid/ask spread, but it comes with a higher average spread of 1.76 pips as of August 2023. On the other hand, the Raw account, which requires a minimum deposit of $100, boasts lower spreads, starting from 0.11 pips for the EUR/USD pair. Despite the recent increase in commission fees to $3 per side, or $6 per standard lot, the all-in trading cost remains competitive at 0.71 pips, thanks to Tickmill's low average spreads. Tickmill earns a 5-star rating and is ranked #4 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com for its attractive commissions and fees.
Conversely, IFC Markets offers a slightly less competitive trading environment, mainly due to higher average spreads. Traders can expect a typical spread of 1.44 pips for the EUR/USD, which is above the industry average. However, IFC Markets does provide a more attractive option for active traders through its ECN account, with spreads narrowing to 1.1 pips when factoring in the 0.005% commission on both sides of a trade. This setup can be attractive for those seeking to minimize trading costs. Additionally, the broker does not charge inactivity fees and provides discounts for active traders, adding some appeal for frequent traders. With these factors, IFC Markets receives a 4-star rating and is ranked #39 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com in the Commissions and Fees category.
Overall, while both brokers have their strengths, Tickmill tends to offer more competitive pricing, particularly for traders who prioritize low spread and cost-effective trading. Its strong performance in the Commissions and Fees category is evidenced by its higher ranking and star rating compared to IFC Markets. For traders who value tighter spreads and lower costs, Tickmill remains a compelling option.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $1 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.70 | 1.44 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.70 | 1.1 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
Tickmill and IFC Markets are both commendable choices for online trading, but they offer slightly different ranges of investment options. Both brokerages allow traders to engage in forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts. Tickmill provides access to 637 tradeable symbols, including 63 forex pairs, while IFC Markets has 630 tradeable symbols with 49 forex pairs available. Notably, neither broker offers the option to trade exchange-traded securities on U.S. exchanges; however, IFC Markets distinguishes itself by allowing clients to buy international shares, like Vodafone on the London Stock Exchange, whereas Tickmill does not. Both platforms support trading cryptocurrency derivatives, though neither allows the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies.
For those interested in copying trading strategies, both Tickmill and IFC Markets offer this feature. Despite the slight differences in their range of investments, both brokers have received an identical rating of 3.5 stars in the range of investment category. According to ForexBrokers.com rankings, Tickmill is placed at #42, just ahead of IFC Markets which is positioned at #43 out of 63 brokers in the same category. This ranking underscores their competitive proximity, making either brokerage a suitable choice depending on specific trading needs and preferences.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 637 | 630 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 63 | 49 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| 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). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools of Tickmill and IFC Markets, both brokers present solid offerings with some key distinctions. Both offer the popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, making them versatile options for traders familiar with these interfaces. Additionally, they provide simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts, which is a boon for beginners or those testing strategies. However, IFC Markets builds on this with its in-house proprietary platform alongside a Windows-based desktop and web-based trading platform, giving it a unique edge in customization. In contrast, Tickmill depends on third-party platforms, although it aligns with industry standards in functionality and ease of use.
Tickmill and IFC Markets both support copy trading and allow trading directly from stock charts, but there are notable differences in their charting tools. IFC Markets offers 15 drawing tools compared to Tickmill's 9. Despite these differences, each broker is similarly rated at four stars for trading platforms and tools. However, Tickmill edges slightly higher in industry rankings, placed at number 29 compared to IFC Markets' position at 36 according to ForexBrokers.com. Ultimately, the choice between Tickmill and IFC Markets may come down to the trader’s preference for proprietary tools or third-party platform familiarity. Both brokers present competitive offerings for a variety of trading needs.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | No | Yes |
| 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.
When it comes to mobile trading apps, both Tickmill and IFC Markets offer applications for iPhone and Android devices, allowing you to trade stocks and forex on the go. They both provide timely stock or forex price alerts, making it convenient for traders to stay updated with market changes. However, IFC Markets offers a slight edge with watchlist symbol syncing, enabling seamless synchronization between your mobile app and online account. Both brokers provide 30 technical studies for comprehensive charting, and they let you draw trendlines and view multiple time frames, such as daily or weekly, which are essential tools for in-depth analysis. Furthermore, your drawing inputs will automatically save on both platforms, preventing any loss of personalized chart work.
Tickmill and IFC Markets allow the creation of watchlists with real-time quotes, enhancing your ability to track market movements efficiently. Despite both achieving a commendable four-star rating out of five for their mobile trading apps, they differ in their industry ranking. According to ForexBrokers.com, Tickmill is ranked at a respectable #29, whereas IFC Markets is positioned at #52 out of 63 brokers. This difference may reflect user experiences and features that each platform prioritizes. Choosing between the two may come down to whether seamless syncing of watchlists is a priority for your trading strategy.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
IFC 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 considering market research features, Tickmill and IFC Markets both offer daily market commentary and economic calendars, providing crucial insights to help navigate trading decisions. Tickmill goes a step further by delivering forex news sourced from top-tier providers like Bloomberg and Reuters, enhancing access to influential information that can affect markets. In contrast, IFC Markets does not provide forex news from such esteemed outlets. Both brokers also offer sentiment-based trading tools that reveal the ratio of long or short positions across various instruments, aiding traders in gauging market mood.
However, for those seeking specialized research tools, the options are limited as neither Tickmill nor IFC Markets offer tools from Autochartist or Trading Central. Tickmill further distinguishes itself by offering research tools from Acuity Trading, such as Signal Centre, while IFC Markets does not. This additional research support helps explain why Tickmill has a research rating of 4 stars and ranks 21st out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, compared to IFC Markets' 3.5 star rating and 40th rank. Both brokers, though strong in some areas, have unique strengths that may appeal to different trader needs.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| 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 IFC Markets provide a good foundation with at least 10 pieces of educational content focused on forex and CFDs. These resources include articles, videos, and webinars, catering to a variety of learning preferences. Tickmill takes a step further by offering monthly online educational webinars and a searchable archive of past webinars, ensuring learners can revisit topics as needed. IFC Markets, on the other hand, does not offer online webinars or an archive of recorded sessions, which might limit the interactive learning experience for some users.
Both brokers equip novice traders with educational videos tailored to their needs, along with advanced content for more seasoned participants. An investor dictionary with over 50 terms is available through both platforms, making the learning process easier for new investors. Tickmill's educational offerings are rated higher with 4 out of 5 stars and stand at a better position of #15 among 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, IFC Markets holds a rating of 3.5 stars and is ranked at #30. This suggests that while both brokers are committed to education, Tickmill may offer a more comprehensive learning experience for those starting out in online trading.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| 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 IFC Markets. Tickmill finished with an overall rank of #22, while IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #45.
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
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 73 |
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Both Tickmill and IFC Markets do not offer the option to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they do provide the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers Tickmill and IFC Markets, both do not support ACH or SEPA transfers, Tickmill offers PayPal and Skrill for deposits and withdrawals whereas IFC Markets does not, and both brokers allow transactions through Visa, 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 | Tickmill | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Tickmill Review |
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| Regulation | Tickmill | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 86 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 2014 | 2006 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | ||
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Tickmill | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | ||
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | ||
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | ||
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | ||
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | ||
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | |||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | ||
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | ||
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Tickmill | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | ||
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | ||
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | ||
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | Tickmill | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 637 | 630 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 63 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| 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). |
| Cost | Tickmill | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.70 | 1.44 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.70 | 1.1 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Tickmill | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $1 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | Tickmill | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | No | Yes | |
| 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 | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | IFC 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 | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Tickmill | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Tickmill | IFC 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 |
| Overall | Tickmill | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Tickmill Review |
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