Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG 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.
IG and Tickmill are both popular online brokers, but they have some notable differences in terms of trust and regulation. IG, established in 1974, is a long-standing player in the financial sector and is publicly traded. It holds a Trust Score of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, thanks to its 8 Tier-1 licenses and status as a regulated bank. In contrast, Tickmill, founded in 2014, is not publicly traded and does not operate as a bank. It holds a Trust Score of 86, supported by 2 Tier-1 licenses. Both firms have 2 Tier-2 licenses each, marking them as reliable choices, though IG stands out with its higher level of regulatory approval.
The regulatory landscape showcases the distinction in trustworthiness between these two brokers. IG's extensive regulatory framework and its listing on the stock exchange emphasize its high level of trust and stability in the market. Meanwhile, Tickmill's position is notably secure, yet it isn't as deeply embedded in regulatory structures, given its shorter history and fewer high-level licenses. Whether a trader seeks the thorough regulatory backing of a well-established firm like IG or considers Tickmill's offering, assessing these factors can guide decision-making in the trading landscape.
| Feature |
IG
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2014 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of online brokers IG and Tickmill, both platforms offer competitive options for traders, each garnering a 5-star rating. IG shines with its scalable execution across various products, offering multiple execution methods beyond its standard market maker account. It's particularly appealing for active traders using its Forex Direct accounts due to its ability to execute large orders efficiently. Typical spreads for IG's main Forex Direct account averaged 0.62 pips in July 2023 alongside a per-trade commission equivalent of 0.2 pips, making the all-in cost around 0.82 pips. IG’s tiered active-trader rebate program allows for potential spread rebates, especially for high-volume traders in different geographic locations, enhancing affordability.
Tickmill, on the other hand, offers two main accounts: Classic and Raw (formerly Pro). The Classic account operates on a commission-free basis but has a higher spread averaging 1.76 pips as of August 2023. Meanwhile, its Raw account boasts an updated commission structure with spreads significantly lower than the industry average. As of October 2023, the effective all-in cost for the Raw account is approximately 0.71 pips, factoring in a $6 standard lot round-trip commission. The Raw account keeps the entry barrier low with just a $100 minimum, making it an attractive choice for traders seeking low cost and flexibility.
For their commission and fees offerings, IG is ranked #8 among 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, with standout pricing for individuals executing vast trade volumes. In contrast, Tickmill enjoys a higher ranking at #4, thanks to its low spreads and inclusive Raw account features that cater well to active traders. Both brokers achieve excellence in this category, making them formidable choices based on trader needs and preferences.
| Feature |
IG
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 0.51 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.31 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When it comes to the variety of investment options, IG stands out with an impressive offering of 19,537 tradeable symbols and 97 forex pairs. This wide range extends to exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, allowing clients to invest in well-known stocks like Apple and Vodafone. Additionally, IG provides clients the opportunity to purchase both delivered cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency derivatives, facilitating a comprehensive trading experience. This extensive selection is reflected in its five-star rating and rank of #4 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
In contrast, Tickmill offers a more limited selection with 725 tradeable symbols and 63 forex pairs. While clients can trade forex as CFDs or spot contracts, Tickmill does not provide access to exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international markets. Nonetheless, it supports copy trading and offers trading in cryptocurrency derivatives. Despite its narrower focus, Tickmill maintains a solid reputation with a 3.5-star rating and a rank of #42 in the Range of Investments category. This comparison highlights the broader accessibility to diverse assets offered by IG, appealing to a more expansive investor appetite.
| Feature |
IG
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 725 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 63 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | 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 IG and Tickmill for their trading platforms and tools, both brokers provide free virtual demo accounts, making it easy for users to practice trading without financial risk. IG stands out with its proprietary platform developed in-house, in addition to offering a Windows-based desktop platform and a web-based option. Tickmill offers similar versatility with both desktop and web-based platforms but lacks a proprietary option. However, Tickmill shines with its inclusion of MetaTrader 5 (MT5) and copy trading capabilities, while IG does not offer these features. Both brokers support MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and skip on DupliTrade and ZuluTrade.
In terms of charting, IG impresses with 20 drawing tools and the ability to trade directly from a stock chart, while Tickmill offers slightly fewer options with 15 drawing tools. For watch lists, Tickmill provides more customization with seven columns compared to IG's five. IG is rated five stars for Trading Platforms and Tools and holds the second spot out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, reflecting its strong market position. Tickmill, with a respectable four-star rating, ranks 32nd in the same category, indicating a reliable, albeit less acclaimed, option for traders.
| Feature |
IG
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When it comes to mobile trading apps, both IG and Tickmill provide compatible options for iPhone and Android users, ensuring flexibility and convenience. Both apps offer real-time price alerts for stock and forex markets, allowing traders to stay updated on volatile market movements. However, a key difference lies in watchlist syncing. IG enables users to seamlessly sync watchlists with their online accounts, permitting smooth transitions and continuity, while Tickmill lacks this feature. For charting, IG stands out with a slightly larger toolkit, offering 33 technical studies compared to Tickmill's 30, providing users with enhanced analytical capabilities.
Interactive chart features are solid across both platforms, with trendline drawing and the ability to view multiple time frames being available for users. Additionally, both IG and Tickmill apps support auto-saving of chart drawings, ensuring ongoing analytical work is preserved. IG also garners top marks when it comes to overall app rating, earning a coveted 5-star rating for its mobile trading application compared to Tickmill's 4-star rating. Ranked #1 by ForexBrokers.com out of 63 brokers, IG’s app leads in the mobile trading category, while Tickmill holds a respectable position at #32. These rankings highlight IG's dominance in delivering a superior mobile trading experience.
| Feature |
IG
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 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 market research offerings of online brokers IG and Tickmill, both provide daily market commentary and access to forex news from respected sources such as Bloomberg and Reuters. However, IG stands out with additional resources like technical analysis tools from Autochartist and exclusive market research from TipRanks, which Tickmill does not offer. Both brokers provide sentiment-based trading tools, economic calendars, and research tools from Acuity Trading, ensuring their clients stay informed about global market movements.
In terms of ratings, IG outshines with a perfect 5-star rating for research, while Tickmill holds a commendable 4-star rating. According to ForexBrokers.com, IG ranks as the second-best out of 63 brokers in the research category, highlighting its comprehensive offerings. Meanwhile, Tickmill, ranked 22nd, offers solid research services but lacks some of the advanced features provided by IG. For traders seeking extensive market insights and tools, IG may offer a more complete package, although both are reliable choices depending on individual needs.
| Feature |
IG
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | Yes |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, both IG and Tickmill provide a rich selection tailored to help newcomers understand the world of forex and CFD trading. Each offers a minimum of 10 educational resources such as articles, videos, and webinars focused on forex and CFDs. New traders can benefit from monthly webinars to further their learning, and both brokers have a searchable archive of past webinars for convenient access to previously recorded content.
IG excels with a perfect five-star rating for education, topped by their ranking as the number one broker out of 63 in the Education category by ForexBrokers.com. Beginners can also find over 10 specialized videos dedicated to trading fundamentals and advanced topics, alongside a dictionary featuring more than 50 investing terms. Tickmill also offers similar educational content and webinars, maintaining a solid presence with a four-star rating and ranking 15th in the Education category. While both brokers cater well to educational needs, IG provides a slightly more comprehensive platform for learning.
| Feature |
IG
|
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 IG is better than Tickmill. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while Tickmill finished with an overall rank of #22.
IG offers the ultimate comprehensive trading package, featuring excellent trading and research tools, industry-leading education, and an extensive range of tradeable markets.
| Feature |
IG
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 86 |
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IG allows investors to buy both actual delivered cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency derivatives, while Tickmill only supports trading in cryptocurrency derivatives.
Comparing online brokers IG and Tickmill, IG supports ACH and SEPA transfers for deposits and withdrawals, but Tickmill does not; both brokers accept PayPal and Visa or Mastercard, although IG does not support Skrill unlike Tickmill, and both allow 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 | IG | Tickmill | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | Tickmill Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | Tickmill | |
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| Regulation | IG | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 86 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2014 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IG | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | IG | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 725 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 63 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | 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 | IG | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 0.51 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.31 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $100 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | IG | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | IG | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | 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 | 33 | 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 | IG | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | 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 | IG | 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 | IG Review | Tickmill Review |
| Overall | IG | Tickmill | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | Tickmill Review |
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