Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Tickmill vs Questrade, 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.
Both founded in different years, Tickmill (2014) and Questrade (2000) offer reliable services to their users, reflected by their identical ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 86 out of 99. This score places both brokers in the "trusted" category. Neither Tickmill nor Questrade are publicly traded companies or registered as banks. However, they both maintain strong regulatory frameworks by holding two highly-rated Tier-1 licenses each. This compliance with top-tier regulatory standards contributes to their high trust ratings.
When examining their Tier-2 licenses, a key difference between the two brokers emerges. Tickmill holds two additional Tier-2 licenses, which further reinforces its regulatory compliance and trustworthiness for potential clients. In contrast, Questrade does not hold any Tier-2 licenses. Despite this, both Tickmill and Questrade effectively maintain a strong level of trust in the online trading industry, providing peace of mind to their users.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
Questrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2014 | 2000 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | ||
| Bank | ||
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of online brokers Tickmill and Questrade, Tickmill emerges as a strong contender for traders seeking cost-effective trading options. Tickmill offers two distinct account types: the Classic account, which is commission-free but has higher average spreads starting at 1.76 pips, and the Raw account, where traders pay a $3 commission per side. The Raw account boasts typical spreads of 0.11 pips for EUR/USD, leading to a total all-in cost of 0.71 pips. With a minimum deposit of only $100, Tickmill’s Raw account provides access to competitive spreads and budget-friendly trading, earning it a 5-star rating and a commendable #4 rank out of 63 brokers for commissions and fees.
In contrast, Questrade charges a considerably steeper spread of 1.9 pips on the EUR/USD, which is above the industry average. This higher cost structure contributes to its 3-star rating and a lower rank of #58 out of 63 brokers in the same category. For traders focused on minimizing trading expenses, this places Questrade at a disadvantage compared to Tickmill.
Overall, Tickmill is highly regarded for its low average spreads and relatively modest commission structure, making it a preferred choice for active traders, despite a recent increase in the per-trade commission for its Raw account. Meanwhile, Questrade's higher spreads could potentially negate trading profits for those sensitive to cost, making Tickmill the more economical selection between the two.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
Questrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $250 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.51 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.31 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | ||
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | ||
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing Tickmill and Questrade for their range of investments, both brokers offer forex trading options via CFDs or spot contracts. However, Tickmill provides 725 tradeable symbols, whereas Questrade offers 641. When it comes to forex pairs, Questrade has a wider selection with 110 pairs, compared to Tickmill's 63. While Tickmill supports cryptocurrency derivatives, it does not offer the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies, a situation mirrored by Questrade. Furthermore, Tickmill misses out on providing access to exchange-traded securities on U.S. and international markets, unlike Questrade, which facilitates investing in well-known stocks like Apple's and Vodafone's.
In terms of additional features, Tickmill allows for copy trading, adding a layer of convenience for users interested in replicating the trades of successful investors, which Questrade does not offer. When evaluated for the range of investments, Tickmill receives a rating of 3.5 stars and holds the 42nd position among 63 brokers, according to ForexBrokers.com. On the other hand, Questrade shines with a 5-star rating, ranking 11th in the same category, making it a strong choice for those seeking a broader array of investment opportunities.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
Questrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 725 | 641 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 63 | 110 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | ||
| 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 Tickmill and Questrade for their trading platforms and tools, both brokers offer the essential features like simulated (paper) trading with free virtual demo accounts and Windows-based desktop download trading platforms. They also support web-based trading platforms for those who prefer browser access. Tickmill stands out with support for MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, renowned platforms among traders for their extensive features. On the other hand, Questrade distinguishes itself by offering a proprietary platform developed in-house, which may cater to users seeking a unique, customized experience.
For traders who enjoy copying the trades of others, Tickmill offers copy trading services, an option that is missing in Questrade’s offerings. However, Questrade provides integration with DupliTrade, adding another layer of functionality. While both brokers allow trading directly from stock charts, the choice of drawing tools is slightly broader with Questrade, offering 20 compared to Tickmill’s 15. In terms of customization flexibility, Questrade’s watch lists provide 52 columns compared to Tickmill’s 7, showcasing Questrade's edge in watch list versatility. Both brokers have received a solid 4-star rating for their platforms and tools, with Tickmill ranked higher at #32 versus Questrade’s #34 in ForexBrokers.com rankings, reflecting the competitive nature of both brokers.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
Questrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | |
| DupliTrade | Yes | |
| ZuluTrade | ||
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 64 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 20 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 52 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When it comes to mobile trading apps, both Tickmill and Questrade offer solid options for investors using either iPhone or Android devices. Both apps feature stock and forex price alerts, watchlist syncing to ensure any changes are reflected across platforms, and the ability to draw trend lines and view various time frames on charts. Each app also allows the creation of watchlists that provide real-time quotes. The ability to auto-save chart drawings enhances user experience by letting you pick up right where you left off.
Technical charting is a strong suit for both, though Questrade stands out with 64 technical studies compared to Tickmill's 30. Both apps are well-rated, receiving four out of five stars for their usability. When it comes to rankings by ForexBrokers.com, Tickmill takes a slight edge, positioned at #32 compared to Questrade's #34 out of 63 brokers. Both apps offer a comprehensive set of features to meet the needs of mobile traders, making them strong candidates for anyone looking to trade on the go.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
Questrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 64 |
| 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.
Comparing Tickmill and Questrade in market research offerings reveals distinct strengths between these two online brokers. Tickmill provides daily market commentary and forex news from high-profile sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, which can be advantageous for traders seeking timely insights. Additionally, their use of sentiment-based trading tools and economic calendars further cements their robust offerings. However, Tickmill may lack some specific research tools like those from Autochartist or Trading Central, but they compensate with Acuity Trading’s resources.
On the other hand, Questrade shines with its integration of detailed tools from Autochartist and Trading Central, which are highly regarded among technical analysts and traders seeking in-depth research. Questrade also offers market insights from TipRanks, presenting a broader range of analysis. While they provide an economic calendar just like Tickmill, Questrade falls slightly short in the star rating and overall ranking in research compared to Tickmill. Ultimately, Tickmill earns 4 stars and ranks 22nd out of 63 brokers, while Questrade holds a 3.5-star rating and ranks 51st, highlighting Tickmill's slight edge in comprehensive research support.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
Questrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, Tickmill and Questrade both provide valuable materials, yet differ in a few areas. Tickmill shines with its comprehensive approach, offering more than 10 educational resources focused on forex or CFDs, including articles, videos, and archived webinars. It also hosts regular monthly online webinars and maintains an easily searchable archive of past sessions. Beginner traders can find a wealth of knowledge with over 10 educational videos tailored for them, in addition to advanced videos for experienced traders. Tickmill also offers an investor dictionary, complete with definitions of at least 50 investing terms, aiding new traders in understanding essential jargon. With a 4-star education rating and a commendable 15th place in ForexBrokers.com's education ranking, Tickmill offers an impressive suite of tools for novice investors.
Questrade also provides a solid foundation with over 10 resources concentrating on forex and CFDs, complemented by a comprehensive archive of previously recorded webinars. It offers educational videos suitable for beginners, ensuring newcomers have access to essential insights needed to start trading. However, unlike Tickmill, Questrade doesn’t run regular monthly webinars or provide advanced trading videos and an extensive investor dictionary. Questrade's educational resources earn it a 3.5-star rating and a 36th place ranking by ForexBrokers.com. While Questrade offers useful materials for beginners, those seeking more specialized, in-depth resources may find Tickmill to be a stronger choice.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
Questrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | 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 Questrade. Tickmill finished with an overall rank of #22, while Questrade finished with an overall rank of #32.
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
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Questrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 86 |
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When comparing Tickmill and Questrade, neither broker offers the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but both do provide the option to invest in cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers Tickmill and Questrade regarding deposit and withdrawal options, Tickmill supports PayPal, Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires, but not ACH or SEPA transfers, while Questrade supports Visa or Mastercard and bank wires but does not offer ACH, SEPA transfers, PayPal, or Skrill options.
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 | Questrade | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Tickmill Review | Questrade Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Tickmill | Questrade | |
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| Regulation | Tickmill | Questrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 86 | 86 | |
| Year Founded | 2014 | 2000 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | |||
| Bank | |||
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | ||
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Tickmill | Questrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | |||
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | |||
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | |||
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | |||
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | |||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | |||
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | |||
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Tickmill | Questrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | |||
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | ||
| India (SEBI Authorised) | |||
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | Tickmill | Questrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 725 | 641 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 63 | 110 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | ||
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | ||
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | ||
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | |||
| 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 | Questrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.51 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.31 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | |||
| Inactivity Fee | |||
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes |
| Funding | Tickmill | Questrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $250 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | ||
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | ||
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers |
| Trading Platforms | Tickmill | Questrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | ||
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | ||
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | ||
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | ||
| cTrader | |||
| DupliTrade | Yes | ||
| ZuluTrade |
| Trading Tools | Tickmill | Questrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 52 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 64 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 20 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Tickmill | Questrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | ||
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 64 | |
| 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 | Questrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | ||
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | ||
| Autochartist | Yes | ||
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | ||
| TipRanks | Yes | ||
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | ||
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Tickmill | Questrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | ||
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | ||
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Tickmill | Questrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Questrade Review |
| Overall | Tickmill | Questrade | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Tickmill Review | Questrade Review |
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