Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Tickmill vs ThinkMarkets, 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.
Tickmill and ThinkMarkets, both established online brokerage firms, offer investors platforms to trade various financial instruments. Tickmill, founded in 2014, holds 2 Tier-1 licenses and 2 Tier-2 licenses, reflecting a commitment to security and compliance. However, with a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 86, Tickmill may raise some concerns as it falls into the trusted category, but not the highest trusted range. Despite this, it remains a reliable choice for many traders seeking a reputable brokerage.
On the other hand, ThinkMarkets, which has been in operation since 2010, boasts 5 Tier-1 licenses and shares a similar Tier-2 license count with Tickmill. These credentials speak volumes about its reliability and adherence to regulatory standards. ThinkMarkets further strengthens its position with a Trust Score of 92, placing it in the highly trusted category. Both companies are privately held and are not banks, but ThinkMarkets stands out for its higher trust rating and extensive regulatory oversight, making it an appealing option for cautious investors.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2014 | 2010 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 5 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 3 |
Tickmill and ThinkMarkets are two prominent online brokers, yet they differ significantly in their commissions and fees structures. Tickmill provides two main account types: Classic and Raw. The Classic account is commission-free, requiring traders to pay only the bid/ask spread, though at a higher average of 1.76 pips as of August 2023. Conversely, the Raw account, which replaced the Pro account, offers trading with a low spread of 0.11 pips for EUR/USD, but includes a commission charge of $3 per side, equating to $6 per standard lot. Despite the recent rise in commission fees, Tickmill remains a favored choice for active traders due to its low overall trading costs. Furthermore, Tickmill is ranked #4 out of 63 brokers for its commissions and fees by ForexBrokers.com and boasts a perfect 5-star rating in this category.
ThinkMarkets, while not providing specific average spread data, offers a competitive trading environment but ranks lower in terms of commissions and fees. ThinkMarkets achieved a 4-star rating and holds the #47 spot out of 63 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category on ForexBrokers.com. While this reflects decent value, it indicates that ThinkMarkets may not be as cost-effective for traders focused heavily on minimizing their trading expenses.
In summary, Tickmill's combination of competitive spread rates and clear commission structure garners high ratings and a top position in broker rankings. Its Raw account is particularly attractive for traders looking for low entry barriers and effective cost management, despite a recent fee increase. In contrast, ThinkMarkets, while maintaining reasonable ratings, may not offer the same level of cost efficiency, ranking significantly lower in comparison to its competitor.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $50 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.51 | 1.1 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.31 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
Tickmill and ThinkMarkets both provide opportunities for forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts. However, ThinkMarkets surpasses Tickmill with a broader array of tradeable symbols, boasting 4,000 compared to Tickmill's 725. When it comes to tradeable forex pairs, Tickmill offers more options with 63 pairs, whereas ThinkMarkets provides 46. Neither broker offers the ability to engage in exchange-traded securities on U.S. exchanges, such as buying shares of Apple. Nonetheless, ThinkMarkets allows trading of international exchange securities, for example, Vodafone, while Tickmill does not.
Both brokers cater to cryptocurrency enthusiasts by offering cryptocurrency derivatives, though neither provides the purchase of actual digital currencies. Investors interested in social or copy trading can find these features available at both brokers. In terms of investment range, ThinkMarkets outshines Tickmill, receiving a 4.5-star rating and a ranking of 22 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, compared to Tickmill's 3.5-star rating and ranking of 42. This makes ThinkMarkets a preferred choice for those seeking diverse investment opportunities.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 725 | 4000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 63 | 46 |
| 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). | 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.
Both Tickmill and ThinkMarkets provide users with essential trading tools and platforms, each offering strengths that cater to different trader preferences. Both brokers support popular trading platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, and they provide Windows-based desktop and web-based trading platforms for flexible access. However, a key difference lies in ThinkMarkets providing its proprietary platform, crafted in-house for a unique trading experience, whereas Tickmill relies on third-party platforms exclusively. Notably, both brokers support copy trading and offer free virtual demo accounts for simulated trading, allowing users to practice strategies risk-free.
Charting capabilities at both Tickmill and ThinkMarkets include the same selection of 15 drawing tools, and traders can execute trades directly from stock charts. ThinkMarkets shines slightly in customization options, offering 15 columns for watchlists compared to Tickmill's 7. Despite these differences, both platforms rate four stars out of five for their trading platforms and tools. In rankings, ThinkMarkets holds a somewhat better position at #28 out of 63 brokers, while Tickmill stands at #32, reflecting subtle nuances in their offerings and user preferences.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 30 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 15 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When deciding between the mobile trading apps of Tickmill and ThinkMarkets, both offer essential features for iPhone and Android users, such as stock and forex price alerts and the ability to draw trendlines on charts. Additionally, both platforms allow traders to view multiple time frames and automatically save chart drawings. However, while both apps permit the creation of watchlists with real-time quotes, neither app provides syncing for watchlist symbols between mobile and online accounts.
For technical charting capabilities, a significant difference emerges: Tickmill includes 30 technical studies, whereas ThinkMarkets offers a more extensive selection with 94 studies. Although both apps receive a solid 4-star rating for their performance, ThinkMarkets edges ahead in ranking, placing 20th out of 63 brokers compared to Tickmill's 32nd place. This makes ThinkMarkets slightly more favorable for those who prioritize charting functions in their mobile trading experience.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 94 |
| 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 Tickmill and ThinkMarkets in terms of market research offerings, both brokers provide similar resources that cater to traders looking for detailed insights. They each offer daily market commentary and provide forex news from reputable sources such as Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones. Both brokers lack tools from Autochartist and Trading Central but do offer sentiment-based trading tools that display long or short position ratios. They also supply research tools from Acuity Trading, such as Signal Centre, and have economic calendars that outline current and upcoming global news events.
The subtle distinctions between Tickmill and ThinkMarkets become more evident when assessing their research ratings and rankings. Tickmill earns a commendable four out of five stars for research, while ThinkMarkets follows closely with a 3.5-star rating. According to ForexBrokers.com, Tickmill ranks 22nd out of 63 brokers in the research category, showcasing a notable edge over ThinkMarkets, which stands at the 50th position. These nuances play a critical role for traders aiming to select the broker that best supports their analytical needs.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | 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 Tickmill and ThinkMarkets offer a range of materials to help new traders get started in the world of forex and CFDs. Each platform provides more than 10 educational pieces, such as articles, videos, and archived webinars, all focused on the essentials of forex and CFDs trading. For those who benefit from live interaction, both brokers host monthly webinars and maintain archives of past sessions, making these resources easily accessible for learners to revisit at their convenience. Moreover, each broker has crafted over 10 introductory videos dedicated to helping beginners build a solid foundation in trading.
In addition to beginner-friendly content, both Tickmill and ThinkMarkets also supply advanced videos designed for traders with more experience, ensuring that users can continue to learn and grow. Each platform includes an investor dictionary, featuring over 50 investing terms, which equips traders with the vocabulary needed to navigate the financial landscape. While Tickmill is recognized with a 4-star rating for education and ranks 15th out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, ThinkMarkets holds a 3.5-star rating and is ranked 52nd. These distinctions highlight the slightly higher regard for Tickmill's educational offerings in the broader trading community.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 Tickmill is better than ThinkMarkets. Tickmill finished with an overall rank of #22, while ThinkMarkets finished with an overall rank of #27.
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
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 92 |
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Both Tickmill and ThinkMarkets do not offer the option to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrencies, focusing instead on cryptocurrency derivatives, allowing traders to engage in digital asset investments without owning the underlying assets.
In comparing online brokers Tickmill and ThinkMarkets, neither supports ACH or SEPA transfers; however, Tickmill provides PayPal for transactions, unlike ThinkMarkets, with both brokers offering Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wire options for depositing and withdrawing account funds.
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 | ThinkMarkets | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 92 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Tickmill Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Tickmill | ThinkMarkets | |
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| Regulation | Tickmill | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 86 | 92 | |
| Year Founded | 2014 | 2010 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 5 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 3 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Tickmill | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Tickmill | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Tickmill | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 725 | 4000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 63 | 46 | |
| 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). | 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 | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.51 | 1.1 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.31 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Tickmill | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $50 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| 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 | Tickmill | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 15 | |
| 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 | Tickmill | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 94 | |
| 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 | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Tickmill | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Tickmill | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ThinkMarkets | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 92 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Tickmill Review |
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