Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Tickmill vs ATFX, 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 ATFX are two online brokers, both unlisted on stock exchanges and not operating as banks. Tickmill, established in 2014, holds two Tier-1 licenses, indicating a high level of trust, and two Tier-2 licenses, making it overall a trusted choice with an 86 Trust Score by ForexBrokers.com. ATFX, launched in 2017, boasts four Tier-1 licenses, reflecting strong regulatory standing, alongside two Tier-2 licenses, resulting in an overall Trust Score of 85 on the same scale.
Whichever platform you choose, both brokers offer a level of trust that makes them suitable for trading activities. Tickmill edges slightly ahead with a slightly higher Trust Score, while ATFX strengthens its case with a greater number of highly regarded Tier-1 licenses. Investors seeking reliable and well-regulated platforms will find that both options maintain a standard above average in today's competitive marketplace.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2014 | 2017 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When comparing online brokers Tickmill and ATFX, Tickmill provides notable value for commissions and fees, especially for active traders. Tickmill offers two types of accounts: the Classic and Raw accounts. The Classic account operates on a commission-free basis, where traders are only responsible for the bid/ask spreads, which are higher at an average of 1.76 pips. On the other hand, their Raw account, which replaced the Pro account, features a newly established commission structure of $3 per side, making it $6 per standard lot. With average spreads as low as 0.11 pips for EUR/USD, the Raw account manages a competitive all-in cost of 0.71 pips per trade. Despite the recent commission increase, it still ranks highly, offering good value for traders looking for lower costs with a 5-star rating and a #4 rank out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
In contrast, ATFX doesn’t provide specific average spread data, which makes a direct comparison difficult. However, ATFX lags behind Tickmill in the commissions and fees category, receiving a 3-star rating. Additionally, ATFX ranks significantly lower at #59 out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, suggesting that its overall cost structure might not be as favorable for traders seeking to minimize expenses.
For those prioritizing cost-effectiveness and keen on reducing overall trading expenses, Tickmill clearly stands out as the superior choice between the two brokers. With lower average spreads and an improved commission structure, Tickmill continues to be a preferred option for those aiming for cost efficiency, especially in active trading scenarios.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $500 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.51 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.31 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| 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 ATFX both offer forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts, making them accessible choices for traders interested in currency markets. However, when it comes to the variety of tradeable symbols, Tickmill stands out by offering 725 options compared to ATFX's 150. This difference extends to forex pairs as well, with Tickmill providing 63 pairs while ATFX offers 44, giving Tickmill an edge for those seeking broader diversification within forex trading. Both brokers do not offer exchange-traded securities from U.S. or international exchanges, meaning clients will not be able to buy actual shares like Apple or Vodafone.
Both Tickmill and ATFX provide options for copy trading and offer cryptocurrency derivatives, though neither facilitates purchasing actual cryptocurrencies. Despite similarities in features such as copy trading and access to cryptocurrency derivatives, Tickmill's broader range of symbols may offer more opportunities for diversification. Both brokers receive a 3.5-star rating for their range of investments, but Tickmill ranks higher at #42 by ForexBrokers.com, compared to ATFX's #57. This ranking indicates a stronger perception of Tickmill's range of investments within the trading community, despite an identical star rating.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 725 | 150 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 63 | 44 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | 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 Tickmill and ATFX for their trading platforms and tools, both brokers cater well to traders but have their unique strengths. Each broker supports simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts, providing a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced traders to hone their skills. While neither offers a proprietary platform developed in-house, both feature Windows-based desktop download platforms and web-based trading platforms accessible through browsers. Whether you prefer the classic MetaTrader 4 or the more advanced MetaTrader 5, both brokers have you covered. Additionally, copy trading is available with both Tickmill and ATFX, allowing traders to easily follow and replicate the trades of successful peers.
For charting capabilities, Tickmill and ATFX each offer 15 drawing tools and the ability to trade directly from stock charts, which enhances the analysis and execution process. Customization is further supported with 7 watch list columns for each broker. However, when it comes to their ratings and rankings, Tickmill edges slightly ahead with a 4-star rating and a #32 rank in the Trading Platforms and Tools category by ForexBrokers.com, compared to ATFX's 3.5-star rating and #61 rank. This slight advantage may sway traders looking for a higher-rated platform experience.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | 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.
Both Tickmill and ATFX provide iPhone and Android apps for traders who prefer mobile trading, with features like stock or forex price alerts and the ability to create watchlists with real-time quotes. However, there are some differences between their offerings. Tickmill's mobile app stands out with 30 technical studies available for charting, as opposed to ATFX's 7. Additionally, both apps allow users to draw trendlines and view multiple time frames on charts, with auto-saving of drawings being a shared feature.
Despite some similarities, Tickmill seems to edge out ATFX in user ratings and rankings. Out of five stars, Tickmill scores a solid 4 stars, while ATFX earns 3.5. In rankings provided by ForexBrokers.com, Tickmill is placed at #31 out of 62 brokers for mobile trading apps, significantly higher than ATFX's #62 ranking. However, neither app currently supports syncing watchlist symbols between the mobile and online platforms, which may be important for some users. Overall, if extensive charting tools and higher ratings are priorities, Tickmill may be the preferable choice for mobile trading enthusiasts.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 7 |
| 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 market research services, both Tickmill and ATFX provide daily market commentary and offer economic calendars that highlight significant global events. However, Tickmill stands out by providing forex news from esteemed sources like Bloomberg and Reuters—something ATFX does not offer. Furthermore, Tickmill provides a unique sentiment-based trading tool which offers insights on long and short positions across various instruments, enhancing its appeal for traders seeking in-depth analysis of market sentiment. Moreover, Tickmill includes research tools from Acuity Trading, such as Signal Centre, adding more value to its market research offerings.
In contrast, ATFX shines with its technical analysis capabilities provided by Autochartist and Trading Central, catering to those who prioritize these tools in their trading strategies. Despite these differences, it's clear that Tickmill edges out in overall research quality, earning a 4-star rating compared to ATFX's 3 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, Tickmill is ranked 21st out of 62 brokers for its research, while ATFX ranks 54th, demonstrating Tickmill's stronger position in delivering market insights.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing the educational resources available for beginners at Tickmill and ATFX, both brokers provide a solid foundation with a variety of resources, including a minimum of 10 educational pieces like articles, videos, and archived webinars. However, Tickmill pulls ahead by offering monthly online educational webinars, which ATFX does not provide. Both brokers have a searchable archive of recorded webinars, ensuring that users have access to past learning materials.
In terms of video content specifically tailored for beginners, both Tickmill and ATFX offer at least 10 instructional videos. However, Tickmill enhances its offerings with advanced educational videos, a feature not matched by ATFX. Additionally, both brokers provide an investor dictionary with more than 50 investing term definitions. In ratings, Tickmill scores 4 out of 5 stars, ranking 15th among 62 brokers in education by ForexBrokers.com, while ATFX is rated 3 stars, holding the 28th spot. This comparison highlights Tickmill's stronger emphasis on diverse educational offerings and support for both new and advanced traders.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Tickmill is better than ATFX. Tickmill finished with an overall rank of #22, while ATFX finished with an overall rank of #51.
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
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 85 |
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Both Tickmill and ATFX do not provide the option to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but each offers the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, allowing for significant market engagement without owning the underlying assets.
When comparing online brokers Tickmill and ATFX, neither offers ACH or SEPA transfers, both support Visa or Mastercard and bank wires for depositing or withdrawing funds, but while Tickmill provides PayPal and Skrill options, ATFX only offers Skrill.
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 | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Tickmill Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Tickmill | ATFX | |
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| Regulation | Tickmill | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 86 | 85 | |
| Year Founded | 2014 | 2017 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Tickmill | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| 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 | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Tickmill | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Tickmill | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 725 | 150 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 63 | 44 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | 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 | Tickmill | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.51 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.31 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Tickmill | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $500 | |
| 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 | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Tickmill | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Tickmill | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 7 | |
| 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 | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Tickmill | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Tickmill | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Tickmill Review |
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