Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Tickmill vs BlackBull 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.
Tickmill and BlackBull Markets are both online brokers founded in 2014, neither of which are publicly traded or operate as banks. When it comes to trust and regulatory compliance, Tickmill holds an advantage with two Tier-1 licenses, reflecting a high level of credibility. Additionally, Tickmill possesses two Tier-2 licenses, which further bolster its regulatory standing. On the other hand, BlackBull Markets holds only one Tier-1 license, indicating a different level of oversight and regulation compared to its competitor.
According to ForexBrokers.com, Tickmill has earned a Trust Score of 86 out of 99, meaning it is considered a trusted broker. In comparison, BlackBull Markets holds a Trust Score of 78, suggesting an average risk level as per the established ratings. For traders and investors seeking a broker with reliable regulatory credentials, these ratings and licenses offer a clear differentiation between the two platforms.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2014 | 2014 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When evaluating online brokers based on commissions and fees, Tickmill and BlackBull Markets offer distinct options tailored for different trading needs. Tickmill provides two main account types: the Classic account, which is commission-free but has higher spreads, and the Raw account, known for its competitive pricing despite a recent increase in per-side commission to $3. This Raw account, which replaced the Pro account, maintains Tickmill’s reputation for cost-effectiveness, particularly with an all-in cost of 0.71 pips for EUR/USD, making it attractive for active traders. Tickmill is rated 5 stars for commissions and fees, placing it 4th out of 62 brokers analyzed by ForexBrokers.com.
In comparison, BlackBull Markets offers a variety of accounts with costs that differ accordingly. The Standard account does not incur commissions but features higher spreads, whereas the Prime account offers lower spreads at 0.16 for EUR/USD with an all-in cost of 0.76 after a per-side commission, requiring a $2,000 minimum deposit. BlackBull also has the ECN Institutional account for those depositing $20,000 or more, featuring the lowest commission rates of $2 per side. Rated 4.5 stars, BlackBull Markets ranks 19th for commissions and fees out of the same 62 brokers.
Both brokers present viable options depending on your trading style and capital. Tickmill stands out for those seeking lower spreads with minimal financial commitment, especially for high-volume trading due to its discounted all-in costs on the Raw account. Meanwhile, BlackBull Markets appeals to traders looking for various account options, with the Prime account offering a balance of cost and accessibility and the ECN Institutional account targeting experienced traders with significant investments. Each broker presents opportunities to reduce trading costs, albeit in different ways.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.51 | 0.76 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.31 | 0.76 |
| 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.
When considering the available range of investments, BlackBull Markets stands out compared to Tickmill. BlackBull Markets offers an impressive 26,000 tradeable symbols, including 72 forex pairs, which gives traders a broad spectrum to choose from. Additionally, BlackBull Markets provides access to exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, allowing clients to buy stocks like Apple and Vodafone directly. On the other hand, Tickmill offers 725 tradeable symbols and 63 forex pairs, but it does not provide the option to trade in exchange-traded securities directly on the U.S. or international markets.
Both platforms offer forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts, and they also provide the capability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives rather than actual cryptocurrencies. Moreover, each broker supports copy trading, allowing traders to mirror the actions of more experienced investors. However, when it comes to the range of investments, Tickmill is rated 3.5 stars and ranked #42 out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, whereas BlackBull Markets holds a 5-star rating and is ranked #6, indicating superior variety and options in their investment offerings.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 725 | 26000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 63 | 72 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| 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.
Tickmill and BlackBull Markets stand out in the trading platform space, both offering a variety of platforms and features that cater to traders of different preferences. With both brokers providing access to popular MetaTrader platforms, MT4 and MT5, traders are well-equipped to conduct their activities efficiently. Each broker facilitates simulated trading with free virtual demo accounts, making it convenient for beginners to practice without financial risk. Additionally, traders can operate via web-based platforms and Windows-based desktop downloads from both brokers, ensuring flexibility and accessibility. When it comes to copy trading, both brokers meet this need, though BlackBull Markets offers an additional layer of functionality through ZuluTrade, unlike Tickmill.
Charting tools and customizable options are crucial for many traders, and this is where some differences emerge. Tickmill offers 15 drawing tools for charting alongside seven columns for watch lists, while BlackBull Markets provides a more extensive suite with 60 drawing tools and six watch-list columns. Despite these variations, both brokers allow trading directly from the stock chart, enhancing the trader's experience. Consequently, both Tickmill and BlackBull Markets receive a commendable four-star rating for their trading platforms and tools. However, when scrutinized by ForexBrokers.com, BlackBull Markets is slightly higher ranked at #28 compared to Tickmill at #32, among 62 brokers considered.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 109 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 60 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 6 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both Tickmill and BlackBull Markets provide iPhone and Android apps, making them accessible to users on either platform. These apps offer essential features for traders, including stock or forex price alerts, the ability to draw trendlines on charts, and support for viewing multiple time frames like daily and intraday charts. Both apps also enable users to create watchlists with real-time quotes and offer 30 technical studies for charting. However, when it comes to watchlist symbol syncing between the mobile app and online account, BlackBull Markets has an edge, providing this feature while Tickmill does not.
In terms of performance, both apps auto-save drawings on charts and have received a respectable 4-star rating for their mobile trading experience. According to ForexBrokers.com, BlackBull Markets slightly outperforms Tickmill, ranking 30th compared to Tickmill's 31st among 62 brokers in the Mobile Trading Apps category. This small difference may not be a decisive factor for everyone, but it's worth considering if seamless syncing between devices is a priority for your trading activities.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
BlackBull 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 it comes to market research, both Tickmill and BlackBull Markets offer traders daily market commentary and access to a sentiment-based trading tool, which displays a ratio of long or short positions across currency pairs or other instruments. Tickmill stands out by providing forex news from top-tier sources such as Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones, keeping traders well-informed with the latest financial updates. In addition, Tickmill includes research tools from Acuity Trading, like Signal Centre, and an economic calendar that highlights significant global news events. Meanwhile, BlackBull Markets offers tools from Autochartist, which can assist in technical analysis, and an economic calendar that covers critical economic happenings worldwide.
While both brokers are rated four stars for research out of a possible five, their ranking by ForexBrokers.com shows slight differences. Tickmill is ranked #21 among 62 brokers, whereas BlackBull Markets is slightly ahead at #18. Traders who prioritize forex news from major sources might lean towards Tickmill, while those interested in more specialized analysis tools might find BlackBull Markets more appealing. With each offering distinct advantages, the choice between Tickmill and BlackBull Markets largely depends on a trader's specific research preferences.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| 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 BlackBull Markets are equipped to guide newcomers through the world of forex and CFDs trading. They both offer a wide selection of educational pieces, such as articles, videos, and archived webinars, ensuring that beginners have at least ten resources to learn from. Each platform provides online webinars held monthly, which are a great way for clients to engage in live learning and ask questions in real time. Additionally, these webinars are archived and searchable, making it easy to revisit and reinforce any concepts. Beginner traders will find substantial support through at least ten educational videos tailored specifically for them on both platforms.
Tickmill and BlackBull Markets also accommodate the needs of more experienced traders by offering at least ten advanced educational videos. Both brokers feature investor dictionaries that define over 50 investing terms, helping traders familiarize themselves with essential jargon. Despite these similarities in educational offerings, there is a notable distinction in their rankings; Tickmill is rated 15th for education among 62 brokers, while BlackBull Markets holds the 29th position. Nonetheless, each broker provides a comprehensive learning environment that earns them a commendable four-star rating for education, catering well to the needs of both novice and seasoned traders.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Tickmill is better than BlackBull Markets. Tickmill finished with an overall rank of #22, while BlackBull Markets finished with an overall rank of #24.
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
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 78 |
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Both Tickmill and BlackBull Markets provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither offers the ability to purchase actual, delivered cryptocurrencies.
When comparing Tickmill and BlackBull Markets, neither offers ACH or SEPA transfers, but Tickmill stands out by allowing PayPal for deposits and withdrawals, while both brokers support Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire transactions for account funding.
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 | BlackBull Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 78 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Tickmill Review | BlackBull Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Tickmill | BlackBull Markets | |
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| Regulation | Tickmill | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 86 | 78 | |
| Year Founded | 2014 | 2014 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Tickmill | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Tickmill | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Tickmill | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 725 | 26000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 63 | 72 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| 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 | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.51 | 0.76 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.31 | 0.76 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Tickmill | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $0 | |
| 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 | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | Yes |
| Trading Tools | Tickmill | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 6 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 109 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 60 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Tickmill | BlackBull 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 | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Tickmill | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | BlackBull 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 | BlackBull Markets Review |
| Overall | Tickmill | BlackBull Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 78 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Tickmill Review | BlackBull Markets Review |
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