Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IC Markets 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.
Founded in 2007, IC Markets and Tickmill, which started in 2014, are prominent online brokers that consistently ensure client safety through solid regulatory credentials. Neither broker is publicly traded or operates as a bank. When comparing their adherence to financial standards, both hold two Tier-1 licenses, reflecting a category considered highly trusted and secure. However, Tickmill gains an edge with an additional two Tier-2 licenses, which mark it as more comprehensively regulated in trusted levels compared to IC Markets, which holds none.
Both brokers are assessed by ForexBrokers.com with Trust Scores within the trusted range: IC Markets earns a score of 84, while Tickmill is rated slightly higher at 86. This indicates that both brokers maintain a good level of safety for traders, with Tickmill showing marginally higher reliability within its regulatory framework. While both brokers present strong regulatory backgrounds, Tickmill's additional Tier-2 licenses contribute to its slightly superior trust rating.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2007 | 2014 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 1 |
When comparing IC Markets and Tickmill on their commissions and fees, both brokers shine as top performers with each earning a 5-star rating. IC Markets has positioned itself as a leader with its competitive cost structure, offering low spreads and minimal deposit requirements. It provides three account types, including the commission-free Standard account and the commission-based Raw Spread and cTrader Raw Spread accounts. The cTrader account features slightly lower commissions at $3.00 per side per 100,000 units, which contributes to its competitive all-in trading cost. IC Markets displays an average spread of 0.02 pips for EUR/USD, with an all-in cost coming to around 0.62 pips on the cTrader account, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious traders. It ranked #5 out of 62 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category by ForexBrokers.com.
Tickmill, on the other hand, ranks slightly higher at #4, thanks to its attractive offerings for active traders. The broker's Classic account is completely commission-free, although it has relatively higher spreads averaging 1.76 pips. Tickmill’s Raw account, which replaced the Pro account, is designed for traders seeking lower spreads, offering a typical spread of 0.11 pips for the EUR/USD. However, the effective all-in cost is now 0.71 pips with the recent increase in per-trade commissions to $3 per side per standard lot. The Raw account is especially attractive due to its accessible entry point requiring a minimum deposit of just $100.
Both IC Markets and Tickmill provide compelling offerings with respective strengths. IC Markets is known for its slim effective spreads and variety of account options, while Tickmill’s Raw account remains a strong contender for low-cost trading. Trading costs depend largely on the account and platform chosen, making both brokers suitable options for traders prioritizing efficiency and budget-friendly trading environments.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.62 | 0.51 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.62 | 0.31 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
IC Markets and Tickmill both provide opportunities for forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts, but differ in the breadth of investment choices they offer. IC Markets stands out with an impressive selection of 3,583 tradeable symbols, vastly surpassing Tickmill's offering of 725 symbols. When it comes to forex pairs, Tickmill offers a slightly higher number of options, providing 63 pairs compared to IC Markets’ 61. However, IC Markets provides an edge by offering exchange-traded securities on international exchanges, a feature absent in Tickmill. For traders interested in cryptocurrency derivatives, both brokers cater to this interest, but neither facilitates purchasing actual cryptocurrencies.
Both brokers support copy trading, allowing clients to replicate successful trading strategies of other investors. Even though neither supports direct investments in U.S. exchange-traded securities like Apple shares, IC Markets’ ability to access international markets may appeal to globally-minded investors. In terms of overall assessment for the range of investments, IC Markets is ranked #25 out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, with a 4.5-star rating, indicating a wide array of investment options. Meanwhile, Tickmill is positioned at #42 with a 3.5-star rating, reflecting a more limited range compared to its competitor.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3583 | 725 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 63 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | 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.
IC Markets and Tickmill both offer a wide range of trading platforms and tools, suitable for different trading strategies and preferences. Both brokers provide MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, catering to traders who appreciate these popular choices. Additionally, neither company has developed a proprietary platform, but they do extend the convenience of web-based trading and Windows-based desktop platforms. Supporting new and experienced traders alike, both brokers offer virtual demo accounts for simulated trading and facilitate the ease of copy trading. However, IC Markets takes an edge by supporting the ZuluTrade platform, which Tickmill does not offer. Both brokers are equipped to allow trades directly from stock charts and feature identical capabilities in terms of technical indicators and drawing tools for charting.
In terms of functionality, both IC Markets and Tickmill provide seven customizable columns for their watch lists, enabling traders to tailor their trading environment as needed. Despite their similar offers, IC Markets enjoys a slightly higher recognition, being ranked #17 in the Trading Platforms and Tools category by ForexBrokers.com, while Tickmill holds the #32 spot out of 62 brokers. Both brokers have garnered a commendable 4-star rating in this category, reflecting their capability and reliability. This comparative insight should assist prospective traders in making an informed choice based on their individual needs and preferences in trading tools and platforms.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | 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.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of IC Markets and Tickmill, both offer a seamless experience for users on both iPhone and Android devices. Each app provides essential features such as stock and forex price alerts, the ability to draw trendlines on charts, and viewing multiple time frames like daily, weekly, or intraday. Though neither platform supports syncing watchlists between their mobile app and online account, they both allow users to create custom watchlists with real-time quotes, ensuring that traders can stay on top of market movements.
In terms of charting capabilities, both IC Markets and Tickmill apps come equipped with 30 technical studies, and each app automatically saves drawings on stock or forex charts. However, when it comes to rankings, IC Markets holds a slightly higher position, sitting at #22 out of 62 brokers in the Mobile Trading Apps category according to ForexBrokers.com, compared to Tickmill's #31. Despite this difference, both platforms receive a solid 4-star rating for their mobile trading apps, indicating reliable choices for traders seeking comprehensive mobile trading solutions.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| 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.
Both IC Markets and Tickmill provide a daily stream of market commentary and access to forex news from renowned sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones, ensuring traders stay informed with reliable information. While both platforms offer sentiment-based trading tools and maintain comprehensive economic calendars, IC Markets stands out with its technical and fundamental research support from Autochartist and Trading Central. In contrast, Tickmill enhances its offerings with tools from Acuity Trading, although it lacks the advanced analysis features provided by Autochartist and Trading Central.
Despite these differences in research features, both IC Markets and Tickmill receive a commendable four-star rating for their research services. Ranked closely by ForexBrokers.com, Tickmill holds the 21st position, slightly ahead of IC Markets at 22nd among 62 brokers. This suggests that while there are subtle differences in the tools and services available, both brokers are competitive choices for traders seeking comprehensive market insights.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | Yes |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners in forex and CFDs trading, both IC Markets and Tickmill provide a solid selection for newcomers aiming to learn the ropes. Each broker offers a minimum of 10 educational pieces such as articles, videos, and archived webinars. They also conduct online educational webinars at least once a month, with a searchable archive of previously recorded sessions. For novice traders, both IC Markets and Tickmill provide over 10 beginner-friendly videos covering foundational trading topics, ensuring no newcomer is left without a guide.
For those seeking more advanced knowledge, they can find over 10 advanced educational videos targeting experienced traders on both platforms. Moreover, new and seasoned investors alike can benefit from an investor dictionary featuring definitions of over 50 investing terms. While both brokers score four out of five stars for their educational offerings, Tickmill slightly edges out IC Markets in ranking, securing the 15th spot compared to IC Markets' 16th place among 62 brokers rated by ForexBrokers.com in the Education category.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
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 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that IC Markets is better than Tickmill. IC Markets finished with an overall rank of #20, while Tickmill finished with an overall rank of #22.
IC Markets’ competitive pricing and scalable execution make it an excellent option for algorithmic traders. Though it supports an impressive range of third-party tools and plugins, IC Markets’ research and education offerings are not as impressive as those offered by industry leaders.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 86 |
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Both IC Markets and Tickmill do not offer the option to purchase actual (delivered) cryptocurrencies, but they do provide the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both IC Markets and Tickmill provide multiple deposit and withdrawal options including PayPal, Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, but neither offers ACH or SEPA transfers.
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 | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IC Markets Review | Tickmill Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
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| Regulation | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 84 | 86 | |
| Year Founded | 2007 | 2014 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | 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) | No | 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) | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3583 | 725 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 63 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | 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 | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.62 | 0.51 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.62 | 0.31 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $100 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| 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 | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Trading Tools | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IC Markets | 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 | IC Markets | 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 | IC Markets Review | Tickmill Review |
| Overall | IC Markets | Tickmill | |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IC Markets Review | Tickmill Review |
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