Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG 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.
IG and Tickmill are both popular online brokers, but they have some notable differences in terms of trust and regulation. IG, established in 1974, is a long-standing player in the financial sector and is publicly traded. It holds a Trust Score of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, thanks to its 8 Tier-1 licenses and status as a regulated bank. In contrast, Tickmill, founded in 2014, is not publicly traded and does not operate as a bank. It holds a Trust Score of 86, supported by 2 Tier-1 licenses. Both firms have 2 Tier-2 licenses each, marking them as reliable choices, though IG stands out with its higher level of regulatory approval.
The regulatory landscape showcases the distinction in trustworthiness between these two brokers. IG's extensive regulatory framework and its listing on the stock exchange emphasize its high level of trust and stability in the market. Meanwhile, Tickmill's position is notably secure, yet it isn't as deeply embedded in regulatory structures, given its shorter history and fewer high-level licenses. Whether a trader seeks the thorough regulatory backing of a well-established firm like IG or considers Tickmill's offering, assessing these factors can guide decision-making in the trading landscape.
| Feature |
IG
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2014 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When comparing IG and Tickmill in terms of commissions and fees, both brokers stand out as leading options for active traders. IG offers a mix of execution methods and scalable pricing, thanks to its size and Forex Direct accounts. Although IG isn't considered a discount broker, it shines with its active trader pricing and the ability to execute large orders. In July 2023, IG's average spread for its Forex Direct account was 0.62 pips, with a total cost of 0.82 pips after including a commission of 0.2 pips. IG also provides a rebate program for volume traders in its CFD account, offering rebates of up to 20% for those trading over £300 million monthly.
Tickmill provides competitive pricing through its two account options: Classic and Raw. The Classic account is commission-free, but traders pay a higher spread of 1.76 pips as of August 2023. The Raw account, which has replaced the Pro account, offers a more appealing cost structure for active traders. As of October 2023, the Raw account's EUR/USD spread is reported at 0.11 pips, increasing to an all-in cost of 0.71 pips after a commission increase to $3 per side. With lower entry barriers, requiring just a $100 minimum, and favorable execution policies, Tickmill's Raw account remains attractive despite the recent commission hike.
Both brokers have received top marks from ForexBrokers.com, with IG and Tickmill each receiving five stars for their commissions and fees. Despite this, Tickmill edges ahead with a ranking of #4 out of 62 brokers, while IG comes in at #8. Both brokers provide efficient and cost-effective trading environments, catering effectively to the needs of active forex traders.
| Feature |
IG
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 0.51 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.31 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
IG and Tickmill both provide opportunities for forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts, catering to traders of different preferences. However, when it comes to the sheer volume of tradeable symbols, IG stands out with an extensive offering of over 19,500 symbols compared to Tickmill's 725. In forex pairs too, IG leads with 97 pairs against Tickmill's 63. For those interested in trading exchange-listed securities, IG offers the advantage as it allows clients to invest in U.S. and international exchanges, whereas Tickmill does not provide access to these markets. Both brokers offer cryptocurrency derivatives, though neither supports the purchase of actual cryptocurrency.
Though IG does not support copy trading, a feature that Tickmill offers, IG triumphs in the breadth of its investment offerings. It receives a 5-star rating for its range of investments, ranking 4th among 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, Tickmill, with its narrower range, receives a 3.5-star rating and ranks 42nd. For investors keen on a wide array of investment choices, IG might be the more comprehensive platform, while those focusing on copy trading might find Tickmill more suitable.
| Feature |
IG
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 725 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 63 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | 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 IG and Tickmill offer traders the ability to practice simulated trading with a free virtual demo account, making them accessible to beginners looking to hone their skills. When it comes to proprietary platforms, IG stands out with its own in-house developed trading platform, a feature Tickmill lacks. However, both brokers provide a Windows-based desktop download platform and a web-based trading platform, ensuring that traders have versatile access to their markets. One notable distinction is Tickmill's support for copy trading, a service IG doesn't offer. Alongside MetaTrader 4, available with both brokers, Tickmill goes a step further by providing access to MetaTrader 5, unlike IG.
Charting tools and features also differ between the two. IG offers a broader range of drawing tools with 20 options, compared to Tickmill's 15. Both enable direct trading from stock charts, demonstrating their user-friendly approach. When it comes to organizing data, Tickmill users have the benefit of more customization with 7 columns for watch lists, whereas IG offers 5. Notably, IG shines with a perfect 5-star rating for its trading platforms and tools, ranking second out of 62 brokers in this category on ForexBrokers.com. Tickmill, although slightly behind, maintains a solid 4-star rating and ranks 32nd, showing that both brokers have their unique strengths to cater to different trading preferences.
| Feature |
IG
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both IG and Tickmill offer mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android users, making them accessible for traders on the go. Each app provides stock and forex price alerts and allows traders to draw trendlines, view multiple time frames, and create watchlists with real-time quotes. However, while both offer a comprehensive range of features, a significant difference is that IG’s app enables watchlist symbol syncing, keeping your watchlists consistent across devices and the web, whereas Tickmill’s app does not. This feature ensures seamless updates, whether you’re trading on your phone or computer.
When it comes to charting capabilities, IG offers slightly more technical studies than Tickmill, with 33 versus 30, respectively. Additionally, both apps allow users to auto save drawings on charts, ensuring no loss of crucial trading insights. In terms of user ratings, IG outshines with a 5-star rating and holds the top spot in the Mobile Trading Apps category according to ForexBrokers.com, while Tickmill holds a respectable 4-star rating and ranks 31st. These distinctions highlight IG’s superior app experience and functionality for mobile trading enthusiasts.
| Feature |
IG
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 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 comparing IG and Tickmill for market research, both brokers deliver daily market commentary and provide forex news from top-notch sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones. However, they diverge when it comes to technical analysis tools. IG offers resources from Autochartist, whereas Tickmill does not. Both platforms lack tools from Trading Central but provide sentiment-based trading tools to gauge long and short positions. For those interested in market research from TipRanks, IG is the choice, since Tickmill doesn't offer it. Yet, both brokers utilize research tools from Acuity Trading, including Signal Centre, and maintain economic calendars to keep traders informed of global news events.
In terms of performance, IG leads with a five-star research rating compared to Tickmill's four stars. Additionally, IG is ranked second in the research category among 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, demonstrating its superior standing, while Tickmill takes the 21st spot. For those prioritizing comprehensive research support and a higher industry ranking, IG emerges as the stronger contender between the two. However, Tickmill remains a competent option for traders satisfied with slightly fewer features.
| Feature |
IG
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | 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 IG and Tickmill offer comprehensive materials to help novice traders understand forex and CFDs. Each broker provides at least 10 educational pieces ranging from articles to videos and archived webinars focused on forex and CFDs. There's also access to educational webinars every month and a searchable archive of past sessions, ensuring beginners have plenty of content to digest at their own pace. Moreover, both brokers offer a significant library of beginner-focused educational videos, along with a robust set of advanced videos for more experienced traders seeking further insights.
A notable difference between the two is shown in their ratings for education; IG boasts a perfect 5-star rating, compared to Tickmill's solid 4-star performance. IG has been recognized as the top broker for education among 62 competitors on ForexBrokers.com, highlighting its commitment to educating traders. Tickmill, while ranked at a respectable #15 in the same category, also offers valuable educational tools, including an investor dictionary that covers over 50 investing terms. For beginners focusing on educational resources, IG seems to slightly edge out Tickmill in terms of offerings and recognition.
| Feature |
IG
|
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 IG is better than Tickmill. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while Tickmill finished with an overall rank of #22.
IG offers the ultimate comprehensive trading package, featuring excellent trading and research tools, industry-leading education, and an extensive range of tradeable markets.
| Feature |
IG
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 86 |
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Both IG and Tickmill do not offer the ability to buy actual cryptocurrency, but they do provide options for trading cryptocurrency derivatives.
Comparing online brokers IG and Tickmill, IG supports ACH and SEPA transfers for deposits and withdrawals, but Tickmill does not; both brokers accept PayPal and Visa or Mastercard, although IG does not support Skrill unlike Tickmill, and both allow bank wires.
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 | IG | Tickmill | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | Tickmill Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | Tickmill | |
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| Regulation | IG | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 86 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2014 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IG | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | IG | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 725 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 63 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | 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 | IG | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 0.51 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.31 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $100 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | IG | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | IG | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 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 | IG | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | 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 | IG | 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 | IG Review | Tickmill Review |
| Overall | IG | Tickmill | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | Tickmill Review |
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