If you’re comparing brokers on trading costs, spreads are one of the first things to check. Tickmill offers three pricing models. The Classic account has typical spreads from 1.6 pips with no commission, while the Raw account starts from 0.0 pips with a $3 per side commission on forex and precious metals. The TradingView Raw account also starts from 0.0 pips, with a $3.50 per side commission.
Tickmill uses live, variable spreads rather than fixed spreads. So, the advertised 0.0 pip spread is a minimum, not a spread you’ll get all the time. Market liquidity and volatility can affect the spread available when you trade.
Below, we compare Tickmill’s Raw and Classic pricing, break down the actual trading costs, and see how Tickmill’s spreads compare with other brokers.
Risk disclaimer: Trading on margin carries a high risk of loss, and losses can exceed your initial investment. Make sure you understand the risks before trading.
What is a spread?
The spread is the difference between the bid price (the price you can sell at) and the ask price (the price you can buy at). It is one of the main costs of opening a trade.
For example, if EUR/USD is quoted at 1.1000 / 1.1002, the spread is 0.2 pips. On a standard lot of 100,000 units, a 0.2-pip spread is approximately $2.
The spread can change depending on market liquidity and volatility. With Tickmill, spreads are variable, so the cost at the time you open a trade may be higher or lower than the advertised minimum.
Tickmill spreads at a glance
Tickmill offers three account options with different spread and commission structures:
| Account | Spreads from | Commission |
|---|---|---|
| Classic account | 1.6 pips | $0 |
| Raw account | 0.0 pips | $3 per side |
| TradingView Raw account | 0.0 pips | $3.50 per side |
The Classic account keeps pricing simple with no commission, while the Raw account and TradingView Raw account offer tighter spreads with a commission on forex and precious metals. Spreads are variable, so actual pricing can change with market conditions.
How Tickmill spreads work
Tickmill uses live, variable spreads, so they can change during the trading day. The advertised 0.0 pip spread is a minimum, not a fixed rate.
Spreads are usually tighter when market liquidity is high. They can widen during major news, high volatility, or periods of lower liquidity. This means the spread you actually pay depends on market conditions when you open your trade.
Tickmill Raw account spreads and costs
The Raw Account offers spreads from 0.0 pips, with a $3 per side commission on forex and precious metals. That means the round-turn commission is $6 per standard lot.
For example, if you trade 1 standard lot of EUR/USD and the spread is 0.0 pips, the spread cost is $0. You would pay $6 in commission for opening and closing the trade.
The Raw Account also supports zero stop and limit levels and allows Expert Advisors (EAs), features that can suit traders using scalping or automated trading setups.
Tickmill Classic account spreads and costs
The Classic account offers spreads from 1.6 pips with no commission. The spread is the main trading cost on this account.
Assume that if you trade 1 standard lot of EUR/USD with a 1.6 pip spread, the spread cost is approximately $16. There is no separate commission. This makes the Classic account simpler for traders who prefer a spread-only pricing model.
Tickmill Raw vs Classic: Which is cheaper?
The cheaper account depends on the spread available when you trade. The Raw account combines a lower spread with a commission, while the Classic account has a wider spread with no commission.
Raw account
Tighter spread + commission
Classic account
Wider spread, no commission
| Trade size | Raw at 0.0 pips | Classic at 1.6 pips |
|---|---|---|
| 0.1 lot | $0.60 | $1.60 |
| 0.5 lot | $3.00 | $8.00 |
| 1 lot | $6.00 | $16.00 |
Illustrative example based on 0.0 pip spread and $6 round-turn commission per standard lot.
At the advertised minimum spread, the Raw account costs less at each trade size. However, because Raw spreads are variable, the actual difference can change. The Raw account becomes less cost-effective if its spread widens enough to offset the commission.
For traders who make frequent or larger trades, the Raw account can offer lower costs when spreads remain tight. The Classic account may appeal more to those who prefer a simple, commission-free pricing structure.
Tickmill spreads for forex and CFDs
Tickmill’s commission structure depends on the instrument and account. Commissions apply to forex and precious metals, while the Raw-account FX and precious-metals commission does not apply to indices, stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies or bonds. The relevant spread and any other instrument-specific costs should still be considered.
| Instrument | Raw account commission | Main cost to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Forex | $3 per side | Spread + commission |
| Precious metals | $3 per side | Spread + commission |
| Indices | No commission | Spread and applicable costs |
| Stocks & ETFs | No commission | Spread and applicable costs |
| Cryptocurrencies | No commission | Spread and applicable costs |
| Bonds | No commission | Spread and applicable costs |
Because spreads are variable, the actual cost can change with market conditions. Check the current pricing for the specific instrument before placing a trade
Are Tickmill spreads good for scalping?
Tickmill’s Raw account can suit traders who focus on low spreads and automated trading. Spreads start from 0.0 pips, and the account supports zero stop and limit levels and Expert Advisors (EAs).
However, 0.0 pips is a minimum, not a fixed spread. Variable spreads can widen during periods of high volatility or lower liquidity, including around major news events. This can increase trading costs for scalpers.
The Raw account’s combination of low spreads, EA support and zero stop and limit levels provides conditions that may be useful for scalping and automated strategies, but actual costs depend on market conditions and the trades placed.
Want to see how Tickmill stacks up against other brokers? Use our broker comparison tool to compare spreads, fees, and trading costs side by side.
First-hand industry insight
From experience working in the regulated brokerage industry, traders often assume that a 0.0-pip spread always means lower costs. In practice, the commission also matters. The better option depends on your trade size and frequency, so compare the total cost rather than the spread alone.
What makes Tickmill spreads competitive?
Tickmill offers competitive pricing, with Raw spreads starting from 0.0 pips and commissions applying only to forex and precious metals. Its published spread and commission structure makes trading costs easier to compare.
For example, a 1-lot forex trade on the Raw account with a 0.0-pip spread would incur a $6 round-turn commission. This shows why the spread alone does not represent the full trading cost.
One point to keep in mind is that Tickmill acts as a principal. Its quoted prices are indicative rather than firm market prices.
Tickmill spread costs: What traders should check
Before choosing an account, look beyond the headline spread and check:
The key is to compare the total cost of a trade, not just the advertised spread.
Pros and cons of Tickmill spreads
Here are a few key pros and cons to consider before choosing an account.
PROS
- Raw and TradingView Raw accounts start from 0.0 pips.
- Commission applies only to forex and precious metals.
- Classic starts from 1.6 pips with no commission.
- Published spread and commission structure makes costs easier to compare.
- Raw account supports EAs and zero stop/limit levels.
CONS
- 0.0 pips spread is a minimum and can widen.
- Raw account still has commission even at 0.0 pips.
- Tickmill acts as a principal, so quoted prices are indicative rather than firm.
- Total costs depend on trade size and frequency, so the cheapest account is not always obvious.
Conclusion
Tickmill offers three pricing models, with the Classic account starting from 1.6 pips with no commission and the Raw accounts starting from 0.0 pips with a separate commission on forex and precious metals. The Raw account can be more cost-effective when spreads remain tight, while the Classic account offers simpler spread-only pricing.
As spreads are variable, compare the total trading cost for your instrument, trade size, and trading frequency before choosing an account. Overall, TradingCritique rates Tickmill 8.25/10 (TC Validated) for its competitive trading costs and pricing structure.
Pro Tip
Don’t compare spreads alone. Add any applicable commission and consider how spreads can change with market conditions to estimate your actual trading cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are Tickmill spreads?
Tickmill offers variable spreads, starting from 1.6 pips on the Classic account and 0.0 pips on the Raw and TradingView Raw accounts.
2. Does Tickmill really offer 0.0-pip spreads?
Yes, the Raw and TradingView Raw accounts offer spreads from 0.0 pips. This is a minimum, not a fixed spread.
3. What is the Tickmill Classic spread?
The Classic account offers spreads from 1.6 pips with no separate commission.
4. Does Tickmill charge commission on the Raw account?
Yes, the Raw account charges $3 per side, or $6 round turn, per standard lot on forex and precious metals.
5. Is Tickmill Raw cheaper than Classic?
It can be, particularly when Raw spreads remain tight. The better option depends on the spread, commission, trade size, and frequency.
6. Are Tickmill spreads variable?
Yes, Tickmill uses live, variable spreads that can change with market conditions.
7. Are Tickmill spreads suitable for scalping?
The Raw account offers low spreads, zero stop and limit levels, and EA support, which may suit scalping and automated trading setups.
8. How much does a Tickmill spread cost?
The cost depends on the spread, trade size, and instrument. For example, a 1.6 pip spread on one standard lot of EUR/USD is approximately $16.
9. Can Tickmill spreads widen?
Yes, spreads can widen during periods of high volatility, major news events, or lower market liquidity.
