Tickmill is a globally regulated forex and CFD broker with a strong regulatory record and competitive trading conditions. We evaluated the broker using our 50-point TC rating methodology, which assesses regulation, security, trading costs, product range, platforms, execution quality, and customer support.
Tickmill earned a TC rating of 8.25/10 (TC Validated) for its strong regulatory framework, transparent pricing, and competitive trading conditions. It also has one of the cleanest regulatory records among the brokers we have reviewed, making it a strong choice for cost-conscious active traders. However, there are a few important limitations that traders should understand before opening an account.
Quick Summary
Open your Tickmill account today
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 74% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Tickmill broker at a glance
Here is a quick overview of what makes Tickmill stand out:
- Regulated by the FCA, CySEC, FSCA, DFSA, and FSA (Seychelles)
- One of the cleanest regulatory records among the brokers we have reviewed
- Additional eligible client protection through Lloyd’s of London insurance
- Three transparent account types such as classic, raw, and TradingView raw
- Swap-free Islamic accounts available across all three account types
- Supports MT4, MT5, TradingView, Tickmill Trader, and Trading Technologies (TT) for futures trading
- $100 minimum deposit, making it accessible for most traders
- FCA-regulated UK entity with segregated client funds and negative balance protection for eligible clients
Looking for more options? Compare Tickmill with other best CFD brokers to find the platform that best matches your trading needs.
Who is Tickmill best for?
Tickmill is best suited for:
- Cost-conscious active traders looking for low spreads and transparent pricing.
- Scalpers and algorithmic traders using Expert Advisors (EAs), thanks to its raw account and zero stop or limit distance.
- Traders who need Islamic (swap-free) accounts or access to futures trading.
Tickmill may not be ideal for:
- Traders looking for the widest range of tradable instruments.
- Those who prefer agency (non-principal) execution models.
- International clients seeking investor compensation schemes similar to those offered under some Tier-1 regulators.
First-hand industry insight
From years of experience in the regulated brokerage industry, we’ve found that a clean enforcement record matters more than the length of a broker’s licence list. Tickmill holds one Tier-1 licence rather than several, but it has maintained a clean enforcement record across its 5 regulators during our five-year review period. For traders, the most important question is not how many regulators a broker lists, but which regulated entity will hold your account and what level of protection that entity provides.
TC Rating breakdown
Our TC Rating breakdown shows how Tickmill performed across 6 key evaluation categories.
- Regulation (16.00/20): Strong regulatory oversight with a clean enforcement record
- Security (6.00/7): Client funds protected with robust security measures
- Trading costs (7.00/8): Competitive spreads, low commissions, and transparent fees
- Product range (4.95/6): 600+ CFDs across multiple asset classes
- Platform and execution (4.65/6): MT4, MT5, Tickmill Trader, and reliable execution
- Support and education (2.65/3): 24/5 customer support with comprehensive educational resources
So, Tickmill is a reliable, low-cost broker with strong regulation, making it a good choice for both beginner and experienced traders, earning a TC Rating of 8.25/10 (TC Validated).
Regulation
16.00 / 20
Why this score: Tickmill earns a strong regulation score due to its FCA, CySEC, DFSA, FSCA, and FSA (Seychelles) licences, more than 12 years of operating history, audited financial statements, and a generally clean regulatory record across its regulated entities.
Anyone can copy a broker’s name and branding. A licence number is the one thing they can’t fake – check each one on the regulator’s own register before you deposit.
Regulator Check Table
5 VERIFIED ENTITIES| Regulator | Entity name | Country | Licence | Verify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FCA | Tickmill UK Ltd | UK | FRN 717270 | FCA REGISTER |
| CySEC | Tickmill Europe Ltd | Cyprus | 278/15 | CYSEC REGISTER |
| FSCA | Tickmill South Africa (Pty) Ltd | South Africa | FSP 49464 | FSCA REGISTER |
| DFSA | Tickmill UK Ltd | Dubai | F007663 Representative office only | DFSA REGISTER |
| FSA | Tickmill Ltd | Seychelles | SD008 | FSA REGISTER |
How to check: Each link opens the regulator’s own public register – we don’t link to a pre-filled result, so search the licence number yourself and confirm the entity name matches the one you’re opening an account with. Licence details can change; verify before you deposit
Why this deduction: Tickmill does not receive full marks because it does not publish group-level financial statements, and two Financial Ombudsman Service decisions were upheld during our review period. The broker also does not disclose which banks hold segregated client funds, previously stated FSCS protection as $152,000 (≈£120,000) instead of the correct $108,000 (≈£85,000), and serves some international clients through its Seychelles entity, where investor protection is generally lower than under its FCA-regulated entity.
Trading costs
7.0 / 8
Why this score: Tickmill delivers competitive and transparent trading costs through its three-account pricing structure. It charges commissions on forex and metals where applicable. It does not charge deposit or withdrawal fees, clearly discloses swap rates, and even pays interest on unused account balances. This makes it easy for traders to understand the true cost of trading.
Fees and commissions of Tickmill
The fees and commissions of Tickmill are given below:
- Classic account commission: $0
- Raw account commission: $3 per lot per side
- TradingView account: $3.5 per lot per side
- Account opening fees: $0
- Inactivity fees: Not clearly disclosed
- Spread starts from: 0.0 pips for raw and TradingView raw accounts and 1.6 pips for classic accounts
- Interest on unused funds: Applicable central bank base rate -2%, subject to eligibility
To qualify for interest on unused funds, you need at least $100 in your wallet and must place at least one trade or hold an open position within the last 30 days.
Why this deduction: The score is slightly reduced because spreads are variable, so trading costs can increase during periods of higher market volatility. Tickmill also does not offer guaranteed stop-loss orders, meaning trades may be executed at a different price than expected during fast-moving markets.
Security
6.0 / 7
Why this score: Tickmill earns a strong Security score for offering multiple layers of client protection. These include Lloyd’s of London insurance coverage ranging from $20,000 to $1 million (subject to eligibility), unqualified negative balance protection, and FCA CASS-compliant client fund segregation. The broker also operates as a solvent and profitable business, further strengthening its overall trust profile.
Tickmill security measures
Tickmill security measures are given below:
- Client funds in segregated accounts
- Negative balance protection
- Investor protection schemes in applicable regions
- Two-Factor Authentication 2FA
- Lloyd’s of London insurance coverage
Why this deduction: The score is somewhat reduced as Tickmill does not reveal which banks will store clients’ segregated funds. It does not provide financial statements for the whole group but for the UK branch only, and it does not give much information regarding account security, which includes login protection and authentication procedures. These gaps reduce transparency, even though they do not indicate a direct security concern.
Product range
4.95 / 6
Why this score: Tickmill provides a solid range of tradable markets, offering 62 forex pairs and 600+ CFDs across indices, commodities, bonds, cryptocurrencies, stocks, and ETFs. The broker also supports CQG and Trading Technologies (TT) for futures trading, making it suitable for traders who want access to both CFD and futures markets.
Tickmill financial instruments
The available financial assets in Tickmill are as follows:
- Forex 62+ currency pairs
- Commodities
- Cryptocurrencies
- 20+ Global Stock Indices
- Stocks
- German Bonds
- Futures and Options
Why the deduction: The score is slightly reduced because Tickmill’s single-stock offering is more limited than that of some larger multi-asset brokers. In addition, the broker does not provide guaranteed stop-loss orders, which may be a drawback for traders looking for greater protection against sudden market movements.
Platform and execution
4.65 / 6
Why this score: Tickmill earns a strong platform and execution score by offering a wide choice of trading platforms. It also provides VPS hosting for automated trading and supports CQG and Trading Technologies (TT) for futures trading. With an average execution time of 0.15 seconds, it is well suited for active traders, scalpers, and algorithmic trading.
Tickmill platform and execution speed
- Platforms: TradingView, MT4, MT5, WebTrader, MetaTrader for Mac, Tickmill Trader, Tickmill Mobile App, and Tickmill VPS
- Average execution time: 0.15 seconds
- Trading tools: Supports Expert Advisors (EAs), algorithmic trading, and automated strategies
Why the deduction: The score is slightly reduced because Tickmill executes trades in principal capacity using indicative (not firm) prices, which are disclosed in its legal documents rather than highlighted on its website. It also had an upheld Financial Ombudsman Service decision related to a March 2020 systems outage and does not offer guaranteed stop-loss orders (GSLOs) for additional protection during volatile markets.
Support and education
2.65 /3
Why this score: Tickmill offers reliable 24/5 multilingual customer support through multiple contact channels, making it easy for traders to get assistance when needed. Its comprehensive education hub covers everything from trading basics to market analysis, helping traders build confidence and develop their skills over time.
Tickmill support and education
- Customer support: Available 24/5 via live chat, phone, and email, with support provided in 15+ languages.
- Educational resources: Includes webinars, seminars, eBooks, video tutorials, a forex glossary, fundamental analysis, technical analysis, articles, and regular market insights.
Why the deduction: The score is slightly reduced because customer support is available 24/5 instead of 24/7, the quality of support could not be independently verified through primary sources, and the broker does not offer a dedicated mobile app focused on trading education.
Account opening, types, and funding methods
Tickmill offers a straightforward account opening process, multiple account types, and flexible funding options to help traders get started quickly.
How to open a Tickmill account in 2026?
Opening a Tickmill account is a simple online process that can usually be completed in a few minutes.
- Visit the official Tickmill website and click create account to begin your application.
- Choose your account type and base currency. Depending on your country of residence, you can open your account in USD, EUR, GBP, or ZAR (ZAR is available only to South African residents).
- Complete the registration form by entering your personal details, financial information, and trading experience.
- Upload the required verification documents, including a Proof of Identity (POI) and Proof of Address (POA), then wait for your account to be approved.
- Log in to the client area, create your live trading account, make your first deposit using your preferred payment method, and start trading.
Tickmill allows you to open up to 7 live trading accounts across TradingView, MT4, MT5, and Tickmill Trader, giving you the flexibility to manage different trading strategies under a single profile.
Tickmill account types
Tickmill offers a range of account types and flexible funding options to suit different trading needs.
- Classic account: Best for beginners and casual traders, with spreads from 1.6 pips, no commissions, a $100 minimum deposit, and support for USD, EUR, GBP, and ZAR base currencies.
- Raw account: Designed specifically for active traders, scalpers, and algorithmic traders, the Raw Account is equipped with spreads of 0.0 pips, a commission of $3 per lot per side, and a minimum deposit of $100, making it a great option for high-frequency trading.
- TradingView raw account: For traders who would like to utilise TradingView charting tools, the TradingView Raw Account from Tickmill comes with the combination of raw pricing, spreads of 0.0 pips, a commission of $3.5 per lot per side, and a minimum deposit of $100.
- Islamic account: Tickmill provides a swap-free Islamic account for eligible clients across all three account types, allowing traders to access the markets while complying with Sharia principles.
Tickmill demo account
The Tickmill demo account is an environment where you trade with virtual money in order to get a feel for actual market conditions. This can be a good method to practice various trading tactics and get used to the trading software, such as the MT4 or MT5 platforms.
Tickmill demo accounts expire if there is no valid login for 7 days. A valid login must be made through the trading terminal using the master password. Tickmill also allows clients to open up to 7 demo accounts per registered email address.
Deposit and withdrawals of Tickmill
- Tickmill supports multiple funding methods, including bank transfers, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, UnionPay, and cryptocurrency payments.
- The minimum deposit and withdrawal amounts vary depending on the payment method.
- Tickmill does not charge fees for standard deposits and withdrawals, while bank wire transfer fees are reimbursed up to $100 for transfers of $5,000 or more, subject to the broker’s policy.
- Processing times also vary based on the payment method and your location.
Tickmill pros and cons
The pros and cons of the Tickmill broker are as follows:
PROS
- ✓Strong regulatory framework with a clean regulatory record across its licensed entities.
- ✓Additional client protection through Lloyd’s of London insurance.
- ✓Islamic (swap-free) accounts are available across all three account types.
- ✓Access to CQG and Trading Technologies (TT) platforms for futures trading.
- ✓$100 minimum deposit, making the broker accessible to most traders.
- ✓Transparent pricing with competitive spreads and clearly disclosed trading costs.
CONS
- ✕FSCS protection was previously stated as $152,000 (≈£120,000) instead of the correct $108,000 (≈£85,000).
- ✕The Seychelles entity does not provide an investor compensation scheme.
- ✕Operates as a principal (market maker) broker and uses indicative pricing, which may differ from agency execution models.
- ✕Two Financial Ombudsman Service decisions, DRN-3148143 and DRN-4696063, were upheld during the review period.
- ✕The DFSA licence relates to a representative office, not a full dealing licence.
- ✕Group-level financial statements are not publicly available, reducing overall financial transparency.
Want to see how Tickmill compares with other brokers? Check out our comparison tool.
Our review methodology
Every broker can make promises. Our job is to verify them. At TradingCritique, we don’t rate brokers based on their size, popularity, or marketing claims. Our TC Rating uses a transparent 50-point regulation-first methodology that measures what a broker says against what it actually delivers.
We verify every important claim using primary sources only, including regulatory registers, audited financial statements, official pricing pages, legal disclosures, platform documentation, and customer policies. Each broker is then assessed across 6 key pillars: Regulation, Security, Trading Costs, Product Range, Platform & Execution, and Support & Education.
This evidence-based approach ensures our ratings are objective, consistent, and transparent, giving you a clear understanding of a broker’s strengths, risks, and overall reliability before you open an account.
Conclusion
Tickmill is an excellent broker option for traders who seek a regulated broker with favourable prices and cost-effective trading. The cost-effectiveness of its raw account, the possibility of automated trading, the availability of Islamic accounts, as well as its trading platforms such as MT4, MT5, TradingView, and Tickmill Trader make it suitable for a wide range of traders. These characteristics have allowed Tickmill to score an impressive TC Rating of 8.25/10 (TC Validated).
International clients may receive lower levels of investor protection depending on the entity they are onboarded with, and group-level financial statements are not publicly available. By understanding these limitations and choosing the appropriate regulated entity, traders can decide whether Tickmill aligns with their trading goals and risk preferences.
Overall, Tickmill is a strong choice for traders who value regulation, transparent pricing, and low trading costs, provided they understand the protections available under the entity where their account is opened.
Pro Tip
Before depositing real money, use Tickmill’s demo account to test your trading strategy, explore the MT4 or MT5 platform, and become familiar with the broker’s trading conditions. Remember to log in at least once every seven days to keep your demo account active.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Tickmill a safe broker?
Yes, Tickmill is a regulated broker licensed by authorities including the FCA, CySEC, FSCA, DFSA, and FSA Seychelles. It also offers segregated client funds, negative balance protection, and additional insurance in eligible regions.
2. Is my money safe with Tickmill?
Tickmill keeps client funds separate from its own company funds. The level of protection depends on the regulated entity where your account is opened.
3. Is Tickmill legit or a scam?
Tickmill is a legitimate forex and CFD broker that has been operating since 2014. It is regulated by multiple financial authorities and has a strong regulatory track record.
4. What are Tickmill’s fees and spreads?
Tickmill offers commission-free trading on its classic account and low commissions on its raw and TradingView raw accounts. Spreads start from 0.0 pips on raw accounts and 1.6 pips on the classic account.
5. What is Tickmill’s minimum deposit?
The standard minimum deposit to open a Tickmill trading account is $100. The minimum may vary depending on the selected base currency and payment method.
6. Which Tickmill account is best?
The classic account is suitable for beginners who prefer commission-free trading. The raw account is better suited to active traders and scalpers looking for tighter spreads.
7. Does Tickmill support MT4, MT5, and TradingView?
Yes, Tickmill supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and TradingView. It also offers Tickmill Trader, WebTrader, a mobile app, and VPS hosting.
8. Is Tickmill good for beginners?
Yes, Tickmill is beginner-friendly thanks to its demo account, educational resources, and easy account opening process. New traders can also choose the classic account to start with commission-free trading.
9. How do I withdraw money from Tickmill?
You can withdraw funds through the client area using the payment method available for your account. Tickmill does not charge standard withdrawal fees, although processing times vary by payment method.
