IC Markets vs Tickmill
Can't decide between IC Markets and Tickmill? We've put both brokers head-to-head. Compare their spreads, regulation, platforms, and fees below.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Executive Summary
IC Markets and Tickmill are both well-established forex brokers, but they serve different types of traders. IC Markets scores 97/100 in our TrustMetrics™ system, edging ahead of Tickmill's 93/100.
On pricing, IC Markets offers tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.02 pips vs 0.1 pips). IC Markets supports MT4, MT5, cTrader while Tickmill offers MT4, MT5, Tickmill App.
For regulation, IC Markets holds licenses from ASIC, CySEC, FSA while Tickmill is regulated by FCA, CySEC, FSCA, FSA. Both brokers offer segregated client funds and are considered safe for retail trading.
The Verdicts
Most Trusted
IC Markets scores higher in our TrustMetrics system (97/100) compared to Tickmill (93/100), making it the safer choice.
Lowest Spreads
IC Markets offers better pricing with an average EUR/USD spread of 0.02 pips, beating the 0.1 pip average of its competitor.
Best for Beginners
With a lower minimum deposit requirement of $100, Tickmill is the more accessible option for new traders.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | IC Markets | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
Trust Score Our proprietary safety rating based on regulation and track record. | 97/100 ✓ | 93/100 |
Spreads From The lowest possible spread available on their premium accounts. | 0.0 pips | 0.0 pips |
Avg EUR/USD Spread The typical spread experienced during normal market hours. | 0.02 pips ✓ | 0.1 pips |
| Commission | $7.00/lot | $4.00/lot |
Execution Speed The average time it takes for an order to be filled. | 18ms | 20ms |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $100 ✓ |
| Instruments | 2,250+ | 200+ |
| Account Types | Standard, Raw Spread, cTrader Raw | Classic, Pro, VIP |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader | MT4, MT5, Tickmill App |
| Top Regulators | ASIC, CySEC, FSA | FCA, CySEC, FSCA, FSA |
Withdrawal Speed The average processing time before funds hit your account. | 1-2 business days | 1-2 business days |
Inactivity Fee Fees charged if you do not place any trades for a specific period. | $0 (No inactivity fee) | $0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone | 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone |
Which Broker Should You Choose?
Choose IC Markets if...
- ✓You need the tightest possible spreads for scalping
- ✓You prefer cTrader's advanced order management
- ✓You are a scalper or algorithmic trader
Choose Tickmill if...
- ✓You need the tightest possible spreads for scalping
- ✓You are a scalper or algorithmic trader
- ✓You value lowest commissions and scalping
IC Markets Overview
Advantages
- ✓ True 0.0 pip spreads during London and NY sessions
- ✓ Industry-leading 18ms execution speed
- ✓ Free Equinix NY4 VPS for active traders
- ✓ No trading restrictions (perfect for EAs)
- ✓ Transparent $6/lot commission on cTrader
Drawbacks
- × No proprietary trading platform or TradingView integration
- × Education section is basic compared to competitors
- × No deposit bonus or welcome offers
Tickmill Overview
Advantages
- ✓ Industry-low commission of $4.00/lot RT (Pro account) and $2.00/lot RT (VIP account)
- ✓ Exceptional execution speeds averaging 20ms
- ✓ Allows all strategies including arbitrage and high-frequency EA trading
- ✓ Strong tier-1 regulation (FCA, CySEC)
Drawbacks
- × Very limited product range (mostly just forex, indices, and metals)
- × No proprietary trading platform or TradingView integration
- × VIP account requires a massive $50,000 minimum balance
Algorithmic Deep Dive
Data Updated: Aug 2026🛡️ Safety & Regulation
Tier-1 Licenses
💸 Pricing Economics
⚡ Technical Capabilities & Execution
Platform Support
- MT4✓✓
- MT5✓✓
- cTrader✓✗
- TradingView✗✗
IC Markets Execution
IC Markets offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader. During our testing, the cTrader platform stood out for its clean interface, advanced order types, and full Depth of Market visibility. The MT5 offering is equally robust, with seamless EA integration and no restrictions on trading strategies. We experienced zero platform downtime during our entire testing period.
Tickmill Execution
Our testing of Tickmill's platform offerings confirmed stable performance with reliable execution speeds. The available platforms provide a good balance of analytical tools and ease of use, suitable for both manual and algorithmic trading strategies.
The Bottom Line: IC Markets vs Tickmill
- ✓ Scalping
- ✓ Algorithmic Trading
- ✓ Low Spreads
- ✓ ECN Trading
- ✓ Tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.02 pips)
- ✓ Lowest Commissions
- ✓ Scalping
- ✓ EA Trading
- ✓ Cost Efficiency
- ✓ Lower minimum deposit ($100)
Both brokers are featured in our top broker rankings. Your choice should depend on your specific trading style, preferred platform, and geographical location.
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