Interactive Brokers vs Tickmill
Can't decide between Interactive Brokers and Tickmill? We've put both brokers head-to-head. Compare their spreads, regulation, platforms, and fees below.
Last updated: May 27, 2026
Executive Summary
Interactive Brokers and Tickmill are both well-established forex brokers, but they serve different types of traders. Interactive Brokers scores 98/100 in our TrustMetrics™ system, edging ahead of Tickmill's 93/100.
On pricing, both brokers offer competitive 0.1-pip EUR/USD spreads. Interactive Brokers supports TWS, IBKR Desktop, IBKR Mobile, Client Portal, IBKR APIs while Tickmill offers MT4, MT5, Tickmill App, giving Interactive Brokers an edge in platform diversity.
For regulation, Interactive Brokers holds licenses from SEC, FCA, SFC, MAS, CIRO, CBI 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
Interactive Brokers scores higher in our TrustMetrics system (98/100) compared to Tickmill (93/100), making it the safer choice.
Lowest Spreads
Both brokers offer extremely competitive pricing, tying with a 0.1 pip average on EUR/USD.
Best for Beginners
With a lower minimum deposit requirement of $0, Interactive Brokers is the more accessible option for new traders.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Interactive Brokers | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
Trust Score Our proprietary safety rating based on regulation and track record. | 98/100 ✓ | 93/100 |
Spreads From The lowest possible spread available on their premium accounts. | $0 commission (IBKR Lite) | 0.0 pips |
Avg EUR/USD Spread The typical spread experienced during normal market hours. | 0.1 pips | 0.1 pips |
| Commission | $0.20 min/order | $4.00/lot |
Execution Speed The average time it takes for an order to be filled. | < 10ms | 20ms |
| Max Leverage | 1:50 | 1:500 |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 ✓ | $100 |
| Instruments | 10,000+ | 200+ |
| Account Types | IBKR Lite, IBKR Pro | Classic, Pro, VIP |
| Platforms | TWS, IBKR Desktop, IBKR Mobile, Client Portal, IBKR APIs | MT4, MT5, Tickmill App |
| Top Regulators | SEC, FCA, SFC, MAS, CIRO, CBI | FCA, CySEC, FSCA, FSA |
Withdrawal Speed The average processing time before funds hit your account. | 1-3 business days | 1-2 business days |
Inactivity Fee Fees charged if you do not place any trades for a specific period. | $0 (Eliminated in 2021) | $0 |
| Customer Support | 24/6 Live Chat, Email, Phone, Ticket System | 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone |
Which Broker Should You Choose?
Choose Interactive Brokers if...
- ✓You want to start with a very low minimum deposit
- ✓You need the tightest possible spreads for scalping
- ✓You need access to a massive range of instruments
- ✓Maximum regulatory protection is your top priority
Choose Tickmill if...
- ✓You need the tightest possible spreads for scalping
- ✓You are a scalper or algorithmic trader
- ✓You value lowest commissions and scalping
Interactive Brokers Overview
Advantages
- ✓ Access to 150+ markets in 34 countries — unmatched global reach
- ✓ Publicly traded on NASDAQ (IBKR) with $15B+ market cap — ultimate transparency
- ✓ Industry-lowest margin rates starting at 5.83% (Benchmark + 1.5%)
- ✓ Fractional shares, options, futures, bonds, and forex all in one account
- ✓ Advanced order types and algos via Trader Workstation (TWS)
- ✓ IBKR Lite offers $0 commissions on US stocks and ETFs
Drawbacks
- × TWS has a steep learning curve — intimidating for complete beginners
- × No MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5 support
- × Customer support can have long wait times during peak hours
- × Limited deposit methods — no e-wallet support (Skrill, Neteller, PayPal)
- × Currency conversion fee of 0.002% (min $2) for non-base currency trades
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✗✗
Interactive Brokers Execution
IBKR offers four platforms: the legendary Trader Workstation (TWS), the newer IBKR Desktop, the mobile app, and the web-based Client Portal. TWS remains the most powerful retail trading platform ever built — featuring 100+ order types, advanced algorithmic execution, real-time risk analytics, and options strategy builders. IBKR Desktop is a more modern, streamlined alternative that's easier to learn. Both performed flawlessly during our testing with sub-10ms execution speeds.
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: Interactive Brokers vs Tickmill
- ✓ Global Market Access
- ✓ Low Margin Rates
- ✓ Professional Trading
- ✓ Multi-Asset Investing
- ✓ Institutional-Grade Execution
- ✓ Equally competitive EUR/USD spreads (0.1 pips)
- ✓ No minimum deposit
- ✓ Lowest Commissions
- ✓ Scalping
- ✓ EA Trading
- ✓ Cost Efficiency
- ✓ Equally competitive EUR/USD spreads (0.1 pips)
Both brokers are featured in our top broker rankings. Your choice should depend on your specific trading style, preferred platform, and geographical location.
Related Articles
Funded Engineer Shut Down: What Happened and Best Alternatives
A complete breakdown of why Funded Engineer shut down its operations, what happened to payouts, and the most reliable alternative prop firms for traders.
How to Pass the FTMO Challenge: A Math-Backed Trader Blueprint
Passing the FTMO challenge is not about luck; it is about risk management and math. We detail the exact capital sizing, drawdown buffers, and daily reset rules.
Cheapest Prop Firm Challenges compared: Fee vs Account Size Matrix
Looking for the best value prop firm? We compare challenge fees, refund policies, and account sizes across 20+ prop trading firms in 2026.
Instant Funding Prop Firms 2026: Skip Evaluations, Earn Splits from Day 1
Skip the multi-phase evaluation stress. We compare the best direct instant funding prop firms on profit splits, drawdowns, and scaling plans.