Tickmill has built its reputation on one thing above all: cheap execution for active traders. Since launching in 2014 it has kept its offer deliberately narrow, two core accounts and around 600 instruments, while charging just $3 per lot per side on its Raw account and nothing at all in commission on indices or oil. In this Tickmill review we check whether that low-cost promise holds up, and who actually protects your money. The short version: Tickmill is one of the cheapest MetaTrader brokers we cover, backed by FCA and CySEC licences, but traders outside the UK and EU are onboarded by an offshore company in Seychelles.
Tickmill at a glance
| Item | Details (as of November 2026) |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2014 |
| Head office | London, UK (Tickmill UK Ltd) |
| Top-tier licences | FCA 717270; CySEC 278/15 |
| Other licences | FSCA FSP 49464; DFSA representative office F007663; FSA Seychelles SD008 (offshore) |
| Minimum deposit | From $100 |
| Maximum leverage | Up to 1:1000 (Seychelles); 1:30 UK/EU retail |
| Raw account cost | 0.0 pips + $3 per lot per side |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, Tickmill Trader |
| Instruments | 600+ including 62 forex pairs |
| Not available in | USA, Japan, India, Singapore, Iran |
Regulation and safety
Tickmill’s footer lists four operating companies, and which one you join depends on where you live:
- Tickmill UK Ltd – authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, FCA register number 717270, with a DFSA representative office in Dubai (F007663). UK clients are covered by FCA client-money rules and 1:30 retail leverage.
- Tickmill Europe Ltd – licensed by CySEC (278/15) in Limassol, serving EU clients under ESMA rules.
- Tickmill South Africa (Pty) Ltd – FSCA, FSP 49464.
- Tickmill Ltd – the Seychelles parent, licensed by the FSA Seychelles (SD008). This offshore entity offers leverage up to 1:1000 and handles most clients from Asia, Latin America and Africa.
The structure is common in the industry, but the difference in protection is real. A UK client has access to the FCA’s regime and a regulator with enforcement teeth; a Seychelles client relies on a much lighter framework. Tickmill UK’s own risk warning states that 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with that entity (Tickmill UK costs page), lower than many competitors but still a clear majority.
Trading costs: where Tickmill is strongest
The accounts overview shows a simple three-way choice:
| Account | Min. deposit | Spreads from | Commission | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | $100 | 1.6 pips | None | MT4, MT5 |
| Raw | $100 | 0.0 pips | $3 per lot per side | MT4, MT5 |
| TradingView Raw | $100 (USD only) | 0.0 pips | $3.50 per lot per side | Tickmill Trader, TradingView |
The Raw account is the obvious pick for anyone trading more than occasionally. A one-lot round trip costs $6 in commission plus the raw spread, and the Raw account page confirms that commission only applies to forex and precious metals CFDs. Stock indices, oil, bonds and crypto CFDs are priced through the spread alone, which makes Tickmill unusually cheap for index traders. Swaps apply overnight, with a triple charge on Wednesday nights. Swap-free Islamic versions are available on all account types for eligible clients, though a daily holding charge applies after three nights on some instruments.
Non-trading costs are light. Reviews report no Tickmill fees on deposits or withdrawals and a $25 minimum withdrawal, while Tickmill reserves the right to charge an inactivity fee without stating the amount on the pages we checked.
Leverage and risk
Leverage reaches 1:1000 on Classic and Raw at the Seychelles entity. That is well above the 1:30 retail cap for UK and EU clients, and at such levels a move of 0.1% can erase your margin. Use the leverage setting conservatively and treat the maximum as a ceiling, not a target.
Platforms and tools
Tickmill supports MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 on desktop, web and Mac, plus its own Tickmill Trader web and mobile platform and the Tickmill App for account management. The TradingView Raw account lets you trade directly from TradingView charts; note that Expert Advisors are not allowed on it, so algorithmic traders should stay on MT4 or MT5, where all strategies, including scalping and hedging, are permitted and stop levels are zero. A VPS service is available for EAs. Instruments total 600+, covering 62 currency pairs, 20+ indices, about 500 stocks and ETFs, commodities, German bonds and a handful of cryptocurrencies. Futures and options are offered through a separate account with a $1,000 minimum.
Deposits and withdrawals
Account base currencies are USD, EUR, GBP and ZAR. Funding methods reported for the international entity include bank wire, Visa and Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, Sticpay, FasaPay and crypto. The $100 minimum deposit may vary slightly by currency. Tickmill does not offer cent accounts (Tickmill FAQ), so beginners cannot start with micro balances the way they can at some rivals.
Who Tickmill suits
Tickmill is a natural fit for scalpers, day traders and EA users who care about all-in cost per lot, and for index traders who want commission-free pricing on CFDs such as the DAX or S&P 500. UK and EU residents benefit from FCA or CySEC supervision. It is less suited to beginners looking for a tiny first deposit, to investors who want thousands of shares, or to anyone outside Europe who insists on a top-tier regulator, because they will be placed with the offshore entity.
Tickmill review verdict
Our Tickmill review finds a focused, low-cost broker: $6 round turn on Raw, zero commission on indices and energy CFDs, and a broad platform line-up that now includes TradingView. The main caveats are the offshore onboarding of international clients and a modest product range. Try the demo first, keep leverage low, and remember that CFDs are complex instruments with a high risk of losing money quickly.
Compare Tickmill with the other top forex brokers, or read our HFM review and FP Markets review.
FAQ
Is Tickmill regulated?
Yes. Tickmill UK Ltd is authorised by the FCA (717270), Tickmill Europe Ltd by CySEC (278/15) and Tickmill South Africa by the FSCA (FSP 49464). Most international clients, however, are served by Tickmill Ltd under an offshore FSA Seychelles licence (SD008).
What is the minimum deposit at Tickmill?
As of November 2026 the Classic, Raw and TradingView Raw accounts all start from $100 or the equivalent in EUR, GBP or ZAR. Futures accounts require $1,000.
How much commission does Tickmill charge?
The Raw account charges $3 per lot per side, about $6 round turn, and only on forex and precious metals CFDs. The TradingView Raw account charges $3.50 per side, and the Classic account has no commission.
What leverage does Tickmill offer?
Up to 1:1000 through the Seychelles entity. UK and EU retail clients are limited to 1:30 on major currency pairs.
Can I trade on TradingView with Tickmill?
Yes. Tickmill offers a dedicated TradingView Raw account in USD, which also works with the Tickmill Trader platform, but it does not allow Expert Advisors.
Facts compiled on 8 November 2026 from the official website, regulator registers and independent reviews listed in the sources. Fees and conditions change; confirm on the official site before opening an account.
