IC Markets vs Tickmill: The Ultimate 2026 Comparison
IC Markets and Tickmill are two respected low-cost brokers with raw-spread accounts. IC Markets leads on liquidity, platform choice and leverage; Tickmill counters with FCA regulation, FSCS protection and a marginally lower raw commission. Here is the 2026 breakdown.
IC Markets
Tickmill
IC Markets vs Tickmill: 2026 at a glance
| Feature | IC Markets | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Founded / HQ | 2007 / Sydney | 2014 / London |
| Regulation | ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, SCB, CMA | FCA (UK, FSCS), CySEC, FSA Seychelles |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 |
| EUR/USD spread | ~1.0 (Standard) / from 0.0, avg 0.1 (Raw) | ~1.7 (Classic) / from 0.0 (Raw) |
| Commission (raw) | $7 RT (MT4/5) / ~$6 (cTrader) | $6 round turn |
| Max leverage | Up to 1:5000 (Seychelles); 1:30 ASIC/CySEC | 1:30 (FCA/CySEC); up to 1:500 (Seychelles) |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | MT4, MT5, web, mobile |
| Instruments | 2,250+ | 700+ |
| Safety highlight | 4.8/5 Trustpilot (54,000+ reviews) | FCA with FSCS protection (up to £85k) |
| Best for | Liquidity, leverage & platforms | FCA protection & low raw commission |
IC Markets: deep liquidity and platform choice
IC Markets is built for active traders. Its Raw accounts deliver EUR/USD from 0.0 pips (averaging ~0.1 pip) from up to 25 liquidity providers, for a $7 round-turn commission on MT4/MT5 or about $6 on cTrader. It offers MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView across 2,250+ instruments, with a category-leading Trustpilot record.
International clients sit under the Seychelles FSA with leverage up to 1:5000, while ASIC/CySEC retail is capped at 1:30. Note the 2026 rebrand to IC and the domain move to ic.com.
Pros
- True-ECN raw spreads averaging ~0.1 pip
- MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView
- 2,250+ instruments and up to 1:5000 offshore
- Category-leading 4.8/5 Trustpilot (54,000+)
Cons
- Higher $200 minimum deposit
- MT4/MT5 Raw commission ($7) above Tickmill ($6)
- No FCA/Tier-1 licence for the international entity
- 2026 rebrand/domain move can cause confusion
Best for: Scalpers and algo traders who want the deepest liquidity, widest platforms and highest leverage.
Visit IC Markets →Tickmill: FCA protection and low raw commission
Tickmill is regulated by the FCA (with FSCS protection up to £85,000), CySEC and the FSA Seychelles, with over 625 million trades executed. Its commission-free Classic account averages ~1.7 pips on EUR/USD, while the Raw account offers spreads from 0.0 pips for a $6 round-turn commission. It also offers Islamic and Professional accounts.
Leverage is capped at 1:30 for FCA/CySEC retail, rising to 1:500 via the Seychelles entity. Platforms are MT4, MT5 and web/mobile.
Pros
- FCA regulation with FSCS protection up to £85,000
- Raw account from 0.0 pips at $6 round turn
- Long track record (625M+ trades)
- Islamic and Professional account options
Cons
- Classic spreads wide (~1.7 pip)
- FCA/CySEC retail leverage capped at 1:30
- MT4/MT5 only (no cTrader/TradingView native)
- Fewer instruments than IC Markets
Best for: Traders who want FCA regulation with FSCS protection and a low raw commission.
Visit Tickmill →Head-to-head: the key differences
Two low-cost brokers where regulation vs. flexibility is the trade-off. Here is the split.
Regulation
Tickmill holds an FCA (UK) licence with FSCS protection up to £85,000; IC Markets international clients sit under the Seychelles FSA. Safety-first traders favour Tickmill.
Cost & platforms
IC Markets Raw is $7 round turn (or ~$6 on cTrader) with 25-provider liquidity, plus cTrader and TradingView; Tickmill Raw is $6 round turn but MT4/MT5 only. Tickmill is marginally cheaper on commission; IC offers wider platforms and a tighter average spread.
Range & leverage
IC Markets offers 2,250+ instruments and up to 1:5000 offshore; Tickmill offers 700+ and up to 1:500. IC leads on both range and leverage.
Reputation
IC Markets holds a 4.8 Trustpilot from a huge 54,000+ review base; Tickmill has a long track record with 625M+ trades executed. Both are reputable, established names.
Final verdict
Choose IC Markets for the deepest liquidity, the widest platforms (including cTrader and TradingView) and the highest leverage. Choose Tickmill for FCA regulation with FSCS protection and a marginally lower raw commission.
Both cap retail leverage at 1:30 under their top-tier entities; verify the entity and, for IC Markets, the official ic.com domain.
Frequently asked questions
Is IC Markets or Tickmill better regulated?
Tickmill holds an FCA (UK) licence with FSCS protection up to £85,000. IC Markets international clients sit under the Seychelles FSA.
Which is cheaper?
Tickmill Raw is $6 round turn versus $7 at IC Markets (MT4/MT5; about $6 on cTrader). IC Markets minimum is $200 versus $100 at Tickmill.
What platforms do they support?
IC Markets offers MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView. Tickmill offers MT4, MT5 and web/mobile platforms.
Which has more instruments and leverage?
IC Markets offers 2,250+ instruments and up to 1:5000 (Seychelles); Tickmill offers 700+ and up to 1:500. Both cap FCA/ASIC/CySEC retail at 1:30.
Is IC Markets changing its name?
Yes, IC Markets is rebranding to IC and moving to ic.com from July 2026. Confirm the official domain before depositing.