IG

IG

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
9.2
/ 10
vs
Tickmill

Tickmill

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
8.2
/ 10

IG vs Tickmill

A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.

IG and Tickmill are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. IG, founded in 1974 and headquartered in London, UK, is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin and offers spreads starting from 0.6 pips with a minimum deposit of $250. Tickmill, established in 2014 in Limassol, Cyprus, holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, FSA with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, IG scored 9.2/10 overall compared to Tickmill's 8.2/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Tickmill holds its own with lower trading costs, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.

Key Differences at a Glance

  • 📊

    IG scores 9.2/10 overall vs 8.2/10 for Tickmill — a 1.0-point difference.

  • 💵

    Tickmill requires just $100 to start, while IG needs $250 — Tickmill is 3x more accessible.

  • 📈

    IG offers 17,000+ instruments vs 500+ at Tickmill — a massive gap in market coverage.

  • 🖥️

    IG runs on IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, while Tickmill uses MT4, MT5 — different ecosystems for different trading styles.

  • The biggest gap is in Research & Analysis: IG scores 9.5 vs 7.0 for Tickmill — a 2.5-point difference.

Our Verdict

🏆 WINNER
IG

IG

Score: 9.2/10 · Wins 6 categories
  • You're a beginner who values learning resources
  • You need advanced trading platforms and tools
  • Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
  • Responsive customer support matters to you
Tickmill

Tickmill

Score: 8.2/10 · Wins 1 categories
  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($100)
  • You prefer Tickmill's trading environment overall

IG takes the lead with an overall score of 9.2/10 compared to 8.2/10, winning in 6 out of 8 scoring categories. IG stands out for better trading platforms and stronger regulation, while Tickmill fights back with lower trading costs.

Detailed Verdict

After testing both brokers with real accounts, IG comes out ahead with a 9.2/10 overall rating, winning 6 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 10.0/10. IG holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. Tickmill is not without merit — it scores 8.2/10 overall and excels in Trading Costs (9.0/10), winning 1 category. Traders who value lower trading costs may find Tickmill the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full IG review and Tickmill review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.

Score Breakdown

IG
Tickmill
Trading Costs
8.5 9.0

Tickmill wins by 0.5 points

Platforms & Tools
9.5 7.5

IG wins by 2.0 points

Regulation & Trust
10.0 9.0

IG wins by 1.0 points

Education
9.0 7.0

IG wins by 2.0 points

Customer Service
8.5 7.5

IG wins by 1.0 points

Research & Analysis
9.5 7.0

IG wins by 2.5 points

Deposit & Withdrawal
8.0 8.0
Product Range
9.5 7.5

IG wins by 2.0 points

Full Feature Comparison

Structured broker facts pulled from the shared broker dataset.
Feature
Overall Score
9.2/10
8.2/10
Min Deposit
Lower is better
$250
$100
Max Leverage
1:200
1:500
Spreads From
0.6 pips
0.0 pips
Platforms
IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer
MT4, MT5
Regulation
FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin
CySEC, FCA, FSA
Founded
Older track record highlighted
1974
2014
Markets
17,000+
500+
IG: 0 Tickmill: 1
💰

Fees & Costs

🏅 Section Winner: Tickmill (8.5 vs 9.0)

When it comes to trading costs, Tickmill has the edge with a score of 9/10 versus 8.5/10 for IG. IG offers spreads starting from 0.6 pips, while Tickmill starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at IG is $250, compared to $100 at Tickmill. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.

IG
8.5
Tickmill
9.0
IG: 1 Tickmill: 1
🖥️

Trading Platforms

🏅 Section Winner: IG (9.5 vs 7.5)

IG scores 9.5/10 for platforms compared to 7.5/10 for Tickmill. IG provides IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, while Tickmill offers MT4, MT5. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.

IG
9.5
Tickmill
7.5
IG: 2 Tickmill: 1
🛡️

Regulation & Safety

🏅 Section Winner: IG (10.0 vs 9.0)

Regulation is crucial for fund safety. IG is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin (Tier 1), while Tickmill holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, FSA (Tier 1). IG scores 10/10 and Tickmill scores 9/10 in this category. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, including segregated client funds and compensation schemes. Always verify your broker's specific license for your jurisdiction before opening an account.

IG
10.0
Tickmill
9.0
IG: 3 Tickmill: 1
📚

Education & Research

🏅 Section Winner: IG (9.0 vs 7.0)

For learning resources, IG leads with 9/10 compared to 7/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. IG and Tickmill both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.

IG
9.0
Tickmill
7.0
IG: 4 Tickmill: 1
🎧

Customer Support

🏅 Section Winner: IG (8.5 vs 7.5)

IG offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 8.5/10, while Tickmill provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 7.5/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.

IG
8.5
Tickmill
7.5
IG: 4 Tickmill: 1
💳

Deposit & Withdrawal

IG scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Tickmill scores 8/10. IG accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, and Tickmill supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. IG requires a minimum deposit of $250 versus $100 for Tickmill. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.

IG
8.0
Tickmill
8.0

Which Broker Is Right for You?

IG

Choose IG if you...

  • You're a beginner who values learning resources
  • You need advanced trading platforms and tools
  • Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
  • Responsive customer support matters to you
Visit IG
Tickmill

Choose Tickmill if you...

  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($100)
  • You prefer Tickmill's trading environment overall
Visit Tickmill

🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?

Cast your vote — see what other traders think

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IG better than Tickmill?

IG scores higher overall (9.2/10 vs 8.2/10), winning 6 of 8 categories. However, Tickmill is stronger in lower trading costs. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.

Which has lower fees, IG or Tickmill?

Tickmill scores higher for trading costs. IG offers spreads from 0.6 pips with a $250 minimum deposit, while Tickmill starts from 0.0 pips with $100 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.

Is IG safe to trade with?

IG is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin and scores 10/10 for regulation. Tickmill is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSA with a score of 9/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.

Which has better trading platforms, IG or Tickmill?

IG scores 9.5/10 for platforms. IG offers IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, while Tickmill provides MT4, MT5. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.

What's the minimum deposit for IG vs Tickmill?

IG requires a minimum deposit of $250, while Tickmill requires $100. Tickmill has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.

Ready to Start Trading?

Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.

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