- Tickmill offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on Pro accounts, making it a top choice for scalpers and high-volume traders
- XM's $5 minimum deposit is far more accessible than Tickmill's $100 requirement
- XM lists 1,400+ instruments compared to Tickmill's 600+, providing broader market coverage
- XM's zero-commission standard accounts simplify cost calculations versus Tickmill's ~$4 per lot round-turn fee
Regulated Global Broker Trusted by 20M+ traders — open your account in minutes
- Trade 1,400+ instruments
- Country-based bonus offers where eligible
- MT4 & MT5 available
- Easy deposits and withdrawals
- Leverage up to 1000:1, where available
- Copy Trading: auto-copy expert strategy managers
June 2026 field note: XM details can vary by country and legal entity. Before following this guide, compare the current signup or Members Area wording with the points below, especially account type, bonus and withdrawal conditions.
Intro#
Choosing between XM and Tickmill often comes down to whether you prioritise ultra-tight raw spreads and a commission-based “Pro” setup, or lower barriers to entry, a broader instrument list, and regional coverage such as DFSA in the Middle East. Both brokers are well known among forex and CFD traders, but they target slightly different profiles: Tickmill has built a strong reputation as a raw spread specialist with competitive per-lot commissions, while XM emphasises accessibility—including a $5 minimum deposit, a welcome deposit bonus (where eligible), and 1,400+ instruments with zero commission on most retail account types.
This comparison breaks down regulation, costs, platforms, and who each broker suits best—so you can match the broker to your strategy, not the other way around.
Quick Comparison Table#
| Feature | XM | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2009 | 2014 |
| Regulation | Multiple regulators globally; DFSA (Dubai) among regional options | FCA, CySEC, FSA (Seychelles), and others |
| Min Deposit | $5 | $100 |
| Spreads | Variable; competitive on standard accounts | From 0.0 pips on raw/Pro-style setups (varies by account) |
| Commission | Zero commission on most standard retail accounts | ~$4 per lot round turn on Pro (typical; confirm on site) |
| Instruments | 1,400+ | 600+ |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, XM app | MT4, MT5 |
| Copy Trading | Available (platform/social features may vary by region) | Copy trading solutions may be offered (check current listings) |
| Demo Account | Yes | Yes |
| Islamic Account | Yes (swap-free where available) | Swap-free options may be available (verify conditions) |
| Welcome Deposit Bonus | Yes (eligibility/terms apply) | Not typically positioned as XM’s equivalent |
| Review | XM review | - |
Regulation#
Tickmill is often highlighted for FCA oversight in the UK context, alongside CySEC in Europe and FSA Seychelles for certain international entities—useful if you weigh “household name” regulators heavily.
XM operates under several licences globally and is a practical choice for traders who want DFSA-regulated access in the Middle East, subject to eligibility. Always confirm which entity you are onboarded with, as protections and product availability differ by region.
Trading Costs#
Tickmill appeals to scalpers and high-turnover traders who want raw spreads from 0.0 pips on suitable accounts, paired with a transparent commission model (e.g. Pro-style pricing with per-lot fees).
XM keeps things simple for many users: no commission on most standard accounts, a very low minimum deposit, and competitive variable spreads—plus the welcome deposit bonus for qualified clients, which can matter when you are testing execution without funding first.
If you trade small size and want the lowest absolute cash to start, XM’s $5 minimum versus Tickmill’s $100 is a meaningful difference.
Platforms#
Both offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which covers EA trading, multi-timeframe analysis, and mobile apps. Tickmill doubles down on MT as a core experience for spread-sensitive strategies. XM also supports MT4/MT5 broadly and positions itself as a one-stop shop for traders who want a large multi-asset CFD menu without jumping to a $100 floor.
Asset Selection#
XM lists 1,400+ instruments, which helps if you want breadth across forex, indices, commodities, and more from a single account.
Tickmill offers 600+ instruments—still ample for many forex-focused traders—but XM wins on raw count if diversification is a priority.
Who Should Choose XM?#
XM is a strong fit if you want $5 minimum funding, a welcome deposit bonus (where eligible), DFSA access in the Middle East (subject to onboarding), an Islamic (swap-free) account where available, MT5 alongside MT4, and zero commission on typical retail accounts—while still maintaining a very wide 1,400+ instrument range.
Who Should Choose Tickmill?#
Tickmill suits traders who prioritise raw spreads from 0.0 pips, are comfortable with a commission per lot on Pro-style accounts, value FCA regulation in the UK context, and run strategies—especially scalping—where micro-pip savings at volume matter more than the lowest account minimum.
Verdict#
There is no universal “winner.” Tickmill is compelling when raw spreads + commission aligns with your execution needs and you are fine with a $100 minimum. XM is compelling when you want lower entry cost, bonus eligibility, broader instruments, Islamic options, DFSA regional fit, and commission-free trading on most standard setups—backed by MT4/MT5 and a long operating history since 2009.
Verify & match: Cross-check each broker's regulatory status in our Licensed Brokers directory (CySEC, ASIC, FCA, DFSA), and take the Broker Quiz for a personalized broker recommendation based on your region and strategy.
Education-first next step: practise on demo, calculate your risk per trade, then review the current XM account, bonus and withdrawal terms before opening or funding a live account. Check XM terms only after you understand the risks; eligibility depends on your country, legal entity and live campaign rules.
Risk Warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Comments 4
This pairs well with the other guides on this site. Reading them together gives a comprehensive picture of what's actually involved. I noted this for my own pre-trade checklist. The risk reminder is what makes it useful.
Tickmill's Pro account is one of the cheapest options in the industry: raw spreads from 0.0 pips plus $2 per side commission. That's lower than XM Ultra Low's all-in spread on most pairs. But Tickmill's instrument range is more limited — fewer stock CFDs and no crypto. For pure forex scalpers, Tickmill is cheaper. For traders who want a broader product range, XM offers more.
Exactly the reality check I needed. Was getting too caught up in social media traders showing unrealistic results. I noted this for my own pre-trade checklist. The risk reminder is what makes it useful.
I've traded on Tickmill for eight months and their execution is excellent, but their educational resources and research tools are minimal compared to XM. If you're experienced and just need a cheap execution venue, Tickmill delivers. If you value daily analysis, webinars, and a loyalty program, XM provides a more complete package.
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