Admirals vs Tickmill: Which Broker Suits Philippines Traders Best?
Which broker is better for Philippines traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — Philippines Traders
Choosing the right forex broker is critical for Philippines traders, especially those using mobile-first platforms or sending remittances from OFW work abroad. Admirals and Tickmill are two globally recognized brokers, each with unique strengths for the Filipino market. Admirals, with a score of 4.1/5, offers a comprehensive trading ecosystem, including local payment methods like GCash, PayMaya, Bank Transfer, and USDT. Tickmill, scoring 4/5, is known for its ultra-low spreads and fast execution, appealing to cost-conscious traders. Both brokers are regulated by top-tier authorities, but neither is directly supervised by the SEC Philippines. This comparison examines spreads, platforms, local payments, and regulation to help you decide which broker fits your trading style and location needs.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | Admirals | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Tickmill |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Tickmill |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Tickmill |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Tickmill |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $1 | $100 | Admirals |
For Philippines traders, trading costs directly impact profitability. Tickmill offers the lowest raw spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its Pro account, with a $3 commission per lot round turn. Admirals’ Zero account has spreads from 0.5 pips but a lower commission of $2 per lot. For a typical 10-lot trade per month, Tickmill’s total cost is about $30 in commission plus negligible spread, while Admirals costs around $20 commission plus $50 in spread, making Tickmill slightly cheaper. However, Admirals’ standard account has no commission and spreads from 0.8 pips, suitable for smaller traders. Consider your trading volume and preferred account type when evaluating costs.
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | Admirals | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $1 | $100 |
Leverage Comparison - Philippines Traders
| Entity / Asset | Admirals | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Philippines (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:1000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:1000 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| Asset Class | Admirals | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Admirals |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Admirals |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | Admirals |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | ✗ | Tickmill |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | Admirals | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the most popular platforms among Philippines traders, especially mobile-first users. Admirals also provides its proprietary WebTrader and a mobile app with advanced charting tools, ideal for OFWs trading on the go. Tickmill focuses on MT4/MT5 with fast execution and minimal slippage. For Filipino traders who rely on mobile trading, Admirals’ dedicated app offers a slight edge with local language support and user-friendly design. Tickmill’s platforms are equally reliable but lack extra customization for local needs.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | Admirals | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Tickmill |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Admirals |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality is crucial for Philippines traders, especially those scalping or trading news events. Tickmill boasts ultra-fast execution with no requotes, thanks to its STP/ECN model, and average execution speeds under 40ms. Admirals also offers reliable execution with speeds around 50ms, but some users report occasional slippage during high volatility. For day traders and scalpers in the Philippines, Tickmill’s execution edge can make a difference in fast-moving markets.
Regulation & Safety for Philippines Traders
| Safety Factor | Admirals | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key concern for Philippines traders. Admirals is regulated by the UK FCA, Cyprus CySEC, and other top-tier bodies, ensuring strict client fund segregation and negative balance protection. Tickmill is regulated by the UK FCA, Cyprus CySEC, and Seychelles FSA, offering similar protections. Neither broker holds a license from the SEC Philippines, meaning traders must use offshore entities. This is common for international brokers serving the Philippines. Both brokers provide compensation schemes (e.g., FSCS for UK clients) that add an extra layer of security, though coverage depends on the entity chosen.
Deposits & Withdrawals for Philippines
| Payment Method | Admirals | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | e-wallets take instant to 1 business day, credit/debit cards take 1 business day, and bank transfers take 1 to 3 business days. | Most withdrawals 1 business day; bank wire 1-3 days, Credit/Debit Cards: Up to 8 working days. |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is seamless for Philippines traders with Admirals, which supports GCash, PayMaya, Bank Transfer, and USDT. Deposits via GCash or PayMaya are instant and fee-free, while bank transfers take 1-3 days. Tickmill accepts Bank Transfer and USDT but does not directly support GCash or PayMaya, which may be a drawback for mobile-first users. Both brokers process withdrawals efficiently, with e-wallet and crypto withdrawals completed within 24 hours. For OFWs sending remittances, USDT deposits are a fast, low-cost option on both platforms. Always check for any third-party fees on bank transfers.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Philippines Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | Admirals | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
For Muslim traders in the Philippines, both Admirals and Tickmill offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law by removing overnight interest charges. Admirals provides swap-free accounts upon request, typically for clients in Muslim-majority regions like Mindanao. Tickmill offers Islamic accounts automatically for eligible traders, with no additional fees. Both brokers require that accounts are used for genuine trading purposes and not for hedging or arbitrage. This makes both brokers suitable for Filipino Muslim traders seeking ethical trading options.
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | Admirals | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Admirals |
Customer support is available 24/5 from both brokers, with live chat, email, and phone options. Admirals offers support in English and Tagalog, which is a significant advantage for Philippines traders who prefer local language assistance. Tickmill’s support is primarily in English, which may be a barrier for some. Response times are fast for both, typically under 5 minutes on live chat. Admirals also has a dedicated Philippines contact number, enhancing accessibility for local users.
Mobile App Comparison
| Mobile Feature | Admirals | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Admirals |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Admirals |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | Admirals | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | Admirals |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Admirals |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
Admirals
Tickmill
Who Should Use Which Broker? - Philippines Guide
Choose Admirals if you...
- Prefer local payment methods like GCash and PayMaya for instant deposits.
- Want a broker with Tagalog language support and a Philippines contact number.
- Are a mobile-first trader needing a dedicated app with advanced tools.
- Value a higher overall broker score (4.1/5) and a wider range of account types.
Choose Tickmill if you...
- Focus on low spreads and ultra-fast execution for scalping or high-volume trading.
- Are comfortable using USDT or bank transfers for deposits and withdrawals.
- Prefer a simpler platform setup with MT4/MT5 and minimal fees.
- Want an automatic Islamic account for Sharia-compliant trading.
FAQ - Admirals vs Tickmill in Philippines
Final Verdict - Philippines 2026
For Philippines traders, the choice between Admirals and Tickmill depends on your priorities. Admirals wins on local payment convenience (GCash, PayMaya), Tagalog support, and a slightly higher overall rating. Tickmill excels in cost efficiency with lower spreads and faster execution, ideal for active traders. Both brokers are safe and regulated, though neither is SEC Philippines-licensed. If you value easy deposits and local language support, Admirals is the better fit. If you prioritize low trading costs and execution speed, Tickmill offers a compelling alternative. Consider your trading volume, payment preferences, and need for local support to make the final decision.