Which broker is better for New Zealand traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
New Zealand traders comparing EasyMarkets and Tickmill for 2025 face a choice between simplicity and cost efficiency. EasyMarkets, with a 3.4/5 rating, is known for its fixed spreads and user-friendly platform, ideal for beginners who prefer predictable costs. Tickmill, rated 4/5, appeals to more experienced retail traders with ultra-low variable spreads and deep liquidity. Both brokers accept local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits and withdrawals convenient. While neither is regulated by the New Zealand Financial Markets Authority (FMA), they operate under reputable licenses. This comparison will help you decide which platform suits your trading style and budget in the NZ market.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | 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 | $25 | $100 | Tickmill |
For New Zealand traders, trading costs differ significantly between the two brokers. EasyMarkets charges fixed spreads, typically from 1.5 pips on EUR/USD, which eliminates uncertainty but can be higher in volatile markets. Tickmill offers variable spreads starting at 0.0 pips on its Pro account with a $2 commission per lot round turn. On standard accounts, spreads from 0.8 pips are common. For an active NZ trader executing 100 lots per month, Tickmill’s commissions and tight spreads can save hundreds of dollars in trading costs compared to EasyMarkets’ fixed spread model.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:1000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 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 |
| Asset Class | EasyMarkets | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | EasyMarkets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | EasyMarkets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Tickmill |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets provides its proprietary web platform and mobile app, along with MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and TradingView integration. The proprietary tools include DealCancellation and Freeze Rate, which are suitable for risk-averse NZ traders. Tickmill also offers MT4 and MT5, plus a web terminal. For New Zealand traders, both platforms support NZD pairs and offer charting tools. Tickmill’s multi-asset platform is more flexible for scalping and algorithmic trading, while EasyMarkets’ simplicity appeals to those who want a guided experience.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Tickmill |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | EasyMarkets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
EasyMarkets uses NDD (No Dealing Desk) execution with fixed spreads and some requotes during volatile periods. Tickmill employs advanced ECN technology, offering direct market access and ultra-fast execution with no requotes. For New Zealand traders, Tickmill’s execution quality is superior, especially for scalping and high-frequency strategies. EasyMarkets is suitable for traders who prioritize stability over raw speed.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets is regulated by the CySEC (Cyprus) and ASIC (Australia), while Tickmill is regulated by the FCA (UK), CySEC, and the FSA (Seychelles). Neither broker holds a license from the New Zealand Financial Markets Authority (FMA). For NZ traders, this means their funds are protected by respective compensation schemes, but not the NZ government. EasyMarkets offers negative balance protection, which is a safety net for retail traders. Tickmill segregates client funds and follows strict capital adequacy rules. Always verify the regulatory status before depositing.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) | Most withdrawals 1 business day; bank wire 1-3 days, Credit/Debit Cards: Up to 8 working days. |
New Zealand traders can fund accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both EasyMarkets and Tickmill. EasyMarkets also accepts credit/debit cards and PayPal, while Tickmill adds WebMoney and UnionPay. Minimum deposits: EasyMarkets requires $100 (USD equivalent), Tickmill’s is $100 on Standard and $500 on Pro account. Deposits via e-wallets are instant, while bank transfers take 1-3 days. USDT TRC20 deposits are processed quickly with low fees. Withdrawals are processed to the same methods, with e-wallets typically processed within 24 hours. Both brokers don’t charge internal withdrawal fees, but bank transfers may incur intermediary charges.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | 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 |
Both EasyMarkets and Tickmill offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for New Zealand Muslim traders who require compliance with Sharia law. EasyMarkets provides swap-free accounts on request for all account types, with no expiry on the swap-free status. Tickmill offers Islamic accounts on Standard and Raw (commission-based) accounts, but they may have a time limit of 30 days for prolonged swaps unless additional justification is provided. Both brokers ensure no overnight interest is charged or credited, but Tickmill’s conditions are stricter for long-term positions.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
EasyMarkets offers 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated team responsive to NZ-based queries. Tickmill provides 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support in multiple languages. For New Zealand traders, both have acceptable response times, though Tickmill’s 24/7 availability is advantageous for those trading outside standard hours. EasyMarkets has a slight edge with personalized onboarding assistance.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | EasyMarkets | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose Tickmill if you...
For New Zealand retail traders, Tickmill is the stronger choice overall due to its lower trading costs, superior execution, and better rating (4/5 vs 3.4/5). It suits those who trade frequently and want to minimize spreads and commissions. EasyMarkets remains viable for beginners who value fixed costs and user-friendly features. Both support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits easy. Remember that neither broker is regulated by the New Zealand Financial Markets Authority, so always trade with caution and consider using smaller deposits initially. Ultimately, Tickmill offers better value for cost-conscious NZ traders.