FBS vs Tickmill: In-Depth Comparison for Australian Traders (2026)
Which broker is better for Australia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — Australia Traders
When comparing FBS vs Tickmill for Australian traders in 2025, the choice hinges on trading costs, regulation, and local payment preferences. Both brokers are regulated by ASIC, ensuring a high level of security for Australian clients. FBS, with a score of 3.7/5, offers a diverse range of account types and bonuses, while Tickmill, scoring 4/5, is renowned for its ultra-low spreads and fast execution. For experienced Australian traders, the decision often comes down to whether you prioritise cost efficiency (Tickmill) or promotional flexibility (FBS). Local payment methods like BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card are supported by both, making deposits straightforward. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style and local requirements.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | FBS | 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 | $5 | $100 | Tickmill |
For Australian traders, trading costs are a critical factor. Tickmill offers a Raw account with spreads from 0.0 pips and a commission of $3 per lot per side, making it ideal for scalpers and high-volume traders. FBS's ECN account starts from 0.5 pips with a similar commission structure, but standard accounts have wider spreads. When trading in AUD, Tickmill's lower overall cost per lot can save experienced traders hundreds of dollars monthly. For example, on a 10-lot trade, Tickmill's cost is approximately $30 commission plus minimal spread, while FBS may cost $50-70 depending on account type.
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | FBS | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $100 |
Leverage Comparison - Australia Traders
| Entity / Asset | FBS | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:1000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 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 | FBS | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FBS |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FBS |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | FBS |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Tickmill |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | FBS | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which are the preferred platforms for Australian traders due to their advanced charting, automated trading, and custom indicators. Tickmill also provides a web trader for quick access, while FBS adds a proprietary mobile app. For Australian traders needing VPS for algorithmic trading, both brokers offer free VPS for high-volume clients. Tickmill's platform stability is slightly better rated, but FBS's additional social trading features may appeal to those following signal providers.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | FBS | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Tickmill |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FBS |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality is vital for experienced Australian traders. Tickmill uses Equinix NY4 data centres for ultra-low latency, achieving average execution speeds of under 30 milliseconds with no requotes. FBS also offers fast execution but may have occasional slippage during volatile news events. Both brokers use straight-through processing (STP) without a dealing desk, but Tickmill's liquidity providers give tighter spreads and better depth of market. For scalpers and day traders, Tickmill's execution is superior.
Regulation & Safety for Australia Traders
| Safety Factor | FBS | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FBS and Tickmill are authorised by ASIC, which is crucial for Australian traders as it ensures strict compliance with leverage limits (1:30 for retail), negative balance protection, and client fund segregation in Australian trust accounts. Tickmill's ASIC licence (no. 438125) is long-established, while FBS (no. 426359) also meets all local requirements. This regulation means your funds are protected under Australian law, and both brokers participate in the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) scheme, providing free dispute resolution. For Australian traders, ASIC regulation gives confidence in broker integrity.
Deposits & Withdrawals for Australia
| Payment Method | FBS | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Electronic Wallets / Systems: Credited immediately to 30 minutes (processed 24/7 by the financial department).Cryptocurrency: Instant, though subject to blockchain network confirmations.Credit / Debit Cards: Average of 3 to 4 business days (internal processing takes 15–20 minutes, plus bank clearance).Bank Transfers: Usually processed within 7 to 10 business days. | Most withdrawals 1 business day; bank wire 1-3 days, Credit/Debit Cards: Up to 8 working days. |
Australian traders can fund accounts using BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card at both FBS and Tickmill. BPAY and POLi are particularly popular because they are fee-free and use local Australian banking systems, with funds typically credited within 1-2 business days. Bank Transfers are also free but may take longer (2-3 days). Credit card deposits are instant but may incur a small fee (0.5-2%). For withdrawals, both brokers process requests within 24-48 hours, with bank transfers being the most common method for Australian traders. Tickmill has a slight edge with faster withdrawal processing, while FBS offers more e-wallet options like Skrill and Neteller for quicker access.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Australia Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | FBS | 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 FBS and Tickmill provide Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Australian Muslim traders who require compliance with Sharia law, which prohibits earning or paying interest (riba). FBS offers instant swap-free accounts upon request, with no restrictions on trade types or holding periods. Tickmill also offers Islamic accounts but may require a minimum deposit and applies swap-free status after a certain holding period (e.g., 7 days). For Australian Muslim traders, FBS's more flexible policy may be preferable, though Tickmill's lower spreads still make it competitive.
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | FBS | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FBS |
Australian traders can access customer support from both brokers via live chat, email, and phone. FBS offers 24/7 support with multilingual agents, including English. Tickmill's support is available 24/5 during market hours, with slightly faster response times (under 30 seconds on live chat). Both have local Australian phone numbers for convenience. Tickmill's support team is generally more knowledgeable for advanced trading queries, while FBS excels in handling account issues.
Mobile App Comparison
| Mobile Feature | FBS | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FBS |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FBS |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | FBS | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | FBS |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FBS |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
FBS
Tickmill
Who Should Use Which Broker? - Australia Guide
Choose FBS if you...
- Prefer a wider range of account types, including cent and demo accounts for testing strategies
- Want instant swap-free Islamic accounts without holding period restrictions
- Value promotional bonuses and deposit incentives
- Need more e-wallet deposit options like Skrill and Neteller
Choose Tickmill if you...
- Are an experienced trader prioritising ultra-low spreads and commissions
- Require fast execution speeds for scalping and high-frequency trading
- Want a broker with a longer ASIC track record and slightly higher overall rating
- Prefer faster withdrawal processing and tighter liquidity
FAQ - FBS vs Tickmill in Australia
Final Verdict - Australia 2026
For Australian traders in 2025, Tickmill emerges as the stronger choice overall, especially for experienced traders seeking cost efficiency and execution quality. Its ASIC regulation, ultra-low spreads, and fast processing of local payment methods like BPAY and POLi make it ideal for high-volume trading. However, FBS remains a viable alternative if you value account flexibility, Islamic account options, or promotional bonuses. Both brokers support AUD deposits and withdrawals via Bank Transfer and Credit Card, ensuring easy access. Ultimately, if your focus is on minimising trading costs and maximising execution, Tickmill wins. But if you want more account variety and instant swap-free accounts, FBS may suit you better. Test both with a demo account to see which aligns with your trading style.