FP Markets vs Tickmill for New Zealand Traders (2026)
Which broker is better for New Zealand traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — New Zealand Traders
For New Zealand traders evaluating forex brokers in 2026, FP Markets and Tickmill stand out as two highly regarded options. FP Markets, with a solid 4.7/5 rating, is known for its ultra-tight spreads and extensive product range, while Tickmill (4/5) offers a streamlined experience with competitive commissions. Both brokers accept New Zealand clients and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced retail trader, understanding how these brokers compare in terms of costs, regulation, and features is crucial. This comparison focuses on what matters most to traders in New Zealand, from deposit options to local support, helping you make an informed decision.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | FP Markets | 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 | $100 | $100 | Tie |
When comparing trading costs for New Zealand traders, FP Markets has a clear edge with spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its Raw account, while Tickmill's Classic account begins at 1.0 pips. For high-volume traders, FP Markets' lower spreads can significantly reduce costs. Tickmill's Pro account offers spreads from 0.0 pips but with a commission of $3 per lot, which is still competitive. Overall, FP Markets is more cost-effective for scalpers and day traders in New Zealand.
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | FP Markets | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 |
Leverage Comparison - New Zealand Traders
| Entity / Asset | FP Markets | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (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 | FP Markets | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FP Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FP Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | FP Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | ✗ | Tickmill |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | FP Markets | 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 popular among New Zealand traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. FP Markets also provides its proprietary IRESS platform for advanced traders, while Tickmill focuses on a clean, user-friendly interface. For New Zealand traders who prefer mobile trading, both platforms are fully optimized for iOS and Android.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | FP Markets | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Tickmill |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FP Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Both brokers offer fast execution speeds, with FP Markets averaging under 40ms and Tickmill around 50ms. FP Markets uses Equinix NY4 servers for low latency, which benefits New Zealand traders trading major forex pairs. Tickmill's execution is reliable but slightly slower. For scalpers and high-frequency traders, FP Markets is the better choice.
Regulation & Safety for New Zealand Traders
| Safety Factor | FP Markets | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
FP Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in Seychelles, while Tickmill is regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). Although neither is directly regulated by the local financial regulator in New Zealand, both adhere to strict client fund segregation and transparency standards. This provides New Zealand traders with a high level of security and trust.
Deposits & Withdrawals for New Zealand
| Payment Method | FP Markets | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours | Most withdrawals 1 business day; bank wire 1-3 days, Credit/Debit Cards: Up to 8 working days. |
New Zealand traders can fund their accounts with both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. FP Markets also accepts credit/debit cards, while Tickmill offers additional e-wallets like Perfect Money. Deposits via USDT TRC20 are processed instantly with minimal fees, making it a fast and cost-effective option. Withdrawals are typically processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and 1-3 business days for bank transfers. Both brokers do not charge internal fees for deposits or withdrawals.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for New Zealand Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | FP Markets | 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 FP Markets and Tickmill offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for New Zealand Muslim traders. FP Markets provides swap-free accounts on all account types without any additional fees, while Tickmill offers them on request. These accounts ensure that overnight positions are not charged or credited interest, complying with Sharia law. New Zealand traders can trade with peace of mind knowing that their religious beliefs are respected.
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | FP Markets | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FP Markets |
FP Markets offers 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated team for New Zealand traders. Tickmill also provides 24/5 support but has a slightly slower response time. Both brokers have extensive FAQ sections and educational resources. For New Zealand traders, FP Markets' local phone number and faster live chat are advantageous.
Mobile App Comparison
| Mobile Feature | FP Markets | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FP Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FP Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | FP Markets |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | FP Markets | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FP Markets |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
FP Markets
Tickmill
Who Should Use Which Broker? - New Zealand Guide
Choose FP Markets if you...
- Want ultra-tight spreads starting from 0.0 pips for cost-effective trading.
- Prefer a broker with a higher overall rating (4.7/5) and more account options.
- Need fast execution speeds for scalping or high-frequency trading.
- Value a wide range of deposit methods including USDT TRC20 and local bank transfers.
Choose Tickmill if you...
- Are a beginner looking for a simple, user-friendly platform.
- Prefer a broker with strong FCA regulation for extra security.
- Want a commission-free Classic account for lower volume trading.
- Need additional e-wallet options like Perfect Money for deposits.
FAQ - FP Markets vs Tickmill in New Zealand
Final Verdict - New Zealand 2026
For New Zealand traders in 2026, FP Markets is the better overall choice due to its tighter spreads, faster execution, and higher rating (4.7/5). It also supports local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits and withdrawals convenient. While Tickmill is a reliable alternative with FCA regulation and a user-friendly platform, FP Markets offers superior value for active traders. Both brokers are legally available in New Zealand and operate under reputable international licenses, but FP Markets edges ahead with its comprehensive features and lower trading costs.