FXTM vs Tickmill (2026): Malta Trader Comparison
Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — Malta Traders
When comparing FXTM vs Tickmill for Malta traders in 2026, both brokers offer compelling features for retail traders, but they cater to slightly different needs. FXTM, with a score of 4.3/5, is a well-established broker that provides a wide range of account types, educational resources, and localised support for Maltese clients. Tickmill, scoring 4/5, is known for its ultra-low spreads and transparent pricing, making it a favourite among cost-focused traders. Both brokers accept Malta traders and support popular local payment methods, including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. However, neither is directly regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), but they operate under CySEC and other top-tier licenses, ensuring a safe trading environment. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns best with your trading style and local requirements in Malta.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | FXTM | 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 | $200 | $100 | Tickmill |
For Malta traders, trading costs are a critical factor, especially for those who trade frequently or with larger volumes. FXTM offers competitive spreads starting from 1.3 pips on its Standard account and from 0.1 pips on its ECN account (with a commission). Tickmill, on the other hand, is known for its Raw ECN account with spreads from 0.0 pips and a low commission of $2 per side per lot. This makes Tickmill the clear winner for scalpers and high-volume traders in Malta. However, for casual traders who trade less frequently, FXTM's wider account selection and occasional promotions may offset the slightly higher spreads. Both brokers also offer swap-free accounts for Malta traders, which can affect overall costs for positions held overnight.
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | FXTM | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 |
Leverage Comparison - Malta Traders
| Entity / Asset | FXTM | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (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 | FXTM | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FXTM |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FXTM |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Tickmill |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | FXTM | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FXTM and Tickmill offer the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, which are widely used by Malta traders. FXTM also provides its proprietary FXTM Trader app for mobile trading, which is ideal for traders on the go in Malta. Tickmill focuses solely on the MetaTrader suite, which is highly customisable and supports automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs). For Malta traders who prefer a broader platform choice or a more user-friendly mobile app, FXTM has the edge. However, if you are an experienced trader who relies on EAs or advanced charting, Tickmill's MT4/MT5 offering is equally robust.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | FXTM | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Tickmill |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FXTM |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality is a strong point for both brokers, but Tickmill has a slight edge for Malta traders who prioritise speed. Tickmill uses Equinix NY4 data centres and offers ultra-low latency execution, ideal for scalping and high-frequency trading. FXTM also provides fast execution with no requotes on its ECN accounts, but its standard accounts may have slightly higher slippage during volatile news events. For Malta traders who trade major pairs like EUR/USD or GBP/USD, both brokers offer reliable execution, but Tickmill is better for those who need the fastest possible order fills.
Regulation & Safety for Malta Traders
| Safety Factor | FXTM | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key concern for Malta traders, even though neither FXTM nor Tickmill is directly regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). FXTM is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus), FCA (UK), and FSCA (South Africa), providing strong investor protection for European clients, including negative balance protection. Tickmill is also regulated by CySEC, FCA, and the FSA (Seychelles), ensuring a high level of security. For Malta traders, trading with a CySEC-regulated broker means you benefit from ESMA's leverage limits and negative balance protection, which adds an extra layer of safety. Both brokers are considered reliable and compliant with European standards, making them suitable for Maltese retail traders.
Deposits & Withdrawals for Malta
| Payment Method | FXTM | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 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 straightforward for Malta traders at both FXTM and Tickmill, as they support the same local payment methods: Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. FXTM offers a minimum deposit of just $10, making it accessible for beginners, while Tickmill requires a minimum of $100. Both brokers process e-wallet deposits (Skrill, Neteller) instantly, while bank transfers can take 1-3 business days. USDT TRC20 deposits are also fast, typically arriving within minutes. Withdrawals are processed quickly, with e-wallet withdrawals often completed within 24 hours. For Malta traders who prefer crypto or e-wallets, both brokers offer a seamless experience. Bank transfers are also reliable but slower, so plan accordingly for larger withdrawals.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Malta Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | FXTM | 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 Malta who require Sharia-compliant accounts, both FXTM and Tickmill offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts. FXTM provides swap-free accounts on its Standard and ECN account types, while Tickmill offers them on its Classic and Raw ECN accounts. These accounts do not charge overnight interest on positions, aligning with Islamic finance principles. However, both brokers may apply a small administration fee if positions are held for an extended period (e.g., beyond 10-14 days). Malta traders should check the specific terms with each broker's support team to understand any applicable fees. Overall, both brokers are accommodating to Muslim traders in Malta.
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | FXTM | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FXTM |
Customer support is available in multiple languages, including English, which is widely spoken in Malta. FXTM offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support, with a dedicated account manager for VIP clients. Tickmill provides similar support channels, including 24/5 live chat and email, with slightly faster response times according to user reviews. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections on their websites. For Malta traders, the local time zone (CET) aligns well with both brokers' support hours, making it easy to get help during trading hours.
Mobile App Comparison
| Mobile Feature | FXTM | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FXTM |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FXTM |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | FXTM | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | FXTM |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FXTM |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
FXTM
Tickmill
Who Should Use Which Broker? - Malta Guide
Choose FXTM if you...
- Are a beginner or intermediate trader looking for a wide range of educational resources and account types.
- Prefer a broker with a proprietary mobile app (FXTM Trader) for trading on the go in Malta.
- Want a lower minimum deposit ($10) to start trading with minimal capital.
- Value a broker with a slightly higher overall rating (4.3/5) and more diverse product offerings.
Choose Tickmill if you...
- Are a cost-focused trader who wants the lowest spreads starting from 0.0 pips on a raw ECN account.
- Scalp or trade high volumes and need fast execution with minimal slippage.
- Prefer a straightforward, no-frills broker with a focus on transparency and low costs.
- Are comfortable with a minimum deposit of $100 and primarily use MetaTrader platforms.
FAQ - FXTM vs Tickmill in Malta
Final Verdict - Malta 2026
For Malta traders in 2026, the choice between FXTM and Tickmill depends on your trading priorities. FXTM (4.3/5) is the better option for beginners and those who value a broader platform selection, lower minimum deposits ($10), and extensive educational support. It also supports all local payment methods popular in Malta, including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Tickmill (4/5) is the winner for cost-conscious traders and scalpers who want the tightest spreads and fastest execution. Both brokers are regulated by CySEC and offer a safe trading environment for Maltese clients, even though they are not directly regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). Ultimately, FXTM offers more versatility, while Tickmill delivers raw cost efficiency. Choose based on your experience level and trading style.