IC Markets vs Tickmill: Australia Broker Comparison (2026)
Which broker is better for Australia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When comparing IC Markets vs Tickmill for Australia traders in 2026, both brokers stand out as top-tier choices regulated by ASIC. IC Markets holds a strong 4.8/5 rating, praised for its ultra-low spreads, deep liquidity, and support for platforms like cTrader, MetaTrader 4/5, and TradingView. Tickmill, rated 4.0/5, is known for its competitive pricing, lower minimum deposit ($100 AUD), and user-friendly interface. For Australia traders, the key differences lie in trading costs, platform variety, and deposit methods. Both brokers accept AUD deposits via BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, making them accessible to local traders. Whether you are a scalper, day trader, or swing trader, this comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style and budget.
| Instrument | IC 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 | $200 | $100 | Tickmill |
| Inactivity fee | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
For Australia traders, trading costs are a critical factor. IC Markets offers a Raw Spread account with spreads from 0.0 pips and a commission of $3.50 per lot per side (AUD). Tickmill's Raw account has spreads from 0.0 pips but charges $2 per side per lot, making it slightly cheaper for high-volume traders. On standard accounts, IC Markets has spreads around 0.6 pips with no commission, while Tickmill's Classic account offers spreads from 1.6 pips. For scalpers and day traders in Australia, IC Markets provides better overall cost efficiency due to tighter spreads on major pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD. However, Tickmill's lower commission can benefit those trading larger volumes. Always consider your trading frequency and lot size when evaluating costs.
| Account Type | IC Markets | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| VPS trading | ✓ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Margin call level | 80% | 80% |
| Stop out level | 50% | 50% |
| Asset Class | IC Markets | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | IC Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | IC Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | IC Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Tickmill |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Options | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Futures | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fixed spreads | ✗ | ✗ |
| Variable spreads | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets excels in platform variety, offering MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and TradingView. This is ideal for Australia traders who want advanced charting, algorithmic trading via Expert Advisors (EAs), or social trading. Tickmill provides MT4, MT5, and a web-based platform, but lacks cTrader and TradingView. For Australia traders who rely on custom indicators or automated strategies, IC Markets is the better choice. Tickmill's platforms are reliable and beginner-friendly, but may not satisfy experienced traders seeking diverse tools. Both brokers offer mobile apps for iOS and Android, ensuring you can trade on the go.
| Factor | IC Markets | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Tickmill |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | IC Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Dealing desk | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| News trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
IC Markets is known for its ultra-fast execution speeds, averaging under 40 milliseconds, thanks to its Equinix NY4 data centre and no-dealing desk (NDD) model. Tickmill also offers fast execution (under 50 ms) with a similar NDD setup. For Australia traders, low latency is crucial for scalping and high-frequency trading. Both brokers perform well, but IC Markets has a slight edge due to its deeper liquidity pool and advanced infrastructure. Tickmill's execution is still excellent for most trading styles, including EAs.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Reg number | #335692 | #717270 |
| Verify registration | Verify ↗ | Verify ↗ |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both IC Markets and Tickmill are regulated by ASIC, providing Australia traders with strong investor protection under Australian financial laws. ASIC requires brokers to maintain client funds in segregated accounts, adhere to leverage limits (1:30 for retail clients), and undergo regular audits. IC Markets also holds licenses from CySEC and FCA, while Tickmill is regulated by FCA and CySEC as well. For Australia traders, ASIC regulation means your funds are safe and you have access to dispute resolution through the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). This dual regulation adds an extra layer of security, especially for high-net-worth traders.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Deposit fee | None | None |
| Withdrawal time | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days | Most withdrawals 1 business day; bank wire 1-3 days |
| Min withdrawal | $50 | $50 |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is seamless for Australia traders at both brokers. IC Markets and Tickmill accept AUD deposits via BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. IC Markets also supports PayPal, while Tickmill offers Skrill and Neteller. Minimum deposits are $200 AUD for IC Markets and $100 AUD for Tickmill. Withdrawals are typically processed within 1-2 business days for most methods, with BPAY and Bank Transfer taking slightly longer. Both brokers do not charge internal fees for deposits or withdrawals, but your bank may apply fees for international transfers. POLi and Credit Card deposits are instant, allowing you to start trading immediately. For Australia traders, the availability of local payment methods like BPAY and POLi makes funding your account convenient and cost-effective.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gold swap-free | ✓ | ✓ |
| Crypto swap-free | ✓ | — |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
For Muslim traders in Australia, both IC Markets and Tickmill offer swap-free Islamic accounts that comply with Sharia law. These accounts do not charge or pay overnight interest (swap) on positions held overnight. IC Markets provides Islamic accounts on its Standard and Raw Spread accounts, while Tickmill offers them on all account types. To open an Islamic account, simply request it during registration or contact customer support. Both brokers require that you do not hold positions for extended periods without trading to avoid abuse. This feature is particularly beneficial for Australia traders who follow Islamic finance principles and want to trade forex without incurring interest.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| 24/5 support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IC Markets |
Both brokers offer 24/5 customer support in English, with response times typically under 30 minutes via live chat. IC Markets provides phone support in multiple languages, while Tickmill focuses on email and live chat. For Australia traders, IC Markets has a local phone number, making it easier to get help during Australian business hours. Tickmill's support is efficient but lacks a dedicated Australia line. Overall, IC Markets edges ahead for localised support, but both brokers are reliable for resolving queries quickly.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5★ | 4.3★ | IC Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3★ | 4.2★ | IC Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Mobile deposit/withdrawal | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Dark mode | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Resource | IC Markets | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | IC Markets |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IC Markets |
| Beginner resources | Excellent | Basic | IC Markets |
Choose IC Markets if you...
- Want ultra-low spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD.
- Need advanced platforms like cTrader or TradingView for charting and algorithmic trading.
- Trade high volumes and require deep liquidity and fast execution under 40 ms.
- Prefer a broker with a higher 4.8/5 rating and strong Australia-specific support.
Choose Tickmill if you...
- Have a smaller trading capital and want a lower minimum deposit of $100 AUD.
- Prefer lower commissions on raw accounts ($2 per lot per side) for high-volume trading.
- Value simplicity with MT4/MT5 platforms and a user-friendly interface.
- Want a broker that still offers competitive pricing and ASIC regulation at a lower entry cost.
For Australia traders in 2026, IC Markets is the stronger choice overall, especially for experienced traders seeking the lowest spreads, fastest execution, and a wider range of platforms. Its 4.8/5 rating reflects its reliability and local appeal, with support for BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card deposits. Tickmill is a solid alternative for cost-conscious traders who want lower minimum deposits and competitive commissions, but its limited platform selection and slightly higher spreads on standard accounts may deter advanced users. Both brokers are ASIC-regulated, ensuring your funds are safe. Ultimately, IC Markets wins for performance, while Tickmill wins for affordability. Choose based on your trading style and budget.