IC Markets vs Tickmill: A Comprehensive Comparison for Taiwan Traders in 2026
Which broker is better for Taiwan traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For retail traders in Taiwan, choosing between IC Markets and Tickmill is a crucial decision for forex and CFD trading in 2026. Both brokers are well-regarded globally, but they cater to slightly different trader profiles. IC Markets, with a score of 4.8/5, stands out for its ultra-low spreads, deep liquidity, and extensive platform support, making it ideal for high-volume and algorithmic traders. Tickmill, scoring 4/5, offers a more streamlined experience with competitive pricing and a lower minimum deposit, appealing to cost-conscious traders. In Taiwan, where local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT are essential, both brokers provide seamless deposit and withdrawal options. While neither is regulated by the local financial regulator, they hold strong international licenses from bodies like the FCA and CySEC. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns best with your trading style and local needs in Taiwan.
| 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 |
When comparing trading costs for Taiwan traders, IC Markets generally offers tighter spreads, especially on its Raw Spread account, where EUR/USD spreads can start at 0.0 pips with a $7 commission per lot. Tickmill's Pro account also offers spreads from 0.0 pips but with a slightly higher commission of $4 per side ($8 round turn). For a Taiwan trader executing 10 standard lots per month, IC Markets would cost approximately $70 in commissions versus Tickmill's $80, giving IC Markets a slight edge. However, Tickmill's standard account has no commission but wider spreads, which may suit lower-volume traders. Both brokers offer competitive swap rates, but IC Markets has a broader range of instruments, which can impact overall cost efficiency for diversified Taiwan traders.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers support the popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, which are widely used by Taiwan traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. IC Markets also offers cTrader, a platform preferred by scalpers and algorithmic traders for its superior order execution and depth of market. Tickmill focuses on MT4 and MT5, providing a reliable experience but lacking cTrader. For Taiwan traders who prioritize mobile trading, both brokers have robust mobile apps with full functionality. IC Markets' additional platform options may be a deciding factor for tech-savvy traders in Taiwan who need flexibility.
| 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 superior execution speed, with an average of 40ms and no requotes, thanks to its Equinix NY4 data center and deep liquidity pool. Tickmill also offers fast execution, averaging 60ms, with minimal slippage. For Taiwan traders engaged in scalping or high-frequency trading, IC Markets' lower latency and better fill rates provide a clear advantage. Both brokers use No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution, ensuring transparency and fair pricing.
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets is regulated by top-tier authorities including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). Tickmill is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and CySEC. Neither broker is directly regulated by the local financial regulator in Taiwan, which means Taiwan traders must rely on the brokers' international licenses for protection. Both brokers offer negative balance protection and client fund segregation, which are important for retail traders in Taiwan. However, IC Markets' higher trust score reflects its longer track record and stricter regulatory oversight, providing extra confidence for Taiwan-based clients.
| 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 |
For Taiwan traders, both IC Markets and Tickmill support convenient deposit and withdrawal methods, including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. Deposits via Skrill and Neteller are typically processed instantly with minimal fees, making them ideal for quick funding. Bank Transfers are reliable but may take 1-3 business days and incur intermediary bank charges. USDT deposits are processed within minutes and are popular among crypto-savvy traders in Taiwan. Withdrawals are generally processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and 2-5 business days for bank transfers. IC Markets offers slightly faster withdrawal processing times, while Tickmill has a lower minimum withdrawal amount. Both brokers do not charge internal fees, but third-party fees may apply for Bank Transfers. Always check the latest fee schedules as they may change.
| 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 |
Both IC Markets and Tickmill offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Taiwan who wish to trade in compliance with Sharia law. These accounts do not charge or pay overnight swap fees, allowing positions to be held overnight without interest. IC Markets provides Islamic accounts on request for all account types, while Tickmill offers them for Pro and Standard accounts. Taiwan traders must provide proof of Muslim faith or residence in a Muslim-majority region to qualify. Both brokers ensure that swap-free conditions are applied to all instruments, though some commodities or indices may have limited availability. For Taiwan's Muslim community, both brokers are viable options, with IC Markets offering slightly broader instrument access.
| 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 customer support in English, which is widely understood in Taiwan. IC Markets provides 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support, with faster response times during Asian trading hours. Tickmill also offers 24/5 support with live chat and email, but phone support is limited. For Taiwan traders, IC Markets' round-the-clock support is advantageous, especially for those trading during non-standard hours. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections on their websites, but IC Markets' multilingual support is more robust.
| 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...
- Are a high-volume trader seeking the lowest spreads and commissions.
- Need advanced platforms like cTrader for algorithmic trading.
- Prefer 24/7 customer support and faster execution speeds.
- Want a wider range of tradable instruments, including indices and commodities.
Choose Tickmill if you...
- Are a beginner or low-volume trader with a smaller deposit.
- Prefer a simpler platform experience with MT4/MT5 only.
- Value lower minimum deposit requirements ($25 vs. $200).
- Want a broker with strong FCA regulation for added security.
For Taiwan traders in 2026, IC Markets emerges as the superior choice with a higher trust score (4.8/5), tighter spreads, and more advanced platform options like cTrader. It is ideal for active traders who prioritize low costs and fast execution. Tickmill (4/5) is a solid alternative, especially for beginners or those with smaller capital, offering competitive spreads and a lower minimum deposit. Both brokers support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, ensuring smooth transactions for Taiwan users. While neither is regulated by the local financial regulator, their international licenses provide adequate protection. Ultimately, IC Markets is recommended for most Taiwan traders seeking a comprehensive trading experience, while Tickmill is a cost-effective option for those starting out.