Which broker is better for New Zealand traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
New Zealand retail traders looking for a reliable forex broker often compare Oanda and Tickmill. While Oanda is a well-known brand with decades of history and a strong reputation for transparency, Tickmill has quickly gained popularity among Kiwis for its low-cost trading environment. Both brokers are regulated by New Zealand’s local financial regulator, ensuring a safe trading experience. For New Zealanders accustomed to using local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and even USDT TRC20, both brokers offer flexible deposit and withdrawal options. In this comparison, we examine spreads, platforms, regulation, and key features specifically for New Zealand traders, helping you decide which broker aligns better with your trading style. Tickmill edges ahead with a higher overall score of 4/5 compared to Oanda’s 3.6/5, but the final choice depends on your trading priorities.
| Instrument | Oanda | 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 | $0 | $100 | Oanda |
For New Zealand traders, trading costs are a critical factor, especially for those who trade frequently. Tickmill’s Raw account offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a low $3 per lot commission per side, making it ideal for scalpers and day traders. In contrast, Oanda’s standard account has spreads that average around 1.2 pips on major pairs with no commission. Over 100 trades per month, Tickmill can save a Kiwi trader hundreds of dollars in combined spread and commission costs. Oanda’s costs are simpler but higher overall, which may suit less active traders who prefer a commission-free model. For New Zealanders trading USD-based pairs, Tickmill’s tighter spreads translate directly to lower transaction costs.
| Account Type | Oanda | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | Oanda | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (offshore) | Up to 1:100 | Up to 1:1000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:100 | 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 |
| Asset Class | Oanda | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Oanda |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Oanda |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Oanda |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Tickmill |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Oanda | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
New Zealand traders need robust, reliable platforms with good charting tools and fast execution. Oanda offers its proprietary platform alongside MT4 and TradingView, providing flexibility for technical analysis. Tickmill provides MT4 and MT5, which are widely preferred by active traders for their custom indicators and algorithmic trading support. Both brokers have mobile apps compatible with iOS and Android. For New Zealanders who trade on the go, Tickmill’s MT5 offers additional timeframes and order types. Oanda’s web platform is intuitive for beginners, but experienced Kiwis may lean towards Tickmill’s MT4/5 due to better automation and backtesting capabilities.
| Factor | Oanda | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Tickmill |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Oanda |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality is vital for New Zealand traders, especially those using scalping or news strategies. Tickmill has a strong reputation for fast execution with an average latency under 10ms, using dedicated servers in Equinix LD4 and NY4. Oanda’s execution is also reliable but averages around 15-20ms. Both brokers offer no dealing desk (NDD) execution on most accounts, minimising requotes. Tickmill’s slightly lower latency and tighter spreads give it an edge for high-frequency traders, while Oanda’s execution is more consistent during volatile market conditions.
| Safety Factor | Oanda | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a top priority for New Zealand traders. Oanda is regulated in multiple jurisdictions including the US, UK, and EU, and holds a license from New Zealand’s local financial regulator (FMA). Tickmill is also regulated by the FMA for its New Zealand operations, along with the FCA and CySEC. This means both brokers must comply with local client fund segregation rules and leverage limits. For New Zealand retail traders, this provides peace of mind knowing their funds are kept in separate accounts and that the Financial Dispute Resolution Scheme covers complaints. Tickmill’s lower score on trustpilot is offset by its strong regulatory standing, while Oanda’s long history adds extra confidence.
| Payment Method | Oanda | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 5 business days | Most withdrawals 1 business day; bank wire 1-3 days, Credit/Debit Cards: Up to 8 working days. |
New Zealand traders enjoy multiple convenient deposit and withdrawal options at both Oanda and Tickmill. Both accept Bank Transfer (local NZ banks and international wire), Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 for cryptocurrency deposits. Oanda also accepts credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and PayPal, while Tickmill supports additional e-wallets like WebMoney and Perfect Money. Minimum deposits are low: Oanda requires $1 for bank transfer and $20 for e-wallets; Tickmill’s minimum is $100 for bank transfer but $10 for Skrill/Neteller. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours to the same methods for both brokers. USDT TRC20 deposits are especially useful for Kiwis who want fast, low-fee funding without currency conversion. Neither broker charges deposit fees, though international bank transfers may incur intermediary charges.
| Islamic Account Feature | Oanda | 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 |
New Zealand Muslim traders can open Islamic (swap-free) accounts at both Oanda and Tickmill. These accounts comply with Sharia law by eliminating or adjusting swap/rollover interest on overnight positions. Oanda offers Islamic accounts upon request for all account types, with a small administrative fee applied after a holding period. Tickmill provides swap-free accounts for its Standard and Raw accounts with no additional fees, though the broker reserves the right to revert to standard conditions if abused. Both brokers require proof of Islamic faith or declaration. For New Zealand traders who observe Islamic finance principles, Tickmill’s straightforward swap-free terms are slightly more attractive.
| Support Feature | Oanda | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Oanda |
Customer support is accessible for New Zealand traders via live chat, email, and phone. Oanda offers 24/5 live chat and phone support in English, with a dedicated team for Oceania. Tickmill provides 24/7 live chat and email support, with phone support during market hours. Both brokers have helpful FAQ sections and support ticket systems. Tickmill’s 24/7 chat is a plus for Kiwis trading outside standard hours. Response times are generally under 5 minutes for chat and within a few hours for email at both brokers.
| Mobile Feature | Oanda | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Oanda |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Oanda |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | Oanda |
| Resource | Oanda | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | Oanda |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Oanda |
Choose Oanda if you...
Choose Tickmill if you...
After comparing Oanda vs Tickmill for New Zealand traders, Tickmill emerges as the stronger choice for cost-conscious and active traders. Its lower spreads, faster execution, and higher overall score (4/5 vs 3.6/5) make it a compelling option. However, Oanda remains a solid choice for Kiwis who prioritise brand trust, comprehensive research, and a commission-free model. Both brokers are regulated by New Zealand’s local financial regulator and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. For most New Zealand retail traders, especially those trading USD pairs frequently, Tickmill offers better value. Oanda may suit beginners or those who prefer a more established platform with integrated tools. Test both with a demo account to see which fits your trading style best.