XM Group vs Tickmill: Complete Comparison 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
New Zealand traders face a strong choice between XM Group (rated 4.7/5) and Tickmill (rated 4/5). Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, providing a secure environment for retail traders. XM Group excels with its extensive product range, including over 1,000 instruments, while Tickmill focuses on low-cost trading with tight spreads. For New Zealanders, local payment options like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 are available at both brokers. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, this comparison highlights the key differences to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals in the New Zealand market.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | XM Group | 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 | $5 | $100 | Tickmill |
For New Zealand traders, trading costs are a critical factor. XM Group offers standard spreads from 1.0 pips on EUR/USD with zero commission, suitable for lower-volume traders. Tickmill’s Pro account provides raw spreads from 0.0 pips plus a $3 per lot commission, making it cheaper for high-volume scalpers. On a typical 10-lot trade per month, Tickmill saves about $50 in spread costs compared to XM Group. However, XM Group’s no-commission model simplifies cost calculation for casual traders.
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | XM Group | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $100 |
Leverage Comparison - New Zealand Traders
| Entity / Asset | XM Group | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (offshore) | Up to 1:1000 | Up to 1:1000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:1000 | 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 | XM Group | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | XM Group |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | XM Group |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | XM Group |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Tickmill |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | XM Group | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers provide MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the industry-standard platforms popular among New Zealand traders. XM Group also offers its own XM WebTrader and mobile apps with advanced charting tools. Tickmill focuses on raw MT4/MT5 performance with fast execution. For New Zealand traders needing flexibility, XM Group’s additional platforms are a plus, while Tickmill’s streamlined approach suits those who prefer pure MT4/MT5.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | XM Group | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Tickmill |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | XM Group |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Tickmill boasts an average execution speed of 0.30 seconds, ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders. XM Group’s execution is reliable but slightly slower at around 0.50 seconds. Both brokers use No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution, ensuring no requotes. For New Zealand traders prioritizing speed, Tickmill has the edge.
Regulation & Safety for New Zealand Traders
| Safety Factor | XM Group | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
XM Group and Tickmill are both licensed by the local financial regulator, ensuring adherence to New Zealand’s strict financial standards. This means client funds are held in segregated accounts, and brokers must meet capital adequacy requirements. For New Zealand traders, this regulation provides peace of mind against broker insolvency. XM Group also holds multiple international licenses, adding an extra layer of oversight, while Tickmill focuses on core regulatory compliance in key jurisdictions.
Deposits & Withdrawals for New Zealand
| Payment Method | XM Group | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Visa/Mastercard and e-wallets near-instant to 1-2 business days; bank wire several days | Most withdrawals 1 business day; bank wire 1-3 days, Credit/Debit Cards: Up to 8 working days. |
New Zealand traders can fund accounts via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both brokers. XM Group offers a $5 minimum deposit, making it accessible for beginners, while Tickmill requires $100. Withdrawals via Skrill and Neteller are processed within 24 hours, while Bank Transfer takes 1-3 business days. USDT TRC20 deposits are instant and fee-free at both brokers. XM Group does not charge withdrawal fees, but Tickmill may apply a small fee for certain methods. Overall, both brokers offer convenient local payment options.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for New Zealand Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | XM Group | 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 XM Group and Tickmill offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for New Zealand Muslim traders. XM Group provides swap-free accounts on all account types without additional fees, while Tickmill offers them on request with no extra charges. These accounts comply with Sharia law by eliminating overnight interest. New Zealand traders must contact customer support to activate the feature. Both brokers handle this transparently, though XM Group’s process is slightly more straightforward.
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | XM Group | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | XM Group |
XM Group offers 24/5 multilingual customer support via live chat, phone, and email, with dedicated New Zealand phone lines. Tickmill provides 24/5 support through live chat and email, but lacks local phone support. For New Zealand traders, XM Group’s round-the-clock availability and local contact options are a clear advantage.
Mobile App Comparison
| Mobile Feature | XM Group | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | XM Group |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | XM Group |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | XM Group | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | XM Group |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | XM Group |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
XM Group
Tickmill
Who Should Use Which Broker? - New Zealand Guide
Choose XM Group if you...
- Are a beginner retail trader seeking educational resources and demo accounts.
- Want a low minimum deposit ($5) to start trading.
- Prefer commission-free trading with standard spreads.
- Need 24/5 local phone support in New Zealand.
Choose Tickmill if you...
- Are an experienced scalper or high-volume trader.
- Require the tightest spreads (from 0.0 pips) for major pairs.
- Value ultra-fast execution for algorithmic trading.
- Are comfortable with a $100 minimum deposit for lower costs.
FAQ - XM Group vs Tickmill in New Zealand
Final Verdict - New Zealand 2026
For New Zealand retail traders, XM Group (4.7/5) is the better all-rounder due to its lower entry barrier, extensive educational tools, and local support. Tickmill (4/5) excels in cost efficiency and execution speed, making it ideal for serious traders. Both brokers accept local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and are regulated by the local financial regulator. Your choice depends on your trading style: choose XM Group for ease and variety, or Tickmill for raw performance and lowest spreads.