Which broker is better for Saudi Arabia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Saudi Arabia traders seeking a reliable forex broker, the choice between XM Group and Tickmill is a critical decision. XM Group, with a strong score of 4.7/5, is renowned for its extensive product range, including over 1,000 instruments, and its robust educational platform tailored to high-net-worth individuals. Tickmill, scoring 4/5, excels in low-cost trading with competitive spreads and fast execution, appealing to active traders. Both brokers support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card, making deposits and withdrawals seamless in SAR. Given the CMA Saudi regulatory landscape, traders should consider each broker's licensing and services to align with their trading goals, whether prioritizing variety or cost efficiency.
| 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 |
When comparing trading costs for Saudi Arabia traders, Tickmill offers a clear advantage with spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its Pro account and a commission of $3 per lot per side. XM Group's Zero account has spreads from 0.6 pips with a $5 commission per lot. For high-volume traders in Saudi Arabia, Tickmill's lower spreads can reduce costs significantly, especially on frequent trades. XM Group's standard account, however, has no commission but wider spreads, which may suit smaller traders. Both brokers offer competitive pricing, but Tickmill edges out for cost-conscious traders.
| 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 |
| Entity / Asset | XM Group | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia (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 |
| 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 |
| Platform | XM Group | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both XM Group and Tickmill provide the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, which are popular among Saudi Arabia traders for their advanced charting tools and automated trading capabilities. XM Group also offers its proprietary XM WebTrader and mobile apps, enhancing accessibility for traders on the go. Tickmill focuses on MT4/MT5 with no additional proprietary platforms, but its platforms are optimized for fast execution. For Saudi traders who value flexibility, XM Group's broader platform ecosystem is a plus, while Tickmill's streamlined approach ensures reliability.
| 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 is known for its fast execution speeds, averaging under 40 milliseconds, with no requotes or slippage, making it ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders in Saudi Arabia. XM Group also offers reliable execution with a 99.35% fill rate, but its speeds are slightly slower. For Saudi traders focused on precision and speed, Tickmill's execution quality is superior, while XM Group provides a more balanced experience for varied trading styles.
| Safety Factor | XM Group | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
XM Group is regulated by multiple top-tier authorities, including the FCA (UK) and CySEC (Cyprus), while Tickmill is regulated by the FCA, CySEC, and the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA). Neither broker is directly regulated by the Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA), which means traders should rely on the brokers' international licenses for protection. XM Group's regulatory oversight is more extensive, offering additional security for high-net-worth Saudi traders. Tickmill's FCA regulation also provides strong client fund segregation, but its Seychelles entity may have less stringent rules. Both are considered safe, but XM Group has a slight edge in regulatory depth.
| 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. |
Depositing and withdrawing funds in Saudi Arabia is straightforward with both brokers. XM Group supports Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card deposits with no fees and instant processing. Minimum deposit is $5 for standard accounts. Tickmill also accepts these methods, with a $100 minimum deposit, and processes withdrawals within 24 hours. STC Pay is particularly useful for Saudi traders, enabling quick SAR transfers. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but Tickmill may have withdrawal fees for bank transfers. For high-net-worth individuals, XM Group's lower minimum deposit and wider fee-free options make it more accessible.
| 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 that comply with Sharia law, crucial for Muslim traders in Saudi Arabia. XM Group provides Islamic accounts on all account types, including Standard, Micro, and Zero, with no swap charges on overnight positions. Tickmill offers Islamic accounts on request, available on its Classic and Pro accounts, also with no swap fees. XM Group's policy is more transparent, with automatic conversion for clients in Muslim-majority regions. Tickmill requires a manual request, but both ensure no interest is charged, aligning with Saudi traders' religious requirements.
| 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 customer support in Arabic, including phone, email, and live chat, which is highly beneficial for Saudi Arabia traders. Tickmill provides support in English and other languages but lacks dedicated Arabic support, though its live chat is responsive. XM Group's Arabic-speaking team can assist with local payment queries and account issues, giving it an edge for Saudi clients who prefer communication in their native language.
| 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 |
| 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 |
Choose XM Group if you...
Choose Tickmill if you...
For Saudi Arabia traders, XM Group emerges as the stronger choice overall, with a 4.7/5 rating, thanks to its broader instrument selection, automatic Islamic accounts, and Arabic support. It is ideal for high-net-worth individuals who value convenience and variety. Tickmill, at 4/5, is a solid alternative for cost-focused traders, offering tighter spreads and faster execution. Both support local payments like Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card, but XM Group's lower minimum deposit and fee-free structure are more appealing. Given the lack of direct CMA regulation, traders should prioritize brokers with strong international oversight. Ultimately, XM Group provides a more comprehensive package for most Saudi traders.