Choose CMC Markets if you want…
Discretionary traders wanting deep instrument coverage and a sophisticated proprietary platform from a publicly-listed UK broker.
CMC Markets
⭐ 4.5 / 5
VS
Tickmill
⭐ 4.5 / 5
CMC Markets vs Tickmill — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared CMC Markets and Tickmill across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. CMC Markets wins on more criteria (2 categories vs 1), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
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| CMC Markets | Tickmill | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | Tie |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland | FCA, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, FSCA, Labuan FSA | CMC Markets |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $100 | CMC Markets |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips (Next Generation) | 0.0 pips (Pro / Raw) | Tickmill |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (Professional) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (offshore) | — |
| Platforms | CMC Next Generation, MT4, CMC Mobile | MT4, MT5, Tickmill Trader | Tie |
| Founded | 1989 | 2014 | — |
| HQ | London, United Kingdom | London, UK / Limassol, Cyprus | — |
Pros & cons compared
CMC Markets pros
- ✓ Founded 1989 — among the oldest CFD brokers (LSE: CMCX)
- ✓ FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS — tier-1 regulators across major financial centres
- ✓ 12,000+ instruments — one of the broadest catalogues in retail CFDs
- ✓ Award-winning proprietary 'Next Generation' platform
- ✓ No minimum deposit
Cons
- ✗ Proprietary platform has a learning curve vs. MT4
- ✗ Spread on FX 'Standard' account (0.7 pips) wider than ECN brokers
- ✗ Limited cryptocurrency CFD coverage
Tickmill pros
- ✓ FCA + CySEC + FSCA + Labuan tier-1 + tier-2 regulators
- ✓ Pro account spreads from 0.0 pips with $2/lot commission (lowest in industry)
- ✓ Extremely scalper-friendly — no restrictions, fast execution
- ✓ Negative balance protection across all entities
- ✓ ISO 27001 certified — strong information security
Cons
- ✗ Smaller instrument catalogue (~150 vs 2,000+ at peers)
- ✗ Limited educational content
- ✗ $100 minimum deposit higher than budget brokers
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Which one should you choose?
Choose Tickmill if you want…
Cost-sensitive scalpers and high-volume traders who prioritise the lowest commissions on FX majors.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — CMC Markets or Tickmill?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), CMC Markets wins 2 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is CMC Markets more regulated than Tickmill?
CMC Markets holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland. Tickmill holds licenses from: FCA, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, FSCA, Labuan FSA. CMC Markets has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at CMC Markets vs Tickmill?
CMC Markets spreads start from 0.7 pips (Next Generation). Tickmill spreads start from 0.0 pips (Pro / Raw). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, CMC Markets or Tickmill?
CMC Markets: $0 (no minimum). Tickmill: $100. CMC Markets has the lower entry barrier.