HFM vs Tickmill
Unsure whether HFM or Tickmill is the better fit for your trading style? This broker comparison between HFM and Tickmill reviews regulation and safety, spreads and costs, platforms and tools, tradable markets, deposits and withdrawals, account types, and other essentials to help you decide.
Who is HFM?
HFM, previously known as HotForex, started in 2010 and has evolved into a global multi-asset broker serving millions of traders worldwide. Focusing on accessible and secure market participation, it provides forex and a wide range of CFDs across various account types to a large international client base. The official website is www.hfm.com.
The minimum deposit required to start trading with HFM is $0.
Who is Tickmill?
Tickmill, founded in 2014, is a global forex and CFD broker known for its strong regulatory framework, fast trade execution, and client-focused approach, catering to both retail and professional traders. The broker offers access to a wide range of major markets through popular trading platforms and advanced tools. The official website is www.tickmill.com.
The minimum deposit required to start trading is $100.
HFM vs Tickmill Side-by-Side Comparison
HFM, founded in 2010, is regulated by the FSCA (South Africa), FSA (Seychelles), FSC (Mauritius), CMA (Kenya), CySEC (Cyprus), FCA (United Kingdom) and DFSA (Dubai, UAE) and maintains local offices in Kingstown and Larnaca. The broker supports a multi-platform setup with MT4, MT5 and HFM App, the minimum deposit to start trading with real funds is set at $0, and traders can choose account base currencies such as USD, NGN, INR, KES, TBH, JPY, ZAR, SGD and PHP.
The broker operates under a hybrid model (A+B Book), aiming to balance execution quality and pricing. Funding options cover credit and debit cards, bank wire transfers, e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller, Perfect Money, Fasapay), crypto and mobile money, giving flexibility for regional and international clients.
In comparison, Tickmill, established in 2014, is regulated by the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), DFSA (UAE), FSA (Seychelles) and FSCA (South Africa) and operates local offices in Johannesburg, Victoria, London, Dubai and Limassol. It offers platform access to MT4, MT5, TradingView and Tickmill Trader. Opening a real account requires a minimum deposit of $100, and base currencies are available in USD, EUR, GBP, PLN, CHF and ZAR.
The company also follows a hybrid model (A+B Book), providing a balance between direct market access and internal liquidity. For deposits and withdrawals, clients can use credit and debit cards, bank transfers, crypto, e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller, Paypal, Trustly) and crypto.
HFM vs Tickmill Market Instruments
HFM lists 500+ market instruments, with CFDs on forex, indices, commodities, stocks, etfs, crypto and bonds. The lineup includes around 50+ forex pairs, 89 stocks, 20+ indices, 10+ commodities, and 10 crypto pairs.
Tickmill offers a slightly broader selection, with 600+ assets available. offering CFDs on forex, stocks, indices, commodities, etfs and cryptocurrencies, spanning roughly 60+ forex pairs, 490 stocks, 19 indices, 19 commodities, and 13 crypto pairs.
HFM vs Tickmill Account Types
HFM vs Tickmill Spreads Comparison
This comparison focuses on minimum and average spreads on standard accounts for HFM and Tickmill. Actual spreads vary with account type, liquidity, and volatility, so it is best to confirm the latest figures on each broker’s website before trading.
Looking at minimum spreads, HFM lists EUR/USD from 1.4 pips versus Tickmill at 1.6 pips. For GBP/USD the minimum is 1.6 pips at HFM against 1.6 pips at Tickmill. USD/CAD starts from 1.9 pips at HFM compared with 1.6 pips at Tickmill, while CAD/JPY is 2.2 pips at HFM versus 1.6 pips at Tickmill.
Regarding commodity spreads at HFM, XAU/USD (Gold) begins at $0.25, WTI Crude Oil starts from $0.03, and Bitcoin shows minimum spreads from $18. At Tickmill, XAU/USD (Gold) is N/A, WTI Crude Oil is N/A, and Bitcoin is N/A.
Neither HFM nor Tickmill provide information on average spreads for their standard accounts.
HFM vs Tickmill Minimum Spreads Comparison
HFM vs Tickmill Average Spreads Comparison
Costs on Raw/Zero Spread Account
HFM and Tickmill both provide raw/zero spread account options. On these accounts, HFM quotes a minimum spread of 0.0 pips with a commission of $3.0 per side per lot, while Tickmill also offers a minimum spread of 0.0 pips with a commission of $3.0 per side per lot.
This structure keeps spreads ultra-low while shifting part of the cost into commissions. Because spreads respond to liquidity and volatility, always check each broker’s website for current pricing and any fee changes.
Other Features
HFM vs Tickmill: Wrapping Up the Comparison
HFM and Tickmill are established global brokers, founded in 2010 and 2014. HFM is regulated by the FSCA (South Africa), FSA (Seychelles), FSC (Mauritius), CMA (Kenya), CySEC (Cyprus), FCA (United Kingdom) and DFSA (Dubai, UAE), while Tickmill is overseen by the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), DFSA (UAE), FSA (Seychelles) and FSCA (South Africa). Platform coverage is broad: HFM supports MT4, MT5 and HFM App; Tickmill provides MT4, MT5, TradingView and Tickmill Trader.
Funding and pricing differ. HFM sets a lower entry point with a minimum deposit of $0, compared with Tickmill’s $100. In terms of market breadth, HFM lists 500+ instruments, and Tickmill goes up to 600+. On EUR/USD, minimum spreads start from 1.4 pips at HFM and 1.6 pips at Tickmill.
Both brokers provide a Standard account, a demo account, and an Islamic swap-free option. Copy trading is available on both sides, via HFCopy at HFM and through Tickmill Social Trading and ZuluTrade at Tickmill. For variety, HFM also lists additional account types such as Cent, Pro and Pro Plus, whereas Tickmill does not advertise extra formats beyond its main accounts.
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