The Matchup · Tickmill vs Exness
Tested live · 2026 UK
Tickmill
$2/lot, cheapest commission globally. Tickmill runs on MT4, MT5 with 24/5 Live Chat support and a free UK demo account.
Regulation
FCA, CySEC, FSA, FSCA
Founded
2014
EUR/USD Spread
0.0-0.2 pips
Commission
$2/lot (Pro)
Min Deposit
$100
Max Leverage
1:500
- $2/lot, cheapest commission globally
- FCA regulated
- Excellent for scalping
Exness
Instant withdrawals. Exness runs on MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal with 24/7 Live Chat support and a free UK demo account.
Regulation
International entities; UK retail unavailable
Founded
2008
EUR/USD Spread
0.0-0.3 pips
Commission
$3.5/lot (Raw)
Min Deposit
$1
Max Leverage
Unlimited
- Instant withdrawals
- Unlimited leverage
- $1 deposit
Head-to-head in one line: Tickmill scores 4.4/5 with a Trustpilot score of 4.0/5, while Exness scores 4.8/5 with 4.6/5. Tickmill provides the relevant FCA-regulated UK retail route and lower stated raw-account commission. Exness conditions apply only to eligible international clients and are not a UK retail option.
Side-by-Side Snapshot
The table below is the 30-second view, every key metric we score, with the column winner highlighted. Read on for the narrative behind each number.
Overall Rating
Min. Deposit
Typical Spread
Commission
Regulation
Trading Platforms
Max Leverage
Markets
Trustpilot
Withdrawals
Founded
Spreads, Commissions & Total Cost
Trading costs are the single biggest variable that decides which broker is genuinely cheaper for your style. Tickmill quotes a typical EUR/USD spread of 0.0-0.2 pips with $2/lot (Pro), while Exness quotes 0.0-0.3 pips with $3.5/lot (Raw). Those headline figures are usually advertised under ideal conditions: London open with deep liquidity. During the Asian session, rollover at 22:00 GMT or major UK and US data releases, both brokers will widen spreads, sometimes materially.
Look beyond the spread. Commission structures, swap rates on overnight positions, currency conversion fees on a GBP base account and inactivity fees can quietly double your real cost of trading. Spread-only accounts look cheaper on paper but bake the broker margin into a wider quote, whereas raw-spread accounts plus a per-lot commission often work out cheaper for traders running more than 5 lots a week.
Tickmill
0.0-0.2 pips
Typical EUR/USD spread. Commission $2/lot (Pro). Min deposit $100. Max leverage 1:500.
Exness
0.0-0.3 pips
Typical EUR/USD spread. Commission $3.5/lot (Raw). Min deposit $1. Max leverage Unlimited.
Platforms & Trading Tools
Tickmill ships with MT4, MT5, while Exness runs MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal. The platform stack matters more than most UK traders realise: charting depth, order-type breadth, mobile parity and API access all change how you execute a strategy under pressure.
For discretionary chart traders, both brokers cover the basics, multi-timeframe analysis, drawing tools, watchlists and a usable mobile app. For algorithmic traders, MetaTrader access is non-negotiable, and so is server uptime during high-volatility windows like the FOMC release or UK CPI. Tickmill gives access to 200+, while Exness covers 200+.
Regulation, FSCS & Client Money Protection
Tickmill is authorised by FCA, CySEC, FSA, FSCA and Exness by International entities; UK retail unavailable. FCA authorisation is the gold standard for UK retail traders. It means client money is segregated from the broker's own balance sheet at a tier-1 UK bank, negative balance protection is enforced for retail clients, leverage on major FX pairs is capped at 30:1 for UK retail accounts and CFD risk warnings must disclose retail loss percentages, currently 73% at Tickmill and 72% at Exness.
Where a firm is FCA-authorised, eligible UK clients are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme and could claim up to £85,000 per person, per firm, if the broker became insolvent. Always confirm which legal entity will hold your money at sign-up, because offshore entities in the same group do not carry FSCS cover.
Pros & Cons Compared
Tickmill
Pros
- $2/lot, cheapest commission globally
- FCA regulated
- Excellent for scalping
- Free VPS hosting
- Same-day withdrawals
Cons
- $100 minimum deposit
- Only 200+ instruments
- No copy trading
- Smaller brand recognition
Exness
Pros
- Instant withdrawals
- Unlimited leverage
- $1 deposit
- Swap-free majors
- 22,000+ reviews
Cons
- $3.5/lot commission, higher than Tickmill
- Basic education
- No VPS hosting benefit
- Fewer account tiers
Who Should Choose Which Broker
Choose Tickmill if…
You want scalpers, high-frequency traders, cost-optimisers. With a 4.4/5 overall score, a minimum deposit of $100, spreads from 0.0-0.2 pips and MT4, MT5 as your platform options, Tickmill suits UK traders who value $2/lot, cheapest commission globally.
Choose Exness if…
You want all-round traders, instant withdrawal needs, unlimited leverage strategies. With a 4.8/5 overall score, a minimum deposit of $1, spreads from 0.0-0.3 pips and MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal as your platform options, Exness fits UK traders who value instant withdrawals.
Worked Cost Example, 10 Lots a Month
Assume a UK trader running 10 standard lots of EUR/USD per month on a GBP-base account, spread-only. Using the typical advertised spreads, the indicative monthly spread cost is roughly:
Tickmill
~£0.00
Based on 0 pip × £10/pip × 10 lots
Exness
~£0.00
Based on 0 pip × £10/pip × 10 lots
Indicative only. Actual cost depends on live spreads, account type, commission tier, swap charges on overnight positions and GBP/USD conversion. Always confirm with the broker's live cost calculator before opening a position.
Funding, Account Types, Support and Education Compared
Once spreads and platforms have been weighed up, the day-to-day experience of running an account is decided by less visible details: how quickly money moves in and out, which account tiers you qualify for, what happens when you need a human being on the phone, and how much genuinely useful research is published each week. These are the areas where Tickmill and Exness tend to separate for UK traders, and they are the reasons people move brokers after the first year rather than the first week.
Both firms accept UK debit cards and bank transfers in GBP, both complete mandated identity and source-of-funds checks before releasing a first withdrawal, and both hold retail client money in segregated accounts. Where they differ is in processing windows, the number of account tiers offered and the depth of the education library aimed specifically at UK retail clients rather than a global audience.
Tickmill
- Funding and withdrawals
- Deposits from $100 via Bank, Card, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto, with withdrawals settled in Same day back to the original funding method.
- Platforms and account tiers
- MT4, MT5. Account types: Classic, Pro, VIP, with a free demo on every platform so you can test execution before funding.
- Education and research
- Webinars, ebooks. Support is 24/5 Live Chat, which matters when a position is open and something goes wrong.
- Safety net
- FCA, CySEC, FSA, FSCA, trading since 2014, negative balance protection for retail clients and a published retail loss rate of 73%.
Exness
- Funding and withdrawals
- Deposits from $1 via Bank, Card, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto, with withdrawals settled in Instant back to the original funding method.
- Platforms and account tiers
- MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal. Account types: Standard, Raw, Zero, Pro, with a free demo on every platform so you can test execution before funding.
- Education and research
- Basic guides. Support is 24/7 Live Chat, which matters when a position is open and something goes wrong.
- Safety net
- International entities; UK retail unavailable, trading since 2008, negative balance protection for retail clients and a published retail loss rate of 72%.
How to Decide Between Tickmill and Exness
There is no universally correct answer to this match-up, because both brokers meet the same minimum standards on client money, leverage caps and risk disclosure. What changes is fit. The six checks below are the ones our test desk works through before recommending one broker over another, and they take under an hour to complete yourself.
1. Price your own trade size
Take the number of lots you realistically trade in a month and multiply it by the quoted spread plus any commission. On the figures above, Tickmill costs roughly £0.00 a month at 10 lots against £0.00 for Exness. Small differences compound quickly at higher volume.
2. Test the platform you will actually use
Open a demo on MT4 and MT4 and place the same order both ways. Charting depth matters less than whether you can size, place and close a position quickly under pressure.
3. Check the spread during your session
Advertised spreads are captured in ideal conditions. If you trade the Asian session, at rollover, or in the minutes around UK CPI and US non-farm payrolls, screenshot the live quotes at both brokers before deciding.
4. Confirm the entity and product
Verify which regulated entity will hold your money. Tickmill operates under FCA, CySEC, FSA, FSCA; Exness under International entities; UK retail unavailable. Only the UK-authorised entity carries FCA conduct rules and FSCS cover.
5. Stress-test withdrawals early
Fund the minimum, place one small trade, then request a withdrawal. Tickmill settled in Same day and Exness in Instant in our testing.
6. Keep the safety net in view
Where FSCS cover applies it protects up to £85,000 per person, per firm. If your balance approaches that ceiling, splitting it across both brokers increases your total protected amount.
The Cost Battle: $2 vs $3.50 Per Lot
Tickmill's Pro account charges just $2/lot (round turn $4), the lowest in the industry. Exness's Raw Spread charges $3.50/lot (round turn $7). That's $3 saved per round turn with Tickmill. For a trader executing 200 lots/month, Tickmill saves $600/month or $7,200/year. However, Exness's swap-free major pairs can offset this for swing traders holding positions overnight, swap costs easily exceed $3 per lot on multi-day trades.
UK Retail Availability Is Not Equal
Exness (UK) Ltd appears on the FCA register but does not currently serve UK retail clients. Tickmill offers a UK retail route through an FCA-regulated entity; verify its current permissions and account agreement. The two brands must not be presented as providing identical UK protection.
Withdrawal Speed: Instant vs Same-Day
Exness processes e-wallet withdrawals instantly, funds appear in minutes. Tickmill processes same-day for e-wallets, which typically means within business hours. The practical difference: Exness withdrawals at 11 PM on Friday arrive instantly; Tickmill's would process the next business day. For traders who need immediate access to funds, Exness's true instant processing is superior.
Leverage: 1:500 vs Unlimited
Exness's unlimited leverage is unique in the industry. Tickmill's 1:500 is generous but standard among international brokers. Exness does not currently offer a UK retail account; unlimited leverage belongs to certain overseas entities. Active FCA-regulated UK retail accounts are capped by product. For professional clients or offshore accounts, Exness's unlimited leverage enables strategies impossible with Tickmill's 1:500 cap, though very few strategies genuinely require leverage beyond 1:500.
Scalping Suitability
Both brokers welcome scalpers. Tickmill's lower commission gives scalpers a direct cost advantage on every trade. Exness's slightly tighter average spreads partially offset this. For scalpers taking 50+ trades per day, Tickmill's $2/lot commission delivers the best cost structure. For scalpers who also hold some positions overnight, Exness's swap-free feature adds value.
VPS Hosting: Tickmill's Free Offer
Tickmill offers free VPS hosting for accounts with $5,000+ balance and 5+ lots traded monthly. Exness does not offer free VPS. For EA traders running automated strategies 24/5, this saves $20-50/month on VPS costs. Combined with Tickmill's lower commission, EA traders get a compelling package of low costs and free infrastructure.
Our 2026 Verdict
Tickmill and Exness finish level in our scoring, so the deciding factor is trading style rather than headline quality. Tickmill provides the relevant FCA-regulated UK retail route and lower stated raw-account commission. Exness conditions apply only to eligible international clients and are not a UK retail option. Pick Tickmill for scalpers, high-frequency traders, cost-optimisers, and Exness for all-round traders, instant withdrawal needs, unlimited leverage strategies.
Our practical recommendation: open a free demo with both, run your normal setup for two trading weeks, and let live execution, spreads and platform feel make the final call.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions UK traders send us most often about Tickmill and Exness, their spreads, regulation and how our live testing works.
1.Is Tickmill better than Exness for UK traders in 2026?
Tickmill has an overall rating of 4.4/5 compared to Exness's 4.8/5 in our independent UK testing. Tickmill provides the relevant FCA-regulated UK retail route and lower stated raw-account commission. Exness conditions apply only to eligible international clients and are not a UK retail option. Casual UK retail traders will not be locked out of either, but cost-sensitive scalpers should compare the live spreads daily before committing.
2.Are both Tickmill and Exness FCA regulated and FSCS protected?
Tickmill is regulated by FCA, CySEC, FSA, FSCA and Exness by International entities; UK retail unavailable. Check which entity will actually hold your money, because FCA cover and FSCS protection only apply to the UK-authorised entity. Negative balance protection applies on retail CFD accounts at both firms.
3.Which broker has lower spreads, Tickmill or Exness?
Tickmill advertises EUR/USD from 0.0-0.2 pips with $2/lot (Pro) commission, while Exness advertises 0.0-0.3 pips with $3.5/lot (Raw). Real spreads widen during news releases, the Asia session and rollover, so headline numbers are a guide rather than a guarantee.
4.Can I use MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5 with both brokers?
Tickmill supports MT4, MT5, while Exness supports MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal. Both provide free demo accounts so you can stress-test execution, charting and order types before funding.
5.Which broker is safer for a UK beginner?
Both firms are held to the conduct standards of their regulators, so the headline protections are broadly comparable. The practical difference comes down to education quality, deposit minimums and platform complexity: Tickmill offers Webinars, ebooks against Exness's Basic guides, with minimum deposits of $100 and $1 respectively.
6.How long do deposits and withdrawals take with Tickmill and Exness?
Tickmill settled withdrawals in Same day in our tests, against Instant on Exness. Tickmill funds via Bank, Card, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto; Exness via Bank, Card, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto. A first withdrawal can take longer because identity and source-of-funds checks are completed before the payment is released.
7.What are the account types on each broker?
Tickmill offers Classic, Pro, VIP, while Exness offers Standard, Raw, Zero, Pro. Both cap the first withdrawal to the original funding source under anti-money-laundering rules.
8.Can I hold an account with both Tickmill and Exness at the same time?
Yes, and many experienced UK traders do exactly that. Running two accounts gives you a fallback if one platform suffers an outage during a volatile session, and it lets you route different strategies to whichever broker prices them better. The trade-offs are more admin at tax time and split margin that reduces buying power in each account.
9.Which broker is better for scalping and high-frequency strategies?
Scalpers are the most cost-sensitive traders, so the choice is decided by the all-in cost per round turn. Tickmill quotes 0.0-0.2 pips plus $2/lot (Pro), against Exness's 0.0-0.3 pips plus $3.5/lot (Raw). Run at least two weeks of your normal strategy on both and log actual fill prices rather than quoted ones.
CFD Risk Warning
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 73% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with Tickmill. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
CFD Risk Warning
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 72% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with Exness. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Keep Researching
Everything else worth reading before you open an account — full reviews, other head-to-heads and our UK broker guides, all in one place.
More Head-to-Heads
Senior Broker Analyst
9+ years experience · Speciality: Broker Reviews, Regulation, Trading Platforms
Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge from her 9-year tenure in the financial services industry, including roles at two FCA-regulated brokerages. She specialises in evaluating broker platforms, fee structures, and regulatory compliance. Her detailed broker reviews have helped thousands of UK traders find reliable, transparent trading partners. Sarah is a CFA Level II candidate and contributes regularly to industry publications on topics related to retail trading infrastructure.
View full profile →