Pionex and Tickmill present two paths into crypto trading: a native exchange with built-in bots versus a regulated CFD broker. The tension centers on security, asset depth, and fees.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose Pionex if you want a native exchange with built-in automation and a flat 0.05% maker/taker fee.
Choose if…
Choose Tickmill if you want regulated crypto CFDs with ECN execution and compensation coverage.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads From | N/A | 0 pips |
| Taker Fee | 0.05%▼ lower | 6.00% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Pionex | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Pass | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Fail | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: Pionex rates 4/5 and Tickmill rates 3.9/5. Pionex has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
Tickmill lists a spread from 0. Current spread data is not available for Pionex. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Pionex has no minimum deposit, while Tickmill requires at least $100. This makes Pionex more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Tickmill holds top-tier regulation (CySEC, FCA, FSCA), providing stronger investor protections. Pionex may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, two factors stand out: Pionex has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and Tickmill provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Pionex offers up to 5:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Tickmill's 2:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
Pionex charges $0.05 per trade, lower than Tickmill's $6 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. Crypto fees are typically quoted as maker/taker rates rather than fixed per-trade commissions; check each exchange's fee schedule for volume-based discounts.
Pionex supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while Tickmill supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Pionex has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. Tickmill has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
Pionex scores better on fee criteria (no deposit fee, no inactivity fee). Always check both exchanges' current fee schedules, as maker/taker rates and withdrawal fees vary and are subject to change.
Tickmill wins for security due to top-tier regulation and compensation coverage.
Pionex wins for beginners with built-in bots and a simple flat fee.
Equally matched on DeFi and Web3 features.
| N/A |
| 0.6 pips |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | CryptoBank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | CryptoBank transfer | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Network fee only | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | MAS | CySEC FCA FSCA |
|---|
| Cold Storage | Yes | No |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | No |
|---|
| Staking | No | No |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | No |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Pionex and Tickmill are closely matched overall; the clearest differentiator is Tickmill's top-tier regulation and compensation schemes.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.9 / 5
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