This is a head-to-head on crypto CFDs across two regulated brokers. It pits a proprietary platform and broader coin list against established MT platforms and cost structures.
Skilling and Tickmill are closely matched overall, but the clearest differentiator is platform approach and coin selection alongside inactivity-fee policy.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Tickmill wins with FSCS coverage and strong FCA/CySEC oversight.
Tickmill wins for low fees with $2 per lot ECN commission.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $50▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads From | 0.7 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 6.00% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Skilling | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Fail | 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: Skilling rates 3.7/5 and Tickmill rates 3.9/5. Tickmill 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 lower spread from 0, compared with Skilling's 0.7. Crypto trading costs are typically quoted as a percentage of the trade value; check each exchange's full fee schedule, as maker/taker rates and volume discounts vary.
Skilling has $50, while Tickmill requires at least $100. This makes Skilling more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both Skilling and Tickmill hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each exchange's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: Skilling requires a lower minimum deposit ($50), lowering the barrier to entry, and both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Skilling offers up to 2:1 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.
Tickmill charges $6 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Skilling are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. 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.
Skilling supports cTrader, Skilling Trader, MetaTrader 4, while Tickmill supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. Skilling has exclusive access to cTrader and Skilling Trader. Tickmill has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
Skilling 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.
Skilling is better for beginners due to lower min deposit and approachable platform.
Equally matched.
| N/A |
| 0.6 pips |
| Inactivity Fee | $10/month (after 90 days) | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FSCA FCA CySEC | FSCA FCA CySEC |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | 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 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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