Alright, I’m ready to pick a scalping broker but I need to make the decision based on something more than forum chatter and advertised features.
I’ve read a lot about Tickmill being solid for scalping, and I know people use IC Markets, Pepperstone, and others. But when I look at raw numbers on their websites, the comparison is confusing because different brokers show spreads different ways, and they all have different commission structures.
What I really want to know is: after you crunch all the numbers - spreads, commissions, GlobeGain rebates - which broker actually comes out cheapest and most reliable for someone who wants to scalp EUR/USD and GBP/USD consistently?
I’m not asking for opinions on which one feels better or has the nicest website. I want to know if Tickmill beats the alternatives on cost, or if there’s a clear winner that costs less per trade when rebates are included.
Has anyone in this community actually done a side-by-side cost comparison of Tickmill against 2-3 other brokers using the same trading volume and same instruments? What were your actual numbers, and which broker won?
Test all three yourself. Numbers change monthly based on spreads.
IC Markets is cheapest. Tickmill is second. Personal choice otherwise.
The winner depends on your volume and trading hours. Spreads fluctuate, so any comparison is a snapshot.
For consistent mid-volume scalping (100-200 trades monthly): IC Markets typically edges out Tickmill on cost. For very high volume (500+ trades), IC Markets’ volume discounts kick in harder.
But execution quality during London and New York opens matters more than 1-2 pips annual cost variance. Test each broker for two weeks with your real strategy. Track entries and exits versus market prices. Let actual execution data decide, not spreadsheet math.
Fair comparison requires controlling variables: same instrument, same lot size, same time period, same conditions.
Set up EUR/USD scalping on three accounts. Trade 30 days on each. Every trade must be identical timing and position size. Result: your actual cost per trade on each platform.
Then add GlobeGain rebates specific to your volume tier on each. That’s your decision data. Raw costs matter, but your success depends on which broker matches your technique best.
I’ve been trading Tickmill and IC Markets side by side for a few months. IC Markets is cheaper on a per-trade basis, especially with GlobeGain rebates factored in.
But for me, Tickmill’s slightly better execution during morning hours made the extra cost worth it. It really comes down to your personal trading schedule and preferences.
Instead of asking which is best overall, focus on which broker works best for your specific scalping style and the times you trade most.
The cost difference between Tickmill and IC Markets on rebates is rarely more than $20-30 per month. If one has better execution for you, that’s worth it.
IC Markets costs less. Tickmill is second. Both work for scalping.
All three brokers are cheap enough now that execution quality matters more than tiny cost differences.
Pepperstone and IC Markets edge out Tickmill slightly on cost but spreads vary daily.
Did a detailed cost benchmark six months ago comparing Tickmill, IC Markets, and Pepperstone. Took every single trade I made on each broker (yes I was testing all three), recorded spreads, commissions, and actual fills.
Over three months: Tickmill averaged $7.50 per lot cost, IC Markets $6.20, Pepperstone $6.80. After GlobeGain rebates, IC Markets dropped to $3.90 per lot, Tickmill to $4.70.
IC Markets won. But during volatile periods, Pepperstone’s fills were tighter. It’s not just about the math; it’s about where you actually scalp most.
Did the numbers suggest a clear winner? Yes. But my personal execution was better on Tickmill during 8-11am London time. So I chose Tickmill despite the higher cost. Don’t let spreadsheets override your actual trading performance.
Bottom line: IC Markets and Pepperstone typically beat Tickmill on pure cost after rebates. Usually 1.5-3 pips per lot cheaper monthly.
But Tickmill’s execution is solid, their platform is stable, and if you’re consistent with them, the slightly higher cost won’t kill your strategy.
Pick the broker where you can execute best, not where theory says you save the most. Your execution quality is worth way more than 1-2 pips per month.