Tickmill Commission Per Lot Guide, Covering Forex Trading Costs, Examples, and Risk Controls
Your complete guide to Tickmill commission per lot — understand the Raw, Classic, and VIP account cost structures, see real-world examples, and learn how to control trading costs effectively.
What Is Tickmill?
Tickmill is a global forex and CFD broker established in 2014, serving traders in over 180 countries. The broker is known for its low-cost trading environment, fast execution (averaging 20ms), and strong regulatory framework. Tickmill offers access to over 80 financial instruments across forex, indices, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.
The Tickmill Group comprises multiple regulated entities, including Tickmill UK Ltd (regulated by the FCA), Tickmill Europe Ltd (regulated by CySEC), Tickmill South Africa (Pty) Ltd (regulated by the FSCA), and Tickmill Ltd (regulated by the Seychelles FSA). This multi-jurisdictional structure allows the broker to serve clients globally with varying levels of regulatory protection.
One of Tickmill's key selling points is its transparent commission structure. The broker offers three main account types — Classic, Raw, and VIP — each with a different approach to commissions and spreads. Understanding Tickmill's commission per lot is essential for managing your trading costs effectively.
📘 Note on regulation: The entity that holds your account determines the regulatory protections available to you. UK clients under the FCA benefit from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000 per person. EU clients under CySEC are covered by the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) up to €20,000. Always verify your entity and the associated terms before trading.
Tickmill Commission Structure Overview
Tickmill's commission structure varies by account type. The table below provides a high-level overview of the commission and spread structure for each account.
| Account Type |
Commission (Per Lot) |
Spread (EURUSD) |
Best For |
| Classic |
None |
From 1.6 pips |
Low-frequency traders, beginners |
| Raw |
$6 per round-turn ($3 per side) |
From 0.0 pips |
Scalpers, day traders, high-volume traders |
| VIP |
Reduced commission (lower than Raw) |
From 0.0 pips |
Professional traders, high-volume clients |
In addition to commissions and spreads, Tickmill charges swap (overnight) fees on positions held beyond the daily cutoff. Triple swaps apply on Wednesday nights. All fees are transparently disclosed in the Client Area and on the official Tickmill website.
Raw Account Commission ($6 Per Lot)
The Tickmill Raw Account is designed for active traders who prioritise low spreads over zero commission. The Raw account charges a commission of $6 per round-turn lot (i.e., $3 per side).
How the Raw Account Commission Works
- Commission per side: $3 per lot (opening and closing each cost $3).
- Total per round-turn: $6 per lot (opening + closing).
- Spreads: From 0.0 pips on major pairs like EURUSD.
- Total cost example: For a 1-lot EURUSD trade with a 0.0-pip spread, the total cost is $6 (commission only).
Who Should Use the Raw Account?
- Scalpers: Tight spreads and low commissions make it ideal for capturing small price movements.
- Day traders: Frequent traders benefit from the low per-lot cost.
- High-volume traders: The Raw account is significantly cheaper than the Classic account for traders who trade more than 2–3 lots per month.
💡 Key insight: For a trader who trades 10 lots per month on EURUSD, the Raw account costs $60 in commissions (10 × $6). The Classic account would cost $160 in spread costs (10 × 1.6 pips × $10). The Raw account saves $100 per month.
Classic Account — No Commission
The Tickmill Classic Account has no commission but wider spreads. The Classic account is suitable for traders who prefer a simple cost structure with no per-trade commission.
How the Classic Account Works
- Commission: None.
- Spreads: From 1.6 pips on EURUSD.
- Total cost example: For a 1-lot EURUSD trade with a 1.6-pip spread, the total cost is $16 (1.6 pips × $10 per pip).
Who Should Use the Classic Account?
- Beginners: Simple cost structure with no commission calculations.
- Low-frequency traders: Traders who trade fewer than 2–3 lots per month may find the Classic account more cost-effective.
- Traders who prefer simplicity: No need to track commission charges separately.
VIP Account — Reduced Commission
The Tickmill VIP Account is designed for professional and high-volume traders. It offers the lowest commission rates among Tickmill's account types.
How the VIP Account Works
- Commission: Reduced commission — lower than the Raw account. The exact rate depends on trading volume and account eligibility.
- Spreads: From 0.0 pips on major pairs.
- Eligibility: Typically requires a higher minimum deposit and/or significant trading volume.
Who Should Use the VIP Account?
- Professional traders: Those who trade large volumes regularly.
- High-net-worth clients: Traders who can meet the higher deposit requirements.
- High-frequency traders: The reduced commission can lead to substantial savings for very active traders.
📘 Note: VIP account eligibility and commission rates are not publicly advertised. Contact Tickmill support or check your Client Area for details on VIP account availability and pricing.
How to Calculate Total Trading Costs
Calculating your total trading costs on Tickmill involves adding the spread cost (if any) and the commission (if applicable).
Step 1: Identify the Spread
Check the current spread for your chosen currency pair on the platform. For example, if EURUSD is showing a spread of 0.2 pips on the Raw account, that is your spread cost per unit.
Step 2: Convert Pips to Dollars
For most currency pairs, 1 pip is worth $10 per standard lot (100,000 units). For example, a 0.2-pip spread on a 1-lot trade costs $2 (0.2 × $10). For a 0.1-lot trade, the cost is $0.20.
Step 3: Add Commission (Raw and VIP Accounts Only)
If you are using the Raw or VIP account, add the commission. Tickmill's Raw account charges $6 per round-turn lot. For a 1-lot trade, the total cost is the spread cost ($2) + $6 commission = $8.
Step 4: Include Swap Fees (If Applicable)
If you hold a position overnight, swap fees will apply. These are calculated based on interest rate differentials and are displayed in the platform.
Cost Comparison: Raw vs Classic
The table below compares the total cost of trading 1 lot of EURUSD on the Raw account vs the Classic account.
| Account Type |
Spread (EURUSD) |
Commission (RT) |
Total Cost (1 Lot) |
Total Cost (10 Lots) |
| Classic |
1.6 pips |
$0 |
$16 |
$160 |
| Raw |
0.0 pips |
$6 |
$6 |
$60 |
| Raw (with 0.2 pip spread) |
0.2 pips |
$6 |
$8 |
$80 |
As the table shows, the Raw account is significantly cheaper for active traders. For 10 lots per month, the Raw account costs $60–$80, compared to $160 for the Classic account.
Factors Affecting Commission
Several factors can influence the commission you pay on Tickmill.
- Account Type: Raw and VIP accounts have commissions; the Classic account does not.
- Instrument: Commission rates may vary by instrument. Forex pairs typically have standard rates, while other instruments (indices, commodities, etc.) may have different commission structures.
- Base Currency: The commission is charged in the account's base currency. If your account base currency is not USD, the commission will be converted at the prevailing exchange rate.
- Trading Volume: VIP accounts offer reduced commissions for high-volume traders.
- Regulatory Entity: The commission structure may vary slightly depending on the regulatory entity (FCA, CySEC, FSA Seychelles). Always check the fee schedule for your specific entity.
It is important to verify the current commission rates directly on the Tickmill website or in your Client Area, as rates can change.
📊 Scenario: Cost Comparison for a 5-Lot Trade
Trader profile: James trades 5 lots of EURUSD per month. He is comparing Classic vs Raw account costs.
Classic Account: Spread = 1.6 pips. Cost per lot = 1.6 × $10 = $16. For 5 lots = $80.
Raw Account: Spread = 0.2 pips. Commission = $6 per lot. Cost per lot = (0.2 × $10) + $6 = $8. For 5 lots = $40.
Conclusion: James would save $40 per month by using the Raw account. Over a year, that is $480 in savings — a significant amount that can improve overall profitability.
Risk Controls for Managing Trading Costs
While commission costs are an inevitable part of trading, there are strategies you can use to minimise their impact on your profitability.
- Choose the right account: For most active traders, the Raw account is significantly cheaper than the Classic account. Use the cost comparison above to determine which account is best for your trading volume.
- Trade during peak liquidity: Spreads are tightest during the London/New York overlap (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET). Avoid trading during off-peak hours or just before major news releases.
- Focus on major pairs: Major currency pairs (EURUSD, GBPUSD, USDJPY) have the tightest spreads and lowest commission costs.
- Use limit orders: Limit orders can sometimes offer better pricing than market orders, especially during volatile periods.
- Avoid trading around news: Spreads widen significantly during major economic announcements. Unless you are a news trader, avoid trading around these times.
- Consider swap costs: If you hold positions overnight, swap fees can add to your trading costs. Check the swap rates before entering a trade.
- Monitor your trading volume: If your volume increases, consider upgrading to the VIP account to benefit from reduced commissions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on spreads: Many traders choose a broker based solely on the advertised spread, ignoring commissions. The total cost is what matters. A 0.0-pip spread with a $6 commission is often cheaper than a 1.0-pip spread with no commission.
- Ignoring the account type: Some traders open a Classic account and later realise they are paying significantly more than they would on a Raw account. Always compare both account types before opening an account.
- Not checking real-time spreads: Advertised spreads are not always the same as real-time spreads. Check the actual spread on the platform during your typical trading hours.
- Trading during volatile periods: Spreads widen during major news releases. Avoid trading around these times unless you have a specific strategy.
- Not factoring in swaps: If you hold positions overnight, swap fees can significantly increase your trading costs. Always check the swap rates before entering a trade.
- Assuming all pairs have the same cost: Major pairs have lower costs; exotic pairs have higher costs. Factor this into your instrument selection.
- Not verifying current fees: Commission rates, spreads, and swaps can change. Always verify the current fee structure on the official Tickmill website.
✅ Tickmill Commission Checklist
- Compare Classic, Raw, and VIP account costs based on your expected trading volume.
- Check real-time spreads for your preferred instruments during your typical trading hours.
- Factor in commissions (Raw and VIP accounts) and swap fees (overnight positions).
- Trade during peak liquidity periods (London/New York overlap) for tighter spreads.
- Avoid trading around major news releases unless you have a specific strategy.
- Focus on major currency pairs to minimise spread and commission costs.
- Use limit orders to potentially improve pricing.
- Review your trading costs regularly and adjust your strategy if needed.
- Consider upgrading to the VIP account if your trading volume is high.
- Verify current commission rates, spreads, and swap rates on the official Tickmill website.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tickmill Commission Per Lot
What is the Tickmill commission per lot on the Raw account?
The Tickmill Raw account charges a commission of $6 per round-turn lot ($3 per side). This applies to forex pairs and other instruments traded on the Raw account.
Does Tickmill charge commission on the Classic account?
No, the Classic account has no commission. The cost is built into the spread, which starts from 1.6 pips on EURUSD.
What is the difference between Raw and Classic accounts?
The Raw account has tighter spreads (from 0.0 pips) but charges a commission of $6 per round-turn lot. The Classic account has no commission but wider spreads (from 1.6 pips). Raw accounts are generally cheaper for active traders.
Does Tickmill offer a VIP account with reduced commissions?
Yes, Tickmill offers a VIP account with reduced commissions for high-volume traders. Eligibility and commission rates are not publicly advertised — contact Tickmill support or check your Client Area for details.
How do I check the current commission rate on my account?
You can check the current commission rate in the Tickmill Client Area or by contacting customer support. Commission rates are also displayed in the platform's contract specifications.
Are commissions charged on all instruments?
Commissions are charged on forex pairs and most other instruments on the Raw and VIP accounts. Some instruments may have different commission structures. Check the contract specifications for each instrument.
Can I avoid paying commission on Tickmill?
Yes, you can avoid paying commission by using the Classic account, which has no commission. However, the Classic account has wider spreads, which may result in higher total costs for active traders.
Does Tickmill charge commission on both opening and closing trades?
Yes, on the Raw and VIP accounts, commission is charged on both opening and closing trades. The total commission is $6 per round-turn lot ($3 per side).
📚 About this guide: This article is based on publicly available information from Tickmill's official website, regulatory disclosures from the FCA, CySEC, and the Seychelles FSA, and general educational materials from the CFTC and ESMA. Trading conditions, commissions, spreads, and leverage are subject to change. Readers are strongly encouraged to verify all current details directly with the official Tickmill website and the relevant regulator's register before making any trading decisions. This content is for educational purposes and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice.