A complete guide to Tickmill's Islamic (swap-free) account – how it works, eligibility, fees, account types, regulatory compliance, and the risks you need to know.
An Islamic trading account, also known as a swap-free account, is a type of trading account designed to comply with Sharia (Islamic) law. Under Sharia, the payment or receipt of interest (known as riba) is prohibited. In forex trading, the standard practice of charging or crediting swap/rollover interest on positions held overnight is therefore not permissible for Muslim traders.
Islamic accounts eliminate swap fees entirely. Instead of paying or receiving interest on overnight positions, the broker may apply an administrative fee or adjust the spread to cover operational costs. This allows Muslim traders to engage in forex and CFD trading without violating their religious principles.
📌 Key point: Islamic accounts are not unique to Tickmill – many regulated brokers offer them. However, the specific terms, fees, and eligibility criteria vary by broker. Tickmill's Islamic account is available on most account types and is offered under its regulated entities.
Tickmill offers Islamic accounts to clients who adhere to Sharia law. The Islamic account is available on both the Classic and Pro account types, as well as the VIP account for high-volume traders. The key feature is that no swap (rollover interest) is charged or credited on positions held overnight.
Instead of swap fees, Tickmill may apply a fixed administrative fee for positions held open for more than a certain number of days. This fee is typically much lower than standard swap rates and is designed to cover the broker's cost of maintaining the position. The fee structure is transparent and disclosed to clients before they open an account.
Tickmill's Islamic account is available to clients of all regulatory entities, including the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), and FSA Seychelles entities, though terms may vary slightly by jurisdiction.
Tickmill offers Islamic accounts across its main account types. The table below compares the key features of each Islamic account option.
| Account Type | Swap-Free | Administrative Fee | Spread (from) | Commission | Min. Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic (Islamic) | ✅ Yes | Fixed per day after 7 days | 0.6 pips | None | $100 |
| Pro (Islamic) | ✅ Yes | Fixed per day after 7 days | 0.0 pips (raw) | $3 per lot per side | $100 |
| VIP (Islamic) | ✅ Yes | Fixed per day after 7 days | 0.0 pips (raw) | $2 per lot per side | $50,000 |
Source: Tickmill account specifications. Administrative fee amounts are typically around $5–$10 per lot per day after the grace period, but may vary. Always check the latest fee schedule on the Tickmill website.
For all Islamic account types, Tickmill applies a grace period (often 7 days) during which no swap or administrative fee is charged. After the grace period, a fixed daily fee is applied to open positions. This structure is designed to accommodate both short-term and longer-term trading strategies.
⚠️ Important: The administrative fee is not the same as swap. It is a fixed charge that does not depend on interest rates. Always confirm the exact fee amount with Tickmill support before opening an Islamic account, as fees may change.
Understanding the cost structure of a Tickmill Islamic account is essential. While swap fees are eliminated, other costs remain. Below is a breakdown of the main fees you may encounter.
This is the primary cost associated with holding positions overnight on an Islamic account. Tickmill typically charges a fixed amount per lot per day after the grace period. For example, the fee might be $5 per lot per day for forex pairs. This fee is lower than standard swap rates in many cases, making the Islamic account cost-effective for medium-term traders.
📌 Tip: Compare the administrative fee against the standard swap rates for the instruments you trade. In many cases, the Islamic account is cheaper for long-term positions, but short-term traders may find the fee structure less relevant.
Opening a Tickmill Islamic account is a straightforward process. Follow the checklist below to ensure a smooth application.
It is important to note that not all clients may be eligible for an Islamic account. Tickmill reserves the right to request additional documentation or to decline applications if there is suspicion of abuse. Always be transparent about your trading intentions and religious needs.
Before opening any trading account, including an Islamic account, it is vital to verify the broker's regulatory status. Tickmill is regulated by multiple reputable authorities, providing a level of investor protection.
Clients under the FCA or CySEC entities benefit from additional protections, including negative balance protection and access to compensation schemes (e.g., FSCS in the UK or ICF in Cyprus). Clients under the FSA Seychelles entity operate under a different regulatory framework.
⚠️ Important: Always verify the regulatory status of the specific Tickmill entity that holds your account. You can check licenses on the FCA Register, CySEC Register, or FSA Register. This is a critical step to ensure your funds are protected.
As the CFTC and IOSCO remind traders, dealing with an unregulated broker significantly increases risk. Tickmill's multi-regulatory presence is a positive sign, but you should always confirm the current status directly with the regulators.
📌 Scenario: A trader opens a Tickmill Pro Islamic account and holds a gold position for 10 days. They are aware of the 7-day grace period and the $5 per day administrative fee thereafter. They factor this cost into their risk management, ensuring that the trade remains profitable even with the fee. By planning ahead, they avoid surprises and maintain a sustainable approach.
While an Islamic account removes swap fees, it does not eliminate the inherent risks of leveraged trading. Tickmill offers leverage up to 1:500 or higher, depending on the entity, which can significantly amplify both profits and losses.
Key risks specific to Islamic account traders:
The CFTC and ESMA have both highlighted the risks of retail forex and CFD trading. Islamic accounts are a useful tool for religious compliance, but they do not make trading safe or profitable. Never trade with money you cannot afford to lose. Consider seeking independent financial advice if you are unsure about your risk tolerance.
This article does not constitute personalised financial, legal, or tax advice. Always verify current fees, spreads, leverage, and account terms directly with the official Tickmill website and the relevant regulator.
A Tickmill Islamic account is a swap-free account that complies with Sharia law. It eliminates swap/rollover interest on overnight positions and replaces it with a fixed administrative fee after a grace period.
Yes, the Islamic account is available on Classic, Pro, and VIP account types. You can request a swap-free account during registration or by contacting support.
Instead of swap, Tickmill charges an administrative fee for positions held beyond the grace period (typically 7 days). The fee is fixed per lot per day and is disclosed before account opening.
Yes, Tickmill is regulated by the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), FSA Seychelles, and FSCA South Africa. The terms of the Islamic account may vary slightly by entity.
Yes, you can request to convert your existing Classic or Pro account to an Islamic account by contacting Tickmill support. Approval is subject to verification and eligibility.
The grace period is typically 7 days, during which no administrative fee is charged. After 7 days, a fixed daily fee applies to open positions.
Some brokers restrict certain trading strategies (e.g., scalping or hedging) on Islamic accounts. Tickmill generally allows all strategies, but you should check the terms for your specific entity.
You can verify Tickmill's regulation by checking the license numbers on the FCA Register (717270), CySEC Register (278/15), or the FSA Seychelles register. Always confirm directly with the regulator.