Tickmill Metatrader 5 Guide, Covering Platform Access, Setup, Security, and Forex Trading Risks
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Tickmill MetaTrader 5 (MT5) – from downloading and installing the platform, setting up your account, understanding security features, to managing the risks of forex and CFD trading. Tickmill offers the powerful MT5 platform across desktop, web, and mobile. Always verify current terms, fees, and regulatory status directly with the official Tickmill website and your local financial regulator.
What Is Tickmill?
Tickmill is a global forex and CFD broker established in 2014. The company has grown to serve clients in more than 100 countries and is known for its competitive pricing, low spreads, and transparent execution. Tickmill offers trading on a wide range of instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, all available as CFDs.
Tickmill operates under multiple regulatory entities, with licenses from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK (FRN 717270), the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) (License 278/15), the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa (FSP 49434), and the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) (SD008). This multi-jurisdictional structure allows Tickmill to serve clients globally while offering different levels of regulatory protection depending on the entity.
Tickmill supports both MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), along with a WebTrader and mobile apps. In this guide, we focus specifically on the MetaTrader 5 platform offered by Tickmill.
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) is a multi-asset trading platform developed by MetaQuotes Software. It is the successor to the widely popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and offers advanced features that appeal to both retail and professional traders. MT5 provides:
- More timeframes: 21 timeframes compared to MT4's 9.
- Depth of Market (DOM): View market liquidity and order book depth.
- Enhanced charting: Over 80 technical indicators and 44 analytical objects.
- Multi-asset support: Trade forex, stocks, futures, options, and CFDs on a single platform.
- Advanced order types: Market, limit, stop, stop-limit, trailing stop, and more.
- Built-in economic calendar and news.
- Expert Advisors (EAs) and algorithmic trading: Full support for automated strategies with the MQL5 language.
- Hedging and netting systems: Flexible position accounting.
While MT4 remains popular, MT5 is increasingly preferred for its speed, advanced analytics, and broader asset class coverage. Tickmill offers MT5 on all account types, with the same competitive spreads and execution as MT4.
Accessing Tickmill's MetaTrader 5 platform is straightforward. The broker provides several versions to suit different devices and operating systems.
Download Options
| Platform |
Download Source |
Requirements |
| Desktop (Windows) |
Tickmill website or MetaQuotes official site |
Windows 7 or later; 1 GB RAM; 100 MB free disk space |
| Desktop (macOS) |
Via Tickmill WebTrader (browser-based) or MetaTrader 5 for macOS (requires Wine or other solutions) |
macOS 10.14 or later; modern browser for WebTrader |
| WebTrader |
Tickmill website – WebTrader link |
Any modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) |
| Mobile (iOS) |
Apple App Store |
iOS 13.0 or later |
| Mobile (Android) |
Google Play Store |
Android 7.0 or later |
⚠️ Important: Always download the MetaTrader 5 platform from the official Tickmill website or directly from MetaQuotes (for desktop). Avoid third-party download sites that may bundle malware or adware. For mobile, use the official app stores.
Step-by-Step Download Instructions
- For Windows desktop: Visit the Tickmill website, navigate to the "Platforms" section, and click on MetaTrader 5. Download the installer file and run it. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation.
- For WebTrader: Log in to your Tickmill account on the website and click on "WebTrader" or "MT5 Web". No download is required – it runs directly in your browser.
- For iOS: Open the App Store, search for "MetaTrader 5", and install the official app by MetaQuotes. After installation, open the app and search for "Tickmill" to find the server.
- For Android: Open the Google Play Store, search for "MetaTrader 5", and install the app. Open it, search for the Tickmill server, and log in.
App Setup and Account Configuration
After downloading and installing MetaTrader 5, you need to set up your account and configure the platform to your preferences.
Creating a Tickmill Trading Account
Before you can log in to MT5, you need a live or demo trading account with Tickmill. If you don't have one:
- Visit the Tickmill website and click "Open Account".
- Choose your account type (Classic, Pro, or Raw) and base currency.
- Complete the registration form with your personal details.
- Verify your identity (KYC) by uploading a government-issued ID and proof of address.
- Once approved, you will receive your MT5 login credentials (account number, server name, and password).
Logging In to MetaTrader 5
- Open the MT5 desktop or mobile application.
- Select "File" → "Login to Trade Account" (or click the login icon).
- Enter your login (account number), password, and select the correct server (e.g., "Tickmill-Live" or "Tickmill-Demo").
- Click "Login" – you will see your account balance and instruments in the Market Watch.
Configuring Platform Settings
- Chart customization: Adjust chart colors, chart types (candlestick, bar, line), and timeframes.
- Indicators: Add technical indicators from the Insert → Indicators menu.
- Alerts: Set price alerts via the Alert Manager.
- Expert Advisors: Attach EAs to charts for automated trading.
- Language: Change the interface language in Tools → Options.
- One-click trading: Enable this feature for faster order execution.
Pro tip: Always test your setup on a demo account first before going live. Tickmill offers a free demo account with $100,000 virtual funds to practice with MT5.
Security Features and Data Protection
Security is paramount when trading online. Tickmill and MetaTrader 5 incorporate multiple layers of protection to safeguard your account and personal data.
Key Security Measures
- Encryption: All data transmitted between the MT5 client and Tickmill's servers is encrypted using 128-bit SSL encryption, ensuring that your login credentials and trading instructions are secure.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Tickmill supports 2FA for client portal access. While MT5 itself does not have native 2FA, the broker's client area adds an extra layer of security for withdrawals and account changes.
- Segregated Client Funds: Tickmill is required to keep client funds in separate bank accounts, distinct from the company's operational funds, under FCA, CySEC, and ASIC regulations.
- Negative Balance Protection: Retail clients under FCA and CySEC regulation are protected from losing more than their account balance.
- Secure Login: MT5 uses a login, password, and server name combination. You can also set a master password for the platform.
- Investor Password: MT5 allows you to create a read-only investor password for sharing your account activity without giving trading rights.
Important: Security features and investor protections vary depending on the regulatory entity serving your account. The FCA-regulated entity (Tickmill UK Ltd) and the CySEC-regulated entity (Tickmill Europe Ltd) offer the highest level of protection. The Seychelles entity does not offer compensation schemes or negative balance protection.
To verify Tickmill's regulatory status, you can check the FCA Register (search for "Tickmill UK Ltd" – 717270), the CySEC Register (search for "Tickmill Europe Ltd" – 278/15), or the FSCA (search for FSP 49434).
Trading Features and Tools in MT5
MetaTrader 5 offers a wealth of features that make it a powerful tool for traders of all levels.
Advanced Charting
- ✔️ 21 timeframes (from 1 minute to 1 month).
- ✔️ Over 80 built-in technical indicators (Moving Averages, RSI, MACD, Bollinger Bands, etc.).
- ✔️ 44 analytical objects (trendlines, Fibonacci retracements, channels, etc.).
- ✔️ Custom indicators and scripts.
- ✔️ Multiple chart types (candlestick, bar, line, tick, renko, etc.).
Order Types & Execution
- ✔️ Market orders.
- ✔️ Pending orders (limit, stop, stop-limit).
- ✔️ Trailing stop.
- ✔️ Depth of Market (DOM) for liquidity insights.
- ✔️ Fast execution with no requotes (on Tickmill's STP model).
- ✔️ Hedging and netting position accounting.
Additional Tools
- Economic Calendar: Integrated into the platform for tracking important news events.
- Market News: Real-time financial news feeds.
- MQL5 Community: Access to a marketplace of trading signals, Expert Advisors, and custom indicators.
- Strategy Tester: Backtest Expert Advisors with historical data.
- Multilingual Interface: Available in over 30 languages.
Tickmill offers MT5 with the same competitive spreads and low commissions as on MT4. The platform is suitable for manual trading, automated strategies, and algorithmic trading using MQL5.
Fees, Spreads, and Costs
Understanding the cost structure is essential for effective trading on Tickmill's MT5 platform.
Spread and Commission Overview
| Account Type |
Spread (EUR/USD) |
Commission (per lot per side) |
Minimum Deposit |
Best For |
| Classic Account |
From 1.6 pips |
$0 |
$100 |
Beginners, swing traders |
| Pro Account |
From 0.8 pips |
$0 |
$100 |
Cost-conscious active traders |
| Raw Account |
From 0.0 pips |
$3.50 per lot |
$100 |
Scalpers, high-volume traders |
Other Fees:
- Swap Fees: Overnight financing charges apply for positions held past the daily cut-off (typically 5 PM NY time). Swap rates are transparently displayed in the MT5 platform.
- Inactivity Fee: Tickmill does not charge an inactivity fee on most accounts, which is a positive feature.
- Withdrawal Fees: Tickmill does not charge withdrawal fees on most methods, though third-party payment providers may apply their own charges.
Always check current fees: Spreads, swap rates, and other fees are dynamic and can change based on market conditions. Refer to the official Tickmill website or the MT5 platform for the most up-to-date fee information.
Forex and CFD Trading Risks
Even with a powerful platform like MT5 and a regulated broker like Tickmill, forex and CFD trading carries significant risk. It is essential to understand these risks before you begin trading.
⚠️ High Risk of Loss: According to Tickmill's risk disclosure, between 60% and 80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider (varies by jurisdiction). This is consistent with industry averages and reflects the inherent difficulty of consistently profitable trading.
Major Risks to Consider
- Leverage Risk: Leverage amplifies both gains and losses. Retail clients under FCA and CySEC regulation have leverage capped at 1:30 for major forex pairs. However, professional clients and offshore clients may access higher leverage (up to 1:500), significantly increasing the risk of substantial losses.
- Market Volatility: Forex and cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile. Prices can change rapidly due to economic news, geopolitical events, and shifts in market sentiment. Gaps can occur, especially during weekends or major news announcements.
- Counterparty Risk: When trading CFDs, you are entering into a contract with the broker. Although Tickmill is regulated, clients onboarded through the Seychelles entity have no compensation scheme protection and limited legal recourse.
- Operational Risk: Platform outages, connectivity issues, or execution delays can result in unexpected losses. Slippage can also occur during periods of high volatility.
- Regulatory Risk: Tickmill has faced regulatory actions in various jurisdictions, including CySEC penalties and ASIC warnings. While these indicate ongoing oversight, they also highlight potential compliance issues.
- Psychological Risk: The emotional pressure of leveraged trading can lead to impulsive decisions, overtrading, and chasing losses.
For more information on trading risks, consult the BIS (Bank for International Settlements) publications on foreign exchange, the CFTC's retail forex education materials, and the FCA's investor alerts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Downloading MT5 from unofficial sources: Always use the official Tickmill website or MetaQuotes to avoid malware.
- ❌ Skipping the demo account: Trading with real money without practicing is a leading cause of losses. Spend at least two weeks on the demo account to learn MT5 and test strategies.
- ❌ Ignoring fees and spreads: Not accounting for spreads, swap fees, or inactivity charges can eat into your profits. Review the fee schedule carefully.
- ❌ Overleveraging: Using maximum leverage without a stop-loss can wipe out your account in minutes. Start with low leverage and increase gradually.
- ❌ Failing to verify regulation: Not checking which entity your account is under can expose you to higher risk. Confirm whether your account is held under the FCA, CySEC, or offshore entity.
- ❌ Neglecting KYC verification: Delaying identity verification can prevent withdrawals. Complete verification as soon as you open the account.
- ❌ Not using stop-loss orders: Trading without a stop-loss is one of the fastest ways to lose your entire account.
- ❌ Trading news events without preparation: News-driven volatility can cause wild price swings and slippage. Avoid trading during major news releases unless you have a clear strategy.
- ❌ Not securing your MT5 password: Use a strong, unique password and never share it with anyone. Change it regularly.
Practical Scenario
Scenario: James, a trader in the UK, decides to use Tickmill's MetaTrader 5 platform. He downloads the MT5 desktop client from the Tickmill website and installs it on his Windows PC. He opens a demo account to practice and spends three weeks learning the platform, testing various indicators, and developing a simple trend-following strategy. He then opens a live Pro account (FCA-regulated) with a $200 deposit. He logs in to MT5, selects the Tickmill-Live server, and starts trading EUR/USD with a leverage of 1:30. He sets a stop-loss on every trade and only risks 1% of his account per trade. After two months, he has made a modest profit and successfully withdraws his funds via bank transfer. He continues to use MT5 for its advanced charting and order management features.
Key takeaway: James's disciplined approach – using the demo, choosing the regulated entity, starting with a small deposit, and employing risk management – allowed him to have a positive experience with Tickmill MT5. He also took advantage of the platform's advanced tools to improve his trading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tickmill offer MetaTrader 5?
Yes, Tickmill provides MetaTrader 5 (MT5) on all account types, alongside MetaTrader 4 and WebTrader.
What is the difference between MT4 and MT5 on Tickmill?
MT5 offers more timeframes (21 vs 9), advanced charting (80+ indicators), Depth of Market, support for more asset classes, and a different programming language (MQL5). MT4 remains simpler and has a larger library of Expert Advisors. Tickmill offers both; choose based on your trading needs.
How do I download Tickmill MetaTrader 5?
You can download MT5 from the Tickmill website (Platforms section) or directly from MetaQuotes. For mobile, use the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Is Tickmill MetaTrader 5 free to use?
Yes, the MT5 platform is free to download and use. However, trading requires a funded account with Tickmill.
What are the system requirements for Tickmill MT5?
For Windows: Windows 7 or later, 1 GB RAM, 100 MB free disk space. For macOS, you can use the WebTrader or a compatibility layer. Mobile apps require iOS 13+ or Android 7+.
Can I use Expert Advisors (EAs) on Tickmill MT5?
Yes, MT5 fully supports Expert Advisors and algorithmic trading using the MQL5 language.
What is the minimum deposit for Tickmill MT5?
The minimum deposit is $100 (or equivalent) for all account types.
What percentage of traders lose money with Tickmill?
Tickmill discloses that between 60% and 80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider (varies by jurisdiction).