β Brokers We Actually Use
Our Recommended Brokers
Two brokers, two use cases. Tickmill handles our EURUSD swing system, gold tactical positions and FX/CFD trading - low spreads, leverage, and an algo-friendly Raw account. Interactive Brokers handles long-term portfolio, US and international stocks/ETFs, and the kind of multi-asset access you need when you graduate beyond a single market.
Tickmill FX / CFD
Our primary FX and CFD broker. The EURUSD swing system runs here. Built for algo, scalp and tactical macro positioning around CPI / NFP / FOMC.
1:1000
Max Leverage (FSCA/FSA)
- FCA, CySEC, FSCA, FSA regulated
- FSCS protection up to Β£85K (UK entity)
- MT4, MT5, TradingView, Tickmill Trader app
- Withdrawals in 1 working day, zero fees
- Islamic swap-free option
Interactive Brokers STOCKS / GLOBAL
Our long-term portfolio and global multi-asset broker. Stocks, ETFs, options, futures, bonds across 150+ markets in 33 countries. Industry-leading regulation and SIPC protection.
$0
IBKR Lite Stock Commission
4.14%
Margin Rate (starting)
150+
Markets, 33 Countries
- 10 regulators across 10 countries (SEC, FCA, ASIC, more)
- SIPC protection up to $500K + $30M Lloyd's excess
- Stocks, ETFs, options, futures, bonds, crypto, forex
- Zero annual, inactivity or transfer fees
- USDC deposits enabled in early 2026
Which Broker for Which Use Case?
| Use Case |
Tickmill |
Interactive Brokers |
| EUR/USD or major FX trading |
β
Best - tight Raw spreads |
Good but wider for retail FX |
| Gold (XAU/USD) tactical positions |
β
Best - low spread + leverage |
Available via futures/ETFs |
| Crypto CFDs (leveraged) |
β
Available with leverage |
Spot crypto only (USDC settlement) |
| US stocks (long-term holds) |
CFDs only |
β
Best - true ownership, $0 Lite |
| International stocks (EU, Asia) |
Limited CFD coverage |
β
Best - 150+ markets direct |
| ETFs and index funds |
Major indices CFDs |
β
Best - thousands available |
| Options trading |
Not available |
β
Best - low contract fees |
| Algo / EA hosting |
β
Best - MT4/MT5 + VPS discount |
Good via API (TWS / FIX) |
| Account minimum |
$100 |
$0 ($2,000 for margin) |
| Leverage (retail) |
Up to 1:1000 (FSCA/FSA) |
Reg T limits (~2:1 to 4:1) |
Our Pick by Trader Type
- Active FX / CFD trader, running automation or scalping? Tickmill. Raw account with $3/side commission is built for your edge math.
- Long-term investor building a diversified portfolio of stocks and ETFs? Interactive Brokers. IBKR Lite for $0 commission, or Pro if you scale up.
- Both? Open both. Most serious traders we know split: tactical FX/CFD risk on Tickmill, long-term equity allocation on IBKR. The fee structures are optimised for opposite use cases.
Disclosure: The Tickmill and IBKR sign-up links include our Introducing Broker / referral codes. When you open an account through these links, we receive a referral payment at no additional cost to you - spreads, commissions and conditions are identical to a direct sign-up. This commission keeps our free tools (XAU Sentinel free tier, CryptoGems, Data Releases, Paper Trading) sustainable. Trading involves significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance does not indicate future results.
ο»Ώ
