Cryptocurrency trading

Trade crypto derivatives and go long or short 24/7

Start trading

Why trade cryptocurrencies
with Tickmill?

Tickmill delivers a competitive environment for both crypto CFD and crypto Spot Quoted Futures trading, combining
transparent pricing with institutional-grade execution.

Transparent pricing

Trade crypto derivatives with competitive spreads and clear pricing & commissions.

Reliable execution

Orders executed quickly and efficiently, with an avg. 0.15 secs.

Popular platforms

Access crypto markets through the leading MT4 and MT5 platforms.

Dedicated support

Multilingual support for account, platform and trading questions.

Award winning broker

Winner of 60+ global awards and counting.

What are cryptocurrencies?

What Are Cryptocurrencies?
Decentralisation

Cryptocurrencies are digital assets that operate on decentralised blockchain networks, enabling peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries like banks or central authorities.

Blockchain technology

The blockchain technology underpinning cryptocurrencies uses cryptography — the practice of securing information and communications using codes — to verify and record transactions across a distributed network. This removes the need for middlemen and allows users to transact directly with one another across borders.

Global trading

The cryptocurrency market has grown rapidly since Bitcoin's launch in 2009, with major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and Cardano being widely traded across global markets.

Cryptocurrency CFD trading conditions

Tickmill offers a range of major crypto derivatives, allowing you to speculate on price movements across the crypto market.
Our Cryptos are available to trade around the clock, from Monday 00:00 to Sunday 24:00 (MT4/MT5 Server Time). Weekend trading is available but limited depending on liquidity.

Instrument Minimum Spread Typical Spread Long Position * Short Position

For a full list of our spreads, click here.

*A 10% swap charge per year applies to all long positions in cryptocurrencies. New cryptocurrency positions placed solely on MT4/MT5 platforms have a 5-day swap-free period.

Note: Trading hours are subject to change without prior notice. Liquidity Providers may adjust the trading schedule as necessary, depending on market conditions and service maintenance. Weekend trading is limited. Before you start trading, we highly recommend checking our MT4 or MT5 platforms (client terminal/desktop version) to get familiar with the trading hours of each instrument.

Disclaimer: To maintain a fair-trading environment and manage risk, we reserve the right to adjust account conditions. This may include applying specific charges in line with our internal risk management policies.

What is cryptocurrency trading?

Cryptocurrency trading with Tickmill involves speculating on cryptocurrency price movements through CFDs (Contracts for Difference) and Spot Quoted Futures. These products allow traders to gain exposure to cryptocurrency markets without owning the underlying asset, with profits and losses determined by changes in the asset's price.

Major cryptocurrencies typically offer higher liquidity, tighter spreads and more consistent price action, making them popular choices for active trading. While these characteristics may support more efficient trade execution, cryptocurrency prices can be highly volatile and trading may result in significant losses.

What Is Cryptocurrency Trading?

Why traders choose crypto derivatives

Trading without ownership

Compared to traditional investing, derivatives like CFDs allow you to access financial markets without needing to own or manage the underlying assets.

No need to hold digital assets

You can access cryptocurrency market exposure without directly holding digital assets, which may involve managing wallets, private keys, and exchange accounts.

Go long or short, anytime

Unlike investing, where you hold cryptocurrencies long-term, CFD trading focuses on capitalising on short-term price fluctuations in either direction, 24/7.

Flexible Leverage

You can access leverage to increase your market exposure with limited equity required upfront (margin). However, this can also increase risk if markets move against you.

24/7 market access

The cryptocurrency market operates continuously, making it accessible to traders across all time zones with no down-time which traditional financial markets experience, e.g. overnight.

Volatility

Cryptocurrencies are among the most volatile assets you can trade. This volatility creates opportunities, but it also requires disciplined risk management.

Trading crypto? Choose between CFDs or
Spot-Quoted Futures (SQFs)

With Tickmill, you have the ability to trade cryptos through both CFDs and Spot-Quoted Futures. Both enable you to trade the price moves of popular cryptocurrencies without owning the underlying asset for greater flexibility.

Please note that Spot-Quoted Futures (SQFs) and crypto CFDs are different derivative instruments and should be understood as separate product types.
SQFs are futures-based contracts traded on regulated exchanges, whereas crypto CFDs are over-the-counter instruments offered by CFD brokers. They differ in their trading venues, pricing mechanisms and contract structures, and are therefore presented separately for clarity.

Feature Crypto Spot-Quoted Futures Crypto CFDs
Pricing alignment Quoted in line with live spot market prices, making moves easier to follow Based on broker pricing; may include spreads or slight deviations from underlying market or slight deviations from underlying market
Cost structure Fixed, commission-based (costs are explicit and separate) Typically spread-based: costs are built into the difference between the buy and sell prices.
Exchange access Exchange-traded (e.g. CME), with standardised and regulated contracts OTC (over-the-counter), traded directly with a broker
Market transparency High – pricing and contract terms are standardised and visible Lower – pricing and execution depend on broker
Overnight costs Daily financing adjustment (built into futures structure) Overnight swap/financing charges apply when positions are held past 1 day

Leading cryptocurrency
trading platforms

Tickmill supports the leading platforms you already rely on,
so your crypto trades are executed on infrastructure
built for speed and reliability.

MT4

MetaTrader 4

The well-established desktop platform, trusted by millions of traders worldwide.

Learn more
MT5

MetaTrader 5

Multi-asset trading with more advanced order types and depth of market.

Learn more

How to trade cryptocurrency

Trading cryptocurrencies with Tickmill is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started:

1

Open a Tickmill trading account

Complete a quick registration and upload your verification documents through the secure Client Area.

2

Fund your account

Select from multiple deposit methods including bank transfer, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. Most deposits are processed instantly.

3

Start trading

Execute your first crypto trade on MT4 or MT5. Go long or short on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other leading cryptocurrencies with execution speeds averaging 0.15 seconds on CFDs.

FAQs

What cryptocurrencies does Tickmill offer?
Tickmill offers 13 major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin (BTCUSD), Ethereum (ETHUSD), Litecoin (LTCUSD), Cardano (ADAUSD), Ripple (XRPUSD), Stellar (XLMUSD), Chainlink (LINKUSD), Solana (SOLUSD), Dogecoin (DOGEUSD), Polkadot (DOTUSD), Polygon (MATICUSD), Bitcoin Cash (BCHUSD), and Trump (TRUMPUSD). All instruments are available on MT4 and MT5 with competitive spreads.
How can I trade cryptocurrencies with Tickmill?
To get started, create a trading account, verify your identity, fund your account using any of our supported payment methods, and access your preferred platform. You can then trade cryptocurrency derivatives with flexible leverage and go long or short based on your market outlook.
When are CFDs on cryptocurrencies available to trade?
Cryptocurrency trading is available Monday 00:00 to Sunday 24:00 (MT4/MT5 Server Time), with limited availability during weekends. Please refer to the specific trading hours for each instrument in the Contract Specifications section on the MT4/MT5 platforms. Due to space limitations, mobile and web platforms may not show complete specifications. For full details, use the MT4/MT5 Client terminal (desktop version).
Is crypto safe?
Cryptocurrencies experience high intraday price volatility, which can be substantially higher than traditional financial instruments. This volatility creates profit opportunities but also significant risk. Spreads may be wider than other assets during volatile periods. Leverage amplifies both gains and losses. For detailed risk information, please have a look at our Legal Documents.
What is crypto trading?
Crypto trading involves speculating on cryptocurrency price movements without owning the underlying asset. When you trade cryptocurrency derivatives you're taking a position on whether the price will rise or fall. This allows you to profit in both directions (long or short) and trade with leverage, while accessing the market 24/7 through regulated brokers like Tickmill.
Is cryptocurrency trading profitable?
Cryptocurrency trading can be profitable due to significant price volatility, but success depends on your strategy, risk management and market knowledge. Volatility creates opportunities for gains but also substantial risks. Traders who use stop-losses, manage position sizes and stay informed about market conditions are better positioned to capitalise on price movements while protecting their capital.
Can beginners trade crypto?
Yes, beginners can trade crypto, though understanding the risks is essential before starting. Tickmill offers demo accounts where you can practise with virtual funds before risking real money. We recommend starting with smaller position sizes, using stop-loss orders, and taking advantage of our educational resources to build your knowledge. The 24/7 nature of crypto markets allows flexible learning at your own pace.
How much money do I need to start trading cryptocurrencies?
You can start trading cryptocurrencies with Tickmill with a minimum deposit that varies by account type and payment method. The actual amount needed per trade depends on the instrument, leverage and your chosen position size. We recommend beginning with amounts you can afford to lose while learning market dynamics.