Broker Review Contents
Overview of ThinkMarkets
ThinkMarkets is a global Forex and CFD broker founded in 2010, known for combining strong regulation, professional trading platforms, and competitive trading conditions. Over the years, ThinkMarkets has expanded its presence across multiple regulated jurisdictions, positioning itself as a broker suitable for both retail and professional traders.
In 2026, ThinkMarkets is generally positioned as:
- A well-regulated multi-asset broker
- Suitable for beginner to advanced traders
- Focused on Forex and CFD trading
- Known for platform flexibility and pricing transparency
This review provides a balanced and detailed assessment of ThinkMarkets, covering regulation, safety, account types, trading platforms, costs, advantages, limitations, and trader suitability.
Is ThinkMarkets Regulated and Safe?
ThinkMarkets operates under multiple top-tier regulatory authorities, which is one of its strongest points.
Regulatory Structure
| Entity | Regulator | Region | Protection Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| ThinkMarkets UK | FCA | United Kingdom | Very High |
| ThinkMarkets AU | ASIC | Australia | High |
| ThinkMarkets EU | CySEC | European Union | High |
| ThinkMarkets Offshore | Offshore | International | Lower |
Clients registered under FCA, ASIC, or CySEC benefit from strict regulatory oversight, while offshore entities provide fewer investor protections.
Client Fund Protection and Security
ThinkMarkets follows industry-standard safety practices across regulated entities.
Key Safety Measures
- Segregated client funds
- Strict AML and KYC procedures
- Negative balance protection (retail clients)
- Secure data encryption and infrastructure
Investor Compensation
- UK clients may be covered by FSCS up to £85,000
- EU clients may fall under CySEC investor compensation rules
- Offshore entities do not offer compensation schemes
Under top-tier regulation, ThinkMarkets is considered a low-risk broker relative to many CFD competitors.
Trading Platforms Offered by ThinkMarkets
ThinkMarkets offers a strong selection of platforms for different trader profiles.
MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
- Forex and CFD trading
- Support for Expert Advisors (EAs)
- Custom indicators
- Suitable for automated strategies
MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
- Broader instrument coverage
- More timeframes and indicators
- Depth of market functionality
- Faster back-testing
ThinkTrader Platform
ThinkMarkets also offers ThinkTrader, its proprietary trading platform.
Key features include:
- Advanced charting tools
- Built-in risk management features
- User-friendly interface
- Web, desktop, and mobile access
ThinkTrader is particularly suitable for traders who prefer a modern, intuitive platform without external plugins.
Account Types and Trading Conditions
ThinkMarkets offers a clear and structured account lineup.
Standard Account
- Spread-only pricing
- No trading commission
- Simple cost structure
ThinkZero Account
- Raw spreads from near zero
- Commission per trade
- Designed for high-volume and professional traders
| Account Type | Spreads | Commission | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Medium | No | Beginners, casual traders |
| ThinkZero | Very low | Yes | Active and professional traders |
Markets and Instruments Available
ThinkMarkets provides access to a broad CFD product range.
Available Asset Classes
| Asset Class | Availability |
|---|---|
| Forex | Yes |
| Indices CFDs | Yes |
| Commodities CFDs | Yes |
| Cryptocurrencies CFDs | Yes |
| Shares CFDs | Yes |
| ETFs CFDs | Limited |
| Real Stocks | No |
ThinkMarkets focuses on short- and medium-term trading, rather than long-term investing.
Spreads, Fees and Trading Costs in 2026
ThinkMarkets offers competitive and transparent pricing, particularly on ThinkZero accounts.
Typical Trading Costs
| Instrument | Cost Example |
|---|---|
| EUR/USD | From low spreads |
| Gold | Competitive |
| Major indices | Market-aligned |
Additional costs may include:
- Commission on ThinkZero accounts
- Overnight swap fees
- Possible inactivity fees
Costs are reasonable for both retail and professional traders.
Leverage and Risk Management
Leverage Limits
- UK and EU retail clients: up to 1:30
- Professional clients: higher leverage possible
- Offshore entities: higher leverage with higher risk
Risk Management Tools
- Stop loss and take profit orders
- Margin call and stop-out protection
- Negative balance protection for retail traders
⚠️ Higher leverage significantly increases risk.
Deposits and Withdrawals
Supported Payment Methods
- Bank transfers
- Credit and debit cards
- Electronic wallets (region dependent)
Processing Times
| Transaction | Time |
|---|---|
| Deposits | Instant – 1 business day |
| Withdrawals | 1–5 business days |
ThinkMarkets generally maintains a reliable withdrawal reputation, especially under regulated entities.
Education and Research Tools
ThinkMarkets offers a solid education section, particularly useful for beginners.
Educational Resources
- Trading guides and articles
- Market analysis
- Webinars and tutorials
- Platform walkthroughs
While not institutional-level, education quality is above average compared to many CFD brokers.
Is ThinkMarkets Suitable for Beginners?
ThinkMarkets can be suitable for beginners due to:
- Simple Standard Account structure
- User-friendly ThinkTrader platform
- Educational content availability
However, beginners should remain cautious with leverage and CFDs.
ThinkMarkets for Experienced Traders
ThinkMarkets performs well for experienced traders who:
- Use MT4 or MT5
- Require low-spread accounts
- Trade Forex, indices, or CFDs actively
- Value strong regulation
The ThinkZero account is particularly attractive for active traders.
Advantages and Disadvantages of ThinkMarkets
Advantages
- Strong multi-jurisdiction regulation
- MT4, MT5, and ThinkTrader platforms
- Competitive pricing on ThinkZero accounts
- Suitable for beginners and professionals
Disadvantages
- No real stocks or ETFs
- Offshore entities offer lower protection
- CFDs may not suit long-term investors
Comparison with Similar Brokers
| Feature | ThinkMarkets | Typical CFD Broker |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | Strong | Variable |
| Platforms | MT4 MT5 + proprietary | Mostly MT4 |
| Beginner Friendly | Yes | Varies |
| Professional Trading | Yes | Yes |
Common Trader Questions
Traders often ask:
- Which ThinkMarkets entity will I be registered under?
- What leverage applies to my account?
- Are withdrawals reliable?
These should be clarified during account registration.
Is ThinkMarkets Worth Using in 2026?
In 2026, ThinkMarkets remains a strong and reliable broker for traders seeking regulated Forex and CFD trading. It offers good platform flexibility, competitive pricing, and solid investor protection under top-tier regulators.
Who Should Use ThinkMarkets?
Suitable If You:
- Want a regulated broker
- Trade Forex or CFDs actively
- Prefer MT4, MT5, or modern platforms
- Value balance between safety and pricing
Not Ideal If You:
- Want to invest in real stocks or ETFs
- Are risk-averse to CFDs
- Prefer long-term investing only
Risk Warning
Forex and CFD trading involves significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Losses can exceed expectations due to leverage. Always trade responsibly and understand the risks involved.
ThinkMarkets Review
ThinkMarkets is a provider of forex and CFD trading services. Traders can access a wide range of products in a variety of markets, including currencies, stocks, cryptocurrencies, indices, and commodities.
Pros
- Segregates client funds
- Established in 2010
- Regulated by FCA, FSCA and ASIC
- Min. deposit from $0
Cons
- Limited range of instruments
A minimum deposit of $0 is required for a live account. ThinkMarkets, on the other hand, provides a free demo account that you may utilize to experiment and familiarize yourself with their platform.
Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, UK (FRN: 629628), ASIC (AFSL #424700), and FSCA (FSP No 49835). All ThinkMarkets client funds are held in a segregated bank account and they work with tier-1 banks. ThinkMarkets was established in 2010 and their head office is in Australia.
Before we get into the specifics of ThinkMarkets’s spreads, fees, platforms, and trading tools, you might want to open the ThinkMarkets website in a new tab by clicking the button below to get the most up-to-date information directly from the company.
Disclosure: If you sign up with a broker through one of our links, we may receive a commission.
What are ThinkMarkets’s spreads & fees?
ThinkMarkets, like most brokers, charges a fee based on the spread, or the difference between the bid and ask price of an instrument.
The commissions and minimum spreads shown here are taken from ThinkMarkets’s website.
| Forex | ThinkMarkets | City Index | XTB |
| EUR/USD(Average: 0.7 pips) | 0.0 pips | 0.7 pips | 0.1 pips |
| GBP/USD(Average: 1.1 pips) | 0 pips | 1.7 pips | 0.1 pips |
| USD/JPY(Average: 1.1 pips) | 0 pips | 0.6 pips | 0.1 pips |
| AUD/USD(Average: 0.8 pips) | 0 pips | 0.6 pips | 0.2 pips |
| USD/CHF(Average: 2.3 pips) | 0.0 pips | 2.3 pips | 0.2 pips |
| USD/CAD(Average: 2.9 pips) | 0.0 pips | 0.5 pips | 0.3 pips |
| NZD/USD(Average: 3.6 pips) | 0.0 pips | 2.8 pips | 0.3 pips |
| EUR/GBP(Average: 2.4 pips) | 0.0 pips | 0.5 pips | 0.1 pips |
The spreads are variable and are displayed for information purposes.
As you can see, ThinkMarkets’s minimum EUR/USD spread is 0.0 pips, which is low when compared to the average EUR/USD spread of 0.70 pips.
Keep in mind that the zero spreads are only present on the ThinkZero account. There is a commission of 7USD per lot round trip. Standard account has 0 commission but higher spreads.
The table below compares the costs of trading one lot of EUR/USD with ThinkMarkets vs. similar brokers.
How much does ThinkMarkets charge to trade 1 lot of EUR/USD?
You would likely spend $9.37 if you bought one standard lot of EUR/USD (100k units) with ThinkMarkets at an exchange rate of 1.1719 and then sold it the next day at the same rate.Here’s a quick rundown of the fees and how they compare to IG and XTB.
| ThinkMarkets | IG | XTB | |
| Spread from: | $ 0.00 | $ 6.00 | $ 2.00 |
| Commission: | $7 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Total cost of a 100k trade: | $ 7.00 | $ 6.00 | $ 2.00 |
| $1 less | $5 less | ||
| VISIT ThinkMarkets | VISIT IG | VISIT XTB |
Fees and quotes are displayed for information purposes and could change.
What can you trade with ThinkMarkets?
Over 1500 different instruments, including over 40 currency pairs, are available to trade at ThinkMarkets. Below, we’ve summarized all of ThinkMarkets’s several types of instruments, as well as the instruments given by IG and XTB for comparison.
| FX / Currencies | ThinkMarkets | IG | XTB |
| # of forex pairs offered | 46 | 90 | 48 |
| Major forex pairs | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minor forex pairs | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Exotic forex pairs | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrencies* | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Commodity CFDs | ThinkMarkets | IG | XTB |
| # of commodities offered | 9 | 34 | 21 |
| Metals | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Energies | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Agricultural | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Index & Stock CFDs | ThinkMarkets | IG | XTB |
| # of stocks offered | 1533 | 8000 | 1606 |
| UK shares | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| US shares | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| German shares | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Japanese shares | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SEE ThinkMarkets’S INSTRUMENTS | SEE IG’S INSTRUMENTS | SEE XTB’S INSTRUMENTS |
What’s the ThinkMarkets trading experience like?
1) Platforms and apps
ThinkMarkets is one of the few brokers that provides both the MT4 and MT5 MetaTrader platforms. You may read our MT4 versus MT5 comparison to see how the two platforms compare.
They also offer ThinkTrader platform which is unique to them. Traders can trade on their preferred device thanks to a combination of downloadable programs for Mac and Windows.
ThinkMarkets offers Android and iOS mobile apps, making it easy to keep track of and execute deals while on the go.
Still not sure?
Open a demo account and learn how to trade.
2) Executing Trades
You can trade as little as 0.01 Lot with ThinkMarkets. Depending on the account you open, this may differ. Maximum trade size depends on the account type. You can expect tighter spreads and more transparency over the amount you pay to execute your trades because ThinkMarkets offers STP execution.
ThinkMarkets, as a market maker, may have lower entrance criteria than an ECN broker, which benefits from the bigger number of trades and often has higher capital and minimum trading requirements.
Market makers usually offer a lower minimum deposit, fewer minimum trade requirements, and zero commission trading.
ThinkMarkets is one of the few brokers who claim to have no requotes, which means you won’t have to worry about slippage (your trades being ordered at a different price to what you executed them at).
Margin requirements vary by trader, account, and instrument, as they do with most brokers. On their website, you may see the most recent margin and leverage details.
We have included a list of some of the most common funding options that ThinkMarkets provides to its traders.
Trading Features:
- Offers STP
- Low min deposit
Accounts offered:
- Demo account
- Zero account
- Standard account
- Islamic account
Funding methods:
- Credit cards
- Bank Transfer
- Skrill
- Neteller
3) Client support
ThinkMarkets offers support in many languages like English, Chinese, and Japanese.
4) What you’ll need to open an account with ThinkMarkets
Because ThinkMarkets is regulated by Financial Conduct Authority, FSCA and ASIC, every new client must pass a few simple compliance tests to confirm that you are aware of the risks associated with trading and that you are permitted to trade. You’ll probably be asked for the following information when you register an account:
- a color copy of your passport, driver’s license, or other government-issued identification
- a three-month utility bill, bank or credit card statement that shows your current address
You’ll also need to answer a few questions regarding your trading experience, so set aside at least 10 minutes to finish the account opening procedure.
You may be able to explore ThinkMarkets’s platform right away, but you will not be allowed to make any transactions until you pass verification, which depending on the circumstances could take from a few hours up to a few days.
To begin the onboarding process with ThinkMarkets, you can go to their website.
In 2026, ThinkMarkets stands out as a well-regulated, versatile trading broker offering strong platforms and competitive conditions. While it is not designed for long-term investors, it remains a solid option for retail and professional CFD traders seeking reliability and regulatory clarity.
FAQs
1. Is ThinkMarkets a regulated and trustworthy broker?
Yes, ThinkMarkets operates under multiple top-tier regulators, including the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), and CySEC (EU). The level of investor protection depends on the entity under which the account is opened, with UK and EU entities offering the highest safeguards.
2. Which ThinkMarkets account type is best for beginners?
The Standard Account is generally more suitable for beginners because it uses spread-only pricing with no trading commission and provides a simpler cost structure. New traders should still be cautious with leverage when trading CFDs.
3. Does ThinkMarkets charge trading commissions?
ThinkMarkets does not charge commissions on the Standard Account, as costs are included in the spread. The ThinkZero Account uses raw spreads and applies a commission per trade, which is more suitable for active and professional traders.
4. What leverage does ThinkMarkets offer?
Leverage depends on regulatory jurisdiction. Retail traders in the UK and EU can access leverage up to 1:30, while professional clients or offshore accounts may qualify for higher leverage, which carries increased risk.
5. Is ThinkMarkets suitable for long-term investing?
ThinkMarkets focuses on Forex and CFD trading, which is generally designed for short- to medium-term strategies. It does not offer real stocks or ETFs, so it may not be ideal for long-term investors seeking traditional investment products.
