ThinkMarkets Overall rating
Rating | Weight | |
User Rating |
4.2 (32 reviews)
|
3 |
Popularity |
4.0
|
3 |
Regulation |
5.0
|
2 |
Pricing rating |
5.0
|
1 |
Features |
Not rated
|
1 |
Customer Support |
Not rated
|
1 |
Pros
- Highly regulated with licenses from CySEC, ASIC, FCA, FSA, FSCA, and FSA Seychelles.
- Ranked 16th out of 1102 forex brokers based on user and expert ratings.
- High user rating of 4.5 out of 5 from verified users.
- Low average spreads in forex and commodities compared to industry averages.
- Segregated client money across all regulated entities.
- Negative balance protection available.
- Established in 2010, making it well-established in the market.
- High organic web traffic with over 642,576 monthly visits.
Cons
- No deposit compensation scheme in certain jurisdictions.
- High spreads for crypto trading compared to industry averages.
- Not publicly traded or providing financials publicly.
- Privately owned, which may impact transparency.
We tested ThinkMarkets using real-money live accounts. Our reviews are unique in that they do not have any bias for or against any broker and are driven purely on the underlying data we compile from live account testing, regulatory data, and opinions from customers. We list all brokers and do not charge a fee for it. We offer additional visibility for a fee, but our review content cannot be influenced. Read our About Us page to read our editorial guidelines and how we make money.
Trustworthiness & Regulation
ThinkMarkets, established in 2010, is a well-regulated broker with multiple licenses including CySEC (Cyprus), ASIC (Australia), FCA (UK), FSA (Japan), FSCA (South Africa), and FSA (Seychelles). With 30 user reviews, 28 from verified accounts, it boasts a high rating of 4.5 out of 5 and ranks 16th out of 1102 forex brokers based on user ratings and expert evaluations. The broker enjoys a significant web presence, drawing 642,576 organic visits monthly and ranking 44th in web traffic among forex brokers.
Despite its regulatory robustness and popularity, it is crucial to remember that even highly regulated and successful financial firms can face challenges. Therefore, investors should remain vigilant and consider all aspects of a broker's offering before committing funds.
Company | Licenses & Regulations | Segregated Client Money | Deposit Compensation Scheme | Negative Balance Protection | Rebates | Max. Leverage Retail Clients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TF Global Markets (Aust) Limited |
|
|
|
|
30 : 1 | |
TF Global Markets (Europe) Ltd |
|
|
|
|
30 : 1 | |
TF Global Markets (UK) Limited |
|
|
|
|
30 : 1 | |
TF Global Markets (Japan) Ltd |
|
|
|
|
25 : 1 | |
TF Global Markets (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd |
|
|
|
|
2000 : 1 | |
TF Global Markets Int Limited |
|
|
|
|
2000 : 1 | |
Think Capital Limited
Bermuda |
|
|
|
|
|
500 : 1 |
Deposit Insurance
ThinkMarkets offers various levels of deposit insurance depending on the regulatory jurisdiction. In the UK and Cyprus, client funds are protected by investor compensation schemes that cover a portion of the deposits if the broker fails. Specifically, the UK FCA and Cyprus CySEC regulations ensure that client money is segregated from the broker's operational funds, providing an additional layer of security.
However, this protection is not uniformly available across all regions where ThinkMarkets operates, such as Australia, Japan, South Africa, Seychelles, and Bermuda, where similar schemes are not in place.
Spreads and Costs
ThinkMarkets offers competitive average spreads, particularly in forex and commodities. The broker's average spreads are in line with or lower than those of some market-leading brokers. This makes ThinkMarkets an attractive option for cost-conscious traders. For example, their forex average spread is 1.83 pips, which is competitive in the market.
Combined Spread/Commission Costs by Asset Class Compared to Market Leading Brokers
Broker - Account Type | Crypto Average | Forex Average | Indices Average | Commodities Average |
---|---|---|---|---|
ThinkMarkets – Standard | 14.53 | 1.83 | 1.42 | 0.12 |
Axi – Standard | 14.78 | 2.23 | 1.54 | 0.13 |
IC Markets – Standard | 9.14 | 1.49 | 1.32 | 0.10 |
Vantage Markets – Standard | 8.64 | 1.99 | - | 0.11 |
Admirals – Trade | - | 2.43 | - | 0.19 |
Exness – Standard | 23.01 | 2.01 | 7.07 | 0.12 |
Forex.com – Standard | - | 3.10 | - | - |
Crypto averages comprise (BTCUSD, ETHUSD), forex averages comprise (EURUSD, USDJPY, GBPJPY, EURGBP, AUDNZD, CADCHF), indices averages comprise (US30, AUS200), and commodities average comprises (XAUUSD, XAGUSD) and that data is sampled every 10 seconds for 24 hours to calculate the average. Forex is stated in pips, and the others are stated in base currency. All spreads including both spread and commission calculated in.
Our data comes from our sophisticated spread analyzer tool, which collects live account information and syncs with our performance analytics system. To compare all brokers and instruments with the latest live data, visit our spread analyzer tool. A spread is the difference between the bid (sell) and ask (buy) price of an asset and can vary widely between brokers and account types.
Some brokers charge higher spreads but no commission, while others charge both, making it crucial to assess the total cost, which includes both spread and commission. Our values reflect this all-in cost. Note that some brokers may set low costs on popular pairs like EURUSD but higher rates on other instruments.
Many brokers also advertise "as low as" spreads that may not reflect the true average or include commissions. Comparing true all-in cost averages across various instruments and asset classes is vital for accurate assessment.
Combined Spread/Commission Costs Per Instrument Compared to Market Leading Brokers
Broker - Account Type | BTCUSD | ETHUSD | EURUSD | USDJPY | GBPJPY | EURGBP | AUDNZD | CADCHF | AUS200 | US30 | XAUUSD | XAGUSD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ThinkMarkets – Standard | 27.38 | 1.68 | 0.81 | 0.86 | 1.87 | 1.90 | 3.50 | 2.02 | 1.27 | 1.57 | 0.21 | 0.03 |
Axi – Standard | 27.22 | 2.33 | 1.41 | 2.16 | 3.15 | 1.56 | 2.56 | 2.52 | 1.09 | 1.98 | 0.22 | 0.03 |
IC Markets - Standard | 15.27 | 3.00 | 0.90 | 1.14 | 1.87 | 1.39 | 2.10 | 1.54 | 1.70 | 0.95 | 0.18 | 0.03 |
Vantage Markets – Standard | 14.76 | 2.61 | 1.47 | 1.84 | 2.41 | 1.57 | 2.49 | 2.20 | - | - | 0.19 | 0.03 |
Admirals – Trade | - | - | 0.89 | 1.25 | 2.20 | 1.20 | 4.02 | 5.05 | 3.69 | - | 0.34 | 0.03 |
Exness – Standard | 46.41 | 2.05 | 1.91 | 3.46 | 6.04 | 3.31 | 5.01 | 4.79 | - | 6.09 | 0.42 | 0.04 |
Forex.com – Standard | - | - | 1.44 | 1.76 | 4.40 | 1.73 | 5.29 | 3.97 | - | - | - | - |
Swap Rates/Financing Fees
Swap rates, or financing fees, are the interest paid or received for holding a trading position overnight. Positive swap rates result in a payout, while negative swap rates incur a cost. ThinkMarkets offers competitive swap rates, with an average swap rate that is generally favorable compared to industry-leading brokers.
Broker | Best | Average | NZDUSD Swap Short | NZDUSD Swap Long | USDJPY Swap Short | USDJPY Swap Long | XAUUSD Swap Short | XAUUSD Swap Long |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ThinkMarkets | -- | -3.27 | -0.14 | -0.14 | -2.61 | 1.08 | 19.57 | -37.37 |
Axi | -- | -3.17 | -0.04 | -0.13 | -2.65 | 1.40 | 15.30 | -33.00 |
IC Markets | Best | -2.27 | -0.10 | -0.14 | -2.59 | 1.25 | 20.78 | -32.84 |
Vantage Markets | -- | -2.33 | -0.22 | -0.22 | -2.65 | 1.00 | 18.90 | -30.80 |
Admirals | -- | - | - | - | - | - | 14.27 | -31.59 |
Exness | -- | -6.75 | -0.10 | -0.06 | -2.77 | 0.00 | 0.00 | -37.59 |
Forex.com | -- | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Does ThinkMarkets Offer Islamic/Swap-free Accounts?
Islamic or swap-free accounts are designed for traders who cannot receive or pay interest due to religious beliefs. ThinkMarkets offers swap-free accounts, allowing traders to hold positions without incurring or receiving overnight interest charges. To qualify, traders need to apply for the Islamic account option and provide necessary documentation to verify their eligibility.
Other Fees
Besides spreads and swap rates, ThinkMarkets charges various other fees:
Fee Type | Amount |
---|---|
Withdrawal Fees | Free for most methods, $25 for international bank transfers |
Inactivity Fees | $10 per month after 90 days of inactivity |
Comparison to other Brokers
When comparing ThinkMarkets to other industry-leading brokers like IC Markets, Axi, and Vantage Markets, it stands out in several areas. ThinkMarkets offers competitive spreads in forex and commodities, a high level of regulatory oversight, and strong user ratings.
While it may not have the lowest crypto spreads, its overall cost structure remains attractive. The broker's high web traffic and established presence since 2010 further enhance its credibility and popularity among traders.
Trading Platforms - Mobile, Desktop, Automated
Platform | Type | Automated Trading | Programming Language |
---|---|---|---|
ThinkTrader | Desktop, Mobile, Web | - | - |
MetaTrader 5 | Desktop, Mobile, Web | Yes | MQL5 - Moderate to learn |
MetaTrader 4 | Desktop, Mobile, Web | Yes | MQL4 - Moderate to learn |
TradingView | Mobile, Web | Yes | Pinescript |
ThinkMarkets offers a range of trading platforms catering to different needs. ThinkTrader is the broker's proprietary platform, known for its intuitive interface and advanced charting tools.
MetaTrader 4 and 5 are popular choices among traders, offering extensive support for automated trading through Expert Advisors (EAs). The platforms support programming in MQL4 and MQL5, which are moderately easy to learn, allowing traders to create custom indicators and automated trading strategies.
ThinkMarkets is also integrated with TradingView, allowing users to trade directly from the TradingView charts. TradingView runs on Pinescript language, a moderate learning programming language.
What Can you Trade?
Asset Class | Number of Instruments |
---|---|
Forex CFD | 46 |
Crypto CFD | 27 |
Stock CFD | 3,500+ |
Stock Index CFD | 17 |
Commodities CFD | 11 |
ETFs | 350+ |
Bond CFD | - |
Futures CFD | 11 |
ThinkMarkets offers a broad range of tradable instruments, including forex, crypto, stocks, stock indices, commodities, ETFs, and futures. The broker provides over 3,500 stock CFDs and 46 forex pairs, catering to various trading preferences.
While real asset ownership is not available, trading CFDs allows for leverage, enhancing both potential gains and risks. Leverage enables traders to control larger positions with a smaller capital outlay, but it also amplifies potential losses. For more details on available instruments, visit the ThinkMarkets markets page.
Available Leverage
ThinkMarkets offers different leverage levels depending on the regulatory jurisdiction and the asset class. Retail clients in Europe, Australia, and the UK can access leverage up to 30:1, while clients in Japan have a maximum leverage of 25:1. In South Africa and Seychelles, the leverage can go up to 500:1, providing significant potential for larger trading positions. It's essential to choose leverage levels that align with your risk tolerance and trading strategy.
Prohibited Countries
ThinkMarkets cannot open client accounts for residents of several countries, including the United States and Canada. This is due to regulatory restrictions in these jurisdictions. It's advisable to check the broker's website for the most up-to-date list of prohibited countries to ensure you can open an account if you reside outside these regions.
ThinkMarkets Account types
Standard | Standard ThinkTrader | Mini | ThinkZero | |
Commission | - | $3.50 Per Side Per 100K USD Traded | ||
Maximum leverage | 25:1 JFSA; 30:1 CySEC, FCA, ASIC; 500:1 Others | 2000:1 | 25:1 JFSA; 30:1 CySEC, FCA, ASIC; 500:1 Others | |
Mobile Platform | MT4 Mobile, MT5 Mobile, Proprietary | Proprietary | MT4 Mobile, MT5 Mobile, Proprietary | MT4 Mobile, MT5 Mobile |
Trading platform | MT4, MT5, Proprietary | Proprietary | MT4, MT5, Proprietary | MT4, MT5 |
Spread Type | Variable Spread | |||
Minimum Deposit | 0 | 10 | 500 | |
Minimum Trade Size | 0.01 | - | 0.01 | |
Trailing Stops | ||||
Scalping Allowed | ||||
Hedging Allowed | ||||
Islamic Accounts | - |
Standard | |
Maximum leverage | 25:1 JFSA; 30:1 CySEC, FCA, ASIC; 500:1 Others |
Typical Spread | 0.8 |
Trading platform | MT4MT5Proprietary |
Mobile platform | MT4 MobileMT5 MobileProprietary |
Spread type | Variable Spread |
Minimum deposit | 0 |
Minimum Trade Size | 0.01 |
Trailing Stops | |
Scalping Allowed | |
Hedging Allowed | |
Islamic Accounts |
|
Standard ThinkTrader | |
Maximum leverage | 25:1 JFSA; 30:1 CySEC, FCA, ASIC; 500:1 Others |
Trading platform | Proprietary |
Mobile platform | Proprietary |
Spread type | Variable Spread |
Minimum deposit | 0 |
Minimum Trade Size | 0.01 |
Trailing Stops | |
Scalping Allowed | |
Hedging Allowed | |
Islamic Accounts |
|
Mini | |
Maximum leverage | 2000:1 |
Typical Spread | 2.52 |
Trading platform | MT4MT5Proprietary |
Mobile platform | MT4 MobileMT5 MobileProprietary |
Spread type | Variable Spread |
Minimum deposit | 10 |
Trailing Stops | |
Scalping Allowed | |
Hedging Allowed |
ThinkZero | |
Commission | $3.50 Per Side Per 100K USD Traded |
Maximum leverage | 25:1 JFSA; 30:1 CySEC, FCA, ASIC; 500:1 Others |
Typical Spread | 0.0 |
Trading platform | MT4MT5 |
Mobile platform | MT4 MobileMT5 Mobile |
Spread type | Variable Spread |
Minimum deposit | 500 |
Minimum Trade Size | 0.01 |
Trailing Stops | |
Scalping Allowed | |
Hedging Allowed | |
Islamic Accounts |
|
ThinkMarkets Web traffic
Our web traffic data is sourced from SimilarWeb and sums the traffic data of all websites associated with a broker. Organic visits are visits the broker didn't pay for, based on the available data. This data updates once monthly and can be based on data purchased from internet service providers, traffic metrics sourced by a third party such as Google Analytics that the company chooses to share with SimilarWeb, etc.
Websites |
welcome-partners.thinkmarkets.com
thinkmarkets.com
|
Organic monthly visits | 532,205 (100%) |
Organic traffic rank | 44 out of 825 (Forex Brokers) |
Paid monthly visits | 1,653 (0%) |
Total monthly visits | 533,858 |
Bounce rate | 48% |
Pages per visit | 2.33 |
Average visit duration | 00:01:12.3770000 |
ThinkMarkets Profile
Company Name | TF GLOBAL MARKETS (AUST) PTY LTD / TF Global Markets (UK) Ltd / Global Markets (Europe) Ltd / TF Global Markets (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd/ TF Global Markets (Japan) Limited / Think Capital Int Limited/ |
Categories | Forex Brokers, Cryptocurrency Brokers, Forex Rebates, Cryptocurrency Rebates |
Primary Category | Forex Brokers |
Year Founded | 2010 |
Headquarters | Australia, United Kingdom, South Africa |
Office Locations | Australia, Cyprus, Japan, United Kingdom, South Africa |
Account Currency | AUD, CAD, CHF, EUR, GBP, JPY, NZD, SGD, USD, ZAR |
Client funds bank | Barclays Bank, Commonwealth Bank of Australia |
Support Languages | Arabic, Chinese, English, German, Greek, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Malay, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese, Czech |
Funding Methods | Bank Wire, China Union Pay, Credit/Debit Card, Neteller, PayPal, Perfect Money, Skrill, Crypto wallets, Nuvei, CardPay |
Financial Instruments | Futures, Forex, Shares, Indices, Oil/Energies, Cryptocurrencies, Metals, Spread Betting, ETFs, Soft Commodities (coffee, sugar...) |
ThinkMarkets User reviews
Newer user ratings have greater impact than older ratings and user ratings have no impact after 5+ years old. The more reviews a company receives, the higher the maximum possible aggregate user rating. After 100 reviews a company can receive the highest rating, which is an average of their user ratings.
ThinkMarkets Regulation / Money Protection
Company | Licenses & Regulations | Segregated Client Money | Deposit Compensation Scheme | Negative Balance Protection | Rebates | Max. Leverage Retail Clients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TF Global Markets (Aust) Limited |
|
|
|
|
30 : 1 | |
TF Global Markets (Europe) Ltd |
|
|
|
|
30 : 1 | |
TF Global Markets (UK) Limited |
|
|
|
|
30 : 1 | |
TF Global Markets (Japan) Ltd |
|
|
|
|
25 : 1 | |
TF Global Markets (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd |
|
|
|
|
2000 : 1 | |
TF Global Markets Int Limited |
|
|
|
|
2000 : 1 | |
Think Capital Limited
Bermuda |
|
|
|
|
|
500 : 1 |
ThinkMarkets Promotions
ThinkMarkets Symbols
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