CMC Marketsvs
ThinkMarketsCrypto Exchange Comparison
Two regulated CFD brokers clash over crypto reach, platform depth, and pricing clarity. The matchup tests asset breadth against cost and accessibility.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsby 0.3 pts
CMC Markets wins with the higher editorial score and broader regulatory footprint, including LSE-listed status, versus ThinkMarkets.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Coin selection: CMC Markets lists 100 crypto CFDs, ThinkMarkets 20.
- 2Pricing transparency: CMC Markets transparent; ThinkMarkets pricing is less transparent.
- 3Inactivity fees: CMC charges after 12 months; ThinkMarkets has none.
Who should choose CMC Markets vs ThinkMarkets?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
CMC Markets if you value a large crypto CFD range and transparent pricing. ThinkMarkets if you prefer no inactivity fee and strong mobile trading via ThinkTrader.
Choose ThinkMarkets if…
CMC Markets if you value a large crypto CFD range and transparent pricing. ThinkMarkets if you prefer no inactivity fee and strong mobile trading via ThinkTrader.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Best for security
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
CMC Markets wins for security with broader regulator coverage including FCA/ASIC plus BaFin, FMA, and DFSA.
Best for low fees
Recommended
CMC Markets vs ThinkMarkets: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  CMC Markets |  ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0.7 pips | 0.4 pips▼ lower |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 7.00% |
CMC Markets vs ThinkMarkets Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- 100+ crypto CFDs, one of the widest selections among FCA-regulated brokers
- Next Generation platform with 115+ indicators and client sentiment data
- LSE-listed company with FCA and ASIC regulation
- Competitive variable spreads vs other regulated market-maker crypto offerings
Cons
- CFDs only, no real crypto ownership, staking, or on-chain activity
CMC Markets vs ThinkMarkets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
CMC Markets
criteria win
1
ThinkMarkets
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
CMC Markets vs ThinkMarkets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: CMC Markets rates 4.1/5 and ThinkMarkets rates 3.8/5. CMC Markets has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
ThinkMarkets lists a lower spread from 0.4, compared with CMC Markets's 0.7. Crypto trading costs are typically quoted as a percentage of the trade value; check each exchange's full fee schedule, as maker/taker rates and volume discounts vary.
Neither CMC Markets nor ThinkMarkets requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both CMC Markets and ThinkMarkets hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each exchange's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each exchange's site before deciding.
CMC Markets offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus ThinkMarkets's 2:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
ThinkMarkets charges $7 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for CMC Markets are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Crypto fees are typically quoted as maker/taker rates rather than fixed per-trade commissions; check each exchange's fee schedule for volume-based discounts.
CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while ThinkMarkets supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime. ThinkMarkets has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and TradingView.
ThinkMarkets scores better on fee criteria (no deposit fee, no inactivity fee). Always check both exchanges' current fee schedules, as maker/taker rates and withdrawal fees vary and are subject to change.
