In this head-to-head, Gate.io and ThinkMarkets contrast a crypto-native exchange with extensive token listings against a regulation-heavy broker offering crypto CFDs.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Gate.io: Choose Gate.io for a broad token universe and monthly proof of reserves. You also access staking and crypto withdrawals on a native exchange. ThinkMarkets: Choose ThinkMarkets for regulated crypto CFDs with client money protections. You trade on MT4, MT5, and ThinkTrader within a regulated framework.
Choose if…
Gate.io: Choose Gate.io for a broad token universe and monthly proof of reserves. You also access staking and crypto withdrawals on a native exchange. ThinkMarkets: Choose ThinkMarkets for regulated crypto CFDs with client money protections. You trade on MT4, MT5, and ThinkTrader within a regulated framework.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | N/A | 0.4 pips |
| Taker Fee | 0.20%▼ lower | 7.00% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Gate.io | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Pass | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Pass | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Fail | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Pass | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: Gate.io rates 4/5 and ThinkMarkets rates 3.8/5. Gate.io 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 spread from 0.4. Current spread data is not available for Gate.io. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Neither Gate.io nor ThinkMarkets requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
ThinkMarkets holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, JFSA, FCA), providing stronger investor protections. Gate.io may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, ThinkMarkets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each exchange's site before deciding.
Gate.io offers up to 100:1 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.
Gate.io charges $0.2 per trade, lower than ThinkMarkets's $7 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. 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.
Gate.io supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while ThinkMarkets supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. ThinkMarkets has exclusive access to TradingView and MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
Gate.io offers staking while ThinkMarkets does not according to our data. Staking lets you earn passive yield on your crypto holdings directly through the exchange. Check Gate.io's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
Gate.io lists 500+ coins while ThinkMarkets does not meet this threshold in our data. For traders who want access to many altcoins, Gate.io has the broader selection. Confirm specific coin availability for your region on each exchange's website.
ThinkMarkets wins for security with FCA/ASIC oversight and client money protection.
Gate.io excels in coin selection with 1,700+ listed tokens.
ThinkMarkets is easier for newcomers with no minimum deposit and regulation.
Gate.io offers staking and yield-earning options while ThinkMarkets does not, making Gate.io the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
Equally matched, neither offers DeFi or Web3 features.
| N/A |
| 1.1 pips |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | CryptoBank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | CryptoBank transfer | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Network fee only | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | CIMA AUSTRAC MiCA | ASIC JFSA FCA FSCA |
|---|
| Cold Storage | Yes | No |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | Yes | No |
|---|
| Staking | Yes | No |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | Yes | No |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Gate.io outscores ThinkMarkets overall, thanks to broader coin selection and proof-of-reserves attestations; ThinkMarkets benefits from stronger regulatory protections and client money safeguards.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
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