IC Marketsvs
ThinkMarketsCrypto Exchange Comparison
Two CFD-focused brokers compete for regulated crypto exposure. The axis is platform breadth versus regulatory coverage.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsby 0.3 pts
IC Markets edges ThinkMarkets with a higher editorial score and broader regulator coverage. ThinkMarkets remains competitive on platforms but trails in overall score.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Pricing transparency: IC Markets provides transparent pricing; ThinkMarkets does not.
- 2Proprietary platform: ThinkMarkets offers ThinkTrader; IC Markets uses standard platforms.
- 3Regulatory coverage differs: ThinkMarkets lists FCA; IC Markets lists ASIC and CySEC.
Who should choose IC Markets vs ThinkMarkets?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want ECN-adjacent raw crypto spreads and access four platforms from one account.
Choose ThinkMarkets if…
Choose ThinkMarkets if you value ThinkTrader and no minimum deposit on standard accounts.
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
Equally matched.
Best for low fees
Recommended
IC Markets offers tighter crypto spreads via ECN-adjacent pricing.
IC Markets vs ThinkMarkets: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  IC Markets |  ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $200 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.4 pips |
| Taker Fee | 7.00% | 7.00% |
IC Markets vs ThinkMarkets Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- ECN-adjacent raw spreads on crypto CFDs, tighter than most retail market makers
- All four platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView) support crypto CFDs from one account
- ASIC and CySEC regulated with segregated client funds and negative balance protection
- No inactivity fee; 24/7 customer support across multiple channels
Cons
- CFDs only, no real crypto ownership, staking, or on-chain withdrawals
IC Markets vs ThinkMarkets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
IC Markets
criteria win
0
ThinkMarkets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | IC 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 | Pass | 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 |
IC Markets vs ThinkMarkets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: IC Markets rates 4.1/5 and ThinkMarkets rates 3.8/5. IC 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.
IC Markets lists a lower spread from 0, compared with ThinkMarkets's 0.4. 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.
ThinkMarkets has no minimum deposit, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes ThinkMarkets more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both IC 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, two factors stand out: ThinkMarkets has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
IC 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.
Both IC Markets and ThinkMarkets charge the same commission of $7 per trade on applicable accounts. 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.
IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while ThinkMarkets supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader. ThinkMarkets has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
