IG and ThinkMarkets face off in crypto CFDs, pitting regulatory strength and coin breadth against mobile-first platforms and execution.
IG is the higher-scoring editorial choice, edging ThinkMarkets on overall score. IG also has a broader coin offering and stronger regulatory framework.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose IG if…
You access 70+ coins including weekend markets with IG. IG also provides a FCA-listed regulatory framework across multiple jurisdictions. You get ThinkTrader mobile trading with ThinkMarkets. You also access ThinkCopy social trading and FCA/ASIC regulation with ThinkMarkets.
Choose ThinkMarkets if…
You access 70+ coins including weekend markets with IG. IG also provides a FCA-listed regulatory framework across multiple jurisdictions. You get ThinkTrader mobile trading with ThinkMarkets. You also access ThinkCopy social trading and FCA/ASIC regulation with ThinkMarkets.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
IG wins for security, backed by higher trust/regulation scores and FCA-listed framework.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0.6 pips | 0.4 pips▼ lower |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 7.00% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | IG | 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: IG rates 4.2/5 and ThinkMarkets rates 3.8/5. IG 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 IG's 0.6. 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 IG nor ThinkMarkets requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both IG 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.
IG 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 IG 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.
IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while ThinkMarkets supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView and MetaTrader 4. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime. ThinkMarkets has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
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.
ThinkMarkets wins for low fees due to its slightly stronger Fees & Spreads rating.
ThinkMarkets wins for beginners due to no minimum deposit and accessible ThinkTrader ecosystem.
Equally matched for DeFi & Web3; neither offers DeFi access.
| N/A |
| 1.1 pips |
| Inactivity Fee | £12/month (after 24 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferDebit cardPayPal | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA FMA CMVM BaFin Finanstilsynet Finanstilsynet Finansinspektionen CBI NFA KNF | FCA ASIC FSCA JFSA |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | No |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | No |
|---|
| Staking | No | No |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | No |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
Personalised recommendation
Answer 6 quick questions and we’ll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker