Interactive Brokersvs
ThinkMarketsCrypto Exchange Comparison
Two regulated brokers clash over how crypto operates on their platforms. The debate pits real asset ownership against CFDs and the breadth of listed coins.
Our Verdict
Interactive Brokers winsby 0.2 pts
Interactive Brokers edges ThinkMarkets on the editorial score. Interactive Brokers offers real crypto ownership within a broad multi-jurisdictional framework, while ThinkMarkets remains CFD-only.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Interactive Brokers offers real crypto ownership, ThinkMarkets provides only CFDs.
- 2ThinkMarkets lists 20+ coins versus 9 on Interactive Brokers.
- 3Interactive Brokers uses transparent pricing; ThinkMarkets lacks pricing transparency.
Who should choose Interactive Brokers vs ThinkMarkets?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want real crypto ownership and a broad, multi-jurisdictional regulatory framework.
Choose ThinkMarkets if…
Choose ThinkMarkets if you want crypto CFDs across MT4, MT5, and 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
Interactive Brokers wins for security with SEC/FINRA/FCA oversight and real crypto ownership.
Best for low fees
Recommended
Interactive Brokers vs ThinkMarkets: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  Interactive Brokers |  ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0.2 pips▼ lower | 0.4 pips |
| Taker Fee | 2.00%▼ lower | 7.00% |
Interactive Brokers vs ThinkMarkets Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- Real crypto ownership (not CFDs), Bitcoin, Ethereum, and major alts in your IBKR account
- SEC, FINRA, FCA, and ASIC regulated, strongest multi-jurisdictional framework available
- 0.12-0.18% transparent commission, no spread markup on underlying price
- Manage crypto alongside stocks, ETFs, bonds, and forex in a single platform
Cons
- Narrow selection (~9 coins), no access to altcoins, DeFi, or NFTs
Interactive Brokers vs ThinkMarkets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
Interactive Brokers
criteria win
1
ThinkMarkets
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | Interactive Brokers | 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
Interactive Brokers vs ThinkMarkets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: Interactive Brokers rates 4/5 and ThinkMarkets rates 3.8/5. Interactive Brokers 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.
Interactive Brokers lists a lower spread from 0.2, 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.
Neither Interactive Brokers nor ThinkMarkets requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both Interactive Brokers 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.
Interactive Brokers offers up to 1:1 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.
Interactive Brokers charges $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.
Interactive Brokers supports Trader Workstation (TWS), Proprietary Web/Mobile, while ThinkMarkets supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. Interactive Brokers has exclusive access to Trader Workstation (TWS). ThinkMarkets has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4.
