This comparison pairs Pionex, a MAS-licensed native crypto exchange, with ThinkMarkets, a regulated CFD broker offering crypto CFDs. The axis of tension is asset ownership, automation, and platform breadth.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose Pionex if you want a native exchange with built-in bots and cold storage.
Choose if…
Choose ThinkMarkets if you want 24/5 live chat and phone support with regulated client funds.
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 | 0.05%▼ lower | 7.00% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Pionex | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Pass | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | 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 | 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 | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: Pionex rates 4/5 and ThinkMarkets rates 3.8/5. Pionex 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 Pionex. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Neither Pionex 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. Pionex 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.
Pionex offers up to 5:1 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.
Pionex charges $0.05 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.
Pionex supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while ThinkMarkets supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. ThinkMarkets has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4.
ThinkMarkets wins security due to FCA/ASIC regulation and client funds protection.
Pionex lists 300+ spot pairs, far more coins than ThinkMarkets.
Pionex offers built-in bots and an accessible interface for beginners.
Equally matched; neither offers notable DeFi or on-chain Web3 capabilities.
| 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 | MAS | ASIC JFSA FCA FSCA |
|---|
| Cold Storage | Yes | 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 |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Pionex edges ThinkMarkets with a 4.0 vs 3.8 editorial score, backed by MAS licensing, 16 built-in bots, and a flat 0.05% maker/taker fee.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
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