This head-to-head compares Saxo Bank and ThinkMarkets in the CFD crypto space under strong regulation. The tension centers on support channels and pricing clarity.
ThinkMarkets adds 24/5 live chat and no inactivity fee, while Saxo Bank lacks live chat and charges inactivity fees. Saxo Bank emphasizes transparent pricing.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose Saxo Bank if…
Choose Saxo Bank if you value transparent pricing and strong Danish regulation.
Choose ThinkMarkets if…
Choose ThinkMarkets if you want 24/5 live chat and no inactivity fees.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Saxo Bank is best for security due to Danish banking licence and audited accounts.
ThinkMarkets is best for low fees due to ThinkZero tighter spreads.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 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 | Saxo Bank | 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: Saxo Bank rates 3.9/5 and ThinkMarkets rates 3.8/5. Saxo Bank 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 Saxo Bank'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 Saxo Bank nor ThinkMarkets requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both Saxo Bank 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.
Saxo Bank 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 Saxo Bank 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.
Saxo Bank supports SaxoTraderGO, Proprietary Web/Mobile, while ThinkMarkets supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. Saxo Bank has exclusive access to SaxoTraderGO. ThinkMarkets has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4.
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.
Coin selection is equally matched between Saxo Bank and ThinkMarkets.
ThinkMarkets is best for beginners due to no minimum deposit on standard accounts.
DeFi & Web3 capacity is equally matched; neither provides DeFi access.
| N/A |
| 1.1 pips |
| Inactivity Fee | $100/quarter (low-balance accounts) | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transfer | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | DFSA FCA JFSA MAS ASIC FINMA Finanstilsynet ACPR CNMV Finanstilsynet MFSA SFC Finansinspektionen CBI KNF CMA FSC | FCA FSCA JFSA ASIC |
|---|
| 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
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