Swissquote and ThinkMarkets are regulated multi-asset brokers offering crypto CFDs. The clash centers on pricing transparency, support features, and inactivity fees, shaping which model suits different trader needs.
Swissquote has the higher editorial score (4.1 vs 3.8). ThinkMarkets offers 24/5 live chat and no inactivity fee.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose Swissquote if…
Choose Swissquote if you want FINMA-regulated oversight and real crypto custody in a Swiss banking account.
Choose ThinkMarkets if…
Choose ThinkMarkets if you value 24/5 live chat and no inactivity fee.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Swissquote wins for security with FINMA regulation, a Swiss banking license, and strong depositor protection.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $1,000 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 1.7 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 | Swissquote | 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: Swissquote rates 4.1/5 and ThinkMarkets rates 3.8/5. Swissquote 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 Swissquote's 1.7. 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 Swissquote requires at least $1000. This makes ThinkMarkets more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both Swissquote 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.
Swissquote 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 Swissquote 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.
Swissquote supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while ThinkMarkets supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. ThinkMarkets has exclusive access to TradingView.
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 offers no inactivity fee, reducing ongoing costs versus Swissquote.
Equally matched on coin selection at around 20 coins each.
ThinkMarkets is better for beginners because there is no minimum deposit.
Neither broker offers DeFi or Web3 features.
| N/A |
| 1.1 pips |
| Inactivity Fee | CHF 10/month (after 6 months) | 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 FINMA | 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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