Two regulation-forward forex brokers collide in a battle of price transparency and platform choices. The tension centers on ECN access versus proprietary tools and how they scale traders' options.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose EightCap if you want MT4 MT5 cTrader and TradingView on one account with raw EURUSD from 0.0 pips at $7 per lot.
Choose if…
Choose ThinkMarkets if you value a proprietary ThinkTrader app and strong multi-region regulation with MT4 MT5 support.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.4 / 5▲ | 4.3 / 5 |
Pros
MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView all available on one account
Capitalise.ai code-free automation included at no extra cost
ASIC (391441) and FCA (921296) dual regulation
Razor account: raw EUR/USD from 0.0 pips at $7 round-turn commission
No minimum deposit on Standard account
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | EightCap | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Pass | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: EightCap rates 4.3/5 and ThinkMarkets rates 4.2/5. EightCap 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.
EightCap starts from 0 pips, tighter than ThinkMarkets's 0.4 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
ThinkMarkets has no minimum deposit, while EightCap requires at least $100. This makes ThinkMarkets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both EightCap and ThinkMarkets hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker'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 brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
EightCap lists maximum leverage of 500:1, while ThinkMarkets lists up to 500:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Both EightCap and ThinkMarkets charge the same commission of $7 per lot on applicable accounts.
EightCap supports TradingView, cTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, while ThinkMarkets supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Both provide TradingView and MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. EightCap has exclusive access to cTrader. ThinkMarkets has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
EightCap offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.40 pips for ThinkMarkets, reducing trading costs.
ThinkMarkets regulators include FCA, ASIC, FSCA, and JFSA, strengthening safety oversight.
EightCap is best for active traders due to four platforms and built-in code-free automation.
EightCap is better suited for scalpers: tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
EightCap wins for platform choice with MT4 MT5, cTrader, and TradingView on one account.
ThinkMarkets wins for instrument variety with about 4000 instruments.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.5 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2009 | 2010 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Melbourne, Australia | London, United Kingdom |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $100 | No minimum▼ lower |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.4 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | $7/lot |
|---|
| 0.7 pips▼ lower | 1.1 pips |
| Max Leverage | 500:1 | 500:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | $10/month (after 12 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerCrypto | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerCrypto | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC FCA SCB | ASIC JFSA FCA FSCA |
|---|
| Platforms | TradingView cTrader MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Pros
No minimum deposit on standard ThinkForex account
ThinkTrader proprietary app is well-reviewed for mobile trading
JFSA regulation for Japanese clients
Strong multi-region regulatory coverage
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
Raw spread account available
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Cons
$100 minimum on Razor ECN account
Shorter public track record than IC Markets or Pepperstone
Research and educational content thinner than larger peers
Not available to US residents
No proprietary platform
Cons
ThinkZero account requires $500 minimum deposit
Standard account is spread-only and not competitive for scalpers
Not available to US residents
EightCap and ThinkMarkets are closely matched overall in regulation and pricing. The clearest differentiator is ThinkMarkets' proprietary ThinkTrader platform, while EightCap offers no proprietary platform.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.2 / 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