FP Markets' true ECN pricing and broad platform coverage clash with ThinkMarkets' multi-regulatory footprint and flexible account options. The axis of tension is cost, platforms, and regulation.
FP Markets is the higher-scoring editorially, with 4.5 versus ThinkMarkets' 4.2. This reflects stronger category scores across trust, fees, and platforms.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose FP Markets if…
Choose FP Markets for true ECN pricing with 0 pips and $6 per lot. You also access MT4/MT5 and cTrader.
Choose ThinkMarkets if…
Choose ThinkMarkets for a proprietary ThinkTrader platform. You also benefit from regulator coverage including JFSA.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
FP Markets offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.40 pips for ThinkMarkets, reducing trading costs.
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 4.3 / 5 |
Pros
True ECN pricing from 0.0 pips + $6 round-turn commission
Supports MT4, MT5, and cTrader, all three major platforms
IRESS platform for direct-access share CFD trading
Strong ASIC and CySEC regulation
Client funds held in segregated accounts
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FP Markets | 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: FP Markets rates 4.5/5 and ThinkMarkets rates 4.2/5. FP Markets 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.
FP Markets 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 FP Markets requires at least $100. This makes ThinkMarkets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FP Markets 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.
FP Markets 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.
FP Markets charges $6 per lot, lower than ThinkMarkets's $7 per lot. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day.
FP Markets supports cTrader, IRESS, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while ThinkMarkets supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4. FP Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and IRESS. ThinkMarkets has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
ThinkMarkets wins for safety with broader regulation across FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, and JFSA.
FP Markets wins for active traders with true ECN pricing and $6 round-turn.
FP Markets is better suited for scalpers: lower commission ($6/lot), tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
FP Markets wins for platform choice with MT4/MT5, cTrader, TradingView, and IRESS.
ThinkMarkets wins for beginners with no minimum deposit on standard accounts.
FP Markets leads in instrument variety with 10,000 offerings.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.5 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.4 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.3 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2005 | 2010 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | London, United Kingdom |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $100 | No minimum▼ lower |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.4 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $6/lot▼ lower | $7/lot |
|---|
| 0.6 pips▼ lower | 1.1 pips |
| Max Leverage | 500:1 | 500:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPOLiPayPal | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerPOLi | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC CySEC | FCA ASIC FSCA JFSA |
|---|
| Platforms | cTrader IRESS MetaTrader 5 TradingView MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
Raw spread account available
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
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
IRESS platform has a monthly fee for lower-volume traders
Customer support primarily oriented toward Australian trading hours
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
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.2 / 5
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