FXCM vs ThinkMarkets Forex Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of FXCM and ThinkMarkets across regulation, trading costs, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Veteran FCA-regulated broker with strong API support, MT4, and the proprietary Trading Station platform.
VS
Score 4.2 / 5
2 bonusesNo minimum deposit on standard account, a highly rated ThinkTrader mobile app, and JFSA regulation for Japanese clients.
Our Verdict
ThinkMarkets winsby 0.1 pts
ThinkMarkets edges ahead with a score of 4.2/5 vs FXCM's 4.1/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
It's a tie
Both equally suited
Both brokers offer spreads from 0.4 pips.
Best for safety & regulation
It's a tie
Both equally suited
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
Best for platform choice
Recommended
ThinkMarkets offers more exclusive platform options: MetaTrader 5, TradingView, a proprietary platform.
Best for beginners
Recommended
ThinkMarkets edges out FXCM with a higher editorial score (4.2/5 vs 4.1/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
FXCM vs ThinkMarkets: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.1 / 5 | 4.3 / 5▲ |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Founded | 1999 | 2010 |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | London, United Kingdom |
| Min deposit | $50 | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0.4 pips | 0.4 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
| Max leverage | 400:1 | 500:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free for first per month | Free |
| Regulators | FCA ASIC | FCA FSCA ASIC JFSA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 Proprietary Web/Mobile NinjaTrader | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit FXCM | Visit ThinkMarkets |
FXCM vs ThinkMarkets Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
Strong APIs (REST, FIX)
Trading Station + MT4
FCA regulated
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform 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
Withdrew from US market in 2017
No raw spread account option
Inactivity fee applies
Cons
ThinkZero account requires $500 minimum deposit
Standard account is spread-only and not competitive for scalpers
Not available to US residents
FXCM vs ThinkMarkets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
FXCM
criteria wins
2
ThinkMarkets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | FXCM | 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 | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | 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 |
FXCM vs ThinkMarkets: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, ThinkMarkets ranks higher with a score of 4.2/5 vs 4.1/5 for FXCM. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; FXCM and ThinkMarkets may each suit different trader profiles.
Both FXCM and ThinkMarkets offer spreads starting from 0.4 pips, making them equivalent on this metric. Consider commissions and account types when evaluating total trading costs.
ThinkMarkets has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while FXCM requires at least $50. This makes ThinkMarkets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FXCM and ThinkMarkets hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Both are considered safe. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners: ThinkMarkets has a lower minimum deposit (no minimum), lowering the barrier to entry; both brokers offer negative balance protection. Also weigh up educational resources and customer support quality before deciding.
FXCM offers maximum leverage of 400:1, while ThinkMarkets offers up to 500:1. Available leverage varies by account type, instrument, and jurisdiction. Higher leverage amplifies both potential profits and losses. Always use appropriate risk management.
ThinkMarkets charges $7 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for the other broker are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
FXCM supports MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile, NinjaTrader and ThinkMarkets offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView; both support MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile; FXCM exclusively offers NinjaTrader; ThinkMarkets exclusively offers MetaTrader 5, TradingView.
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Score 4.1 / 5
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