IC Marketsvs
ThinkMarketsForex Broker Comparison
This comparison pits IC Markets against ThinkMarkets on cost, regulation, and platform reach. The tension centers on ECN execution, liquidity vs instrument variety and proprietary tooling.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsby 0.5 pts
IC Markets edges ThinkMarkets on cost and ECN routing with 0 pip spreads and $7/lot commissions. The higher editorial score reflects broader platform breadth and deeper liquidity.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Instrument count: ThinkMarkets 4000 vs IC Markets 2200
- 2Proprietary platform: ThinkMarkets yes; IC Markets no
- 3Regulatory coverage: ThinkMarkets includes JFSA regulation for Japanese clients
Who should choose IC Markets vs ThinkMarkets?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want true ECN routing with raw 0 pip spreads and a clear $7 per lot commission.
Choose ThinkMarkets if…
Choose ThinkMarkets if you want a no-minimum-deposit standard account and the ThinkTrader app.
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
Recommended
IC Markets offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.40 pips for ThinkMarkets, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
IC Markets vs ThinkMarkets: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.7/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 4.3 / 5 |
IC Markets vs ThinkMarkets Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
True ECN routing with raw 0.0 pip spreads
All three major platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader)
Deep liquidity from 25+ tier-1 sources
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
IC Markets vs ThinkMarkets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
IC Markets
criteria wins
1
ThinkMarkets
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | IC 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 |
IC Markets vs ThinkMarkets: Frequently Asked Questions
IC Markets rates 4.7/5 versus 4.2/5 for ThinkMarkets. IC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
IC 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 IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes ThinkMarkets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both IC 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.
IC 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.
Both IC Markets and ThinkMarkets charge the same commission of $7 per lot on applicable accounts.
IC Markets supports cTrader, 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. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader. ThinkMarkets has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
