Both target web and mobile traders with strong regulation and transparent pricing, but their platform ecosystems and cost structures pull in different directions.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose tastytrade if you prioritize options focused trading and a specialized platform.
Choose if…
Choose ThinkMarkets if you prioritize MT4/MT5 access, raw spreads, and broad regulatory coverage.
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 | 4.5 / 5▲ | 4.3 / 5 |
Pros
Options commissions capped at $10/leg, major cost advantage for traders who size up
$0 to open options trades; $1/contract to close
Platform built natively for options: IVR, Greeks, curve tool, and multi-leg management all first-class
Futures and futures options on the same account as equity derivatives
No PFOF on options, exchange-routed for best execution
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | tastytrade | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Fail | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: tastytrade rates 4.3/5 and ThinkMarkets rates 4.2/5. tastytrade 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 starts from 0.4 pips. Current spread data is not available for tastytrade. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date pricing.
Neither tastytrade nor ThinkMarkets requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both tastytrade 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, ThinkMarkets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
ThinkMarkets lists maximum leverage of 500:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
tastytrade charges $1 per lot, lower than ThinkMarkets's $7 per lot. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day.
tastytrade supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while ThinkMarkets supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. ThinkMarkets has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4.
ThinkMarkets offers spreads from 0.40 pips.
Both are regulated by top tier authorities and segregate client funds, making them equally matched.
tastytrade wins for active traders with an options first platform and capped options commissions.
ThinkMarkets is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available.
ThinkMarkets wins for platform choice with MT4/MT5 and multiple platforms.
ThinkMarkets is more beginner friendly due to familiar MT4/MT5 and strong mobile app.
Tastytrade offers far more instruments (10,000 vs 4,000).
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.8 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.7 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2017 | 2010 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Chicago, Illinois, United States | London, United Kingdom |
|---|
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
|---|
| Spreads From | N/A | 0.4 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $1/lot▼ lower | $7/lot |
|---|
| N/A | 1.1 pips |
| Max Leverage | N/A | 500:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferWire transferACH | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferWire transferACH | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | CFTC NFA | ASIC JFSA FCA FSCA |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
Part of IG Group (LSE-listed), institutional governance and financial stability
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
Phone support available
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
US-only, no international accounts
Options-first interface has a steep learning curve for equity-focused traders
No live chat support, phone and email only
Minimal fundamental research tools; no stock screener or analyst reports
Mobile app less appropriate for entering complex multi-leg strategies than the desktop platform
No negative balance protection
No raw spread account option
No MetaTrader support
Support available in limited languages
Cons
ThinkZero account requires $500 minimum deposit
Standard account is spread-only and not competitive for scalpers
Not available to US residents
Both tastytrade and ThinkMarkets are closely matched overall. ThinkMarkets differentiates through MT4/MT5 access, raw spreads, and 24/5 live chat.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.2 / 5
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