In a stock CFD showdown, Axi and ThinkMarkets test platform breadth, regulation, and trader-support options across global markets.
ThinkMarkets gains a modest edge by providing 24/5 live chat and phone support, which Axi does not.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Axi if…
Choose Axi if you value strong regulation and a broad 700+ share CFD range across MT4 and Axi One. You also get ECN-adjacent execution with transparent commissions.
Choose ThinkMarkets if…
Choose ThinkMarkets if you want a larger stock universe with 3,000+ share CFDs and a mobile-first trading experience. You can use ThinkCopy to socially copy equity strategies.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
ThinkMarkets wins safety and regulation with FCA, ASIC, FSCA, and JFSA oversight.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.4 pips |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | $7/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Axi | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: Axi rates 3.7/5 and ThinkMarkets rates 3.8/5. ThinkMarkets 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.
Axi lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with ThinkMarkets's 0.4. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Neither Axi nor ThinkMarkets requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both Axi 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, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
Axi lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while ThinkMarkets lists up to 20:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Both Axi and ThinkMarkets charge the same commission of $7 per trade on applicable accounts. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
Axi supports DXtrade, MetaTrader 4, while ThinkMarkets supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. Axi has exclusive access to DXtrade. ThinkMarkets has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView.
Neither Axi nor ThinkMarkets is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
Both Axi and ThinkMarkets are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
ThinkMarkets edges active traders with larger stock universe and ThinkTrader plus ThinkCopy.
ThinkMarkets wins for beginners due to ThinkCopy and accessible platform.
ThinkMarkets offers broader global access with 12 exchanges versus eight.
Equally matched; neither shows clear edge in low-cost trading.
Equally matched; neither offers fractional shares or dividend reinvestment.
| 0.7 pips▼ lower |
| 1.1 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | DFSA FCA ASIC | FCA FSCA JFSA ASIC |
|---|
| Platforms | DXtrade MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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