E*TRADEvs
ThinkMarketsStock Broker Comparison
This comparison pits E*TRADE's regulation-rich, U.S. focus against ThinkMarkets' globally oriented platform suite. The tension centers on cost, tools, and access to international markets.
Key Differences
- 1E*TRADE offers commission-free trading; ThinkMarkets charges per trade.
- 2Extended trading hours are available on E*TRADE; ThinkMarkets do not offer them.
- 3Exchanges: E*TRADE covers 8; ThinkMarkets covers 12.
Who should choose E*TRADE vs ThinkMarkets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose E*TRADE if you value extended hours and robust research tools with dividend reinvestment and commission-free trading.
E*TRADE vs ThinkMarkets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | N/A | No minimum |
| Spreads from | N/A | 0.4 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
E*TRADE vs ThinkMarkets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Power E*TRADE platform with professional options analytics and strategy scanner
- Commission-free stocks and ETFs with $0.50/contract options for active traders
- Futures trading available on CME products from the same account
- Morgan Stanley analyst reports now included for account holders
- 40+ year operating history; SEC, FINRA, and SIPC regulated
Cons
E*TRADE vs ThinkMarkets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
4
E*TRADE
criteria wins
2
ThinkMarkets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | E*TRADE | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | — |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Pass | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Pass | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
E*TRADE vs ThinkMarkets: Frequently Asked Questions
ETRADE rates 4.3/5 versus 3.8/5 for ThinkMarkets. ETRADE edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
ThinkMarkets starts from 0.4. Current spread data is not available for E*TRADE. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
ThinkMarkets requires no minimum deposit required. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for E*TRADE.
Both E*TRADE 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.
E*TRADE lists maximum leverage of 1:4, 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.
ThinkMarkets charges $7 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for E*TRADE are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
E*TRADE supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while ThinkMarkets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. ThinkMarkets has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView.
E*TRADE offers commission-free stock trading while ThinkMarkets does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
ThinkMarkets scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
