FBSvs
ThinkMarketsStock Broker Comparison
Two brokers compete on stocks CFDs across global markets, focusing on regulation, platform quality, and market reach. The matchup tests safety and access against cost and usability.
Our Verdict
ThinkMarkets winsby 0.5 pts
ThinkMarkets edges FBS on editorial score and stronger regulation.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1ThinkMarkets has top-tier regulator status.
- 2ThinkMarkets covers 12 exchanges; FBS covers 3.
- 3ThinkMarkets participates in a compensation scheme; FBS does not.
Who should choose FBS vs ThinkMarkets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose FBS if…
Choose FBS if you want a $1 minimum deposit with MT4/MT5 and full EA support.
Choose ThinkMarkets if…
Choose ThinkMarkets if you want 3,000+ share CFDs and the ThinkTrader ThinkCopy ecosystem.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
ThinkMarkets wins for safety and regulation with top-tier authorities.
Best for active traders
Recommended
FBS vs ThinkMarkets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.3/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $1 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.4 pips |
| Commission / lot | $20/lot | $7/lot▼ lower |
FBS vs ThinkMarkets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- $1 minimum deposit, widest accessibility for equity CFD markets
- MT4/MT5 with full EA support for automated stock strategies
- 24/7 multilingual support across Asian and CIS markets
Cons
- Offshore regulation (IFSC Belize), minimal investor protection
- Limited stock selection vs dedicated equity brokers
FBS vs ThinkMarkets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
FBS
criteria wins
3
ThinkMarkets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | FBS | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | 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 | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
FBS vs ThinkMarkets: Frequently Asked Questions
ThinkMarkets rates 3.8/5 versus 3.3/5 for FBS. ThinkMarkets edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
FBS 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.
ThinkMarkets has no minimum deposit, while FBS requires at least $1. This makes ThinkMarkets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
ThinkMarkets holds top-tier regulation (FCA, ASIC, FSCA), providing stronger investor protections. FBS may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
ThinkMarkets stands out for beginners: it has a lower entry point and provides negative balance protection, which caps losses at your deposited amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FBS lists maximum leverage of 3000:1, 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.
ThinkMarkets charges $7 per trade, lower than FBS's $20 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
FBS supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while ThinkMarkets supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. ThinkMarkets has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView.
Neither FBS 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.
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.
