Two brokers compete on regulation, platforms, and research tools. The axis of tension centers on cost structures, exchange access, and platform capabilities.
FP Markets edges ThinkMarkets on editorial score, driven by stronger category scores. It also benefits from broader research tools and DMA options via IRESS.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose FP Markets if…
Choose FP Markets for built-in research tools and a stock screener.
Choose ThinkMarkets if…
Choose ThinkMarkets for a proprietary ThinkTrader platform and ThinkCopy social features.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
FP Markets wins safety and regulation with ASIC and CySEC oversight.
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $100 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.4 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot▼ lower | $7/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FP Markets | 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 | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: FP Markets rates 4.1/5 and ThinkMarkets rates 3.8/5. FP Markets 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.
FP Markets 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 FP Markets requires at least $100. This makes ThinkMarkets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FP 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.
FP Markets 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.
FP Markets charges $6 per trade, lower than ThinkMarkets's $7 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.
FP Markets supports cTrader, IRESS, 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. FP Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and IRESS. ThinkMarkets has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither FP Markets 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 FP Markets 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.
FP Markets suits active traders with DMA access and broad share CFD coverage.
ThinkMarkets is better for beginners with a $0 minimum deposit.
FP Markets provides access to 15 exchanges, more than ThinkMarkets.
FP Markets is stronger on costs with higher overall category scores.
Equally matched for long-term investing features.
| 0.6 pips▼ lower |
| 1.1 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPOLiPayPal | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerPOLi | 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 | ASIC CySEC | FCA ASIC FSCA JFSA |
|---|
| Platforms | cTrader IRESS MetaTrader 5 TradingView MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
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