This matchup pits Freetrade's commission-free trading and simple app against ThinkMarkets' platform suite and share CFDs. The tension centers on cost, long-term features, and regulation.
Freetrade edges ThinkMarkets on the editorial score thanks to higher Trust & Regulation and Fees & Spreads.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Freetrade if…
Choose Freetrade if you want commission-free stock trading. You also gain Stocks & Shares ISA and SIPP wrappers along with fractional shares.
Choose ThinkMarkets if…
Choose ThinkMarkets if you want 24/5 live chat support and direct phone assistance. You trade 3,000+ share CFDs with advanced charting and global access.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Freetrade wins for low cost trading due to commission-free stocks and ETFs.
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | N/A | No minimum |
| Spreads from | N/A | 0.4 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Freetrade | 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) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | — |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Pass | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Fail | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: Freetrade rates 4/5 and ThinkMarkets rates 3.8/5. Freetrade 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. Current spread data is not available for Freetrade. 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 Freetrade.
Both Freetrade 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.
Freetrade lists maximum leverage of 1:1, 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 on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Freetrade 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.
Freetrade supports Freetrade App, while ThinkMarkets supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Freetrade has exclusive access to Freetrade App. ThinkMarkets has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView and MetaTrader 4.
Freetrade 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.
Both Freetrade 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 wins for safety & regulation, with FCA and ASIC oversight and a strong Tier 1 profile.
Freetrade wins for long-term investors with ISA/SIPP wrappers and fractional shares.
ThinkMarkets wins for active traders thanks to advanced charting and broad CFD access.
Freetrade wins for beginners with a simple mobile app and no minimum deposit.
ThinkMarkets wins for global market access with 12 exchanges.
| N/A |
| 1.1 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transfer | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | Yes | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | Yes | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | No | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA | FCA ASIC FSCA JFSA |
|---|
| Platforms | Freetrade App | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
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