IC Marketsvs
ThinkMarketsStock Broker Comparison
In this matchup, IC Markets and ThinkMarkets compete on regulation, pricing models, and platform breadth for stock CFDs. The contrast highlights where active equity traders might lean.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsby 0.3 pts
IC Markets edges ThinkMarkets on editorial score due to higher overall ratings.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1ThinkMarkets offers ThinkTrader mobile platform with social trading.
- 2IC Markets enables genuine DMA access to ASX via IRESS.
- 33,000+ share CFDs on ThinkMarkets vs 2,000+ on IC Markets.
Who should choose IC Markets vs ThinkMarkets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want commission-transparent pricing on US stocks. You gain DMA access to ASX and major markets via IRESS.
Choose ThinkMarkets if…
Choose ThinkMarkets if you want ThinkTrader for mobile equity management. You gain a 3,000+ share CFD range plus ThinkCopy social trading.
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
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
ThinkMarkets edges IC Markets due to FCA and dual Tier 1 regulatory oversight.
Best for active traders
IC Markets vs ThinkMarkets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $200 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.4 pips |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | $7/lot |
IC Markets vs ThinkMarkets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- 2,000+ share CFDs across US, UK, ASX, European, and Asian exchanges on MT5 and IRESS
- IRESS provides genuine DMA access to ASX and major global equity markets
- Commission-transparent pricing: USD 0.02/share on US stocks, no spread markup
- ASIC and CySEC regulated, tier-1 regulatory coverage for equity CFD trading
Cons
- CFDs only, no real share ownership, ISA wrapper, or dividend reinvestment programme
IC Markets vs ThinkMarkets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | IC 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 | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
IC Markets vs ThinkMarkets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: IC Markets rates 4.1/5 and ThinkMarkets rates 3.8/5. IC 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.
IC 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 IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes ThinkMarkets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both IC 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.
IC Markets lists maximum leverage of 5:1, 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 IC Markets 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.
IC Markets supports cTrader, 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. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader. ThinkMarkets has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither IC 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 IC 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.
