Interactive Brokersvs
ThinkMarketsStock Broker Comparison
Two brokers compete on cost, access to global markets, and long-term investing features. The tension hinges on commission models and platform breadth.
Our Verdict
Interactive Brokers winsClear Winner
Interactive Brokers edges ThinkMarkets on editorial score and broader market access.
Interactive Brokers
4.8/5
ThinkMarkets
3.8/5
Key Differences
- 1IPO access is available with Interactive Brokers.
- 2IBKR covers 150 exchanges while ThinkMarkets offers 12.
- 3ThinkMarkets has a compensation scheme for losses.
Who should choose Interactive Brokers vs ThinkMarkets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want IPO access, extended hours trading, and access to 150 markets.
Choose ThinkMarkets if…
Choose ThinkMarkets if you want ThinkTrader on mobile, 3,000+ share CFDs, and social copying via ThinkCopy.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
Interactive Brokers wins for low-cost trading with commission-free US stock trading via IBKR Lite.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
Interactive Brokers vs ThinkMarkets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.8/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0.2 pips▼ lower | 0.4 pips |
| Commission / lot | $2/lot▼ lower | $7/lot |
Interactive Brokers vs ThinkMarkets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Access to 150+ global markets across 33+ countries
- Industry-leading low commissions for active traders
- IBKR Lite tier offers commission-free US stock trading
- Powerful TWS platform with DMA, options, and API access
- Regulated by SEC, FINRA, FCA, ASIC and other Tier 1 bodies
- IPO access available through IBKR IPO platform
Cons
Interactive Brokers vs ThinkMarkets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
6
Interactive Brokers
criteria wins
2
ThinkMarkets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Interactive Brokers | 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 |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Pass | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Pass | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Pass | Fail |
| IPO access | Pass | 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 |
Interactive Brokers vs ThinkMarkets: Frequently Asked Questions
Interactive Brokers is the stronger choice: it rates 4.8/5 versus 3.8/5 for ThinkMarkets, a gap that reflects clear differences across regulation, fees, and platform quality in our review.
Interactive Brokers lists tighter spreads from 0.2, 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.
Neither Interactive Brokers nor ThinkMarkets requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both Interactive Brokers 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.
Interactive Brokers 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.
Interactive Brokers charges $2 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.
Interactive Brokers supports Trader Workstation (TWS), Proprietary Web/Mobile, while ThinkMarkets supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. Interactive Brokers has exclusive access to Trader Workstation (TWS). ThinkMarkets has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4.
Interactive Brokers 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.
