Two brokers confront each other on cost models, market reach, and platform depth. The tension revolves around commission-free stock exposure versus broader exchange access and advanced tooling.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose Stake if you want commission-free stock investing in the US, UK, and Australia with real share ownership and a clean, simple interface. There is no account minimum, but you forgo fractional shares and advanced research tools.
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 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 | Stake | 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 | Fail | 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: Stake rates 3.9/5 and ThinkMarkets rates 3.8/5. Stake 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 Stake. 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 Stake.
Both Stake 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.
ThinkMarkets lists maximum leverage of 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 Stake 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.
Stake supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while ThinkMarkets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. ThinkMarkets has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView.
Stake 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 Stake 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.
Choose ThinkMarkets if…
Choose ThinkMarkets if you want access to 12 global exchanges through share CFDs and powerful trading platforms. You also gain 24/5 live chat and phone support, plus advanced charting and multilingual tools, though real ownership is not offered.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Stake wins with commission-free US, UK, and AU stock trading.
Stake leads with FCA license and FSCS protection for UK clients.
ThinkMarkets provides 12 exchanges, multiple platforms, and social copying.
Stake’s no minimum and simple interface suit new investors.
ThinkMarkets offers broader exchange access across 12 markets.
Stake offers real share ownership and no overnight financing.
| N/A |
| 1.1 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank TransferCredit CardDebit Card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank Transfer | Bank transferCardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | Yes | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | No | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC | FSCA FCA ASIC JFSA |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 TradingView Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Stake and ThinkMarkets are closely matched overall, with the clearest differentiator being Stake's commission-free trading against ThinkMarkets' broader exchange access and advanced tools.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
Personalised recommendation
Answer 6 quick questions and we’ll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker