IC Markets vs ThinkMarkets Comparison: Which Is Better for Traders?
ThinkMarketsWe test brokers on real accounts using our own methodology, evaluating the quality of order execution, trading conditions, platforms and customer support.
Who is better - IC Markets or ThinkMarkets?
Our pick: IC Markets
Based on multiple factors - spreads and fees, available assets and instruments, execution quality, platform usability, support level, and educational resources - IC Markets looks preferable to ThinkMarkets.
IC Markets scored 4.7/5 and ranks 3 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas ThinkMarkets has 4/5 and ranks 46.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is IC Markets suitable for?
IC Markets is suitable for traders looking for low spreads and ECN accounts and the ability to scalp and use expert advisors.
Who is ThinkMarkets suitable for?
ThinkMarkets suits traders who value attractive trading conditions, a wide range of products, analytical tools, and educational materials.
Comparison Table of IC Markets and ThinkMarkets
| Broker | IC Markets | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2007 | 2009 |
| Regulated in Countries | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya | Seychelles, United Kingdom, Australia, Cyprus, South Africa, Japan, Cayman Islands |
| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Review | IC Markets Review | ThinkMarkets Review |
IC Markets Review
IC Markets is a reliable and versatile broker that offers a wide range of services and tools for trading in the financial markets. The company provides impressive trading instruments, high-quality trading platforms, advanced analytical tools, and valuable education for traders of all levels.
IC Markets is likely most suitable for experienced traders who value deep liquidity, tight spreads, and advanced trading tools. Beginner traders can also benefit from the educational materials offered by the company, but they should be prepared for some additional expenses and a higher minimum deposit requirement.
Pros and Cons of IC Markets
Pros
- A wide range of trading assets.
- Low spreads.
- Variety of trading platforms.
- Quality educational materials.
- Efficient customer support service.
Cons
- High minimum deposit.
IC Markets is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
ThinkMarkets Review
ThinkMarkets is a highly regulated broker with licenses from the FCA and ASIC, confirming its reliability and operations transparency. The broker offers a wide range of trading platforms suitable for beginners and experienced traders. Extensive analytical resources and educational materials help traders to develop their skills and improve trading efficiency. Round-the-clock support ensures that help is always available, no matter the time of day.
ThinkMarkets is ideal for traders who are looking for a reliable and well-regulated broker with a variety of technological solutions and analytical tools. The broker is especially suitable for active traders who are willing to invest time in learning the market through the training materials offered.
Pros and Cons of ThinkMarkets
Pros
- Wide range of trading platforms.
- Strong analytical support.
- Extensive educational materials.
- 24/7 technical support.
Cons
- Limited choice of trading accounts.
- Withdrawal fees and account inactivity fees.
Reliability
| Broker | IC Markets | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2007 | 2009 |
| Regulated in Countries | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya | Seychelles, United Kingdom, Australia, Cyprus, South Africa, Japan, Cayman Islands |
| Regulators | SFSA SFSA ASIC ASIC CySEC CySEC CMA CMA | SFSA SFSA - FCA FCA ASIC ASIC CySEC CySEC FSCA FSCA JFSA JFSA CIMA CIMA |
IC Markets
IC Markets operates under the regulation of several jurisdictions, including ASIC in Australia, CySEC in Cyprus, and SFSA in the Seychelles, indicating a high degree of regulation.
ThinkMarkets
The presence of licenses from authoritative regulators and a good reputation speak to the reliability of ThinkMarkets.
Account Opening
| Broker | IC Markets | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
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IC Markets
The account opening process at IC Markets is well-thought-out, transparent, and detailed, ensuring convenience and ease for clients. However, the high minimum deposit may deter many beginners.
ThinkMarkets
The account opening process at ThinkMarkets is simple and convenient. However, due to the possible verification process taking up to 2 days, the account opening process may not be as fast as desired.
Account Types
| Broker | IC Markets | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 3.8/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
IC Markets
IC Markets' accounts are mainly aimed at experienced and professional traders.
Pros
- ECN accounts
- Ability to copy trades
- Access to VPS
Cons
- No cent accounts
- No fixed spread accounts
ThinkMarkets
ThinkMarkets offers two main types of accounts, but the variety of accounts is limited, and there are no accounts for certain groups of traders.
Pros
- Free VPS
- Ability to copy trades of successful traders
Cons
- Lack of cent accounts and fixed spread accounts
- No Islamic account
Commissions
| Broker | IC Markets | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 4.5/5 | 2.3/5 |
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 0.62 | 1.2 |
| Commission per Lot | $3.5 | $3.5 |
IC Markets
IC Markets has low commissions. Fees for transactions on ECN accounts and spreads are acceptable to most traders, and the absence of charges for deposits/withdrawals and account inactivity is a significant advantage.
ThinkMarkets
ThinkMarkets has average market commissions, making it accessible for most traders. However, it should be noted that the broker charges some non-trading commissions.
Pros
- Transparent commission structure.
Cons
- Conversion fee for withdrawals in a currency other than the base currency.
- Inactivity fee.
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | IC Markets | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
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IC Markets
IC Markets offers multiple options for depositing and withdrawing funds, but possible fees from banks and payment systems should be considered, along with some restrictions on withdrawal methods.
ThinkMarkets
The broker offers convenient methods for depositing and withdrawing funds, most of which are commission-free, however, there may be delays in withdrawals.
Pros
- Wide selection of deposit and withdrawal methods.
- No commission for most deposit and withdrawal cases.
Cons
- Conversion fee for withdrawals in a currency other than the base currency.
- Potential long withdrawal times due to meticulous transaction verification
Markets and Products
| Broker | IC Markets | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Forex | 61 | 46 |
| Precious Metals | 7 | 10 |
| Energy Carriers | 5 | 3 |
| Soft Commodities | 8 | 3 |
| Indices | 25 | 15 |
| Stocks | 2175 | 3305 |
| ETF | 38 | 364 |
| Bonds | 10 | - |
| Cryptocurrency | 21 | 21 |
IC Markets
IC Markets offers various trading instruments, including currency pairs, CFDs on metals, energy resources, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies.
ThinkMarkets
ThinkMarkets offers a highly diverse range of trading instruments.
Trading Platforms
| Broker | IC Markets | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
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IC Markets
IC Markets provides powerful and functional trading platforms suitable for various trader categories.
ThinkMarkets
ThinkMarkets offers a wide selection of platforms, including popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, as well as proprietary developments such as ThinkTrader and ThinkCopy.
Analytics
| Broker | IC Markets | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
IC Markets
IC Markets provides its clients with an extensive set of analytical tools and materials, which can assist them in successful trading in the financial markets.
ThinkMarkets
ThinkMarkets provides high-quality analytical tools, making trading informative and productive.
Pros
- Extensive set of market analysis tools.
- Availability of Traders' Gym for strategy testing.
- Daily trading signals and market news.
Cons
- Some tools are only available for certain types of accounts.
Education
| Broker | IC Markets | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.7/5 |
IC Markets
IC Markets offers a wide range of educational resources, from interactive video lessons to webinars and podcasts, demonstrating care for their clients and a commitment to providing all the necessary resources for successful trading.
ThinkMarkets
ThinkMarkets offers high-quality educational materials covering a wide range of topics.
Pros
- Wide range of topics in articles.
- Webinars from experts.
- Materials for traders of all levels.
Cons
- Lack of video tutorials.
Customer Support
| Broker | IC Markets | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 5/5 |
| Email Support |
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| Hotline Phones |
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| Social Media |
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
YouTubeIC Markets
IC Markets provides a variety of communication channels, ensuring support service accessibility for clients. Numerous client reviews indicate the support team's quick response and high professionalism.
Pros
- Positive reviews about professional support
- Multiple channels for support communication
- Support is available 24/7
Cons
- Only international call option is available
ThinkMarkets
ThinkMarkets offers a wide range of communication channels with support, including phone numbers in different countries, email, and online chat. Additionally, support is available 24/7, ensuring prompt assistance at any time of the day.
Comparisons of IC Markets and ThinkMarkets with other brokers
Conclusion
IC Markets stands out as the better overall pick, while ThinkMarkets trails on aggregate criteria.
IC Markets scored 4.7/5 and ranks 3 in our rating; ThinkMarkets has 4/5 and ranks 46.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: IC Markets or ThinkMarkets?
IC Markets comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.7/5, position 3) versus ThinkMarkets (score 4/5, position 46).
Which broker is better for beginners: IC Markets or ThinkMarkets?
IC Markets is often a smoother start thanks to simpler onboarding and stronger baseline metrics. Still, your tools and budget should drive the final choice.
Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — IC Markets or ThinkMarkets?
It depends on the instrument and account type. Compare the live conditions in the “Commissions” section on this page — we break down the nuances category by category.
What trading platforms are available with IC Markets and ThinkMarkets?
IC Markets: MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, cTrader, TradingView. ThinkMarkets: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, ThinkTrader. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with IC Markets and ThinkMarkets?
IC Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. ThinkMarkets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Cryptocurrency. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by IC Markets and ThinkMarkets?
IC Markets: Standard, Raw Spread cTrader, Raw Spread. ThinkMarkets: Standard, ThinkZero. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by IC Markets and ThinkMarkets?
IC Markets: PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Bpay, FasaPay, Klarna, Swift, SEPA, Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, POLi, Rapidpay. ThinkMarkets: Neteller, Skrill, Perfect Money, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — IC Markets or ThinkMarkets — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
