FCA, ASIC, FSCA, CySEC, JFSA, FSA Seychelles
ThinkMarkets Review
ThinkMarkets is a multi-regulated broker offering trading in forex and CFDs. Users can choose between MT4 and MT5, plus the broker’s ThinkTrader platform.
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FCA, ASIC, FSCA, CySEC, JFSA, FSA Seychelles
ThinkMarkets is a multi-regulated broker offering trading in forex and CFDs. Users can choose between MT4 and MT5, plus the broker’s ThinkTrader platform. This, along with low trading fees and over 3500 instruments makes the ThinkMarkets group an attractive proposition.
Our review will unpack the login process, client portal features, and more.
ThinkMarkets Overview
ThinkMarkets is a multi-award-winning online broker that provides trading services for forex, commodities, and indices. Established in 2010, ThinkMarkets has since grown to become a globally recognized brand with a presence in multiple countries around the world. The company's mission is to provide traders with access to the world's financial markets and to empower them with the tools and resources necessary to make informed trading decisions.
At ThinkMarkets, clients have access to a wide range of trading platforms, including the industry-leading MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms. Additionally, ThinkMarkets offers its own proprietary platform, ThinkTrader, which is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive. The company also provides clients with a variety of educational resources, including webinars, trading guides, and market analysis, to help them improve their trading skills and knowledge.
ThinkMarkets is committed to providing its clients with a safe and secure trading environment. The company is regulated by top-tier financial authorities such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) in Australia. Additionally, client funds are kept in segregated accounts to ensure maximum protection.
Regulation & Licensing
ThinkMarkets is a regulated online broker that operates in multiple jurisdictions around the world. The company is authorized and regulated by several reputable regulatory bodies, including:
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom
- Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) in Australia
- Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa
In addition to these regulatory bodies, ThinkMarkets also operates under the guidance of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), which sets regulatory standards for financial markets across the European Union.
By being regulated by these authorities, ThinkMarkets is required to meet strict financial and operational standards. This includes maintaining sufficient financial reserves, segregating client funds, and providing transparent pricing and trading conditions. ThinkMarkets is also subject to regular audits and inspections by these regulatory bodies to ensure ongoing compliance.
Trading Platforms
At ThinkMarkets, clients have access to a wide range of trading platforms, including the industry-leading MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms. Additionally, ThinkMarkets offers its own proprietary platform, ThinkTrader, which is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive.
ThinkTrader
The broker’s proprietary ThinkTrader platform is slick and intuitive. Users get over 125 indicators, 50 drawing tools, plus 20 different chart types. Clients also benefit from close to 200 free cloud-based notifications. Direct chart trading is also available, along with standard risk management tools and multiple order types.
ThinkTrader Platform
MetaTrader 4
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is one of the most popular trading platforms in the world and is well-known for its user-friendly interface, advanced charting capabilities, and extensive library of technical indicators. MT4 is available as a desktop application, web-based platform, and mobile app, allowing traders to access their accounts and trade from anywhere at any time.
MetaTrader 5
The MT5 platform is the latest version of the popular MT4 software. It appeals to seasoned traders, in particular, offering more advanced trading tools and analysis features. Users benefit from additional technical indicators and timeframes, plus an enhanced strategy tester for EAs, as well as a built-in economic calendar.
Platform Options:
- MT4: Mobile (Android, iOS, iPad), MT4 Web, MT4 Desktop download for Windows and Mac.
- MT5: Mobile (Android, iOS, iPad), MT5 Web, MT5 Desktop download for Windows.
- ThinkTrader: Mobile, Tablet, Desktop, ThinkTrader Web.
Markets
ThinkMarkets has a 3500+ list of tradable instruments, covering:
- Forex – 46 majors, minors, and exotics
- Stocks – 3500+ shares & ETFs available
- Indices – 15+ global indices
- Commodities – Oil, gas, & agricultural
- Precious metals – Gold, silver, platinum & copper
- Cryptocurrencies – 20+ including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dash & more
(As per regulation Crypto CFDs are not offered to retail traders in the UK) - Futures – 10+ including BRENT, WTI and COTTON
Spread betting is also available for UK clients only.
Spreads & Commissions
ThinkMarkets scored highly in terms of trading fees. Spreads are variable and start from zero pips on major FX pairs, such as the EUR/USD and GBP/USD.
With the ThinkZero spread account, there is a $3.5 commission per side of 100,000 (£2.5 units per side in the UK). This commission applies to FX and Metals only and ThinkZero accounts are available on MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms.
Account Type | Spread (typical) | Commission (per lot traded) |
---|---|---|
Standard | From 0.4 pips | 0 |
ThinkZero | From 0 pips | Starting at $3.5 |
Leverage
The maximum leverage available depends upon the type of account (retail /professional) and the ThinkMarkets entity.
- Forex – leverage up to 1:500
- Indices – leverage up to 1:200
- Commodities – leverage up to 1:200
- Cryptocurrency – leverage up to 1:10
To avoid a margin call, make sure you have enough capital in your account.
Account Type | Maximum Leverage |
---|---|
Standard | Up to 1:500 |
ThinkZero | Up to 1:200 |
Mobile App
ThinkMarkets offer a full-service mobile app called ThinkTrader, which is available to download for iOS and Android devices. Previously Trade Interceptor, ThinkMarkets has enhanced the platform to provide a superior mobile trading experience. The app has since been rated five stars by over 15,000 users.
The award-winning mobile program offers thousands of markets, in-app chat support, plus a breadth of analysis tools and technical indicators.
Payment Methods
Funding your account is available via several deposit methods (which may vary depending on the client’s country of residence and the ThinkMarkets entity:
Method | Deposit Processing Time | Withdrawal Processing Time | Minimum Deposit | Minimum Withdrawal | Maximum Deposit | Maximum Withdrawal | Fees |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bank Transfer | 1-3 business days | 1-3 business days | $0 | $0 | No Limit | No Limit | ThinkMarkets does not charge fees, but intermediary banks or payment providers may apply fees |
Credit/Debit Card | Instant | 1-3 business days | $0 | $0 | $10,000 per transaction | $10,000 per transaction | ThinkMarkets does not charge fees, but intermediary banks or payment providers may apply fees |
Skrill | Instant | 1-3 business days | $0 | $0 | No Limit | $50,000 per transaction | ThinkMarkets does not charge fees, but Skrill may apply fees |
Neteller | Instant | 1-3 business days | $0 | $0 | No Limit | $50,000 per transaction | ThinkMarkets does not charge fees, but Neteller may apply fees |
BPAY | 1-3 business days | N/A | $50 | N/A | N/A | N/A | ThinkMarkets does not charge fees, but intermediary banks or payment providers may apply fees |
For security reasons, the withdrawal and deposit method must be the same. Withdrawals are normally processed within 24 hours but may take up to seven working days. For withdrawals via bank transfer, the minimum withdrawal amount is $/£100. There are no deposit or withdrawal fees at ThinkMarkets.
Demo Account
ThinkMarkets offers a demo account with $/£25,000 in practice cash. Users can refine strategies and test the MT4, MT5, and ThinkTrader platforms while getting familiar with the available instruments.
Demo accounts on MT4/MT5 will expire after 90 days of inactivity and demo accounts on the ThinkTrader platform do not expire but ThinkMarkets do reserve the right to close them.
Additional Features
ThinkMarkets has a pretty good library of educational resources. For beginners, there are free video tutorials and a trading glossary. Tutorials aimed at intermediate and advanced traders are also available. Additionally, trend PDFs, market news, and blogs from industry experts can be found on the broker’s website.
The multitude of tools are all designed to help traders boost revenue and minimise losses.
Account Types
ThinkMarkets has two popular retail accounts:
Account Type | Standard | ThinkZero |
---|---|---|
Minimum Deposit | $0 | $500 |
Spreads | From 0.4 pips | From 0 pips |
Commission | 0 | Starting at $3.5 per lot traded |
Maximum Leverage | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:200 |
Trading Platforms | MT4, MT5, and Trade Interceptor | MT4, MT5, and Trade Interceptor |
Trading Instruments | Forex, Indices, Commodities, Shares, Cryptocurrencies | Forex, Indices, Commodities, Shares, Cryptocurrencies |
Minimum Trade Size | 0.01 lots | 0.01 lots |
Order Execution | Market Execution | Market Execution |
Negative Balance Protection | Yes | Yes |
Islamic Account | Yes | Yes |
24/5 Customer Support | Yes | Yes |
Note the broker does not use an ECN model and is primarily a market maker.
Benefits
ThinkMarkets scores highly in broker rankings for several reasons:
- 3500+ tradable products
- Award-winning customer support, available 24/7
- Choice of platforms, including MT4 & MT5 and the highly rated ThinkTrader platform (also available as a web terminal)
- Licensed by top tier regulators in both Australia (ASIC) & UK (FCA)
- Quick & easy to open a ThinkMarkets account
- Copy trading via Zulutrade
Drawbacks
While ThinkMarkets is a reputable and regulated broker, there are some potential downsides to trading with them that traders should be aware of. Some of these downsides include:
- Limited Account Funding Options: ThinkMarkets offers a limited number of deposit and withdrawal methods compared to some other brokers. This can make it difficult for traders who prefer to use specific payment methods or who are located in countries where certain payment options are not available.
- Inactivity Fee: ThinkMarkets charges an inactivity fee of $25 per month after 180 days of no trading activity on the account. This fee can add up over time and may be a concern for traders who only trade sporadically.
- Limited Educational Resources: While ThinkMarkets provides some educational resources for traders, such as webinars and trading guides, these resources may be more limited compared to other brokers. Traders who are looking for a more robust education program may need to seek additional resources elsewhere.
- Limited Cryptocurrency Offerings: While ThinkMarkets does offer trading in cryptocurrencies, the selection is relatively limited compared to other brokers. This may not be a concern for traders who only wish to trade a few popular cryptocurrencies, but it could be a limitation for those who are looking to trade a wider variety of digital assets.
- High Commission on ThinkZero Accounts: ThinkMarkets charges a commission starting at $3.5 per lot traded on their ThinkZero account type, which may be higher than what other brokers charge. This can increase trading costs and may not be ideal for traders who are looking to minimize their costs.
Trading Hours
ThinkMarkets trading hours follow standard opening and closing times of respective markets. So, for forex and indices, most trading will take place Monday to Friday. Contract specific opening hours can be found on the broker’s website.
Customer Support
ThinkMarkets provides customer support to their clients through multiple channels, including:
Live Chat: Traders can access the live chat support feature on the ThinkMarkets website 24/5, from Sunday at 9pm GMT to Friday at 10pm GMT.
Phone Support: ThinkMarkets provides phone support to traders in several countries around the world. The phone lines are open 24/5, from Sunday at 9pm GMT to Friday at 10pm GMT.
Email Support: Traders can also contact ThinkMarkets via email at any time, and the support team aims to respond within 24 hours.
Social Media: ThinkMarkets maintains a presence on various social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Traders can reach out to the support team on these platforms as well.
ThinkMarkets have global offices in London, Chicago, Melbourne and South Africa.
Security
The ThinkMarkets website is secured using industry-standard encryption protocols. Also, the MetaTrader platforms use a one-time-password to provide an additional layer of security.
Accepted Countries
ThinkMarkets accepts traders from Australia, Thailand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Italy, Denmark, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Qatar and most other countries.
Traders can not use ThinkMarkets from United States, Canada, Belgium, Russian Federation.
Final Thought
In conclusion, ThinkMarkets is a well-regulated and reputable broker that offers a range of trading products and platforms for traders of all levels. With competitive pricing, multiple account types, and a wide range of assets available for trading, ThinkMarkets is a strong choice for traders who are looking for a broker that offers flexibility and choice.
While there are some potential downsides to trading with ThinkMarkets, such as limited account funding options and a high commission on ThinkZero accounts, the broker's strong customer support and educational resources help to mitigate these concerns.
Overall, traders who are looking for a broker that offers a diverse range of trading products and platforms, along with competitive pricing and strong customer support, should consider ThinkMarkets as a potential option. As always, traders should do their own research and consider their own needs and preferences before making a final decision on a broker.
FAQ's
What account types does ThinkMarkets offer?
ThinkMarkets offers several different account types, including Standard, ThinkZero, and Islamic accounts. Each account type has different features and benefits, such as different spreads, commissions, and trading platforms.
What assets can I trade with ThinkMarkets?
ThinkMarkets offers a range of assets for trading, including forex, indices, commodities, shares, and cryptocurrencies. Traders can choose from a wide selection of instruments within each asset class.
What trading platforms does ThinkMarkets offer?
ThinkMarkets offers several trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, as well as their proprietary ThinkTrader platform. Each platform offers different features and benefits, such as different charting tools and order types.
What are the funding options for ThinkMarkets accounts?
ThinkMarkets offers a range of funding options, including credit/debit card, bank wire transfer, and various e-wallets. However, the number of available funding options may vary depending on the trader's location.