What We Tested
- Account type: ThinkZero ECN ($1,000 starting balance for test)
- Platform: ThinkTrader (Desktop & Mobile)
- Trading period: 4 months, 92 trades executed
- Pairs tested: EURUSD, DAX40, XAUUSD
- Withdrawal tests: 2 successful (Skrill, Credit Card)
- Support tests: 6 inquiries via live chat
Testing prioritized the proprietary ThinkTrader platform and the ECN execution model via the ThinkZero account to assess real-world performance against MT4/MT5 alternatives.
Regulation & Safety
ThinkMarkets' global regulation is a major strength, providing top-tier oversight in multiple key jurisdictions:
- FCA (UK) – Tier-1 regulation, FSCS protection up to £85,000, strong enforcement.
- ASIC (Australia) – Tier-1 regulation, client fund segregation, strict compliance.
- CySEC (Cyprus) – Tier-2 regulation, ICF compensation up to €20,000.
- FSCA (South Africa) – Local oversight, provides strong regional trust.
Spreads & Execution
| Pair | ThinkZero Avg Spread | Standard Avg Spread | Commission (ThinkZero) |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD | 0.1 pips | 1.2 pips | $7.00/lot RT |
| GBP/USD | 0.3 pips | 1.6 pips | $7.00/lot RT |
| DAX40 (GER40) | 0.9 points | 2.0 points | $0 |
| XAU/USD | 15 pips | 25 pips | $7.00/lot RT |
Spreads measured during London/NY overlap. ThinkZero charges raw spread + commission; Standard is commission-free.
Execution Model and Quality
- Execution Model: NDD (No Dealing Desk) on ThinkZero/Standard
- Median Fill Time: ~11ms (Tested on ThinkZero ECN)
- Slippage (majors): Minimal, mostly neutral or positive
- Max Requotes: <1% (Rarely observed, mostly during flash events)
The ThinkZero account delivers true ECN execution with low latency, highly suitable for scalping and automated strategies. The execution quality is reliable and consistent, aligning with Tier-1 ECN standards.
ThinkTrader Platform (Proprietary Advantage)
ThinkTrader is a major differentiator, offering advanced functionality beyond the standard MetaTrader experience:
- Mobile Excellence: Award-winning mobile app with a superior user experience to MT4/MT5 mobile.
- Advanced Indicators: Access to over 125 technical indicators and 50 drawing tools.
- Cloud Alerts: Integrated free cloud-based alerts and notifications directly to your device.
- Cross-Platform Consistency: Seamless experience across desktop, web, and mobile.
ThinkMarkets designed ThinkTrader to fix common frustrations with MetaTrader's aging interface, making it especially powerful for traders on the move or those seeking better integrated analysis tools.
Account Types & Fees
ThinkZero Account (ECN)
- Min deposit: $500 (recommended)
- Spreads: From 0.0 pips (raw ECN)
- Commission: $7.00/lot RT
- Leverage: Up to 1:500 (ASIC/FCA: 1:30)
- Best for: Experienced traders, scalpers, EAs
Standard Account
- Min deposit: $0
- Spreads: From 1.2 pips (markup included)
- Commission: $0
- Leverage: Up to 1:500 (ASIC/FCA: 1:30)
- Best for: Beginners, swing traders, simple pricing
Other Fees
- Deposit fees: $0 (all methods)
- Withdrawal fees: $0 (broker covers fees on most methods)
- Inactivity fee: None
- Swap rates: Competitive; Islamic accounts available (swap-free)
Deposits & Withdrawals (Tested)
Withdrawals are processed quickly and free of charge, with a strong emphasis on security:
| Method | Amount | Processing Time | Fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Card | $200 | 1 business day | $0 | Return to source policy |
| Bank Wire | $500 | 2-3 business days | $0 (may incur bank fees) | Min withdrawal $100 for wire |
| Skrill/Neteller | $100 | Same day (4 hours) | $0 | Fastest method tested |
Platforms & Tools
- ThinkTrader: Proprietary, feature-rich platform. Excellent for mobile trading, advanced charting, and integrated alerts.
- MetaTrader 4 & 5: Full desktop, web, mobile versions. Stable and EA-friendly (Standard and ThinkZero).
- TradingView Integration: Direct trading integration is available, utilizing ThinkMarkets' execution.
- VPS Hosting: Free for clients meeting minimum volume/balance requirements.
Our Take: The combination of MT4/MT5 stability and the unique, modern ThinkTrader platform provides maximum flexibility. ThinkTrader is a genuine competitive advantage, especially for traders who prefer a powerful mobile experience.
Customer Support (Tested)
ThinkMarkets offers 24/7 client support:
- Live Chat: 24/7, average response time ~1-3 minutes, generally knowledgeable
- Email: Responses within 4-8 hours (tested during business hours)
- Quality: Support quality is excellent, with representatives quickly understanding technical ECN/platform inquiries. One of the best support teams we tested.
24/7 support is a major plus, and the quality of assistance is high, placing ThinkMarkets at the top tier for customer service.
PROS
- Dual Tier-1 Regulation (ASIC & FCA) + CySEC
- Proprietary ThinkTrader platform (excellent mobile/desktop UX)
- ThinkZero ECN account with tight spreads (0.1 pips avg)
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
- £1 Million insurance protection policy
- Zero minimum deposit on Standard Account
- 24/7 responsive customer support
CONS
- ThinkZero commission ($7 RT) is higher than lowest ECN rivals ($4.50 RT)
- Standard account spreads (1.2 pips) are wide for commission-free
- Minimum deposit required for ThinkZero ($500 recommended)
- Limited in-house research tools (relies on third-party integrations)
Who Should Use ThinkMarkets?
- Great fit: Traders prioritizing safety (ASIC/FCA), ECN scalpers willing to pay $7 RT for a premium service, and anyone who trades extensively on mobile devices (ThinkTrader).
- Good fit: Traders who want a stable MT4/MT5 experience combined with the option of a modern proprietary platform.
- Not ideal: Traders seeking the absolute lowest commission (use Fusion Markets) or those requiring ultra-low spreads on a commission-free Standard account.
Final Verdict
ThinkMarkets stands out by successfully combining top-tier regulation (ASIC, FCA, CySEC) with a compelling proprietary platform (ThinkTrader). This dual strength—safety and technology—is rare in the retail brokerage space.
The ThinkZero account provides reliable ECN execution with tight spreads (0.1 pips EUR/USD), making it highly effective for EAs and scalping. The commission rate ($7 RT) is competitive, although slightly higher than the lowest market leader.
The dedication to platform choice (MT4/MT5/ThinkTrader/TradingView) and the added security of the £1 Million insurance policy solidify its high-trust status. Withdrawals are fast, and support is genuinely 24/7.