Trading Academy
Forex Glossary
Trading Guides
News
Blog
IC Markets vs ThinkMarkets (2026): Which Broker Is Actually Better?
We compare IC Markets against ThinkMarkets across spreads, regulations, platforms, and trading costs. Read our algorithmic breakdown and expert verdict to find out which broker suits your trading style in 2026.
Which is better: IC Markets or ThinkMarkets?
Sources & References
- IC Markets Trading Accounts— IC Markets
- BrokerAnalysis ranking methodology— BrokerAnalysis
- BrokerAnalysis data sources— BrokerAnalysis
- BrokerAnalysis editorial policy— BrokerAnalysis
Verified promotions on this matchup
We keep this factual and secondary to safety, pricing, and platform fit. Terms still matter.
IC Markets
Cashback / RebateUp to $2.50/Lot Rebate + 21% Comm Off
Raw Trader Plus rebate up to $2.50/lot. Save ~$1.50/lot with 21% lifetime commission discount.
ThinkMarkets
No verified active promotion right now.
Verdict: IC Markets Holds a Slight Edge
After side-by-side testing, **IC Markets** holds a slight edge over ThinkMarkets in this matchup. The gap is small and ThinkMarkets remains an excellent choice — especially for mobile-first traders & those seeking a proprietary app — but IC Markets edges it on consistently deepest liquidity and tightest raw spreads (0.0) and payout reliability.
IC Markets vs ThinkMarkets: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2007 | 2010 |
| Overall Rating | 4.6/5.0 | 4.3/5.0 |
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $0 |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.8 pips (Standard) | 0.0 pips (ThinkZero) |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:1000 (Global) | 1:30 (Retail) | 1:500 |
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | Yes | Yes |
| cTrader | Yes | No |
| TradingView | Yes | No |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Forex Pairs | 61 | 40+ |
| Deposit Methods | Card, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Wire, Broker-to-Broker | Card, Bank, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto |
| Withdrawal Speed | 24-48 hours | 1-2 business days |
| Execution Type | True ECN | STP / ECN |
IC Markets vs ThinkMarkets: Fee Breakdown
When comparing the trading costs between IC Markets and ThinkMarkets, it's essential to look beyond just the advertised spreads. We must factor in commissions, swap rates, and non-trading fees like deposit or inactivity charges. IC Markets offers pricing characterized by $3.50/lot (Raw Spread) alongside 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.8 pips (Standard) spreads. In contrast, ThinkMarkets utilizes a model with $3.50/lot (ThinkZero) and 0.0 pips (ThinkZero) spreads. For active, high-volume traders, either broker provides the superior cost-efficiency curve.
| Fee Type | IC Markets | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.8 pips (Standard) | 0.0 pips (ThinkZero) |
| Commission Defaults | $3.50/lot (Raw Spread) | $3.50/lot (ThinkZero) |
| Execution Model | True ECN | STP / ECN |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Speed | 24-48 hours | 1-2 business days |
Safety & Regulation: Is IC Markets or ThinkMarkets Safer?
Trust is paramount in forex trading. Both IC Markets and ThinkMarkets are highly regulated entities, but their jurisdictional footprints differ. IC Markets is armed with 2 Tier-1 licenses and has been securing client funds since 2007. ThinkMarkets, licensed since 2010, counters with 2 Tier-1 regulatory bodies overseeing its operations. They are evenly matched in terms of top-tier trust metrics. Both brokers employ strict client fund segregation.
IC Markets
Tier 1- Regulators:ASIC (Australia)CySEC (Cyprus)Seychelles FSASCB (Bahamas)
- Investor Protection: ASIC client money rules & European ICF
- Licensed Since: 2007
ThinkMarkets
Tier 1- Regulators:ASIC (Australia)FCA (UK)FSCA (South Africa)FSA (Seychelles)
- Investor Protection: £85,000 (FSCS) / Segregated funds
- Licensed Since: 2010
Platform & Tools Comparison
The software you trade on dictates your execution speed and analytical depth. Both brokers provide industry stalwarts, but divergencies exist. IC Markets equips its clients with MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView. ThinkMarkets, on the other hand, grants access to ThinkTrader, MT4, MT5. If you rely on TradingView charting, this section heavily dictates your broker choice.
| Feature | IC Markets | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| cTrader | ||
| TradingView | ||
| Proprietary Environment | Yes (ThinkTrader) | |
| Copy Trading Network |
Pros & Cons: IC Markets vs ThinkMarkets
IC Markets
Pros
- Consistently deepest liquidity and tightest raw spreads (0.0)
- Servers located in NY4 & LD5 datacenters for <40ms latency
- No restrictions on scalping, hedging, or EAs
- Excellent support for cTrader and TradingView
- Massive global trading volume
Cons
- Customer service can be slower during peak times
- Protection and leverage depend heavily on your account entity
- Basic research and educational material
ThinkMarkets
Pros
- Excellent ThinkTrader mobile app
- No minimum deposit
- ASIC and FCA regulated
- Free VPS
- Negative balance protection
Cons
- Spreads on standard account are average
- Limited educational content
- Not as widely known as competitors
Expert Verdict: IC Markets vs ThinkMarkets
When we place IC Markets and ThinkMarkets side-by-side, we observe two distinct philosophies in client servicing. IC Markets, licensed since 2007, has carved out a massive niche focusing on scalpers, ea traders & low-latency algorithmic trading. Their execution model heavily leans into True ECN, and their platform environment highlights MT4.
Conversely, ThinkMarkets, operational out of Melbourne, Australia, has architected its infrastructure predominantly for mobile-first traders & those seeking a proprietary app. Their $3.50/lot (ThinkZero) commission structure combined with 0.0 pips (ThinkZero) spreads makes them a formidable competitor.
The Bottom Line: If your primary directive is consistently deepest liquidity and tightest raw spreads (0.0), and you intend to start with a minimum of $200, IC Markets is the logical path forward. If, however, you value excellent thinktrader mobile app and require ThinkTrader, ThinkMarkets edges out the competition and earns our recommendation.
IC Markets vs ThinkMarkets: Frequently Asked Questions
People Also Search For
Ready to Start Trading?
Open a free demo account with either broker to test their platforms risk-free.
Risk Warning: Forex and CFD trading involves significant risk of loss. 68–80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.|Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive compensation from the brokers listed on this page. This does not influence our rankings or reviews, which are based on independent analysis.
Comparison data updated August 2026. Broker terms, spreads, and conditions vary by region and account type. See our methodology | Editorial Policy | Data Sources | Full Disclaimer | Privacy Policy