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IG vs ThinkMarkets (2026): Which Broker Is Actually Better?
We compare IG 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: IG or ThinkMarkets?
Sources & References
- IG Forex Trading— IG
- BrokerAnalysis ranking methodology— BrokerAnalysis
- BrokerAnalysis data sources— BrokerAnalysis
- BrokerAnalysis editorial policy— BrokerAnalysis
Verdict: On Par — Both Are Strong Picks
Both IG and ThinkMarkets are strong, well-regulated brokers and the matchup is essentially a tie on our weighted scoring. IG is ideal for professional traders, us traders & comprehensive market access, while ThinkMarkets excels for mobile-first traders & those seeking a proprietary app. Your choice should depend on whether you prioritize publicly traded (ftse 250) with exceptional financial stability or excellent thinktrader mobile app, not on a meaningful quality gap.
IG vs ThinkMarkets: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1974 | 2010 |
| Overall Rating | 4.7/5.0 | 4.3/5.0 |
| Minimum Deposit | $250 ($0 bank transfer) | $0 |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.6 pips (Standard) | 0.0 pips (ThinkZero) |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:30 (Retail UK/EU) | 1:200 (Pro) | 1:500 |
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | No | Yes |
| cTrader | No | No |
| TradingView | No | No |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Forex Pairs | 80+ | 40+ |
| Deposit Methods | Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit Card | Card, Bank, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto |
| Withdrawal Speed | 2-5 business days | 1-2 business days |
| Execution Type | Market Maker (+ DMA routing available) | STP / ECN |
IG vs ThinkMarkets: Fee Breakdown
When comparing the trading costs between IG 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. IG offers pricing characterized by $0 (Built into spread for Forex) alongside 0.6 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, ThinkMarkets provides the superior cost-efficiency curve.
| Fee Type | IG | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.6 pips (Standard) | 0.0 pips (ThinkZero) |
| Commission Defaults | $0 (Built into spread for Forex) | $3.50/lot (ThinkZero) |
| Execution Model | Market Maker (+ DMA routing available) | STP / ECN |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Speed | 2-5 business days | 1-2 business days |
Safety & Regulation: Is IG or ThinkMarkets Safer?
Trust is paramount in forex trading. Both IG and ThinkMarkets are highly regulated entities, but their jurisdictional footprints differ. IG is armed with 5 Tier-1 licenses and has been securing client funds since 1974. ThinkMarkets, licensed since 2010, counters with 2 Tier-1 regulatory bodies overseeing its operations. IG holds a slight edge in absolute tier-1 licenses. Both brokers employ strict client fund segregation.
IG
Tier 1- Regulators:FCA (UK)ASIC (Australia)CFTC/NFA (USA)FINMA (Switzerland)MAS (Singapore)
- Investor Protection: £85,000 (FSCS UK)
- Licensed Since: 1974
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. IG equips its clients with IG Platform, L2 Dealer, ProRealTime, MT4. ThinkMarkets, on the other hand, grants access to ThinkTrader, MT4, MT5. If you rely on third-party EA automation, this section heavily dictates your broker choice.
| Feature | IG | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| cTrader | ||
| TradingView | ||
| Proprietary Environment | Yes (ThinkTrader) | |
| Copy Trading Network |
Pros & Cons: IG vs ThinkMarkets
IG
Pros
- Publicly traded (FTSE 250) with exceptional financial stability
- Access to over 17,000 global markets
- Industry-leading proprietary web and mobile platform
- Accepts US clients via IG US
- ProRealTime charting is fantastic for technical analysis
Cons
- Does not offer MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
- Stock CFD commissions can be high
- Customer service can be impersonal for smaller accounts
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: IG vs ThinkMarkets
When we place IG and ThinkMarkets side-by-side, we observe two distinct philosophies in client servicing. IG, licensed since 1974, has carved out a massive niche focusing on professional traders, us traders & comprehensive market access. Their execution model heavily leans into Market Maker (+ DMA routing available), and their platform environment highlights IG Platform.
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 publicly traded (ftse 250) with exceptional financial stability, and you intend to start with a minimum of $250 ($0 bank transfer), IG 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.
IG vs ThinkMarkets: Frequently Asked Questions
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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