Choose IC Markets if you want…
Active scalpers, algorithmic traders, and high-volume traders who prioritise execution quality and tight raw spreads.
IC Markets
⭐ 4.7 / 5
VS
ThinkMarkets
⭐ 4.5 / 5
IC Markets vs ThinkMarkets — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared IC Markets and ThinkMarkets across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. ThinkMarkets wins on more criteria (2 categories vs 1), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
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| IC Markets | ThinkMarkets | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.7 / 5 | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | IC Markets |
| Regulators | ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, SCB Bahamas | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, SCB Bahamas, JFSA | ThinkMarkets |
| Min. deposit | $200 | $0 (no minimum) | ThinkMarkets |
| Spreads from | 0.0 pips (Raw Spread) | 0.0 pips (ThinkZero) / 0.4 pips (Standard) | Tie |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (offshore) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (offshore) | — |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader, TradingView | Tie |
| Founded | 2007 | 2010 | — |
| HQ | Sydney, Australia | London, UK / Melbourne, Australia | — |
Pros & cons compared
IC Markets pros
- ✓ Industry-leading raw spreads (0.0 pips on EUR/USD typical)
- ✓ Three platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader — one of few brokers offering cTrader
- ✓ Equinix NY4 server location — sub-millisecond execution for HFT/scalpers
- ✓ ASIC + CySEC dual-tier-1 regulation
- ✓ No restrictions on scalping, EAs, or hedging
Cons
- ✗ $200 minimum deposit — higher than budget brokers
- ✗ EU leverage capped at 1:30 retail (ESMA)
- ✗ Educational content thinner than XM / eToro
ThinkMarkets pros
- ✓ FCA + ASIC + CySEC + JFSA tier-1 regulation
- ✓ ThinkZero account: 0.0 pips + $3.50/lot commission
- ✓ No minimum deposit
- ✓ Proprietary ThinkTrader platform with advanced charting
- ✓ Native TradingView integration
Cons
- ✗ Brand smaller than IC Markets / Pepperstone
- ✗ ThinkTrader platform has learning curve vs. MT4
- ✗ Limited social trading vs. eToro / Naga
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Which one should you choose?
Choose ThinkMarkets if you want…
EU + Australian traders wanting a tier-1 regulated ECN broker with proprietary platform options.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — IC Markets or ThinkMarkets?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), ThinkMarkets wins 2 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is IC Markets more regulated than ThinkMarkets?
IC Markets holds licenses from: ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, SCB Bahamas. ThinkMarkets holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, SCB Bahamas, JFSA. ThinkMarkets has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at IC Markets vs ThinkMarkets?
IC Markets spreads start from 0.0 pips (Raw Spread). ThinkMarkets spreads start from 0.0 pips (ThinkZero) / 0.4 pips (Standard). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, IC Markets or ThinkMarkets?
IC Markets: $200. ThinkMarkets: $0 (no minimum). ThinkMarkets has the lower entry barrier.