ThinkMarkets Review

 

Overall, ThinkMarkets can be summarised as a trustworthy and worthwhile broker that is very competitive in terms of its trading fees (against major currency pairs). Their spread is also very low and is considered average-risk.

 

🛡️ Regulated and trusted by the FSCA.
🛡️ 1134 new traders chose this broker in the last 90 days.
🛡️ Available for South African Traders 🇿🇦

 

 

ThinkMarkets Spider chart

 

• Trading Platforms & Tools – 8
• Regulation & Security – 9
• Customer Support – 8
• Account Types & Features – 7
• Spreads & Fees – 8
• Educational Resources – 8
• Research & Analytics – 8
• Deposit & Withdrawal Options – 7

 

Overview

• ThinkMarkets is a globally regulated online brokerage offering access to a wide range of financial instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, shares, and cryptocurrencies.
• With licenses from top-tier authorities like the FCA (UK) and ASIC (Australia), the platform ensures a secure and transparent trading environment.
• It supports powerful platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its own ThinkTrader, known for advanced tools and intuitive design.
• ThinkMarkets caters to both beginners and experienced traders with competitive spreads, fast execution, educational resources, and 24/7 customer support.
• Its commitment to innovation and client protection makes it a popular choice among global traders.

 

Pros and Cons

 

Features Offered

• ThinkMarkets offers a comprehensive set of features designed to enhance the trading experience for all levels of traders.
• These include access to popular platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and the proprietary ThinkTrader, which provides advanced charting, over 80 technical indicators, and cloud-based alerts.
• The broker supports a wide range of tradable assets, including forex, commodities, indices, shares, and cryptocurrencies.
• Traders benefit from competitive spreads, leverage options, and fast execution speeds.
• ThinkMarkets also offers free VPS hosting, negative balance protection, multiple account types, including Islamic accounts, and robust educational resources.
• Secure deposits, quick withdrawals, and 24/7 multilingual customer support further strengthen its offering.

 

Customer Reviews

• Customer reviews for ThinkMarkets are generally positive, with many traders praising its reliable platform performance, competitive spreads, and fast trade execution.
• Users often highlight the ThinkTrader app for its user-friendly interface and advanced features.
• Customer support is frequently described as responsive and helpful, especially through live chat.
• Beginners appreciate the educational resources and demo accounts, while experienced traders value the low-cost ThinkZero account.

 

 

Customers Ratings

 

Safety and Security

• ThinkMarkets prioritizes the safety and security of its clients through a comprehensive framework of regulatory compliance and protective measures.
• The broker is licensed by top-tier financial authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), ensuring adherence to stringent regulatory standards.
• Client funds are held in segregated accounts with reputable, low-risk banks, keeping them separate from the company’s operational funds and safeguarding them against potential misuse.
• ThinkMarkets is regulated and authorized by two of the strictest and most demanding regulatory and authorization entities, namely ASIC, FCA, FSCA, Cysec, JFSA, and FSA.
• ThinkMarkets keeps the funds of clients in segregated accounts with top-tier banks such as Barclays, National Australia Bank, as well as the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
• This requirement and protocol prohibit ThinkMarkets from using client funds for any operational or other reason.
• ThinkMarkets is also a member of the UK FSCS, which could compensate clients up to £85,000 should ThinkMarkets ever be declared insolvent or unable to pay.
• Within the broker’s entity in Europe, clients may claim up to €20,000 through the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) in case ThinkMarkets defaults.
• The UK FSCS provides UK clients with a cover that falls under an ‘investments’ claim category.

 

Protection of Client Funds

 

ThinkMarkets at a Glance

 

ThinkMarkets Accounts

 

ThinkMarkets provides traders with various options pertaining to accounts. Traders can therefore review the accounts and features with ease and decide which account would better suit their trading needs.

 

Standard Account

• The Standard Account at ThinkMarkets is ideal for traders seeking simplicity and low-cost entry.
• With a $250 minimum deposit, it offers access to over 350 instruments on MT4 and 1,800 on MT5, all with zero commission and spreads starting from 0.4 pips.
• It supports a wide range of markets, including forex, commodities, indices, crypto, stocks, and ETFs, perfect for general trading strategies.

 

ThinkTrader Account (Most Popular)

• ThinkMarkets’ most popular offering, the ThinkTrader Account, is designed for those who want access to a vast range of markets, 4,000 instruments in total via the ThinkTrader and TradingView platforms.
• With a low $50 minimum deposit and spreads from 0.4 pips, this account suits traders looking for feature-rich tools and broader exposure across forex, stocks, indices, crypto, and ETFs.

 

ThinkZero Account

• Tailored for active or professional traders, the ThinkZero Account delivers raw spreads starting from 0.0 pips, ideal for scalpers and high-volume trading.
• With a $500 minimum deposit, it offers over 350 instruments on MT4 and 1,800 on MT5, supporting forex, metals, energies, crypto, and stocks.
• This account comes with ultra-tight spreads and access to high-performance trading environments.

 

Islamic account (Sharia-compliant)

 

Demo account

 

 

What is ThinkMarkets?

 

•  According to research in South Africa, ThinkMarkets is a London-based premium and multi-asset online brokerage firm that was established in 2010.
• Although its headquarters are based in Australia and the United Kingdom.
• Initially, ThinkMarkets was introduced in New Zealand as ThinkForex, and due to the rapid expansion program along with substantial demand, the brand name ThinkMarkets was taken by the company.
• After the rebranding, ThinkMarkets moved its global headquarters to London as well as Melbourne.
• ThinkMarkets has a general offering to retail clients, and apart from this, numerous investment and partnership programs were also launched by the company.
• Not only does ThinkMarkets provide the opportunity for trade in financial markets, but ThinkMarkets also provides investment opportunities through the expertise of a Money Manager by using accounts such as PAMM and MAM.

 

 

How to open a ThinkMarkets account

•  Opening an account with ThinkMarkets is simple and easy.
• The application process is quick, fully digitalized, and comprises 3 steps.

 

Step 1: Fill out the online application

• The applicant is required to fill out the online application form, which features basic information.
• Along with the application, the applicant will have to provide documentation to verify their identity, along with their proof of residence.

 

Step 2: Whether an individual or joint account is applied for, the applicant must provide:

• Photo ID, either in the form of a valid passport, valid government ID, or valid National Identity Card
• Proof of residence, either in the form of a utility or landline phone bill, or a bank statement (all proof of residence may not be older than 180 days)

 

 Step 3: Registration of Corporate Account 

• In the case where a corporate account is applied for by an enterprise, a photo ID is required for all directors and any shareholders who own over 25% shares.
• The same is applicable to the provision of proof of residence. In addition to the provision of valid documentation,

 

The following is required from the corporate entity applying for an account:

• Company information such as a certificate of incorporation and articles of incorporation, and
• Company proof of address

 

Step 4: Fill in the Application

• Once the application form has been completed and submitted along with the required documentation, it may take up to two working days for the applicant to receive their login details, given that the documents are valid and acceptable.

 

 

Leverage

• Due to the risks involved with using high levels of leverage when trading, ASIC, FCA, FSCA, Cysec, JFSA, and FSA.
• Regulators have a maximum leverage level of 30:1  on major Forex pairs with accounts that are opened under the UK’s FCA regulation, Cyprus’ CySEC, and Australia’s ASIC regulation.
• FSA Seychelles and FSCA regulations provide traders with a much higher leverage level of 500:1 on Forex instruments when the account is opened under their regulation.
• Finally, clients trading under the JFSA regulation will have leverage up to 25:1 on Forex pairs. ThinkMarkets provides traders with the following maximum leverage,

 

According to the financial instruments they provide:

 

ThinkMarkets Fees

• The fees charged by ThinkMarkets will depend on the type of account that the trader chooses.
• The standard account requires a deposit of $0, while the ThinkZero account requires a minimum deposit of $500 / ZAR R8,000. 
• The ThinkZero account is designed for traders who are more seasoned and who are a lot more active in trading.
• This account offers lower spreads along with commissions per trade,  access to VPS, 24/7 customer support, and an account manager.
• There is an overnight or rollover fee that traders need to consider unless they are trading with an Islamic or swap-free account.

 

 

Market instruments

• ThinkMarkets provides traders access to numerous Forex pairs, and there are more than 3500 instruments to trade, which also include a broad range of Cryptocurrency CFDs.

 

At ThinkMarkets, traders have access to:

•  Forex
• CFDs
•  Indices
• Precious metals
• Commodities
• Cryptocurrencies
• shares and ETFs
• Futures

 

ThinkMarkets Deposit and withdrawal

 

• The currencies that are accepted include USD, AUD, EUR, CHF, GBP, SGD, NZD, CAD, JPY, and ZAR.
• ThinkMarkets provides traders with several ways to make deposits into their trading accounts.
• The currencies that are accepted will depend on that of the payment provider.
• Any other fees may be waived by the payment provider, and traders need to verify this with their chosen provider.
• ThinkMarkets accepts the following payment options for deposits, also included in the available currencies and the transaction times when deposits are made.

 

OZOW

• ZAR, USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, and more
• Transaction time: Instant

 

Bank Wire

• ZAR, USD, EUR, CHF, GBP and AUD
• Transaction time:  Between 1 – 3 business days

 

Credit/Debit Card

• ZAR, USD, EUR, CHF, GBP and AUD
• Transaction time: Instant

 

Skrill

•  ZAR, USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, and more
• Transaction time:  Up to 24 hours

 

ThinkMarkets Trading platforms

• ThinkMarkets makes use of MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and ThinkTrader.
• Each trading platform used in conjunction with the accounts provided by ThinkMarkets has a range of features and benefits.
• ThinkMarkets also provides traders with the option of making use of more than one trading platform simultaneously.

 

MetaTrader 4

• This is one of the most popular and most used trading platforms available, and it is not only known for the ability to run numerous different automated trading strategies, but it also allows for the optimization of strategies by being able to backtest them.
• MetaTrader 4 is available for download via mobile app, on Android, iOS, and iPad, and via a desktop download for Windows and Mac devices.

 

When used with a ThinkMarkets account, here are some of the benefits:

 

MetaTrader 5

•  MetaTrader 5 has been built on the standards of MetaTrader 4, and it is the latest platform that boasts an array of new features and advantages, such as:

 

 

When used in conjunction with a ThinkMarkets account, traders also have the following added benefits:

• $1,000,000 / ZAR R16 000000  insurance, which comes at no extra cost to the client
• When paired with a ThinkZero account, traders who use MT5 have access to razor-thin Forex spreads, which start from 0 pips
• Access to VPS hosting at no extra charge

 

ThinkTrader

•  ThinkTrader is ThinkMarkets’ proprietary platform with over half a million users globally and more than 15,000 five-star reviews.

 

 ThinkMarkets’ in-house platform is designed to provide traders with several features and benefits, such as:

 

Awards

• ThinkMarkets was awarded “Best Value Broker in Asia” at the 2025 Global Forex Awards.
• ThinkMarkets obtained the award for the Best Mobile Platform, awarded by the Forex community, along with the award for the Fastest Growing Forex Broker.
• ThinkMarkets has also won awards for its superb customer service.
• In March 2025, ThinkMarkets was named ‘Best CFD Provider 2025’ at the City of London Wealth Management Awards (COLWMA).
• ThinkMarkets also won the ‘Best Forex Trading Platform in Africa’ award at the 2025 Global Forex Awards

 

ThinkMarkets Comparisons vs Other Brokers

 

 

Customer Reviews

 

🥇 Excellent!
ThinkMarkets truly stands out with its seamless trading platform, lightning-fast execution, and top-tier customer service.

Users consistently praise the intuitive interface and reliability of the platform, especially during high-volatility events.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned trader, the availability of educational resources and tight spreads makes trading both accessible and rewarding.

Many customers highlight the responsive support team and transparent fee structure, calling their experience with ThinkMarkets nothing short of excellent.

 

🥈 Top Choice.
For those seeking a dependable broker with advanced tools and strong regulatory backing, ThinkMarkets has become a top choice.

Clients appreciate the wide range of assets available—from forex and indices to cryptocurrencies and CFDs—along with robust mobile and desktop trading apps.

The platform’s integration with MetaTrader 4 and 5 adds flexibility and customization, making it ideal for technical traders.

Users frequently mention ThinkMarkets as a go-to for both short-term and long-term strategies.

 

🥉 Incredible.
The overall trading experience on ThinkMarkets is described by many as incredible.

From account setup to live trading, the process is smooth and user-friendly.

Traders are particularly impressed with the low latency and advanced charting features, which help in making informed decisions quickly.

Many customers note that the educational content and market insights elevate their trading knowledge, while the secure environment gives peace of mind.

For reliability, features, and user satisfaction, ThinkMarkets consistently leaves a strong impression.

 

Conclusion

ThinkMarkets has a superior and vast offering in comparison to its peers.

This includes not only technology but reliability, expert customer service, and fair pricing. The layout is user-friendly, and even beginner traders will not get lost in finding their way around the website and accessing educational tools to start trading.

The access to accounts and being able to compare accounts to enable traders in choosing one that suits their needs is user-friendly, and the overview of accounts is in-depth and won’t leave traders wondering “where’s the catch?”.

You can trade major, minor, and exotic forex pairs with no minimum deposit requirement for a Standard account and just $500, which is equivalent to R 8000 ZAR for a ThinkZero account and up to 500:1 leverage.

ThinkMarkets caters to all traders, from beginners to well-seasoned and advanced traders who trade in high volumes.

 

You might also like: ThinkMarkets Account Types Overview

You might also like: ThinkMarkets Demo Account – Step by Step

You might also like: ThinkMarkets Fees and Spreads

You might also like: ThinkMarkets Islamic Account Overview

You might also like: ThinkMarkets Minimum Deposit

 

 

Disclaimer

The trading of financial instruments involves a certain level of risk.

Traders need to ensure that they have clear objectives before trading can commence and that they acknowledge the gains, but also the great losses involved that may exceed initial deposits.

Traders need to manage their exposure to risk and willingness to be exposed to risk, as the trading of financial instruments may not be suited for everyone.

Traders may consult independent and third-party professionals for advice at any time should they deem it necessary, according to research in South Africa.

Risk Warning: Derivative products are leveraged products and can result in losses that exceed initial deposits.

Please ensure you fully understand the risks and take care to manage your exposure and seek independent advice if necessary.

It’s important for you to consider relevant legal documents before you decide whether or not to acquire any of our products.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is ThinkMarkets a legit and regulated broker?

Yes, ThinkMarkets is a regulated broker licensed by several authorities, including the FCA (UK) and ASIC (Australia), ensuring a high level of trust, security, and operational transparency for traders worldwide.

 

What trading platforms does ThinkMarkets offer?

ThinkMarkets offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its proprietary ThinkTrader platform, providing advanced tools, fast execution, and customizable interfaces suitable for both beginner and professional traders.

 

 Are ThinkMarkets’ trading fees competitive?

ThinkMarkets provides competitive spreads and low commission fees, especially on its ThinkZero account.

It offers tight spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs, appealing to active and high-volume traders.

 

Does ThinkMarkets offer good customer support?

Yes, ThinkMarkets offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, phone, and email.

Reviews generally highlight responsive, professional service that helps resolve issues quickly and efficiently.

 

 Can I trade cryptocurrencies on ThinkMarkets?

Yes, ThinkMarkets supports cryptocurrency trading, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, allowing traders to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying assets.

 

 How good is ThinkTrader compared to MetaTrader?

ThinkTrader is user-friendly and packed with powerful tools like 80+ indicators, advanced charting, and cloud-based alerts, offering a strong alternative to the popular MetaTrader platforms.

 

 What are ThinkMarkets’ deposit and withdrawal options?

ThinkMarkets supports multiple payment methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, Skrill, and Neteller.

Most withdrawals are processed within 24 hours with no extra fees from the broker.

 

 Does ThinkMarkets offer an Islamic account?

Yes, ThinkMarkets provides swap-free Islamic accounts that comply with Sharia law, allowing Muslim traders to avoid interest-based transactions while accessing the same trading features.

 

 Is ThinkMarkets good for beginners?

Yes, ThinkMarkets offers educational resources, demo accounts, and an intuitive interface.

New traders can learn quickly while practicing strategies in a risk-free environment before transitioning to live trading.

 

 How safe is my money with ThinkMarkets?

Client funds are held in segregated accounts with top-tier banks.

The broker also offers negative balance protection and adheres to strict regulatory standards, ensuring financial safety for users.

 

References

TF Global Markets (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd