Saxo Bank
ThinkMarkets
Saxo Bank vs ThinkMarkets
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Saxo Bank and ThinkMarkets are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Saxo Bank, founded in 1992 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, is regulated by FCA, DFSA, MAS and offers spreads starting from 0.4 pips with a minimum deposit of $2000. ThinkMarkets, established in 2010 in London, UK, holds licenses from ASIC, FCA, CySEC with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $0 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, Saxo Bank scored 9/10 overall compared to ThinkMarkets's 8.3/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, ThinkMarkets holds its own with lower trading costs and smoother deposits & withdrawals, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
Saxo Bank scores 9/10 overall vs 8.3/10 for ThinkMarkets — a 0.7-point difference.
- 💵
ThinkMarkets requires just $0 to start, while Saxo Bank needs $2000 — ThinkMarkets is 2000x more accessible.
- 📈
Saxo Bank offers 72,000+ instruments vs 4,000+ at ThinkMarkets — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
Saxo Bank runs on SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, while ThinkMarkets uses MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Research & Analysis: Saxo Bank scores 9.5 vs 7.5 for ThinkMarkets — a 2.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
Saxo Bank
Score: 9.0/10 · Wins 6 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to you
ThinkMarkets
Score: 8.3/10 · Wins 2 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($0)
Saxo Bank takes the lead with an overall score of 9/10 compared to 8.3/10, winning in 6 out of 8 scoring categories. Saxo Bank stands out for better trading platforms and stronger regulation, while ThinkMarkets fights back with lower trading costs and smoother deposits & withdrawals.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, Saxo Bank comes out ahead with a 9/10 overall rating, winning 6 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Product Range where it scores 10.0/10. Saxo Bank holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. ThinkMarkets is not without merit — it scores 8.3/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (9.0/10), winning 2 categories. Traders who value lower trading costs or smoother deposits & withdrawals may find ThinkMarkets the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full Saxo Bank review and ThinkMarkets review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
ThinkMarkets wins by 0.5 points
Saxo Bank wins by 1.0 points
Saxo Bank wins by 0.5 points
Saxo Bank wins by 0.5 points
Saxo Bank wins by 0.5 points
Saxo Bank wins by 2.0 points
ThinkMarkets wins by 0.5 points
Saxo Bank wins by 2.0 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.0/10 ✓ | 8.3/10 |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $2000 | $0 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:200 | 1:500 |
| Spreads From | 0.4 pips | 0.0 pips |
| Platforms | SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO | MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader |
| Regulation | FCA, DFSA, MAS | ASIC, FCA, CySEC |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 1992 ✓ | 2010 |
| Markets | 72,000+ ✓ | 4,000+ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, ThinkMarkets has the edge with a score of 8/10 versus 7.5/10 for Saxo Bank. Saxo Bank offers spreads starting from 0.4 pips, while ThinkMarkets starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at Saxo Bank is $2000, compared to $0 at ThinkMarkets. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.
Trading Platforms
Saxo Bank scores 9.5/10 for platforms compared to 8.5/10 for ThinkMarkets. Saxo Bank provides SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, while ThinkMarkets offers MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. Saxo Bank is regulated by FCA, DFSA, MAS (Tier 1), while ThinkMarkets holds licenses from ASIC, FCA, CySEC (Tier 1). Saxo Bank scores 9.5/10 and ThinkMarkets scores 9/10 in this category. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, including segregated client funds and compensation schemes. Always verify your broker's specific license for your jurisdiction before opening an account.
Education & Research
For learning resources, Saxo Bank leads with 8/10 compared to 7.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. Saxo Bank and ThinkMarkets both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.
Customer Support
Saxo Bank offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 8.5/10, while ThinkMarkets provides 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 8/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.
Deposit & Withdrawal
Saxo Bank scores 7.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while ThinkMarkets scores 8/10. Saxo Bank accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, and ThinkMarkets supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Saxo Bank requires a minimum deposit of $2000 versus $0 for ThinkMarkets. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose Saxo Bank if you...
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to you
Choose ThinkMarkets if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($0)
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saxo Bank better than ThinkMarkets?
Saxo Bank scores higher overall (9/10 vs 8.3/10), winning 6 of 8 categories. However, ThinkMarkets is stronger in lower trading costs and smoother deposits & withdrawals. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, Saxo Bank or ThinkMarkets?
ThinkMarkets scores higher for trading costs. Saxo Bank offers spreads from 0.4 pips with a $2000 minimum deposit, while ThinkMarkets starts from 0.0 pips with $0 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is Saxo Bank safe to trade with?
Saxo Bank is regulated by FCA, DFSA, MAS and scores 9.5/10 for regulation. ThinkMarkets is regulated by ASIC, FCA, CySEC with a score of 9/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, Saxo Bank or ThinkMarkets?
Saxo Bank scores 9.5/10 for platforms. Saxo Bank offers SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, while ThinkMarkets provides MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for Saxo Bank vs ThinkMarkets?
Saxo Bank requires a minimum deposit of $2000, while ThinkMarkets requires $0. ThinkMarkets has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.
Ready to Start Trading?
Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.