ThinkMarkets
Trading 212
ThinkMarkets vs Trading 212
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
ThinkMarkets and Trading 212 are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. ThinkMarkets, founded in 2010 and headquartered in London, UK, is regulated by ASIC, FCA, CySEC and offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a minimum deposit of $0. Trading 212, established in 2004 in London, UK, holds licenses from FCA, CySEC with spreads from 0.5 pips and a $1 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, ThinkMarkets scored 8.3/10 overall compared to Trading 212's 8.3/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Trading 212 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
- 📊
ThinkMarkets scores 8.3/10 overall vs 8.3/10 for Trading 212 — a 0.0-point difference.
- 💵
ThinkMarkets requires just $0 to start, while Trading 212 needs $1 — ThinkMarkets is 1x more accessible.
- 📈
Trading 212 offers 12,000+ instruments vs 4,000+ at ThinkMarkets — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
ThinkMarkets runs on MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader, while Trading 212 uses Trading 212 App — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Trading Costs: Trading 212 scores 9.0 vs 8.0 for ThinkMarkets — a 1.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
ThinkMarkets
Score: 8.3/10 · Wins 2 categories- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($0)
Trading 212
Score: 8.3/10 · Wins 3 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
ThinkMarkets takes the lead with an overall score of 8.3/10 compared to 8.3/10, winning in 2 out of 8 scoring categories. ThinkMarkets stands out for stronger regulation and better customer support, while Trading 212 fights back with lower trading costs and smoother deposits & withdrawals.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, ThinkMarkets comes out ahead with a 8.3/10 overall rating, winning 2 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 9.0/10. ThinkMarkets holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. Trading 212 is not without merit — it scores 8.3/10 overall and excels in Trading Costs (9.0/10), winning 3 categories. Traders who value lower trading costs or smoother deposits & withdrawals may find Trading 212 the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full ThinkMarkets review and Trading 212 review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Trading 212 wins by 1.0 points
ThinkMarkets wins by 0.5 points
ThinkMarkets wins by 0.5 points
Trading 212 wins by 1.0 points
Trading 212 wins by 0.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.3/10 ✓ | 8.3/10 ✓ |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $0 ✓ | $1 |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:30 |
| Spreads From | 0.0 pips | 0.5 pips |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader | Trading 212 App |
| Regulation | ASIC, FCA, CySEC | FCA, CySEC |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2010 | 2004 ✓ |
| Markets | 4,000+ | 12,000+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Trading 212 has the edge with a score of 9/10 versus 8/10 for ThinkMarkets. ThinkMarkets offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips, while Trading 212 starts from 0.5 pips. The minimum deposit at ThinkMarkets is $0, compared to $1 at Trading 212. 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
ThinkMarkets scores 8.5/10 for platforms compared to 8.5/10 for Trading 212. ThinkMarkets provides MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader, while Trading 212 offers Trading 212 App. 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. ThinkMarkets is regulated by ASIC, FCA, CySEC (Tier 1), while Trading 212 holds licenses from FCA, CySEC (Tier 1). ThinkMarkets scores 9/10 and Trading 212 scores 8.5/10 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, ThinkMarkets leads with 7.5/10 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. ThinkMarkets and Trading 212 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
ThinkMarkets offers 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 8/10, while Trading 212 provides 24/7 Live Chat, Email with a score of 7.5/10. 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
ThinkMarkets scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Trading 212 scores 9/10. ThinkMarkets accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, and Trading 212 supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Google Pay, Apple Pay. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. ThinkMarkets requires a minimum deposit of $0 versus $1 for Trading 212. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose ThinkMarkets if you...
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($0)
Choose Trading 212 if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ThinkMarkets better than Trading 212?
ThinkMarkets scores higher overall (8.3/10 vs 8.3/10), winning 2 of 8 categories. However, Trading 212 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, ThinkMarkets or Trading 212?
Trading 212 scores higher for trading costs. ThinkMarkets offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $0 minimum deposit, while Trading 212 starts from 0.5 pips with $1 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is ThinkMarkets safe to trade with?
ThinkMarkets is regulated by ASIC, FCA, CySEC and scores 9/10 for regulation. Trading 212 is regulated by FCA, CySEC with a score of 8.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, ThinkMarkets or Trading 212?
ThinkMarkets scores 8.5/10 for platforms. ThinkMarkets offers MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader, while Trading 212 provides Trading 212 App. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for ThinkMarkets vs Trading 212?
ThinkMarkets requires a minimum deposit of $0, while Trading 212 requires $1. 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.