Trading 212
ThinkMarkets
Trading 212 vs ThinkMarkets
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Trading 212 and ThinkMarkets are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Trading 212, founded in 2004 and headquartered in London, UK, is regulated by FCA, CySEC and offers spreads starting from 0.5 pips with a minimum deposit of $1. 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, Trading 212 scored 8.3/10 overall compared to ThinkMarkets's 8.3/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, ThinkMarkets holds its own with stronger regulation and better customer support, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
Trading 212 scores 8.3/10 overall vs 8.3/10 for ThinkMarkets — 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.
- 🖥️
Trading 212 runs on Trading 212 App, while ThinkMarkets uses MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader — 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
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
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 takes the lead with an overall score of 8.3/10 compared to 8.3/10, winning in 3 out of 8 scoring categories. Trading 212 stands out for lower trading costs and smoother deposits & withdrawals, while ThinkMarkets fights back with stronger regulation and better customer support.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, Trading 212 comes out ahead with a 8.3/10 overall rating, winning 3 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Trading Costs where it scores 9.0/10. Trading 212 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 stronger regulation or better customer support may find ThinkMarkets the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full Trading 212 review and ThinkMarkets 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 | $1 | $0 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 | 1:500 |
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips | 0.0 pips |
| Platforms | Trading 212 App | MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader |
| Regulation | FCA, CySEC | ASIC, FCA, CySEC |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2004 ✓ | 2010 |
| Markets | 12,000+ ✓ | 4,000+ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Trading 212 has the edge with a score of 9/10 versus 8/10 for ThinkMarkets. Trading 212 offers spreads starting from 0.5 pips, while ThinkMarkets starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at Trading 212 is $1, 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
Trading 212 scores 8.5/10 for platforms compared to 8.5/10 for ThinkMarkets. Trading 212 provides Trading 212 App, 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. Trading 212 is regulated by FCA, CySEC (Tier 1), while ThinkMarkets holds licenses from ASIC, FCA, CySEC (Tier 1). Trading 212 scores 8.5/10 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, Trading 212 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. Trading 212 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
Trading 212 offers 24/7 Live Chat, Email and scores 7.5/10, 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
Trading 212 scores 9/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while ThinkMarkets scores 8/10. Trading 212 accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and ThinkMarkets supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Trading 212 requires a minimum deposit of $1 versus $0 for ThinkMarkets. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
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
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)
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trading 212 better than ThinkMarkets?
Trading 212 scores higher overall (8.3/10 vs 8.3/10), winning 3 of 8 categories. However, ThinkMarkets is stronger in stronger regulation and better customer support. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, Trading 212 or ThinkMarkets?
Trading 212 scores higher for trading costs. Trading 212 offers spreads from 0.5 pips with a $1 minimum deposit, while ThinkMarkets starts from 0.0 pips with $0 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is Trading 212 safe to trade with?
Trading 212 is regulated by FCA, CySEC and scores 8.5/10 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, Trading 212 or ThinkMarkets?
Trading 212 scores 8.5/10 for platforms. Trading 212 offers Trading 212 App, 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 Trading 212 vs ThinkMarkets?
Trading 212 requires a minimum deposit of $1, 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.