Interactive Brokers vs ThinkMarkets 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Regulation & Safety

Interactive Brokers, established in 1978, is a long-standing entity in the brokerage industry. It is headquartered in Greenwich, USA, and holds multiple top-tier regulatory approvals, including the SEC and CFTC in the United States, the FCA in the UK, MAS in Singapore, and ASIC in Australia. This extensive regulatory coverage ensures robust client fund protection and adherence to stringent financial standards.

ThinkMarkets, founded in 2010 and based in London, UK, is regulated by the FCA and ASIC. These regulatory bodies provide a strong framework for client fund safety and operational transparency. While ThinkMarkets offers solid regulatory assurance, its reach does not match the global scale of Interactive Brokers, which operates under diverse regulatory landscapes across 33 countries.

Fees & Spreads

Interactive Brokers is known for its competitive fee structure, offering spreads from 0.2 pips. The broker charges a commission of 0.005 per trade, appealing to cost-conscious traders. Notably, there is no minimum deposit requirement, which lowers the entry barrier for new traders. However, Interactive Brokers imposes an inactivity fee, which could affect small account holders who trade infrequently.

ThinkMarkets offers spreads starting from 0 pips, especially appealing for forex traders seeking tight spreads. The commission on ThinkZero accounts stands at 3.5, slightly higher compared to Interactive Brokers. Like its competitor, ThinkMarkets has no minimum deposit requirement, making it accessible for beginners. It also offers a maximum leverage of 1:500, significantly higher than Interactive Brokers' 1:4, appealing to traders who utilise leverage effectively.

Trading Platforms

Interactive Brokers provides proprietary web and mobile platforms, renowned for their advanced tools tailored for professional traders. However, the complexity of these platforms may hinder beginners. Conversely, ThinkMarkets offers MetaTrader 4 and 5, in addition to its proprietary web and mobile platforms. The inclusion of MetaTrader caters to traders familiar with these popular and user-friendly platforms, making it more versatile for various trading styles.

Who Should Choose Interactive Brokers?

• Professional traders seeking access to over 150 markets across 33 countries.
• Investors focused on stocks with very low commissions.
• Experienced traders who require advanced analytical tools.
• Traders who prefer highly regulated environments for added security.

Who Should Choose ThinkMarkets?

• Forex traders looking for spreads starting from 0 pips.
• Traders who want access to high leverage options up to 1:500.
• Beginners who benefit from no minimum deposit requirement.
• Users who prefer trading on the widely known MT4 and MT5 platforms.

Our Verdict

For beginners, ThinkMarkets is the preferable choice due to its user-friendly platforms and no minimum deposit. For professional traders, Interactive Brokers stands out with its extensive market access and advanced tools. On fees, Interactive Brokers offers the most competitive structure with lower overall trading costs.