Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of CMC Markets vs ThinkMarkets, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
CMC Markets, founded in 1989, and ThinkMarkets, established in 2010, are both significant players in the online brokerage industry. While neither is a bank, CMC Markets stands out by being publicly traded, unlike ThinkMarkets. Both companies hold five Tier-1 licenses, indicating a high level of trust according to ForexBrokers.com. However, CMC Markets holds an additional Tier-2 license compared to ThinkMarkets, which holds two. This regulatory framework supports CMC Markets' top Trust Score rating of 99 out of 99, compared to ThinkMarkets' still impressive score of 92.
These high Trust Score ratings reflect their reliability, but CMC Markets' status as a publicly traded entity might offer additional reassurance for some investors. Despite being founded more recently, ThinkMarkets remains a trusted choice with its substantial regulatory backing. Both brokers offer a high level of security and trust, making them worthy of consideration for online trading, though CMC Markets slightly edges out in total trust metrics.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2010 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 5 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 3 |
When comparing CMC Markets and ThinkMarkets based on commissions and fees, CMC Markets clearly stands out as the leader. Awarded 5 stars and ranked #1 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com in 2025, CMC Markets offers consistently low spreads that are above average in the industry. With typical spreads of just 0.61 pips on the EUR/USD and a new FX Active pricing structure, CMC ensures competitive trading costs. Their Price Plus Scheme also allows active traders to earn discounts, enhancing their value proposition.
In contrast, ThinkMarkets, although rated a respectable 4 stars, holds the #47 spot in the same category. Specific average spread data is not available for ThinkMarkets, making precise comparisons challenging. However, their lower ranking suggests that while they offer fair pricing, they may not match the aggressive spread and commission offerings seen at CMC Markets.
Overall, for traders focused on minimizing costs, CMC Markets provides more attractive pricing options through low spreads and innovative pricing programs. Whether you’re trading with standard account conditions or opting for commission-based trades with FX Active, CMC Markets prioritizes competitive costs.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $50 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.61 | 1.1 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.51 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing the range of investments between CMC Markets and ThinkMarkets, there are several factors that stand out for each online broker. CMC Markets shines with an impressive offering of 11,925 tradeable symbols and 156 forex pairs compared to ThinkMarkets, which offers 4,000 tradeable symbols and 46 forex pairs. This wider variety is likely a key reason CMC Markets has earned a five-star rating for its range of investments, ranking 9th out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. Both brokers provide forex trading as a CFD or spot contract, and they also support trading in cryptocurrency derivatives. However, neither broker offers the actual (delivered) cryptocurrency. Additionally, both platforms offer copy trading, allowing users to mimic the trades of experienced investors.
When it comes to exchanging traded securities, CMC Markets offers access to both U.S. and international exchanges, making it possible for clients to purchase shares like Apple and Vodafone. On the other hand, ThinkMarkets provides access to international exchanges but does not allow trading of U.S. exchange securities. Despite this limitation, ThinkMarkets holds a strong 4.5-star rating for its range of investments and ranks 22nd on ForexBrokers.com. While both brokers provide comprehensive trading options, the broader selection available through CMC Markets gives it an edge for investors seeking a diverse portfolio.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 11925 | 4000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 156 | 46 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
CMC Markets and ThinkMarkets both provide traders with comprehensive trading platforms, each offering a blend of features catering to diverse trading needs. Both brokers excel in providing proprietary platforms developed in-house, alongside popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, ensuring flexibility for users. CMC Markets and ThinkMarkets offer web-based trading platforms and Windows-based desktop options. Each broker also supports copy trading, adding another dimension of functionality for users looking to mirror strategies. Simulated trading with a virtual demo account is available with both brokers, allowing traders to hone their skills without financial risk. However, neither CMC Markets nor ThinkMarkets integrates with external social trading platforms like DupliTrade or ZuluTrade.
When it comes to charting features and customization, CMC Markets offers 40 drawing tools for detailed chart analysis compared to ThinkMarkets' 15. While both brokers enable trading directly from stock charts, the extent of customization options varies. ThinkMarkets stands out with 15 columns for watch lists, while CMC Markets provides 11. In terms of industry recognition, CMC Markets receives a five-star rating for its trading platforms and tools, ranking 4th out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, showcasing its strong offering in this category. In contrast, ThinkMarkets earns a four-star rating and ranks 28th, highlighting a competent but slightly less acclaimed position. Overall, both brokers present capable trading environments, with CMC Markets having a slight edge in terms of industry accolades and charting options.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 79 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 40 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 15 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When it comes to mobile trading, both CMC Markets and ThinkMarkets offer apps for iPhone and Android users, with features geared toward enhancing the trading experience. Traders can receive stock and forex price alerts on both platforms. However, CMC Markets sets itself apart with the ability to sync watchlists between the mobile app and the client's online account, a feature not available with ThinkMarkets. Furthermore, while both brokers allow trendline drawing and multiple time-frame viewing on charts, CMC Markets' mobile app includes 29 technical studies compared to ThinkMarkets' impressive 94 technical studies, offering a wider array of analytical tools.
In terms of user ratings and industry rankings, CMC Markets stands out with a perfect 5-star rating for their mobile trading app and a prestigious rank of #5 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com. Comparatively, ThinkMarkets holds a respectable 4-star rating but ranks #20. Despite these differences, both apps provide the essential functionality of creating watchlists with real-time quotes and automatically saving chart drawings, catering to traders seeking a reliable mobile platform.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | 94 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing the market research offerings of online brokers CMC Markets and ThinkMarkets, both provide similar services in several areas. They each deliver daily market commentary to help keep traders informed and offer forex news sourced from highly regarded outlets like Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones. Additionally, both brokers include sentiment-based trading tools that indicate the ratio of long or short positions across various currency pairs. An essential and widely-used feature among traders—a comprehensive economic calendar showcasing global news events—is also available through both platforms.
However, some distinctions set these brokers apart. CMC Markets stands out by providing access to Autochartist tools for technical and fundamental analysis, a service not available with ThinkMarkets. While ThinkMarkets compensates with offerings from Acuity Trading, such as Signal Centre, which is absent from CMC Markets' research suite, CMC Markets still holds a higher overall research rating of 5 stars compared to ThinkMarkets' 3.5 stars. This is reflected in their rankings by ForexBrokers.com, with CMC Markets securing the 6th position among 63 brokers, while ThinkMarkets is placed at 50th.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | Yes |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing the educational resources for beginners between CMC Markets and ThinkMarkets, both brokers offer a wealth of materials aimed at enhancing traders' knowledge in forex and CFDs. Each provides over 10 educational pieces such as articles, videos, and archived webinars specifically on forex and CFDs. They also have a comprehensive library of recorded webinars that can be easily accessed. Additionally, both platforms boast more than 10 beginner-friendly educational videos, making them excellent choices for newcomers eager to learn the ropes of trading.
However, there are distinct differences in their offerings. ThinkMarkets stands out with its regular live webinars, hosting at least one each month, which could be advantageous for beginners seeking interactive learning. In contrast, CMC Markets does not offer scheduled live webinars. Despite this, CMC Markets is highly rated with five stars for its educational content due to its extensive range of beginner and advanced video materials and a well-curated investor dictionary. In terms of industry ranking, CMC Markets holds a strong position at #10, according to ForexBrokers.com, while ThinkMarkets is ranked at #52, reflecting differences in the depth and effectiveness of their educational services.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | No | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that CMC Markets is better than ThinkMarkets. CMC Markets finished with an overall rank of #4, while ThinkMarkets finished with an overall rank of #27.
CMC Markets is well-trusted across the globe, and delivers a terrific trading experience thanks to its excellent pricing and selection of over 12,000 tradeable instruments.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 92 |
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Both CMC Markets and ThinkMarkets provide the capability to purchase cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither offers the option to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency.
CMC Markets supports ACH and SEPA transfers, PayPal, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires for depositing and withdrawing funds, whereas ThinkMarkets does not offer ACH, SEPA, or PayPal, but facilitates transactions through Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | CMC Markets | ThinkMarkets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 92 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | CMC Markets | ThinkMarkets | |
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| Regulation | CMC Markets | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 92 | |
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2010 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 5 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 3 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | CMC Markets | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | CMC Markets | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | CMC Markets | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 11925 | 4000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 156 | 46 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | CMC Markets | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.61 | 1.1 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.51 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | CMC Markets | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $50 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | CMC Markets | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | CMC Markets | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 15 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 79 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 40 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | CMC Markets | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | 94 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | CMC Markets | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | CMC Markets | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | CMC Markets | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | CMC Markets Review |
| Overall | CMC Markets | ThinkMarkets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 92 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review |
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