Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Vantage 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.
When comparing Vantage and ThinkMarkets, both brokers share some common traits but also exhibit distinct regulatory profiles. Founded in 2009, Vantage has been in the market slightly longer than ThinkMarkets, which was established in 2010. Neither company is publicly traded or operates as a bank. However, what sets them apart is their level of regulatory oversight, which is vital for ensuring a secure trading environment.
Looking at their Trust Scores from ForexBrokers.com, ThinkMarkets scores 92 out of 99, indicating a higher level of trust compared to Vantage, which scores 90. ThinkMarkets holds an impressive five Tier-1 licenses, reflecting its strong regulatory backing, while Vantage holds two Tier-1 and one Tier-2 license. ThinkMarkets also possesses two Tier-2 licenses, giving it a slight edge in regulatory support. This comparative analysis reveals that both brokers are highly trusted, but ThinkMarkets offers a more extensive regulatory framework, potentially appealing more to those prioritizing stringent oversight.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2009 | 2010 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 5 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 3 |
Comparing commissions and fees, Vantage is more transparent and offers multiple pricing paths, while ThinkMarkets provides less published spread data. Vantage is rated 4.5/5 stars and ranks 20th out of 63 brokers for Commissions and Fees on ForexBrokers.com; ThinkMarkets is rated 4/5 stars and ranks 48th out of 63. Overall, Vantage’s pricing sits near the industry average and doesn’t beat pricing leaders like Saxo, IG, or CMC Markets, but it can be compelling if you qualify for its lower-commission accounts.
At Vantage, costs vary by account type and the entity that holds your account. The Standard STP account is spread-only with typical EUR/USD spreads of 1.30 pips (March 2023). The RAW ECN account averaged 0.15 pips plus a $3 commission per side ($6 round turn), for about 0.75 pips all-in over the same period. The PRO ECN account charges $2 per side ($4 round turn) and is Vantage’s best-priced option, though access depends on where your account is opened: Australia generally requires wholesale-client status, while the Cayman Islands entity requires at least $10,000 to fund. Vantage also offers an active-trader program with $2–$8 per standard lot in rebates based on balance and monthly volume, but it only applies to the Standard account, which has the highest spreads.
For ThinkMarkets, average spread data was not available, limiting a like-for-like comparison on typical pricing. Given the ratings and rankings above, Vantage appears stronger on commissions and fees—especially on its RAW and PRO ECN tiers—while ThinkMarkets may be less competitive; however, total costs still depend on your platform, account type, and the entity you choose. Always confirm current spreads, commissions, and eligibility requirements before opening an account.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $50 | $50 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.30 | 1.1 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.75 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
Vantage and ThinkMarkets both let you trade forex (as CFDs or spot, depending on your region), offer copy trading, and provide crypto exposure via derivatives — but not real, delivered coins. The big difference is breadth: Vantage lists about 1,000 tradeable symbols and 61 forex pairs, while ThinkMarkets offers around 4,000 symbols and 46 forex pairs. Neither broker lets you buy real U.S.-listed shares like Apple, yet ThinkMarkets does add access to exchange-traded international shares, something Vantage does not.
For range of investments, ThinkMarkets earns 4.5 stars and ranks 24th out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, helped by its larger product lineup. Vantage scores 3.5 stars and ranks 51st, though its deeper list of forex pairs may appeal to currency-focused traders. Both brokers support copy trading and crypto derivatives, so your choice mainly comes down to whether you want more overall instruments (ThinkMarkets) or a wider selection of currency pairs (Vantage).
| Feature |
Vantage
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1000 | 4000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 46 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | 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.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools of Vantage and ThinkMarkets, both brokers offer a comprehensive range of features to enhance the trading experience. They each provide a proprietary platform, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), alongside user-friendly simulated trading options through free virtual demo accounts. Traders using either broker can access a Windows-based desktop download platform or a web-based trading environment. When it comes to copy trading, both brokers offer similar services, yet only Vantage provides the DupliTrade feature. Unfortunately, neither broker offers ZuluTrade.
Charting capabilities are essential for informed trading decisions, and both Vantage and ThinkMarkets equip traders with 15 drawing tools while also allowing trades directly from stock charts. However, ThinkMarkets surpasses Vantage in flexibility, offering 15 watch list columns compared to Vantage's 7. Both brokers receive a solid rating of 4 stars for their platforms and tools, but Vantage's edge is reflected in its higher ForexBrokers.com rank at #21, while ThinkMarkets sits at #28 among 63 brokers. This makes Vantage slightly more appealing for those prioritizing platforms and tools in their trading journey.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
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 | Yes | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 15 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Vantage and ThinkMarkets both deliver mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android, supporting stock and forex trading. Each app includes price alerts, real-time quote watchlists, trendline drawing, multiple time frames (intraday to daily/weekly), and auto-saved chart drawings. One shared drawback is that watchlists created in the mobile app don’t sync with the web platform.
The key difference is charting depth: Vantage offers 30 technical studies, while ThinkMarkets packs in 94—useful if you rely on a wider range of indicators. Both earn 4 out of 5 stars for Mobile Trading Apps, but ForexBrokers.com ranks Vantage at #29 and ThinkMarkets at #20 out of 63 brokers. In short, Vantage suits traders who want a clean, capable experience, whereas ThinkMarkets is better if you want more indicators and higher charting flexibility.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 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.
Vantage and ThinkMarkets both keep traders informed with daily market commentary and real-time forex news from top-tier sources such as Bloomberg, Reuters, or Dow Jones. Each broker also includes a sentiment tool that shows the ratio of long vs. short positions and an economic calendar covering upcoming global events.
The key differences are in research tools. Vantage adds Autochartist and Trading Central for technical and fundamental insights, while ThinkMarkets does not offer those but does include Acuity Trading (Signal Centre) content that Vantage lacks. Neither broker provides TipRanks. For research, Vantage earns 4 stars and ranks #22 out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com; ThinkMarkets scores 3.5 stars and ranks #51. Choose Vantage if you want more built-in analysis tools, or ThinkMarkets if you prefer Acuity’s trading signals alongside standard news and commentary.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | 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 looking for an online broker with solid educational resources for beginners, both Vantage and ThinkMarkets offer a wealth of materials to help you learn the ropes of forex and CFDs trading. Both brokers deliver a collection of over ten educational articles, videos, and webinars specifically focused on forex or CFDs. They conduct monthly online webinars to engage and educate users and provide a searchable archive of past sessions for easy access. Beginner traders can find more than ten videos tailored to their needs on both platforms, and advanced traders can also benefit from a similar number of specialized resources. Each broker also features an investor dictionary to clarify over 50 trading terms, making it easier for newcomers to get acquainted with trading jargon.
While both Vantage and ThinkMarkets shine in providing resources for traders at all experience levels, there are some differences in how they are rated and ranked. Vantage edges ahead with a 4-star rating for education, compared to ThinkMarkets' 3.5 stars. When ranked against 63 other brokers, Vantage holds the 24th spot, whereas ThinkMarkets sits at 52nd according to ForexBrokers.com. This suggests that Vantage might offer a slightly better educational experience, making it a potentially more attractive choice for beginners eager to deepen their understanding of trading.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | 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 Vantage is better than ThinkMarkets. Vantage finished with an overall rank of #26, while ThinkMarkets finished with an overall rank of #27.
Vantage rounds out its MetaTrader platform suite offering with support for multiple social trading platforms, content powered by Trading Central and a proprietary mobile app. However, Vantage trails industry leaders in key areas such as research and education.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 90 | 92 |
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Both Vantage and ThinkMarkets do not provide the option to purchase actual, delivered cryptocurrencies, but they do offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers Vantage and ThinkMarkets, neither offers ACH or SEPA transfers, but Vantage supports PayPal while ThinkMarkets does not; both brokers allow Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire transactions for depositing or withdrawing funds.
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 | Vantage | ThinkMarkets | |
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| Trust Score | 90 | 92 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Vantage Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Vantage | ThinkMarkets | |
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| Regulation | Vantage | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 90 | 92 | |
| Year Founded | 2009 | 2010 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 5 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 3 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Vantage | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | |||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Vantage | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | Vantage | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1000 | 4000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 46 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | 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 | Vantage | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.30 | 1.1 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.75 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Vantage | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $50 | $50 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | Vantage | 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 | Yes | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Vantage | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 15 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Vantage | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 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 | Vantage | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Vantage | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | 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 | Vantage | 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 | Vantage Review |
| Overall | Vantage | ThinkMarkets | |
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| Trust Score | 90 | 92 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Vantage Review |
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