ActivTrades vs ThinkMarkets 2026
By Akash · Facts from the brokers’ own sites, sources linked on each review
ThinkMarkets has the higher TFB Score (91/100 vs 78/100).
ActivTrades is a multi-entity CFD broker trading since 2001 whose UK entity ActivTrades PLC is FCA-regulated, offering MT4, MT5, ActivTrader and TradingView, with no minimum deposit in most jurisdictions.
69% of retail CFD accounts lose money with this provider.
ThinkMarkets is a forex and CFD broker founded in 2010, offering ThinkTrader, MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, with entities regulated by the FCA, ASIC, CySEC and the FSA Seychelles.
75% of retail CFD accounts lose money with this provider.
Side by side
| Item | ActivTrades | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| TFB Score | 78/100 | 91/100▲ |
| Regulation & safety | 28/351 tier-1 regulator (FCA), investor compensation | 34/35▲3 tier-1 regulators (FCA, ASIC, CySEC), investor compensation |
| Fees & costs | 14/25Spreads from 0.5 pips; commission not published | 22/25▲All-in cost from 0.70 pips |
| Deposits & withdrawals | 20/20▲Minimum deposit No minimum deposit (USD 250 in certain jurisdictions), 6 deposit methods, 6 withdrawal methods | 17/20Minimum deposit $10 (ThinkTrader account; Standard $50, ThinkZero $100), 7 deposit methods, 3 withdrawal methods |
| Platforms & trading | 16/20MT4, MT5, TradingView | 18/20▲MT4, MT5, TradingView; leverage up to 2500:1 (ThinkTrader account, TF Global Markets Int Limited, FSA Seychelles; 500:1 on Standard and ThinkZero) |
| Trader Score | No trader scores yet | No trader scores yet |
| Regulators | FCA | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles |
| Minimum deposit | No minimum deposit (USD 250 in certain jurisdictions) | $10 (ThinkTrader account; Standard $50, ThinkZero $100) |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips (forex CFDs) | 0.0 pips (ThinkZero; Standard and ThinkTrader from 0.4 pips) |
| Commission | Does not charge commissions on most of the products offered (including forex, indices and commodities) | ThinkZero: USD 7 per round turn lot on forex and metals; Standard and ThinkTrader: none |
| Max leverage | Not published | up to 2500:1 (ThinkTrader account, TF Global Markets Int Limited, FSA Seychelles; 500:1 on Standard and ThinkZero) |
| Platforms | ||
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, Crypto | Return to source (same method as deposit), Bank wire, USDT (for crypto deposits) |
| Retail accounts losing money | 69% | 75% |
Facts from each broker's own website and the regulators' registers. Full sources are on each review: ActivTrades review · ThinkMarkets review.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers, from the facts shown on this page.
Is ActivTrades or ThinkMarkets better?
ThinkMarkets has the higher TFB Score (91/100 vs 78/100). The best choice depends on your country, platform and payment method.
Are ActivTrades and ThinkMarkets regulated?
ActivTrades: FCA. ThinkMarkets: FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles. Every licence is linked to the regulator's register on each review.
Which is safer, ActivTrades or ThinkMarkets?
ActivTrades holds 1 tier-1 licence (FCA); ThinkMarkets holds 3 (FCA, ASIC and CySEC). Tier-1 regulators have the strictest rules on client money. Your protection depends on which company opens your account.
What is the minimum deposit at ActivTrades and ThinkMarkets?
ActivTrades: No minimum deposit (USD 250 in certain jurisdictions). ThinkMarkets: $10 (ThinkTrader account; Standard $50, ThinkZero $100).
Which has tighter spreads, ActivTrades or ThinkMarkets?
Published spreads start from 0.5 pips (forex CFDs) at ActivTrades and 0.0 pips (ThinkZero; Standard and ThinkTrader from 0.4 pips) at ThinkMarkets; commission: ActivTrades Does not charge commissions on most of the products offered (including forex, indices and commodities), ThinkMarkets ThinkZero: USD 7 per round turn lot on forex and metals; Standard and ThinkTrader: none.
Do ActivTrades and ThinkMarkets offer MetaTrader and TradingView?
Both offer MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and TradingView. ActivTrades: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, ActivTrader, TradingView. ThinkMarkets: ThinkTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView (ThinkTrader accounts only).
How many retail accounts lose money at ActivTrades and ThinkMarkets?
ActivTrades states 69% and ThinkMarkets states 75% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with them.
More ActivTrades comparisons
More ThinkMarkets comparisons
Forex trading at these brokers is done through CFDs (contracts for difference): you trade on the price moving up or down, without owning the currency itself.Risk warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Read the full risk warning