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City Index vs BlackBull Markets 2025

ForexBrokers.com

Written by ForexBrokers.com

February 05, 2025

In this head to head comparison of City Index vs BlackBull Markets, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.

City Index
5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: £100.00
  • Trust Score: 99
  • Tradeable Symbols (Total): 13500
BlackBull Markets
4.5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Trust Score: 78
  • Tradeable Symbols (Total): 26000

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.

Regulation

City Index and BlackBull Markets are popular online brokers, each with distinct regulatory profiles. Founded in 1983, City Index is a publicly traded company known for its strong regulatory standing. It boasts seven Tier-1 licenses and one Tier-2 license, contributing to a top Trust Score of 99 out of 99 as per ForexBrokers.com, showcasing a high level of trust and reliability. On the other hand, BlackBull Markets, established in 2014, is not publicly traded but operates under one Tier-1 license. With no Tier-2 licenses, BlackBull Markets has a Trust Score of 78, considered an average risk according to ForexBrokers.com.

Both City Index and BlackBull Markets are not banks, but their regulatory standings offer varying degrees of security for investors. City Index's higher trust ratings stem from its widespread compliance and publicly traded status, making it an appealing choice for those emphasizing regulation. Meanwhile, BlackBull Markets, with its single Tier-1 license, may attract traders comfortable with average risk levels, reflecting its niche in catering to traders who may prioritize other factors such as trading platforms or fees over regulatory reach.

Feature City Index logoCity Index
BlackBull Markets logoBlackBull Markets
Year Founded info 1983 2014
Publicly Traded (Listed) info Yes No
Bank info No No
Tier-1 Licenses info 7 1
Tier-2 Licenses info 1 0
Tier-3 Licenses info 0 0
Tier-4 Licenses info 1 1

Fees

City Index and BlackBull Markets both earn 4.5 out of 5 stars for commissions and fees. In our rankings, City Index places #16 out of 63 brokers, while BlackBull Markets ranks higher at #9 out of 63. Both deliver pricing that’s around the industry average, but they get there in different ways that may suit different traders.

City Index’s pricing for CFDs, forex, and spread betting is in line with peers, with an average EUR/USD spread of 0.74 pips (July 2023). You’ll typically get the best pricing on City Index’s own platforms or MetaTrader. High-balance clients who deposit over £10,000 may qualify for the Premium Trader account, which unlocks exclusive pricing and dedicated service. Active trader rebates can further lower costs: in the U.K., rebates start at £4 per million after £25M in monthly volume and go up to £7.5 per million above £300M; in Australia, the range is AUD $4.5 to $14.5 per million depending on tier.

BlackBull Markets ties City Index on star rating but stands out with its account choices. The commission-free Standard account has no minimum deposit but wider spreads. The Prime account (minimum $2,000) tightens spreads to an average 0.16 pips on EUR/USD, for an all-in cost of about 0.76 pips when including a per-side commission of 0.3 pips, or $6 per 10,000 traded (March 2024). For high-volume traders, the ECN Institutional account (minimum $20,000) drops commissions to $2 per side ($4 round turn) for even sharper pricing.

Feature City Index logoCity Index
BlackBull Markets logoBlackBull Markets
Minimum Deposit info £100.00 $0
Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account info 1.4 info 1.16 info
All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active info 0.9 info 0.76 info
Non-wire bank transfer info Yes No
PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes No
Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) info No Yes
Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.

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Range of investments

Comparing City Index vs BlackBull Markets for range of investments: both brokers offer forex trading as CFDs and spot contracts, along with copy trading. BlackBull Markets lists more tradeable instruments overall (26,000 vs. City Index’s 13,500) and slightly more forex pairs (72 vs. 66). Both provide cryptocurrency CFDs, but neither supports buying delivered crypto.

For exchange-traded securities, the difference is clear: City Index doesn’t offer actual U.S. or international shares, while BlackBull Markets does provide access to both. In independent assessments for range of investments, each earns 5 out of 5 stars; among 63 brokers, BlackBull ranks #7 and City Index ranks #8. If you want real stocks alongside CFDs and forex, BlackBull Markets has the edge; if your focus is primarily CFDs and forex, both are strong options.

Feature City Index logoCity Index
BlackBull Markets logoBlackBull Markets
Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Tradeable Symbols (Total) info 13500 26000
Forex Pairs (Total) info 66 72
U.S. Stocks (Shares) info No Yes
Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) info No Yes
Copy Trading info Yes Yes
Cryptocurrency (Underlying) info No No
Cryptocurrency (CFDs) info 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.

Trading platforms and tools

City Index and BlackBull Markets both let you practice with a free demo (paper) account and offer web-based and Windows desktop platforms. You can place orders directly from charts, use copy trading, and connect with MetaTrader 4 (MT4) at either broker. The key differences: City Index also provides an in-house proprietary platform, while BlackBull Markets relies on third-party platforms. BlackBull adds MetaTrader 5 (MT5) support; City Index does not.

For trading platforms and tools, ForexBrokers.com rates City Index 4.5/5 and ranks it #11 out of 63 brokers, while BlackBull Markets earns 4/5 and ranks #25 out of 63. Choose City Index if you want a polished, broker-built platform alongside MT4 and browser/desktop access; pick BlackBull Markets if MT5 compatibility is a must and you prefer a MetaTrader-centered setup. Either way, you can test features risk-free with a virtual account.

Feature City Index logoCity Index
BlackBull Markets logoBlackBull Markets
Virtual Trading (Demo) info Yes Yes
Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform info Yes No
Desktop Platform (Windows) info Yes Yes
Web Platform info Yes Yes
Copy Trading info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) info No Yes
Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) info 88 109
Charting - Trade From Chart info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.

Forex trading apps

City Index and BlackBull Markets both offer mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android, with price alerts, synced watchlists across mobile and web, trendline drawing, and auto-saved chart annotations. That means you can track forex and stocks, make quick changes from any device, and keep your chart work intact on the go.

Where they differ is charting depth and recognition. City Index includes 88 technical studies in its app, compared with 30 for BlackBull Markets—helpful if you rely on more indicators for your analysis. City Index also earns 4.5 out of 5 stars and ranks #9 out of 63 brokers for Mobile Trading Apps on ForexBrokers.com, while BlackBull Markets holds 4 stars and ranks #27. In short, both cover the essentials, but City Index stands out for more advanced charting and overall app experience.

Feature City Index logoCity Index
BlackBull Markets logoBlackBull Markets
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple iOS App info Yes Yes
Mobile Price Alerts info Yes Yes
Mobile Watchlists - Syncing info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies info 88 30
Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.

Market research

When you compare City Index vs BlackBull Markets for market research, both brokers deliver daily market commentary, a handy economic calendar, and sentiment tools that show long vs. short positioning. City Index adds an edge with forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, or Dow Jones, plus access to Trading Central research. BlackBull Markets counters with Autochartist for technical pattern recognition. Neither broker includes TipRanks or Acuity Trading tools.

For research quality, City Index earns 4.5/5 stars and ranks #10 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, while BlackBull Markets scores 4/5 stars and ranks #16. If you want premium news feeds and Trading Central analysis, City Index is the stronger fit. If Autochartist’s scanning tools appeal to your trading style, BlackBull Markets is worth a look.

Feature City Index logoCity Index
BlackBull Markets logoBlackBull Markets
Daily Market Commentary (Articles) info Yes Yes
Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) info Yes No
Autochartist info No Yes
Trading Central info Yes No
Client sentiment data info Yes Yes
TipRanks info No No
Acuity Trading info No No
Economic Calendar info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.

Beginners and education

Comparing City Index vs BlackBull Markets for beginner education, both brokers make it easy to learn with frequent online webinars (at least one per month) and deep video libraries that include 10+ beginner lessons plus 10+ advanced videos. That mix helps new traders move from the basics to more advanced strategies at a steady pace. If you prefer learning through recurring live sessions and on-demand videos, either platform delivers plenty of material on trading topics, including forex and CFDs.

Where they differ is in overall quality scores. City Index earns 4.5 out of 5 stars for Education and ranks #9 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, signaling a more polished learning experience. BlackBull Markets scores 4 out of 5 stars and ranks #24, still a strong option if you want webinars and video-led training with room to grow. For most beginners, City Index has the edge, while BlackBull Markets remains a solid alternative.

Feature City Index logoCity Index
BlackBull Markets logoBlackBull Markets
Webinars info Yes Yes
Videos - Beginner Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Videos - Advanced Trading Videos info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.

Winner

After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that City Index is better than BlackBull Markets. City Index finished with an overall rank of #8, while BlackBull Markets finished with an overall rank of #22.

Backed by StoneX Group, City Index is a trusted brand known for its versatile trading platforms, excellent mobile app, diverse market research, and extensive range of tradeable markets.

Feature City Index logoCity Index
BlackBull Markets logoBlackBull Markets
Overall Rating info 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Trust Score info 99 78
Range of Investments 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Trading Fees 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Trading Platforms 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Education 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars

FAQs

Can you trade cryptocurrency with City Index or BlackBull Markets?

City Index vs BlackBull Markets: neither online broker supports buying actual (delivered) cryptocurrencies, but both provide cryptocurrency CFD trading.

What funding options does each broker offer?

City Index vs BlackBull Markets: for deposits and withdrawals, City Index supports ACH/SEPA, PayPal, and bank wires but not Skrill, whereas BlackBull Markets supports Skrill and bank wires but not ACH/SEPA or PayPal; Visa/Mastercard availability is not specified for either broker.

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Overall Rating City Index BlackBull Markets
Overall Rating info 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Trading Fees 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Range of Investments 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Trading Platforms 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Education 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Trust Score info 99 78
Winner check_circle
Review City Index Review BlackBull Markets Review
Broker Screenshots City Index BlackBull Markets
Broker Gallery (click to expand) info
City Index MetaTrader 4 mobile trading app City Index web platform trading. City Index web platform research Trading Central City Index educational course advanced.
BlackBull Markets MT5 mobile trading app BlackBull Markets MetaTrader 5 MT5 desktop platform. BlackBull Markets economic calendar. BlackBull Markets Trading Podcasts playlist.
Regulation City Index BlackBull Markets
Trust Score info 99 78
Year Founded info 1983 2014
Publicly Traded (Listed) info Yes No
Bank info No No
Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). info Yes info No info
Tier-1 Licenses info 7 1
Tier-2 Licenses info 1 0
Tier-3 Licenses info 0 0
Tier-4 Licenses info 1 1
Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) City Index BlackBull Markets
Australia (ASIC Authorised) info Yes No
Canada (CIRO Authorised) info Yes No
Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) info No No
Japan (FSA Authorised) info No No
Singapore (MAS Authorised) info Yes No
Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) info
United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) info Yes No
USA (CFTC Authorized) info No No
New Zealand (FMA Authorised) info No Yes
Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). info Yes info No info
Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) City Index BlackBull Markets
Kenya (CMA Authorised) info
Israel (ISA Authorised) info No No
South Africa (FSCA Authorised) info No No
UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) info Yes No
India (SEBI Authorised) info No No
Jordan (JSC Authorised) info
Investments City Index BlackBull Markets
Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Tradeable Symbols (Total) info 13500 26000
Forex Pairs (Total) info 66 72
U.S. Stocks (Shares) info No Yes
Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) info No Yes
Copy Trading info Yes Yes
Cryptocurrency (Underlying) info No No
Cryptocurrency (CFDs) info 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 City Index BlackBull Markets
Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account info 1.4 info 1.16 info
All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active info 0.9 info 0.76 info
Inactivity Fee info Yes No
Order execution: Agency info No No
Order execution: Market Maker info Yes Yes
Funding City Index BlackBull Markets
Minimum Deposit info £100.00 $0
PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes No
Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) info No Yes
Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes
Non-wire bank transfer info Yes No
Trading Platforms City Index BlackBull Markets
Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform info Yes No
Desktop Platform (Windows) info Yes Yes
Web Platform info Yes Yes
Copy Trading info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) info No Yes
cTrader info No Yes
Trading Tools City Index BlackBull Markets
Virtual Trading (Demo) info Yes Yes
Price Alerts info Yes Yes
Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) info 88 109
Charting - Trade From Chart info Yes Yes
Charts can be saved info Yes Yes
Mobile Trading City Index BlackBull Markets
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple iOS App info Yes Yes
Mobile Price Alerts info Yes Yes
Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] info
Mobile Watchlists - Syncing info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies info 88 30
Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave info Yes Yes
Mobile Research - Economic Calendar info Yes Yes
Research City Index BlackBull Markets
Daily Market Commentary (Articles) info Yes Yes
Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) info Yes No
Autochartist info No Yes
Trading Central info Yes No
TipRanks info No No
Client sentiment data info Yes Yes
Economic Calendar info Yes Yes
Education City Index BlackBull Markets
Webinars info Yes Yes
Videos - Beginner Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Videos - Advanced Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Major Forex Pairs City Index BlackBull Markets
GBP/USD [DELETED] info
USD/JPY [DELETED] info
EUR/USD info Yes Yes
USD/CHF [DELETED] info
USD/CAD [DELETED] info
NZD/USD [DELETED] info
AUD/USD [DELETED] info
Review City Index Review BlackBull Markets Review
Overall City Index BlackBull Markets
Overall Rating info 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Trading Fees 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Range of Investments 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Trading Platforms 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Education 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Trust Score info 99 78
Winner check_circle
Review City Index Review BlackBull Markets Review
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