Written by ForexBrokers.com
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.
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.
City Index vs BlackBull Markets: City Index was founded in 1983 and is publicly traded, while BlackBull Markets, founded in 2014, is not publicly traded. Neither company is a bank. As rated by ForexBrokers.com, a Trust Score of 90–99 is highly trusted, 80–89 trusted, 70–79 average risk, 60–69 high risk, and under 59 not trusted. City Index scores 99 (highly trusted), whereas BlackBull Markets scores 77 (average risk).
On regulation, City Index holds 7 Tier-1 licenses (considered highly trusted by ForexBrokers.com) and 1 Tier-2 license (trusted). BlackBull Markets holds 1 Tier-1 license and 0 Tier-2 licenses. These credentials, together with their Trust Scores, suggest City Index offers stronger regulatory coverage than BlackBull Markets.
| Feature |
City Index
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1983 | 2014 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
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
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £100.00 | $0 |
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 1.4 | 1.16 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.9 | 0.76 |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
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
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 13500 | 26000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 66 | 72 |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | No | Yes |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | No | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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.
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
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 109 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
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
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
In this City Index vs BlackBull Markets research comparison, both brokers provide daily market commentary, an economic calendar, and a sentiment tool that shows long/short positioning. Each earns 4.5 stars for research, but City Index ranks #10 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, while BlackBull Markets ranks #16.
The differences come down to news and analytics. City Index offers forex news from top-tier sources (e.g., Bloomberg, Reuters, Dow Jones) and includes Trading Central for technical and fundamental analysis. BlackBull Markets does not provide those, but does include Autochartist for pattern recognition and trade ideas. Neither broker features TipRanks or Acuity Trading. Choose City Index if you want integrated top-tier news and Trading Central; pick BlackBull Markets if Autochartist’s scanning tools are a better match for your workflow.
| Feature |
City Index
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central | Yes | No |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Acuity Trading | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
City Index vs BlackBull Markets: both online brokers make it easy for beginners to learn the basics of forex and CFD trading. Each offers a full slate of education with at least 10 beginner videos, at least 10 advanced videos for when you’re ready to level up, and client webinars held every month. Beyond video lessons, both maintain broad learning libraries that include articles and archived webinars focused on forex and CFDs, giving new traders plenty of step‑by‑step material.
When it comes to quality, both earn 4.5 stars for Education. However, ForexBrokers.com ranks City Index higher overall (#9 of 63) compared with BlackBull Markets (#24 of 63). If you want a higher‑ranked education hub with similar volume of beginner content and regular webinars, City Index has the edge. If you’re interested in comparable video and webinar access, BlackBull Markets is also a solid pick for getting started.
| Feature |
City Index
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
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
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BlackBull Markets
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|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 77 |
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City Index vs BlackBull Markets: neither online broker supports buying actual (delivered) cryptocurrencies, but both provide cryptocurrency CFD trading.
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.
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 | City Index | BlackBull Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 77 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | City Index Review | BlackBull Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | City Index | BlackBull Markets | |
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| Regulation | City Index | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 77 | |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 2014 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | City Index | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (FSA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | |||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | City Index | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | City Index | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 13500 | 26000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 66 | 72 | |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | No | Yes | |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | No | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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 | 1.4 | 1.16 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.9 | 0.76 | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Order execution: Agency | No | No | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | City Index | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £100.00 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | City Index | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | Yes |
| Trading Tools | City Index | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 109 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | City Index | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] | |||
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | City Index | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | City Index | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | City Index | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD [DELETED] | |||
| USD/JPY [DELETED] | |||
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF [DELETED] | |||
| USD/CAD [DELETED] | |||
| NZD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| AUD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| Review | City Index Review | BlackBull Markets Review |
| Overall | City Index | BlackBull Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 77 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | City Index Review | BlackBull Markets Review |
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