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 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
|
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 offer competitive commissions and fees, reflecting industry averages. City Index provides an average spread of 0.74 pips on the EUR/USD, aligning it with the industry standard, though not as competitive as leading forex brokers like Tickmill. Experienced traders depositing over £10,000 may benefit from City Index's Premium Trader account, gaining access to exclusive pricing and content. Additionally, professional traders in the UK can earn rebates starting at £4 per million, potentially reaching £7.5 per million for higher volumes. City Index earns a 4.5-star rating and ranks #14 out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com for its fees and commissions.
BlackBull Markets also maintains average trading costs, offering three account types to cater to varying needs. The Prime account, with an average EUR/USD spread of 0.16 and an all-in cost of 0.76 after accounting for a per-side commission, is the most cost-effective option compared to their Standard account. The Standard account features no commission and no minimum deposit, but with slightly higher spreads. Meanwhile, the ECN Institutional account requires a minimum deposit of $20,000 and offers commissions of $2 per side. BlackBull Markets also garners a 4.5-star rating for commissions and fees but is rated #18 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
In summary, both City Index and BlackBull Markets provide similar competitive commission structures, each with unique advantages. City Index offers premium features for active traders in the UK and Australia, while BlackBull Markets provides multiple account options to suit different trading strategies. Both brokers are favorably rated at 4.5 stars, though City Index holds a slightly higher ranking among its peers.
| Feature |
City Index
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £100.00 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | 0.71 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.74 | 0.71 |
| 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.
City Index and BlackBull Markets both offer commendable investment options, catering to diverse trading preferences. For forex enthusiasts, both platforms provide trading in forex as CFDs or spot contracts, with BlackBull Markets edging out slightly by offering 72 tradeable forex pairs compared to City Index's 66. When it comes to the overall variety of tradeable symbols, BlackBull Markets takes the lead with an impressive 26,000 symbols, overshadowing City Index's 13,500. Additionally, BlackBull Markets offers clients the opportunity to invest in exchange traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, unlike City Index, which does not provide this feature.
Both brokers support cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither allows the purchase of actual, delivered cryptocurrencies. For traders looking to follow successful peers, copy trading is available on both platforms. While City Index and BlackBull Markets both receive a five-star rating for their range of investments, BlackBull Markets stands slightly higher in the rank by ForexBrokers.com, holding the 6th position out of 63 brokers compared to City Index, which is ranked 8th. This positions BlackBull Markets as a slightly more versatile choice for those seeking a broader range of investment opportunities.
| Feature |
City Index
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 13500 | 26000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 66 | 72 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| 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.
City Index and BlackBull Markets both offer simulated trading with free virtual demo accounts, catering to traders looking to practice without risking real money. City Index stands out by providing a proprietary platform, which may offer a unique trading experience, while BlackBull Markets does not have an in-house platform, relying instead on popular third-party options like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. Both brokers offer web-based and Windows-based desktop trading platforms, allowing for flexibility in how traders engage with the markets. Additionally, each broker supports copy trading, providing avenues for traders to mirror the moves of more experienced investors.
When it comes to charting tools, City Index offers a more extensive suite with 239 drawing tools compared to BlackBull Markets' 60. City Index also facilitates trading directly from stock charts, a feature that BlackBull Markets equally provides. For watch list functionality, City Index provides more columns with 11 options, compared to 6 from BlackBull Markets, allowing for more detailed market tracking. In terms of ratings, City Index earns 4.5 stars, placing it at #11 for Trading Platforms and Tools among 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. BlackBull Markets, albeit slightly behind, still maintains a strong showing with a 4-star rating, coming in at #29.
| Feature |
City Index
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 109 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 239 | 60 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 6 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both City Index and BlackBull Markets offer user-friendly mobile trading apps available on iPhone and Android devices. These apps provide essential features such as real-time price alerts and seamless watchlist syncing, which means any changes made either in the app or online sync automatically. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trader, the apps have you covered by allowing trendline drawing and the ability to view multiple time frames on charts. Additionally, both apps auto-save your chart drawings, reducing repetitive setup efforts.
When it comes to technical studies within their charting tools, City Index significantly stands out by offering 88 studies compared to BlackBull Markets' 30. Users can also create watchlists with real-time quotes on both platforms. City Index's mobile app also enjoys higher customer ratings, scoring 4.5 out of 5 stars, while BlackBull Markets earns 4 stars. Furthermore, City Index ranks much higher at #9 on ForexBrokers.com for their mobile app category, compared to BlackBull Markets at #31 among 63 brokers. These rankings showcase City Index as a favored option for mobile trading enthusiasts.
| Feature |
City Index
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | 30 |
| 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 City Index and BlackBull Markets, both brokers provide daily market commentary and include an economic calendar to keep traders informed on global news events. City Index sets itself apart with forex news sourced from top-tier suppliers like Bloomberg and Reuters, a sentiment-based trading tool, and the availability of research resources from Trading Central. On the other hand, BlackBull Markets lacks these specific features but does provide valuable technical analysis tools through the popular platform Autochartist, along with a sentiment-based trading tool.
In terms of overall research quality, City Index shines with a 4.5-star rating and a commendable 10th rank out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. BlackBull Markets, while slightly behind, garners a solid 4-star rating and ranks 18th. Overall, City Index holds an edge due to its diverse range of high-quality research features, making it a preferred choice for traders seeking comprehensive insights from premium sources.
| Feature |
City Index
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
City Index and BlackBull Markets both offer a comprehensive range of educational resources aimed at beginner traders who are keen to learn about forex and CFDs. Both brokers provide more than 10 educational articles, videos, and archived webinars focused on forex and CFDs. Additionally, beginners can benefit from the regular online webinars that both City Index and BlackBull Markets host monthly, helping new traders stay informed about trading techniques and market trends.
Even though both brokers provide a similar array of educational content, City Index gains a slight edge with its higher rating of 4.5 stars out of 5, compared to BlackBull Markets' 4 stars. This is underscored by their ranking on ForexBrokers.com, where City Index is #9 among 63 brokers, whereas BlackBull Markets is placed at #29. Both brokers do offer an investor dictionary with definitions of over 50 terms, and each provides at least ten beginner and advanced-level educational videos. These features make both platforms viable options for educational resources, but City Index scores higher in overall educational quality.
| Feature |
City Index
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 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 #24.
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
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 78 |
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Both City Index and BlackBull Markets do not provide the option to purchase actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but each offers the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers, City Index stands out for offering ACH, SEPA, PayPal, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wire options for deposits and withdrawals, while BlackBull Markets provides Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wire options, but lacks ACH, SEPA, and PayPal facilities.
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 | 78 | |
| 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 | 78 | |
| 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 (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| 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) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | City Index | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 13500 | 26000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 66 | 72 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| 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 | City Index | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | 0.71 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.74 | 0.71 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| 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 | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | City Index | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | Yes | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | Yes |
| Trading Tools | City Index | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 6 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 109 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 239 | 60 | |
| 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 Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | 30 | |
| 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 | City Index | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | City Index | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | City Index | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | City Index Review | BlackBull Markets Review |
| Overall | City Index | BlackBull Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 78 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | City Index Review | BlackBull Markets Review |
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