Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG 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.
When comparing online brokers IG and BlackBull Markets, key differences in trust and regulatory backing become apparent. IG, established in 1974, is a publicly traded firm that doubles as a bank, enhancing its credibility. It boasts a perfect Trust Score of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, indicating its excellent reliability. This high level of trust is supported by IG's holding of 8 Tier-1 licenses and 2 Tier-2 licenses, marking it as a highly trusted organization globally.
On the other hand, BlackBull Markets, which was founded in 2014, is privately held and not a bank. It has a Trust Score of 78, placing it in the average risk category according to ForexBrokers.com. In terms of regulatory licenses, BlackBull Markets holds 1 Tier-1 license, signaling a significantly lower level of regulatory assurance compared to IG. These differences highlight the contrast in the level of trust each broker provides to potential clients.
| Feature |
IG
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2014 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When comparing the commissions and fees between IG and BlackBull Markets, IG stands out for its competitive pricing, especially for active traders. IG offers multiple execution methods and is noted for its Forex Direct accounts, where the average spread on EUR/USD was 0.62 in July 2023. Accounting for the per trade commission, this gives an all-in cost of 0.82 pips. IG also rewards volume traders through its active-trader rebate program, offering up to 20% off spreads for trading large volumes, making it particularly attractive for high-volume traders. IG's stellar performance is reflected in its 5-star rating and #8 ranking among 63 brokers for commissions and fees according to ForexBrokers.com.
BlackBull Markets offers a variety of account types with average trading costs compared to the rest of the industry. The Standard account has no commission but higher spreads, while the Prime account, with a $2,000 minimum deposit, features an average EUR/USD spread of 0.16, culminating in a total cost of 0.76 pips, including the $6 round-turn commission per lot. The ECN Institutional account caters to active traders with lower commission rates for deposits of at least $20,000. BlackBull Markets earns a strong 4.5-star rating and ranks #18 out of 63 brokers in the commissions and fees category.
Both IG and BlackBull Markets provide competitive pricing structures that cater to different types of traders. IG excels in offering rebates and competitive spreads for high-volume traders, whereas BlackBull Markets appeals with its varied account options, giving flexibility depending on trading needs. Whether one is drawn to IG’s advanced rebates or BlackBull’s accessible account options, both brokers are commendable choices depending on individual trading strategies.
| Feature |
IG
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 0.71 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 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.
When comparing IG and BlackBull Markets, both brokers excel in providing a vast array of investment opportunities and receive a five-star rating for their range of investments. IG boasts an impressive 19,537 tradeable symbols, while BlackBull Markets offers even more, with 26,000 symbols available for trading. Forex enthusiasts will find ample options with both brokers, as IG provides 97 forex pairs compared to the 72 pairs available at BlackBull Markets. Additionally, clients looking to engage in forex trading have access to both CFDs and spot contracts with each platform.
For investors interested in exchange-traded securities, both IG and BlackBull Markets allow clients to purchase stocks on U.S. and international exchanges, enabling them to own companies like Apple and Vodafone directly. However, IG stands out for cryptocurrency traders by offering the ability to buy actual cryptocurrencies, unlike BlackBull Markets, which only provides cryptocurrency derivatives. Furthermore, BlackBull Markets differentiates itself with the option for copy trading, a feature not available with IG. While both brokers are highly regarded, IG holds a slightly higher position, ranked 4th by ForexBrokers.com for range of investments, compared to BlackBull Markets' 6th place.
| Feature |
IG
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 26000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 72 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | 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.
IG and BlackBull Markets cater to traders with their distinctive trading platforms and tools, both offering a range of options for different trading styles. IG stands out with its in-house developed proprietary platform, providing a seamless trading experience enhanced by a Windows-based desktop download and a web-based trading platform. It supports MetaTrader 4 but lacks MT5, focusing instead on a streamlined in-house experience. IG offers a comprehensive demo account for simulated trading, allowing traders to practice strategies risk-free. With the ability to trade directly from stock charts, IG provides a highly advanced charting interface with 20 drawing tools and 5 watchlist fields, earning it a 5-star rating in Trading Platforms and Tools according to ForexBrokers.com, where it ranks second out of 63 brokers.
BlackBull Markets, while not offering a proprietary platform, delivers a versatile trading experience with both Windows-based desktop and web-based platforms, alongside MetaTrader 4 and 5 compatibility. Unlike IG, BlackBull Markets features social trading options with the inclusion of copy trading and ZuluTrade, catering to traders interested in following experienced investors. Its charting tools excel with 60 drawing tools and superior 6 watchlist fields. The platform also includes a demo account for practice trades, offering a complete toolkit for budding traders. However, in comparisons from ForexBrokers.com, BlackBull ranks 29th out of 63 brokers and is rated 4 stars for Trading Platforms and Tools, suggesting strong performance but room for improvement compared to IG.
| Feature |
IG
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 109 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 60 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 6 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When it comes to mobile trading apps, both IG and BlackBull Markets have made sure that users can trade on the go with ease. Available on both iPhone and Android, these apps ensure traders can always stay updated. With features like stock and forex price alerts and watchlist symbol syncing, which allows seamless updates between the app and the client’s online account, both platforms provide essential tools for active monitoring. IG and BlackBull Markets also offer users the ability to draw trendlines and view charts in multiple time frames, making technical analysis convenient and comprehensive.
IG offers 33 technical studies for charting compared to BlackBull Markets' 30, providing a slightly broader range of analytical tools. Both apps automatically save chart drawings and enable watchlist creation with real-time quotes, essential features for modern traders. Despite these similarities, IG stands out with a perfect 5-star rating for its mobile trading apps, coming in at #1 out of 63 brokers reviewed by ForexBrokers.com. BlackBull Markets holds a solid 4-star rating, placing it at #31 in the same category. While both apps are reliable and efficient, IG’s mobile trading app edges out as a top choice for traders seeking the best in mobile trading technology.
| Feature |
IG
|
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 | 33 | 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 IG and BlackBull Markets on market research capabilities, IG clearly excels in providing comprehensive resources. Both brokers offer daily market commentary and access to technical analysis tools from Autochartist, along with sentiment-based trading tools for gauging market trends. However, IG sets itself apart by delivering forex news sourced from top-tier platforms such as Bloomberg and Reuters, whereas BlackBull Markets lacks this feature. Furthermore, IG clients can access robust insights through TipRanks and Acuity Trading's Signal Centre, resources not available with BlackBull Markets.
For traders keen on staying updated with economic shifts, both IG and BlackBull Markets boast an extensive economic calendar covering global news events. Yet, IG's superior research offerings earn it a 5-star rating and the prestigious #2 spot in ForexBrokers.com's Research category out of 63 brokers, compared to BlackBull Markets' 4-star rating and the #18 position. This distinction underscores IG’s prominence as a go-to choice for traders demanding cutting-edge market research tools and insights.
| Feature |
IG
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing the educational offerings for beginners between IG and BlackBull Markets, both online brokers make a strong case. IG provides a wealth of resources, including over 10 educational articles, videos, and archived webinars focused on forex and CFDs. They also host at least one educational webinar each month, with recorded sessions easily searchable for future reference. For those just starting, IG offers more than 10 beginner-focused videos, along with a variety of resources for advanced traders. Their comprehensive investor dictionary, which features over 50 key investing terms, further solidifies their educational support. It’s no surprise then that IG earns a perfect 5-star rating for education and ranks as the top provider out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
Similarly, BlackBull Markets presents a solid educational platform, offering more than 10 educational pieces on forex and CFDs and conducting monthly webinars for ongoing learning. They also provide access to an archive of previous educational webinars. Like IG, BlackBull Markets includes over 10 beginner-friendly videos and various advanced tutorials. Their investor dictionary, encompassing over 50 terms, acts as a helpful guide for new investors. Despite these offerings, BlackBull Markets holds a slightly lower education rating of 4 stars and stands at the 29th spot out of 63 brokers in the education category according to ForexBrokers.com. While both brokers support learners effectively, IG distinguishes itself with a slightly more extensive educational footprint.
| Feature |
IG
|
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 IG is better than BlackBull Markets. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while BlackBull Markets finished with an overall rank of #24.
IG offers the ultimate comprehensive trading package, featuring excellent trading and research tools, industry-leading education, and an extensive range of tradeable markets.
| Feature |
IG
|
BlackBull Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 78 |
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IG allows users to purchase both actual cryptocurrency and cryptocurrency derivatives, while BlackBull Markets offers only cryptocurrency derivatives, not the actual cryptocurrencies.
When comparing online brokers, IG offers a broader range of deposit and withdrawal options including ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, and major credit cards such as Visa or Mastercard, whereas BlackBull Markets doesn't support ACH or SEPA transfers or PayPal, but does accept Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, making them both versatile yet distinct in their transaction capabilities.
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 | IG | BlackBull Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 78 | |
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| Review | IG Review | BlackBull Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | BlackBull Markets | |
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| Regulation | IG | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 78 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2014 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IG | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | IG | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 26000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 72 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | 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 | IG | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 0.71 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.71 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $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 | IG | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | Yes | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | Yes |
| Trading Tools | IG | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 6 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 109 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 60 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | 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 | 33 | 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 | IG | BlackBull Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | 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 | IG | 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 | IG Review | BlackBull Markets Review |
| Overall | IG | BlackBull Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 78 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | BlackBull Markets Review |
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