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 both provide tools and platforms that cater to traders seeking flexibility and performance. IG takes a slight edge with its in-house developed trading platform, offering a seamless trading experience complemented by MetaTrader 4 (MT4) support. However, IG does not support MetaTrader 5 (MT5), unlike BlackBull Markets, which offers both MT4 and MT5. Both brokers provide web-based and Windows-based platforms along with virtual demo accounts for simulated trading. IG, however, stands out with its more comprehensive platform rating, earning five stars and ranking second among 63 brokers for its trading tools, while BlackBull Markets holds four stars and ranks 30th.
When it comes to extra features and customization, BlackBull Markets provides an extensive array of options for charting with 60 drawing tools compared to IG's 20. BlackBull also supports copy trading and integrates with ZuluTrade, offering more automated trading options, which IG lacks. Watch list customization slightly favors BlackBull, offering six fields compared to IG's five. Both platforms allow trading directly from stock charts, enhancing the real-time trading experience. IG's overall prowess in platform functionality and user experience helps it maintain a higher rating in the competitive market of online trading platforms.
| 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 considering mobile trading apps, both IG and BlackBull Markets offer solid options for iPhone and Android users. They provide essential features like stock and forex price alerts, watchlist symbol syncing, and the ability to create watchlists with real-time quotes. In terms of charting tools, IG slightly edges out BlackBull Markets by offering 33 technical studies compared to BlackBull's 30. Both brokers enable users to draw trendlines and view multiple time frames on charts, with auto-saving features for any drawings made on the app. These features make both platforms viable for traders seeking mobile flexibility and functionality.
IG, however, garners a slight edge for its mobile app, with a top rating of five stars compared to BlackBull Markets' four stars. This distinction is further emphasized by IG's number one rank among 63 brokers in the Mobile Trading Apps category on ForexBrokers.com, while BlackBull Markets ranks at 32. For those who prioritize the highest-rated mobile experience, IG might be the preferred choice, but both brokers provide competitive and reliable mobile trading services.
| 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 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| 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 | ||
| 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) | |||
| 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) |
| 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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