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 it comes to commissions and fees, IG stands out as a competitive choice for active traders, boasting a five-star rating and ranking #8 among 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. IG offers diverse execution methods and shines with its Forex Direct accounts, where spreads averaged 0.62 pips in July 2023, leading to an all-in cost of 0.82 pips after accounting for trade commissions. The broker provides further savings through its active trader rebate program, offering up to 20% rebates for high-volume traders, alongside a premium trader program that includes various perks.
Comparatively, BlackBull Markets, with a 4.5-star rating and ranking #18 in the same category, delivers average trading costs that hinge on the account type selected. The Prime account is particularly attractive with its lower spreads averaging 0.16 pips on EUR/USD in March 2024, culminating in a total cost of 0.76 pips while requiring a $2,000 minimum deposit and a $6 per lot commission. Meanwhile, the commission-free Standard account offers higher spreads without a deposit requirement, and the ECN Institutional account caters to serious traders with a minimum deposit of $20,000 and favorable commission rates.
Both IG and BlackBull Markets provide viable options for traders, with IG focusing on active traders through its rebate programs and premium offerings, while BlackBull Markets offers a balance of low spreads and accessible account choices. Each broker caters to different trading needs, making it essential for potential clients to consider their trading style and volume when choosing the best option.
| 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 present a strong lineup of investment options, making them appealing choices for investors. IG provides access to 19,537 tradeable symbols, while BlackBull Markets offers an impressive 26,000. In terms of forex trading, IG offers 97 tradeable forex pairs compared to BlackBull Markets' 72 pairs. Both brokers allow trading in forex as CFDs or spot contracts, enabling traders to choose their preferred trading method. In addition, both IG and BlackBull Markets grant access to exchange-traded securities, allowing clients to invest in shares of major companies on U.S. and international exchanges like Apple and Vodafone.
IG and BlackBull Markets both offer cryptocurrency derivatives, though neither allows purchasing actual cryptocurrencies. One notable difference is that BlackBull Markets supports copy trading, which can attract those looking to mirror successful traders' strategies, a feature absent in IG's offerings. Despite this, both brokers receive a high rating of 5 stars for their range of investments. In rankings by ForexBrokers.com, IG is slightly ahead at #4, with BlackBull Markets close behind at #6 among 62 brokers, highlighting their comprehensive investment services to meet a variety of investor needs.
| 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) | 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.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools of IG and BlackBull Markets, both brokers offer a strong set of features for traders. IG provides a comprehensive experience with its in-house developed platform and a robust suite of tools that includes MetaTrader 4, a Windows-based desktop platform, and web-based trading options. It also offers a unique advantage with its 5-star rating and #2 rank in the Trading Platforms and Tools category according to ForexBrokers.com. IG users can benefit from a free virtual demo account to practice trading, trade directly from stock charts, and utilize 20 drawing tools. However, IG does not support social trading options like copy trading, DupliTrade, or ZuluTrade.
BlackBull Markets, on the other hand, also offers MetaTrader 4 along with the addition of MetaTrader 5, providing a wider range of choices for its clients. Like IG, BlackBull Markets users can trade on a Windows-based desktop platform or via a web-based browser and access a free virtual demo account for simulated trading. While it may not have a proprietary platform, BlackBull stands out with its social trading features, including copy trading and integration with ZuluTrade, although it doesn't support DupliTrade. Despite being rated 4 stars and ranked #29 by ForexBrokers.com, BlackBull Markets offers a more extensive selection of drawing tools for charting, totaling 60, and an additional watch list column 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.
Both IG and BlackBull Markets offer iPhone and Android apps designed to meet the needs of modern traders. Users of both platforms can receive price alerts for stocks or forex, ensuring they stay informed of market movements. Each app allows for watchlist syncing, so any adjustments made on the mobile app will be reflected in the online account, offering seamless integration across devices. Both apps also support the drawing of trendlines and feature different time frames viewing options like daily, weekly, or intraday, helping traders make informed decisions. Additionally, any drawings on stock or forex charts are automatically saved, adding convenience to chart analysis. You can also create watchlists with real-time quotes in each app, keeping you in the loop of price changes.
When it comes to technical studies within their mobile apps, IG offers 33 options compared to BlackBull Markets' 30, providing a slight edge for technical traders. In terms of reputation, IG's mobile apps shine with a 5-star rating and rank #1 out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com for mobile trading apps, establishing its dominance in the market. BlackBull Markets, while commendable with a 4-star rating, ranks #31, highlighting some room for improvement compared to IG’s acclaimed platform. Overall, both apps are feature-rich, but IG's mobile app takes the lead with a few additional offerings and higher ratings.
| 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 in terms of market research offerings, both brokers provide daily market commentary and access to technical analysis tools from Autochartist. IG stands out by offering forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, which BlackBull Markets lacks. Additionally, IG provides market research from TipRanks and tools from Acuity Trading, enhancing their research capabilities. BlackBull Markets does not offer these research tools, which can be a consideration for traders seeking comprehensive data sources.
Both brokers impress with sentiment-based trading tools and economic calendars that showcase global news events. However, IG achieves a higher research rating of five stars compared to BlackBull Markets' four stars. In the Research category, IG is ranked second out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, significantly ahead of BlackBull Markets, which ranks eighteenth. This distinction highlights IG as a top choice for traders focused on in-depth market research.
| 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 diving into the world of trading, finding a broker with strong educational resources is crucial for beginners. IG and BlackBull Markets both cater to those just starting, providing a wealth of information on forex and CFDs. Both platforms offer more than 10 educational pieces, such as articles, videos, and archived webinars, specifically focusing on these subjects. They also host monthly webinars and provide searchable archives of past sessions, giving users the flexibility to learn at their own pace. Moreover, both IG and BlackBull Markets have crafted content that ranges from beginner to advanced trading topics, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience for users at different skill levels. Additionally, they each include an investor dictionary with over 50 terms, aiding in understanding industry jargon.
Despite their similarities, IG edges ahead in educational offerings, securing a 5-star rating compared to BlackBull Markets' 4-star score. This distinction is mirrored in their rankings by ForexBrokers.com, where IG proudly holds the top spot out of 62 brokers in the education category, while BlackBull Markets is positioned at number 29. For beginners prioritizing educational support as they embark on trading, IG's slight advantage in this area might make it the preferred choice.
| 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 62 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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While both IG and BlackBull Markets do not offer the option to purchase actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, they do provide the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, allowing investors to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset.
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 | 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) | 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 | 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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