BlackBull Marketsvs
IC MarketsStock Broker Comparison
Two brokers compete for access to global stock CFDs across varied platforms. The tension centers on regulation, pricing, and platform breadth.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsby 0.4 pts
IC Markets edges BlackBull Markets on editorial score due to stronger trust/regulation, better fees and spreads, and higher platform ratings.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1BlackBull has 20 exchanges, more than IC Markets' 12.
- 2IC Markets offers a compensation scheme not available at BlackBull.
- 3IC Markets provides phone support; BlackBull does not.
Who should choose BlackBull Markets vs IC Markets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose BlackBull Markets if…
Choose BlackBull Markets if you value access to 20 exchanges.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want phone support and a compensation scheme.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
IC Markets holds higher trust/regulation scores and offers a compensation scheme.
Best for active traders
Recommended
BlackBull Markets vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot▼ lower | $7/lot |
BlackBull Markets vs IC Markets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- 23,000+ share CFDs, one of the widest stock selections among ECN-adjacent brokers
- IRESS provides genuine DMA access to equity markets with Level II depth
- Five platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, IRESS), broadest platform coverage
- FMA (New Zealand) regulated with strict client money segregation
Cons
- FMA lacks a formal investor compensation scheme equivalent to FSCS or CySEC
BlackBull Markets vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
BlackBull Markets
criteria wins
2
IC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | BlackBull Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
BlackBull Markets vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: BlackBull Markets rates 3.7/5 and IC Markets rates 4.1/5. IC Markets has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
Both BlackBull Markets and IC Markets start from the same spread of 0. For stock trading, also compare per-trade or per-share commissions to determine the total cost per transaction.
BlackBull Markets has no minimum deposit, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes BlackBull Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both BlackBull Markets and IC Markets hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: BlackBull Markets has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
BlackBull Markets lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while IC Markets lists up to 5:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
BlackBull Markets charges $6 per trade, lower than IC Markets's $7 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
BlackBull Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, DXtrade, MetaTrader 4, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4. BlackBull Markets has exclusive access to DXtrade.
Neither BlackBull Markets nor IC Markets is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
IC Markets scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
