Two brokers compete on platform breadth, regulation, and international reach. The tension centers on coverage, protections, and access to global markets.
IG tops the editorial score over BlackBull Markets, reflecting stronger regulation and broader exchange access.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose BlackBull Markets if…
Choose BlackBull Markets if you value 24/5 live chat support and broad platform coverage across MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, and IRESS. You have no phone support.
Choose IG if…
Choose IG if you value phone support and a Stocks & Shares ISA in a single, well-supported account. You also gain access to 30 global exchanges, extended hours, and integrated research tools for active investing.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
IG offers stronger safety and regulation with top-tier oversight and a compensation scheme.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.6 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | BlackBull Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
IG rates 4.5/5 versus 3.7/5 for BlackBull Markets. IG edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
BlackBull Markets lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with IG's 0.6. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Neither BlackBull Markets nor IG requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both BlackBull Markets and IG 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, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
BlackBull Markets lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while IG lists up to 1:1. 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 on commission-based accounts. Commission details for IG are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. 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 IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide TradingView and MetaTrader 4. BlackBull Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and DXtrade. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither BlackBull Markets nor IG 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.
IG 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.
IG supplies advanced research tools and extended hours for active traders.
IG offers a Stocks & Shares ISA and accessible onboarding for beginners.
IG provides access to more global exchanges than BlackBull.
BlackBull Markets delivers lower cost trading based on its Fees & Spreads advantage.
IG provides a Stocks & Shares ISA and long-term investment options.
| 0.6 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | £12/month (after 24 months) |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferDebit cardPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | Yes |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FSC FMA | DFSA FMA FCA CMVM ASIC BaFin Finanstilsynet Finanstilsynet Finansinspektionen CBI NFA KNF |
|---|
| Platforms | cTrader MetaTrader 5 TradingView DXtrade MetaTrader 4 | ProRealTime Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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