BlackBull Markets vs. IC Markets

If you are reading this article, you’re likely having trouble deciding whether BlackBull Markets vs IC Markets is the better Forex trading platform for you. While both platforms generally provide positive user experiences, there are some essential differences to note.

In this BlackBull Markets vs IC Markets review, we outline the highlights of each trading platform to help you make a more informed decision. We evaluate:

Headquarters
AustraliaNew Zealand
Regulators
ASIC, CySEC, FSAFMA, FSA
Tier 1 Regulator(s)?
Owned by Public Company?
Year Established
20102014
Execution Type(s)
ECN/STPECN/STP, No Dealing Desk
Minimum Deposit
$200$0
Negative Balance Protection
N/A
Trading Platform(s)
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTraderMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, Trading View
Average Trading Cost EUR/USD
0.0 pips ($0.00)1.3 pips
Average Trading Cost GBP/USD
0.0 pips ($0.00)2.0 pips
Average Trading Cost WTI Crude Oil
$0.03$0.03
Average Trading Cost Gold
$0.05$0.90
Retail Loss Rate
N/AUndisclosed
Minimum Raw Spreads
N/A0.0 pips
Minimum Standard Spreads
N/A0.8 pips
Minimum Commission for Forex
N/A$6.00 per round lot
Islamic Account
Signals
US Persons Accepted?
Managed Accounts
Get StartedGet Started

Features and Platforms

MT4
MT5
MT4/MT5 Add-Ons
N/A
cTrader
Proprietary Platform
Automated Trading
Social/Copy Trading
N/A
DOM?
Guaranteed Stop Loss
Scalping
Hedging
One-Click Trading
OCO Orders
Interest on Margin
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BlackBull Markets, a New Zealand Forex broker and FinTech company, offers traders an ECN/NDD execution model with deep liquidity from the out-of-the-box MT4/MT5 trading platforms, and the TradingView trading platform. VPS hosting and API trading make it appealing to algorithmic traders. IC Markets maintains one of the most competitive MT4 trading environments due to its MT4 Advanced Trading Tools upgrade, plus MT5 and cTrader. VPS hosting and MAM/PAMM accounts are available. IC Markets remains a leading choice for algorithmic traders. It also supports social traders and offers beginner traders an excellent product and services portfolio.

Available Markets

Currency Pairs
Cryptocurrencies
Commodities
Crude Oil
Gold
Metals
Equity Indices
Stocks (non-CFDs)
Bonds
ETFs
Options
N/A
Futures
Synthetics
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While BlackBull Markets advertises 300+ trading instruments, its MT4 trading platform reveals only 31 currency pairs, four commodity CFDs, and twelve index CFDs. It is unclear how to obtain access to the missing markets or what they are. Therefore, the confirmed choice of tradeable instruments ranks near the bottom compared to other brokers. BlackBull Markets does not offer cryptocurrency or equity trading. IC Markets counters with 61 currency pairs, ten cryptocurrency pairs, 22 commodities, and four futures contracts. It also presents 730+ equity CFDs, 25 index CFDs, and four bond CFDs, placing it well ahead in this category.

Typical Spreads and Fees

Average Trading Cost EUR/USD
0.0 pips ($0.00)1.3 pips
Average Trading Cost GBP/USD
0.0 pips ($0.00)2.0 pips
Average Trading Cost WTI Crude Oil
$0.03$0.03
Average Trading Cost Gold
$0.05$0.90
Average Trading Cost Bitcoin
$12.47$131
Minimum Raw Spreads
N/A0.0 pips
Minimum Standard Spreads
N/A0.8 pips
Minimum Commission for Forex
N/A$6.00 per round lot
Deposit Fee
N/A
Withdrawal Fee
N/A
Inactivity Fee
N/ANo
Get StartedGet Started

Traders who prefer a commission-free Forex pricing environment will benefit more at BlackBull Markets. The minimum mark-up is 0.8 pips or $8 per 1.0 standard lot versus 1.0 pips or $10 at IC Markets. The commission-based alternative at BlackBull Markets commences from 0.1 pips for a fee of $6, among the lowest commissions industry-wide, for a total cost of $7. At IC Markets, traders pay $7 but get a raw spread of 0.0 pips, evening out the total minimum trading costs. Swap rates on leveraged overnight positions apply at both brokers but remain lower at BlackBull Markets.

Security and Trust

Country of the Regulator
Australia, The Bahamas, Cyprus, SeychellesNew Zealand, Seychelles
Name of the Regulator
ASIC, CySEC, FSAFMA, FSA
Regulatory License Number
335692, SD018, SIA-F214, 362/18403326, SD045
Regulatory Tier
1, 4, 4, 1N/A
Get StartedGet Started

Both brokers deliver traders a secure and trustworthy trading environment. BlackBull Markets and IC Markets have a spotless regulatory track record and rank among the most reliable Forex brokers operational today. The New Zealand FMA is the primary regulator of BlackBull Markets, but most international clients will trade with BBG Limited, authorized by the Seychelles FSA. IC Markets operates subsidiaries with licenses from the ASIC, the CySEC, the Seychelles FSA, and the Bahamas SC. It also maintains a $1,000,000 insurance policy per client. Both brokers segregate client deposits, but IC Markets also provides confirmed negative balance protection.

IC Markets vs blackbull-markets – Verdict

The pricing environment at BlackBull Markets remains among the best industry-wide, including lower swap rates on leveraged overnight positions compared to most brokers. Access to deep liquidity and institutional-grade pricing together with API trading make BlackBull Markets a prime choice for algorithmic trading solutions. While the minimum deposit is an above-average $200, traders who wish access to the best trading costs must commit no less than $2,000. The maximum leverage of 1:500 adds an extra benefit for traders. IC Markets presents traders with three trading platforms, including one of the best MT4 trading environments due to its MT4 Advanced Trading Tools upgrade. A competitive cost structure and well-balanced asset selection ensure excellent trading conditions. IC Markets established itself as one of the best algorithmic brokers but equally supports portfolio managers, social traders, and beginners. BlackBull Markets and IC Markets remain excellent choices, depending on trading preferences.

BlackBull Markets maintains 31 currency pairs and 16 CFDs, placing it at the bottom in this category compared to all brokers. Traders at IC Markets get 61 currency pairs and 800+ CFDs for a well-balanced selection.

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FAQs

Is BlackBull Markets or IC Markets safer for Forex and CFDs trading?

Both brokers deliver to traders a safe Forex and CFD trading environment, together with clean regulatory track records. IC Markets has more operating licenses and a $1,000,000 insurance policy per client, granting it an overall edge.

How many Forex pairs and CFDs are available to trade?

BlackBull Markets maintains 31 currency pairs and 16 CFDs, placing it at the bottom in this category compared to all brokers. Traders at IC Markets get 61 currency pairs and 800+ CFDs for a well-balanced selection.

Does BlackBull Markets or IC Markets offer lower pricing?

BlackBull Markets takes the lead in pricing. While both brokers are highly competitive, BlackBull Markets presents one of the lowest cost structures.

What about MetaTrader and copy trading?

MT4 is available at both brokers, but IC Markets presents an excellent upgrade suite for it together with MT5.

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