BlackBull Markets offers STP trading with MT4 and MT5, while Plus500 provides a no-commission model with a proprietary platform featuring a guaranteed stop-loss. In this review, BlackBull Markets comes out on top.
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Our full comparison covers the 10 most important trading factors. Here are noticeable differences between BlackBull Markets and Plus500:
BlackBull Markets and Plus500 cater to different trader needs with competitive features. BlackBull Markets excels with lower spreads across most forex pairs, offering a EUR/USD spread of 1.1 compared to Plus500’s 1.2. Plus500, however, provides a cost-effective option for AUD/USD traders with a spread of 1.1 versus BlackBull markets’ 1.2. Both offer no deposit or withdrawal fees, ensuring accessibility for traders.
BlackBull Markets excels in offering consistently low spreads, with EUR/USED at 1.1 and GBP/USD at 1.4, making it attractive for cost-conscious traders. Plus500, while competitive, has slightly higher spreads on major pairs, like 1.2 for EUR/USD and 1.7 for GBP/USD. Interestingly, Plus%00 provides a more favourable spread for AUD/USD at 1.1 compared to BlackBull Markets’ 1.2, appealing to AUD/USD-focused traders. Both deliver spreads aligned with or below industry averages, ensuring competitive pricing. However, BlalckBull Markets often leads in affordability across a broader range of pairs, giving traders seeking lower trading costs a distinct advantage in the long term.
| Standard Account | BlackBull Markets Spreads | Plus500 Spreads | Industry Spreads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Average | 1.5 | 1.75 | 1.6 |
| EUR/USD | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.2 |
| USD/JPY | 1.4 | 2 | 1.4 |
| GBP/USD | 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.6 |
| AUD/USD | 1.2 | 1.1 | 1.5 |
| USD/CAD | 1.4 | 2 | 1.8 |
| EUR/GBP | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| EUR/JPY | 1.8 | 2.5 | 1.9 |
| AUD/JPY | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.1 |
Standard Account Analysis Updated April 2025[1]April 2025 Published And Tested Data
BlackBull Markets operates with a transparent commission structure for its ECN Prime and Institutional accounts, charging $3.00 per round lot. This model suits active traders looking for lower trading costs combined with tight spreads. In contrast, Plust500 uses a spread-only pricing model and does not charge commissions, making it simpler for traders who prefer to avoid additional costs. While BlackBull Markets’ approach benefits traders aiming for precision in costs, Plus500’s commission-free model offers ease for those new to trading or wanting to streamline expenses. Both structures cater to different needs, but BlackBull Markets’ commissions enable more competitive trading conditions.
Both excel in keeping standard account fees minimal. BlackBull Markets and Plus500 waive deposit and withdrawal fees, ensuring cost-efficient money management. However, Plus500 introduces an inactivity fee after three months of no activity, which could deter occasional traders. BlackBull Markets stands out by not charging any inactivity fees, making it more appealing for those who take breaks between trades. This combination of features demonstrates both brokers’ focus on accessibility and affordability, though BlackBull Markets’ fee structure is better suited for traders seeking uninterrupted flexibility without additional costs.
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Standard Account Spreads
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1.10 | 1.20 | 1.50 | 1.40 | 1.40 |
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1.70 | 1.40 | 1.70 | 2.30 | 1.90 |
|
1.13 | 1.01 | 1.71 | 1.66 | 1.12 |
|
1.20 | 0.90 | 1.50 | 1.80 | 1.80 |
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1.20 | 1.40 | 1.50 | 1.60 | 1.50 |
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1.10 | 1.20 | 1.30 | 1.30 | 1.30 |
|
1.20 | 1.80 | 1.90 | 1.90 | 1.60 |
|
1.32 | 1.95 | 1.37 | 1.70 | 1.40 |
Avg. spreads are taken from each broker's website and updated monthly. Last update on 04/01/2025
BlackBull Markets leads with its lower spreads and competitive commission structure, making it ideal for active traders. Plus500 appeals to traders focused on specific pairs like AUD/USD and those preferring a spread-only model. Both enhance trading experiences with their unique strengths, catering to diverse trader preferences.
Our Lowest Spreads and Fees Verdict
BlackBull Markets outshines in this category due to lowest spreads and fees.
BlackBull Markets ReviewVisit BlackBull Markets
BlackBull Markets and Plus500 offer contrasting trading platforms. BlackBull Markets provides MetaTrader 4 and 5, cTrader, TradingView, and multiple social trading tools, creating a versatile and robust trading environment. Plus500 relies solely on its proprietary platform, prioritising simplicity and ease of use. While both cater to different trader needs, BlackBull markets’ comprehensive offerings make it a strong contender for advanced and automated trading preferences.
| Trading Platform | BlackBull Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 | Yes | No |
| cTrader | Yes | No |
| TradingView | Yes | No |
| Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
We have created a software questionnaire if you are unsure what platform best suits your trading style. Based on six simple questions, we can recommend the best trading software for your trading needs.
BlackBull Markets excels by offering MetaTrader4 (MT4) and MetaTrader5 (MT5), the most popular platforms among forex traders. These platforms provide advanced charting tools, algorithmic trading through Expert Advisors (EAs), and a variety of analytical features. MT5 includes enhanced functionalities, such as more timeframes and an upgraded user interface, making it ideal for modern traders. Plus500, on the other hand, does not support MetaTrader, relying instead on its proprietary trading platform. For traders seeking customisation, automation, or familiarity with a globally trusted tool, BlackBull markets take the lead by catering to diverse trading needs.
BlackBull markets push ahead with its inclusion of cTrader and TradingView. cTrader is prized for its user-friendly design and lightning-fast trade execution, making it ideal for scalpers and day traders. TradingView, a renowned charting tool, offers rich customisable graphs and a global social network for traders to share strategies. Plus500, while focused on simplicity with its proprietary platform, lacks these advanced options. For traders who value comprehensive tools for in-depth analysis and strategy development, BlackBull Markets offers a more robust suite, ensuring accessibility to cutting-edge trading technology.
BlackBull Markets leads in this segment by supporting a range of social and copy trading platforms, including ZuluTrade, Myfxbook, and MetaTrader Signal. These features empower traders to follow and replicate successful strategies from experienced professionals, benefiting those looking to learn or automate their trades. Plus500, despite its straightforward platform, does not offer any copy trading social trading capabilities. With BlackBull Markets also providing fee VPS for automated trading for qualifying users, it becomes a go-to choice for traders seeking collaborative and automated trading experiences that cater to all levels of expertise.
BlackBull Markets takes the lead with its superior platform variety, combining MetaTrader, cTrader, and social trading tools to cater to diverse strategies, including automation. Plus500’s proprietary platform is intuitive and efficient, better suited for traders seeking simplicity. BlackBull Markets’ richer offerings, including VPs services for automated trading, make it the ideal choice for comprehensive trading experiences.
Our Better Trading Platform Verdict
BlackBull Markets is the best choice due to its better trading platform.
BlackBull Markets offers three account types:
These listed, cater to different types of traders, from beginners to professionals. Meanwhile, Plus500 offers a simpler account structure with a single live trading account and a demo account.
| Blackbull Markets | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Account | Yes | Yes |
| Raw Account | Yes | No |
| Swap Free Account | Yes | No |
| Active Traders | Yes | No |
| Spread Betting (UK) | No | Yes |
Our Superior Accounts and Features Verdict
BlackBull Markets takes the lead with their superior accounts and features.
BlackBull Markets and Plus500 cater to traders seeking efficiency and accessibility. BlackBull Markets shines with superior execution speeds, crucial for traders requiring rapid order execution, particularly scalpers and day traders. Plus500 offers a more beginner-friendly environment with its proprietary, intuitive trading platform, prioritising simplicity and ease of use. Both highlight different strengths, appealing to distinct trader profiles.
BlackBull Markets is a top choice for traders needing quick execution, supported by advanced technology and optimised platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader. These features make it ideal for those prioritising precision and speed in volatile markets. Conversely, Plus500 provides a seamless trading environment focused on beginner traders, offering a proprietary platform with straightforward navigation. However, it lacks advanced tools like social trading or external integrations, limiting its appeal to seasoned traders. Both contribute to enhancing the trading industry by addressing unique trader needs, but BlackBull Markets septs ahead for performance-driven traders.
BlackBull markets emerge as the winner with its unmatched execution speeds and robust platforms, making it the ideal broker for efficiency-focused traders. Pllus500 remains a strong choice for beginners, offering simplicity and user-friendly navigation. Both complement the forex trading ecosystem, but BlackBull Markets takes the lead with a trading experience tailored for advanced strategies.
Our Best Trading Experience and Ease Verdict
BlackBull Markets’ best trading experience and ease is clearly the winner in this category.
BlackBull markets and Plus500 are well-regulated brokers but differ in their scope and trust metrics. BlackBull Markets is governed by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) in New Zealand and the Financial Services Authority (FSA-S) in Seychelles. Meanwhile, Plus500 boasts a broader regulatory reach with multiple tier 1 regulators, including the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), and CySEC (Cyprus), enhancing its credibility in the global forex industry. These distinct regulatory approaches cater to varied trader preferences.
Plus500 has a better score of 78 in contrast to 50 by BlackBull Markets. But let us see beyond this trust score. Let us see their other features and platforms and how they fare in the industry of forex trading.
Plus500 Trust Score
BlackBull Markets Trust Score
BlackBull markets shine with its strong regional focus, ensuring localised regulatory oversight through the FMA in New Zealand. This makes it a trusted choice for traders within that region. Its high TrustPilot rating of 4.7 further showcases user satisfaction. On the other hand, Plus500 provides comprehensive international coverage, regulated by top-tier authorities across major financial hugs, appealing to global traders. Its high trust score, alongside 550,000 brand-related searches, reflects its widespread recognition. Prioritising regulatory reliability and user trust, both significantly enhance trader confidence, although Plus500’s broader oversight holds the edge for globally-minded traders.
| BlackBull Markets | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 Regulation | FMA (New Zealand) | ASIC (Australia) FCA (UK) CYSEC (Cyprus) FMA (New Zealand) MAS (Singapore) |
| Tier 2 Regulation | DFSA (Dubai) EFSRA |
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| Tier 3 Regulation | FSA-S (Seychelles) | FSA-S (Seychelles) FSCA (South Africa) |
Plus500 emerges as the winner in its category due to its expansive regulatory framework, ensuring trust and security for traders worldwide. BlackBull Markets, while commendable for its strong regional presence and excellent user reviews, has a narrower regulatory scope. Both play a vital role in promoting reliability and credibility within the forex trading industry, but Plus500’s far-reaching compliance and recognition position it as the superior choice.
Our Stronger Trust and Regulation Verdict
Due to stronger trust and regulation, Plus500 truly takes the lead.
*Your capital is at risk ‘80% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
BlackBull markets and Plus500 boast impressive ranges of products and CFD markets, catering to diverse trading needs. Plust500 edges ahead with a more comprehensive offering, including 65 forex pairs, 97 ETFs, and 11,000 share CFDs. BlackBull Markets focuses on portfolio diversity with 55 forex pairs, 2,000 share CFDs, and 16 cryptocurrencies. Traders must weigh these ranges against additional factors like fees and platform features to align with their strategies.
Plus500 leads in accessibility and variety, excelling with its large pool of indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies alongside ETFs, which expand trading opportunities. BlackBull Markets, however, prioritises future and investments with 26,000 options, appealing to traders seeking specialised portfolios. While Plus500 supports simpler setups for traders exploring diverse CFDs, BlackBull Markets’ inclusion of niche options like metals and energies caters to active and experienced traders. These features highlight each broker’s role in enriching forex trading and enhancing market engagement.
Here’s a list of comparative tables based on the data from our testing and the information provided on the respective broker’s website:
| CFDs | BlackBull Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Forex Pairs | 55 | 65 |
| Indices | 12 | 65 |
| Commodities | 10 Metals 3 Energies 7 Soft Commodities 9 Hard Commodities | 5 Metals 7 Energies 10 Softs |
| Cryptocurrencies | 16 | 18 (+ Crypto 10) |
| Share CFDs | 2,000+ | 11,000+ |
| ETFs | No | 97 |
| Bonds | No | - |
| Futures | Futures 22 | No |
| Treasuries | No | - |
| Investments | Yes 26,000 | No |
Plus500 emerges victorious with its broader product range and variety of CFDs, providing unmatched flexibility for global traders. BlackBull Markets remains competitive with its specialised offerings like investments and futures, catering to traders prioritising depth and diversity. Both excel in their unique strengths, contributing significantly to the forex trading ecosystem.
Our Top Product Range and CFD Markets Verdict
Plus500 takes home the gold with their top product range and CFD markets.
*Your capital is at risk ‘80% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
BlackBull markets and Plus500 prioritise educating traders in forex and CFD trading through accessible resources. BlackBull Markets stands out with regular webinars and advanced strategy-focused content, ideal for experienced traders. Plus500, on the other hand, caters to beginners with detailed tutorials, an extensive trading glossary, and a rich collection of e-books. Both provide demo accounts for practice, but BlackBull Markets offers unlimited access, adding flexibility for continuous learning.
BlackBull Markets caters to seasoned traders with daily market analysis and in-depth webinars that probe into complex trading strategies. meanwhile, Plus500 makes forex education approachable for beginners by offering structured tutorials and an easy-to-navigate educational portal. Its broader e-book selection and a comprehensive glossary enhance knowledge acquisition for novice traders. Both contribute to trader development, but their focus areas, advanced tools for BlackBull Markets and beginner-friendly resources for Plus500, cater to distinct trader levels and needs.
Here are lists of comparisons of the educational resources each broker offers based on our testing and the information provided on the respective broker’s website:
Based on these findings, Plus500 outperforms BlackBull Markets regarding the breadth and depth of educational resources offered.
Plus5oo emerges as the leader in this segment by offering superior educational resources tailored to beginners. Its structured and detailed approach ensures new traders gain confidence in the m market. BlackBull Markets remains a strong option for experienced traders seeking advanced insights and strategies. These brokers support trader growth across all expertise levels, but Plus500’s expansive beginner resources secure its edge.
Our Superior Educational Resources Verdict
Plus500 narrowly surpasses owing to their superior educational resources.
*Your capital is at risk ‘80% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
BlackBull Markets and Plus500 provide reliable customer service, ensuring traders receive essential support. BlackBulll Markets offers 24/6 availability via live chat, email, and phone, supported by multilingual options, making it a solid choice for traders operating globally. Plus500 goes a step further with its 24/7 support, a comprehensive FAQ section, and an intuitive platform design that simplifies finding solutions, giving it an edge in accessibility and ease of use.
BlackBull Markets shines with its multilingual support, catering to an international audience and ensuring all traders can access assistance in their preferred language. Its knowledgeable team ensures timely and effective problem resolution, boosting trader confidence. Plus500, on the other hand, offers continuous 2/7 support, ideal for traders in different time zones. Its user-friendly interface and detailed FAQ section empower traders to resolve issues independently. These features demonstrate both brokers’ commitment to ensuring a seamless trading experience, albeit in slightly different ways.
| Feature | BlackBull Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat Support | Yes | Yes |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes |
| Phone Support | Yes | Yes |
| Support Hours | 24/6 | 24/7 |
| Multilingual Support | Yes | No |
Plus500 emerges as the leader in customer service, thanks to its round-the-clock availability and simplified support tools, making it particularly appealing for traders seeking immediate assistance. While BlackBull Markets excels in its multilingual approach and expertise, Plus500’s continuous support and platform accessibility give it a noticeable advantage. Both significantly enhance the trading experience, but Plus500 takes the lead with its superior customer service offerings.
Our Superior Customer Service Verdict
Plus500 takes the lead on account of their superior customer services.
*Your capital is at risk ‘80% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
BlackBull Markets and Plus500 provide a wide variety of funding options, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers and modern e-wallets like PayPal. BlackBull Markets excels with a $0 minimum deposit, making it an attractive choice for beginners seeking a low-risk entry into forex trading. Plus500, though requiring a $100 minimum deposit, offers a range of options that are globally recognised and convenient, ensuring accessibility for various trader preferences.
BlackBull Markets offers Neteller and a $0 deposit threshold, providing flexibility for tech-savvy traders and those testing the waters of forex trading. It also stands out with hits with higher leverage of up to 1:500, catering to more experienced traders. Plus500, on the other hand, maintains simplicity and convenience with widely trusted payment options like PayPal and POLi/BPay. Its professional leverage of up to 1:300 ensures it remains competitive for traders operating at a higher level. These funding features enhance the ease of managing trading accounts and broaden access to global traders.
| Funding Option | BlackBull Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Card | Yes | Yes |
| Debit Card | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Transfer | Yes | Yes |
| PayPal | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill | Yes | Yes |
| Neteller | Yes | No |
| Crypto | Yes | Yes |
| Rapid Pay | No | No |
| POLi / bPay | Yes | Yes |
| Klarna | No | No |
Plus500 slightly edges ahead in this category by offering globally recognised funding methods and robust convenience for traders worldwide. However, BlackBull Markets impresses with its lower minimum deposit and broader leverage capabilities, appealing to traders at different skill levels. Both succeed in making account management accessible and efficient, but Pluls500 takes the lead due to its superior variety of funding solutions.
Our Better Funding Options Verdict
Plus500 marginally comes ahead due to its better funding options.
*Your capital is at risk ‘80% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
BlackBull Markets takes the lead with its $0 minimum deposit, providing an excellent opportunity for beginner traders to start forex trading with minimal financial risk. This feature makes it ideal for exploring the platform and gaining experience. Plus500, on the other hand, maintains a consistent $100 minimum deposit across payment methods, ensuring a standardised entry point for its users.
BlackBull Markets’ $0 minimum deposit is primarily available for ECN Standard accounts, allowing newcomers to test its platform without a significant financial commitment. However, more advanced accounts such as ECN Prime and Institutional require higher deposits, adding flexibility for professional traders. Plus500 focuses on ease of use with consistent deposit requirements across all methods, including PayPay and credit/debit cards. Its simple setup appeals to traders seeking straightforward account management without complex tiers. Both empower traders through tailored deposit structures, addressing the diverse needs of their user base.
BlackBull Markets
| Minimum Deposit | GBP | USD | EUR | AUD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Card / Debit Card | £50 | $50 | €50 | $50 |
| Bank Wire | £0 | $0 | €0 | $0 |
| Skrill | £50 | $50 | €50 | $50 |
| Neteller | £50 | $50 | €50 | $50 |
Plus500
Meanwhile, Plus500 maintains a consistent minimum deposit requirement across its platform.
| GBP | USD | EUR | AUD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Card / Debit Card | £100 Minimum Deposit | $100 Minimum Deposit | €100 Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Paypal | £100 Minimum Deposit | $100 Minimum Deposit | €100 Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Bank Wire | £100 Minimum Deposit | $100 Minimum Deposit | €100 Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Skrill | £100 Minimum Deposit | $100 Minimum Deposit | €100 Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Deposit | Recommended Deposit | |
| BlackBull Markets | $0 | $500 |
| Plus500 | $100 | $100 |
BlackBull Markets stands out for its beginner-friendly $0 minimum deposit, offering accessibility for new traders. Plus500 remains a solid contender with consistent requirements that simplify the onboarding process. Both play pivotal roles in enhancing trading accessibility and experience, but BlackBull markets take the edge with their lower deposit threshold and flexible account options.
Our Lower Minimum Deposit Verdict
BlackBull Markets has set its sight on the prize for securing a lower minimum deposit requirement.
BlackBull Markets has definitely reached its highest goal owing to its balanced combination of low spreads, advanced trading platforms, and a range of account types suitable for both beginners and experienced traders. The table below summarises the key information leading to this verdict:
| Criteria | BlackBull Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest Spreads And Fees | Yes | No |
| Better Trading Platform | Yes | No |
| Superior Accounts And Features | Yes | No |
| Best Trading Experience And Ease | Yes | No |
| Stronger Trust And Regulation | No | Yes |
| Top Product Range And CFD Markets | No | Yes |
| Superior Educational Resources | No | Yes |
| Superior Customer Service | No | Yes |
| Better Funding Options | No | Yes |
| Lower Minimum Deposit | Yes | No |
For those just starting out in the world of trading, Plus500 offers a more user-friendly platform and a range of educational resources to help beginners get started.
For traders with more experience and looking for advanced tools and features, BlackBull Markets stands out as the preferred choice.
BlackBull Markets generally offers lower costs compared to Plus500. While both brokers have competitive spreads, BlackBull Markets provides more cost-effective options for traders, especially on their ECN accounts. For a detailed comparison of broker costs, you can refer to our guide on low commissions.
Both Plus500 and BlackBull Markets support MetaTrader 4, but BlackBull Markets provides a more enhanced experience with additional tools and features. Traders who prefer the MT4 platform will find BlackBull Markets to be a more suitable choice. For more insights on the best MT4 brokers, check out our comprehensive list of top MT4 brokers.
BlackBull Markets offers social trading options, allowing traders to follow and copy the strategies of experienced traders. Plus500, on the other hand, does not have a dedicated social trading platform. Social or copy trading can be a great way for beginners to learn from seasoned professionals. For those interested in exploring more about social trading platforms, our guide on the best social trading platforms provides valuable insights.
Plus500 offers spread betting, allowing UK traders to take advantage of tax benefits associated with this form of trading. BlackBull Markets, on the other hand, does not provide spread betting services. Spread betting can be a lucrative option for traders, especially in the UK where it’s tax-free. For a comprehensive list of the best spread betting brokers, you can check our guide on the best spread betting brokers in the UK.
In my opinion, BlackBull Markets stands out as the superior choice for Australian forex traders. Being founded in New Zealand and regulated by ASIC, they offer a sense of trust and reliability. Plus500, although a global player, is based overseas. For Australian traders, it’s essential to choose a broker that understands the local market nuances. If you’re an Australian trader looking for more options, our guide on the Best Forex Brokers In Australia provides a detailed comparison.
For UK traders, I believe Plus500 has the edge. They are FCA regulated and have a strong presence in the UK market, ensuring compliance with local regulations and offering a sense of security to traders. BlackBull Markets, while offering competitive services, is not based in the UK. UK traders should always prioritize brokers that are familiar with the local trading environment and regulations. For more insights on the best brokers in the UK, you can refer to our comprehensive list of the best forex brokers in UK.
No commission account spread propiety testing data and published wesbite spread information, centralised on our Standard Account Spreads page.
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