Two multi-regulated brokers clash over regulation credibility, pricing, and platform depth. The balance between safety, cost, and market reach drives the contrast, leaving the outcome to the verdict.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose BDSwiss if you want a $10 minimum deposit and MT4/MT5 access.
Choose if…
Choose City Index if you want 13,500+ markets and TradingView integration.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.1 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
Pros
$10 minimum deposit (Classic account) - lowest among CySEC-regulated MT4/MT5 brokers
CySEC (199/13) regulation with ICF compensation scheme for EU clients
MT4, MT5, and proprietary WebTrader
Prime ECN account: raw 0.0 pip spreads at $6/lot commission
Client funds held in segregated accounts
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | BDSwiss | City Index |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Fail |
The scores are close: BDSwiss rates 3.9/5 and City Index rates 4.2/5. City Index 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.
BDSwiss starts from 0 pips, tighter than City Index's 0.5 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
City Index has no minimum deposit, while BDSwiss requires at least $10. This makes City Index more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both BDSwiss and City Index 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: City Index 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.
BDSwiss lists maximum leverage of 30:1, while City Index lists up to 30:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
BDSwiss charges $6 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for City Index are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
BDSwiss supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, while City Index supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. BDSwiss has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5. City Index has exclusive access to TradingView.
BDSwiss offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.50 pips for City Index, reducing trading costs.
City Index wins for safety & regulation, being FCA-regulated since 1983 and backed by StoneX.
BDSwiss wins for active traders with raw 0.0 pip Prime ECN spreads at $6/lot.
BDSwiss is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available, tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
City Index leads platform choice with TradingView integration alongside MT4 and a proprietary platform.
City Index offers a $0 minimum deposit, easing entry for beginners.
City Index provides 13,500+ markets, far surpassing BDSwiss.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 4.3 / 5▲ |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.8 / 5 | 4.2 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.1 / 5▲ |
|---|
| Founded | 2012 | 1983 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Limassol, Cyprus | London, United Kingdom |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $10 | No minimum▼ lower |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.5 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | N/A |
|---|
| 0.6 pips | N/A |
| Max Leverage | 30:1 | 30:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | $12/month (after 12 months) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FSA Seychelles CySEC FSC | ASIC FCA MAS |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
Negative balance protection
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Pros
FCA-regulated since 1983, backed by Nasdaq-listed StoneX Group
13,500+ markets including UK spread betting
TradingView integration for chart-based order execution
EUR/USD from 0.5 pips, competitive for a spread-only desk
FSCS protection up to GBP 85,000 for UK clients
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Cons
Classic account spreads (1.5-2.0 pips EUR/USD) wide for active traders
$1,000 minimum on the Prime ECN account
No cTrader or TradingView integration
Research tools are basic
Cons
Inactivity fee after 12 months of no trading
Not available to US residents
Proprietary platform visual design lags behind IG and Saxo
Research depth weaker than IG's Reuters/Morningstar environment
No raw spread account option
Support available in limited languages
City Index edges BDSwiss on overall editor score (4.2 vs 3.9) and outperforms in trust & regulation, fees & spreads, platforms & tools, and customer support.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.9 / 5
Personalised recommendation
Answer 6 quick questions and we’ll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker