In this head-to-head, City Index and Spreadex clash on regulation depth, platform access, and market breadth. Each brings distinct strengths that will matter most to different trading styles.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose City Index if you want MT4/MT5 support and access to 13,500+ markets. You benefit from FCA, ASIC and MAS regulation and multiple platforms.
Choose if…
Choose Spreadex if you want TradingView-based charting on 10,000 markets. You also get FCA regulation and no inactivity fee.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 4.5 / 5 |
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
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | City Index | Spreadex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Fail |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Fail | Fail |
The scores are close: City Index rates 4.2/5 and Spreadex rates 4/5. 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.
City Index starts from 0.5 pips, tighter than Spreadex's 0.6 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Neither City Index nor Spreadex requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both City Index and Spreadex 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.
City Index lists maximum leverage of 30:1, while Spreadex 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.
City Index supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while Spreadex supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView. City Index has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4.
City Index offers tighter spreads from 0.50 pips vs 0.60 pips for Spreadex, reducing trading costs.
City Index wins for safety and regulation with FCA, ASIC and MAS oversight.
City Index is better for active traders thanks to MT4/MT5 and more markets.
City Index is better suited for scalpers: tighter spreads from 0.50 pips.
City Index wins for platform choice with MT4/MT5, TradingView, and proprietary options.
City Index wins for beginners due to robust regulation and broad market access.
City Index wins for instrument variety with 13,500+ markets.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.3 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.1 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 1983 | 1999 |
|---|
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | St Albans, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom |
|---|
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips▼ lower | 0.6 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
|---|
| Max Leverage | 30:1 | 30:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | $12/month (after 12 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transferCredit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC FCA MAS | FCA |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView MetaTrader 4 | Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
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
Pros
FCA-regulated (190941) UK spread betting on 10,000+ financial markets
TradingView integration for browser-based charting and order execution
UK capital gains tax-free profits on spread bets under current HMRC rules
Unique dual financial and sports spread betting from one FCA account
No minimum deposit and no commission on spread bets
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
Phone support available
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
Cons
UK residents only - no international client access
No MT4 or MT5 available
Research tools minimal
Not suitable for traders who need raw ECN execution
No raw spread account option
No MetaTrader support
No 24/5 live chat
Support available in limited languages
City Index edges Spreadex on the editorial score and instrument variety, and offers MT4/MT5 plus broader regulation.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4 / 5
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