Choose City Index if you want…
UK + EU + APAC discretionary traders wanting an established LSE-credible brand with deep instrument coverage.
City Index
⭐ 4.4 / 5
VS
CMC Markets
⭐ 4.5 / 5
City Index vs CMC Markets — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared City Index and CMC Markets across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. The two brokers are evenly matched — your final choice depends on your specific trading style.
| City Index | CMC Markets | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.4 / 5 | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | CMC Markets |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, MAS Singapore | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland | CMC Markets |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $0 (no minimum) | Tie |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips (Standard) | 0.7 pips (Next Generation) | City Index |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:50 (Pro) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (Professional) | — |
| Platforms | MT4, Web Trader Pro, AT Pro, TradingView | CMC Next Generation, MT4, CMC Mobile | City Index |
| Founded | 1983 | 1989 | — |
| HQ | London, UK | London, United Kingdom | — |
Pros & cons compared
City Index pros
- ✓ Founded 1983 — one of the oldest CFD brokers in the UK
- ✓ Part of StoneX Group (NASDAQ: SNEX) — same parent as Forex.com
- ✓ FCA + ASIC + MAS tier-1 regulation
- ✓ 12,000+ instruments incl. share CFDs from 26+ exchanges
- ✓ Web Trader Pro — sophisticated charting with Reuters news integration
Cons
- ✗ Spreads on FX (0.5+ pips) wider than ECN brokers
- ✗ Inactivity fee of $15/month after 12 months dormant
- ✗ Limited proprietary mobile app vs. peers
CMC Markets pros
- ✓ Founded 1989 — among the oldest CFD brokers (LSE: CMCX)
- ✓ FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS — tier-1 regulators across major financial centres
- ✓ 12,000+ instruments — one of the broadest catalogues in retail CFDs
- ✓ Award-winning proprietary 'Next Generation' platform
- ✓ No minimum deposit
Cons
- ✗ Proprietary platform has a learning curve vs. MT4
- ✗ Spread on FX 'Standard' account (0.7 pips) wider than ECN brokers
- ✗ Limited cryptocurrency CFD coverage
Which one should you choose?
Choose CMC Markets if you want…
Discretionary traders wanting deep instrument coverage and a sophisticated proprietary platform from a publicly-listed UK broker.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — City Index or CMC Markets?
City Index and CMC Markets are evenly matched on most measurable criteria. Your choice should depend on which specific features matter most — review the comparison table above and the "Pros & Cons" section.
Is City Index more regulated than CMC Markets?
City Index holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, MAS Singapore. CMC Markets holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland. CMC Markets has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at City Index vs CMC Markets?
City Index spreads start from 0.5 pips (Standard). CMC Markets spreads start from 0.7 pips (Next Generation). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, City Index or CMC Markets?
City Index: $0 (no minimum). CMC Markets: $0 (no minimum). Both require the same minimum.
