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
Exness
⭐ 4.6 / 5
City Index vs Exness — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared City Index and Exness across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. Exness wins on more criteria (3 categories vs 1), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
| City Index | Exness | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.4 / 5 | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | Exness |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, MAS Singapore | CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSA Seychelles | Exness |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $10 | City Index |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips (Standard) | 0.0 pips (Raw Spread / Zero account) | Exness |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:50 (Pro) | Up to 1:Unlimited (jurisdiction dependent) | — |
| Platforms | MT4, Web Trader Pro, AT Pro, TradingView | MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal (web), Exness Mobile | Tie |
| Founded | 1983 | 2008 | — |
| HQ | London, UK | Limassol, Cyprus | — |
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
Exness pros
- ✓ Industry-leading raw spreads from 0.0 pips on majors
- ✓ Instant withdrawals 24/7 via crypto and e-wallets
- ✓ Multi-jurisdictional regulation including CySEC and FCA
- ✓ Strong MENA presence with Arabic-language support
- ✓ Negative balance protection on all account types
Cons
- ✗ Variable leverage caps depending on entity (EU = 1:30 retail)
- ✗ Limited educational content vs. competitors like XM
- ✗ No proprietary trading platform beyond MT4/MT5
Which one should you choose?
Choose Exness if you want…
Active traders and scalpers prioritizing tight raw spreads and fast withdrawals; MENA traders in particular.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — City Index or Exness?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), Exness wins 3 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is City Index more regulated than Exness?
City Index holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, MAS Singapore. Exness holds licenses from: CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSA Seychelles. Exness has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at City Index vs Exness?
City Index spreads start from 0.5 pips (Standard). Exness spreads start from 0.0 pips (Raw Spread / Zero account). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, City Index or Exness?
City Index: $0 (no minimum). Exness: $10. City Index has the lower entry barrier.
