Broker comparison

City Index vs.
CMC Markets

Which broker fits your needs?

Platforms, products and fees side by side.

Updated: October 2026

See comparison

Summary

Your goal decides.

CMC Markets has a higher rating of 4.3/5 compared to City Index (4.1/5). The minimum deposit is lower at CMC Markets with 0 €. CMC Markets is BaFin-regulated, while City Index is supervised by FCA. City Index has been in the market since 1983, making it the more experienced provider. On spreads, City Index offers EUR/USD from 0.5 pip (typical), while CMC Markets offers EUR/USD from 0.7 pip (typical).

Established CFD broker with over 40 years of market presence

Award-winning Next Generation platform with over 12,000 products

At a glance

The key differences

Criterion
PlatformsCity Index Web Trader, MT4, City Index AppNext Generation, MT4, CMC Mobile
Product typesCFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks CFDs, CryptoCFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks CFDs, Treasuries
Options tradingNo, CFDs and spread bettingNo, CFDs and spread betting
Fee modelSpreads from 0.5 pip on forex, no commission on standard accountSpreads from 0.7 pip on forex, no commission on standard account
Minimum deposit150 €0 €
RegulationFCABaFin/FCA
More informationDetailsDetails

Platforms

City Index

City Index Web Trader, MT4, City Index App

CMC Markets

Next Generation, MT4, CMC Mobile

Product types

City Index

CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks CFDs, Crypto

CMC Markets

CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks CFDs, Treasuries

Options trading

City Index

No, CFDs and spread betting

CMC Markets

No, CFDs and spread betting

Fee model

City Index

Spreads from 0.5 pip on forex, no commission on standard account

CMC Markets

Spreads from 0.7 pip on forex, no commission on standard account

Minimum deposit

City Index

150 €

CMC Markets

0 €

Regulation

City Index

FCA

CMC Markets

BaFin/FCA

More information

City Index

Details

CMC Markets

Details

Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.

Detailed comparison

Comparing fees

Compare total costs, not just the order fee.

Spreads from 0.5 pip on forex, no commission on standard account

Published fee
Spreads from 0.5 pip on forex, no commission on standard account
Minimum deposit
150 €
Inactivity
$15/month after 12 months of inactivity
See terms at provider

Spreads from 0.7 pip on forex, no commission on standard account

Published fee
Spreads from 0.7 pip on forex, no commission on standard account
Minimum deposit
0 €
Inactivity
£10/month after 12 months of inactivity
See terms at provider

The relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.

Execution quality

Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Product range

CFDsForexIndicesCommoditiesStocks CFDsCrypto
CFDsForexIndicesCommoditiesStocks CFDsTreasuries

Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.

Trading platforms

City Index Web Trader · MT4 · City Index App

City Index offers three trading platforms: The proprietary Web Trader is a browser-based platform with advanced charting, technical indicators, market analysis, and integrated research tools. MT4 is available for traders who prefer automated trading with Expert Advisors. The City Index App enables full-featured mobile trading with real-time quotes, push notifications, and order placement on the go.

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Next Generation · MT4 · CMC Mobile

CMC Markets offers the Next Generation platform, MT4, and the CMC Mobile app. Next Generation is the award-winning main platform with over 115 technical indicators, modular chart layout, pattern recognition tools, integrated Reuters news, and client sentiment analysis. MT4 is available for automated trading with Expert Advisors. The CMC Mobile app provides the full range of features on the go, including all charting capabilities and push notifications.

Explore platform

Regulation & security

BaFin/FCA

Regulatory information

Regulation does not prevent market losses. The relevant authority depends on the contracting entity.

Your investor profile

Who might it suit?

Established CFD broker with over 40 years of market presence

  • Long-standing experience since 1983
  • Tight spreads from 0.5 pip
  • FCA-regulated
  • No BaFin regulation
  • Minimum deposit €150

Award-winning Next Generation platform with over 12,000 products

  • Award-winning Next Generation platform
  • Over 12,000 CFD products
  • BaFin-regulated
  • Only CFD trading, no real stocks
  • Inactivity fee after 12 months

Find the broker that fits

City Index oder CMC Markets?

Side by side. Decided with knowledge.

See the differences that matter, and the Academy lessons that explain them.

VS
  • Fees
  • Platform
  • Regulation
  • Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
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Your questions

Frequently asked questions

How do fees differ between City Index and CMC Markets?
City Index: Spreads from 0.5 pip on forex, no commission on standard account. CMC Markets: Spreads from 0.7 pip on forex, no commission on standard account. Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
Which broker offers more products: City Index or CMC Markets?
City Index offers CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks CFDs, Crypto. CMC Markets offers CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks CFDs, Treasuries.
How are City Index and CMC Markets regulated?
The broker profiles list FCA for City Index and BaFin/FCA for CMC Markets. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is City Index or CMC Markets better for beginners?
City Index lists a 150 € minimum deposit and offers City Index Web Trader, MT4, City Index App. CMC Markets lists 0 € and offers Next Generation, MT4, CMC Mobile. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
City Index vs CMC Markets: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between City Index (4.1/5, 800 reviews) and CMC Markets (4.3/5, 1400 reviews) depends on your needs. City Index: Established CFD broker with over 40 years of market presence. CMC Markets: Award-winning Next Generation platform with over 12,000 products.
How do spreads compare between City Index and CMC Markets?
City Index offers typical spreads of EUR/USD from 0.5 pip (typical). CMC Markets offers EUR/USD from 0.7 pip (typical). Tighter spreads reduce trading costs especially for active trading.
Do City Index or CMC Markets charge an inactivity fee?
City Index: $15/month after 12 months of inactivity. CMC Markets: £10/month after 12 months of inactivity.

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