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Side-by-Side Comparison Independent Updated Oct 2, 2026

ActivTrades vs City Index 2026: Which Broker is Better?

ActivTrades and City Index are two prominent brokers based in London, each catering to different trading preferences. ActivTrades, with its 3.56/5 rating, appeals to forex traders seeking a high leverage of up to 1:400 and the flexibility of a proprietary platform alongside MT4/MT5. In contrast, City Index, boasting a higher rating of 4.06/5, is ideal for traders interested in a broad market reach of over 13,500 instruments and a reputable history of more than 40 years, though it offers lower leverage up to 1:200. While both brokers provide a commission-free trading environment with no minimum deposit requirement, ActivTrades' strength lies in its advanced risk management tools, whereas City Index stands out with its robust research offerings.

ActivTrades

City Index

Higher ratedCity Index logo

City Index

4.1/ 5
Visit City Index →Full review
VS
ActivTradesCity Index
BrokerRank Score3.6/54.1/5 ✓
Min. Deposit$0$0
Spread from0.5 pips0.5 pips
Max Leverage1:400 ✓1:200
RegulationFCA, CySECFCA, ASIC, MAS ✓
PlatformsMT4, MT5, Proprietary WebProprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
ActivTradesCity Index
Best for Low Fees
ActivTradesCity Index
Best for Regulation
City IndexActivTrades
Best Overall
City IndexActivTrades
Quick Answer

City Index is the better choice overall, scoring 4.1/5 vs 3.6/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, ActivTrades offers lower spreads (0.5 pips).

See full side-by-side comparison below

ActivTrades vs City Index: Key Differences

Feature

ActivTrades

City Index

Winner
Our Rating
3.6 / 5
4.1 / 5
Min. Deposit
$0
$0
Max Leverage
Spread From
0.5 pips
0.5 pips
Commission
None
None
Regulated By
Platforms
MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4
Markets
Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
Cfd, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
Founded
2001
1983
Headquarters
London, UK
London, UK
Score
0 / 2
2 / 2

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Fees Comparison

Fee

ActivTrades

City Index

Spread From
0.5 pips
0.5 pips
Commission
None
None
Deposit Fee
None
None
Withdrawal Fee
None
None

BrokerRank Verdict

For beginners, ActivTrades is a better choice due to its user-friendly proprietary ActivTrader platform and comprehensive risk management tools, making it easier for novice traders to navigate the markets. Professional traders might prefer City Index, given its extensive market coverage of over 13,500 options and robust research tools from Refinitiv. When it comes to fees, both brokers offer competitive spreads starting at 0.5 pips with no commissions, but ActivTrades might offer slight cost advantages for high-leverage trades due to its higher leverage of 1:400 compared to City Index’s 1:200.

Who Should Choose Which?

ActivTrades

ActivTrades

3.6/5

Choose ActivTrades if you want…

  • Higher leverage (up to 1:400)
  • More market types (6)
City Index

City Index

4.1/5

Top pick

Choose City Index if you want…

  • Higher overall rating (4.1/5)
  • More regulatory licences (3)
  • More established (est. 1983)

Also consider

View all rankings

We earn a commission when you open an account through these links, at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are scored independently — see the full independent ranking.

#1ForTrade logo
ForTrade
4.3
FCA
Visit
#2FxPro logo
FxPro
4.1
FCA
Visit
#4AvaTrade logo
AvaTrade
4.0
MAS
Visit
#5Plus500 logo
Plus500
4.0
MAS
Visit

80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

Both ActivTrades & City Index are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is ActivTrades better than City Index?

City Index scores higher overall on our independent rating system. ActivTrades holds a 3.6/5 rating vs City Index's 4.1/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.

2

Which has lower fees, ActivTrades or City Index?

ActivTrades offers spreads from 0.5 pips, while City Index starts at 0.5 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.

3

What is the minimum deposit for ActivTrades vs City Index?

ActivTrades requires a minimum deposit of $0. City Index requires $0.

4

Which broker is safer, ActivTrades or City Index?

ActivTrades is regulated by FCA, CySEC, while City Index holds licences from FCA, ASIC, MAS.

5

What trading platforms do ActivTrades and City Index support?

ActivTrades supports MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web. City Index supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4.

6

Can I use both ActivTrades and City Index?

Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.

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