AJ Bell
City Index
VS
Higher Rated
City Index
Capital at risk · T&Cs apply
In this broker comparison, we evaluate AJ Bell and City Index, two prominent names in the UK investment landscape. AJ Bell, headquartered in Manchester, is ideal for UK-based investors seeking ISA and SIPP accounts with a focus on stocks and indices, although it lacks forex and crypto offerings. On the other hand, City Index caters to those interested in a wide array of CFD markets, including forex and commodities, offering more flexibility with a higher leverage and no commissions. While AJ Bell is suited for long-term investors prioritising tax-efficient savings, City Index appeals to active traders looking for diversified market access and comprehensive research tools.
AJ Bell
City Index
| AJ Bell | City Index | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 2.8/5 | 4.1/5 ✓ |
| Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spread from | 0 pips ✓ | 0.5 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:1 | 1:200 ✓ |
| Regulation | FCA | FCA, ASIC, MAS ✓ |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4 |
City Index is the better choice overall, scoring 4.1/5 vs 2.8/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, AJ Bell offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowAJ Bell
City Index
WinnerAJ Bell
City Index
AJ Bell
2.8/5
Choose AJ Bell if you want…
City Index
4.1/5
Choose City Index if you want…
City Index scores higher overall on our independent rating system. AJ Bell holds a 2.8/5 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.
AJ Bell offers spreads from 0 pips, while City Index starts at 0.5 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
AJ Bell requires a minimum deposit of $0. City Index requires $0.
AJ Bell is regulated by FCA, while City Index holds licences from FCA, ASIC, MAS.
AJ Bell supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. City Index supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4.
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
Only 26% of Brokers Are Truly Fee-Free
BrokerRank Research — Hidden costs across 345 brokers
58% of Brokers Hold a Single Licence
BrokerRank Research — Regulation quality analysis
71% of Retail Traders Lose Money
BrokerRank Research — Loss rates across 50 EU brokers
76% of Brokers Use Proprietary Platforms
BrokerRank Research — MT4 vs MT5 vs proprietary
Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.