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

City Index vs ActivTrades 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Choosing between City Index and ActivTrades depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. City Index is headquartered in London, UK. City Index has the longer track record, established in 1983, compared to ActivTrades which was founded in 2001. This in-depth comparison covers regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and overall ratings to help you decide which broker is the better fit in 2026.

City Index

ActivTrades

Higher ratedCity Index logo

City Index

4.1/ 5
Visit City Index →Full review
VS
City IndexActivTrades
BrokerRank Score4.1/5 ✓3.6/5
Min. Deposit$0$0
Spread from0.5 pips0.5 pips
Max Leverage1:2001:400 ✓
RegulationFCA, ASIC, MAS ✓FCA, CySEC
PlatformsProprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
City IndexActivTrades
Best for Low Fees
City IndexActivTrades
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, City Index offers lower spreads (0.5 pips).

See full side-by-side comparison below

City Index vs ActivTrades: Key Differences

Feature

City Index

Winner

ActivTrades

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

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Fees Comparison

Fee

City Index

ActivTrades

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

Regulation & Trust

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

Markets & Assets

Both brokers offer access to Cfd, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities markets.

Fees & Spreads

On spreads, City Index is more competitive with EUR/USD spreads from 0.5 pips, compared to 0.5 pips at ActivTrades.

Trading Platforms

City Index supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4. ActivTrades offers MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Web, MT4.

Minimum Deposit

City Index requires no minimum deposit, while ActivTrades sets no minimum deposit. This makes City Index accessible to traders with any budget.

Overall Ratings

BrokerRank scores City Index at 4.06/5 and ActivTrades at 3.56/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. City Index leads overall with a clear advantage.

BrokerRank Verdict

City Index is our recommended pick in this comparison, scoring 4.06/5 versus ActivTrades's 3.56/5. City Index holds more tier-1 licences (FCA, ASIC, MAS), offering stronger regulatory protection. ActivTrades is still a solid option for traders who prefer ActivTrades's specific platform or market selection, but City Index offers a stronger overall package for the majority of traders.

Who Should Choose Which?

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)
ActivTrades

ActivTrades

3.6/5

Choose ActivTrades if you want…

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

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

80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

Both City Index & ActivTrades are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is City Index better than ActivTrades?

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

2

Which has lower fees, City Index or ActivTrades?

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

3

What is the minimum deposit for City Index vs ActivTrades?

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

4

Which broker is safer, City Index or ActivTrades?

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

5

What trading platforms do City Index and ActivTrades support?

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

6

Can I use both City Index and ActivTrades?

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

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