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

City Index vs Kraken 2026: Which Broker is Better?

City Index and Kraken cater to distinct trader profiles, primarily due to their differing market focuses and product offerings. City Index, with its extensive 40-year history and diverse market range, appeals to traders interested in CFDs, forex, and a variety of other financial instruments, making it ideal for those seeking comprehensive market exposure without real asset ownership. In contrast, Kraken is a leading choice for cryptocurrency enthusiasts, offering robust regulatory compliance and reliable fiat on/off ramps, although it entails higher fees and limited leverage options compared to more specialised derivatives platforms. While City Index provides a broader market reach, Kraken excels in the crypto domain, each serving unique trading needs.

City Index

Kraken

Higher ratedKraken logo

Kraken

4.4/ 5
Visit Kraken →Full review
VS
City IndexKraken
BrokerRank Score4.1/54.4/5 ✓
Min. Deposit$0$0
Spread from0.5 pips0.2 pips ✓
Max Leverage1:200 ✓1:5
RegulationFCA, ASIC, MAS ✓FCA, CFTC
PlatformsProprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
City IndexKraken
Best for Low Fees
KrakenCity Index
Best for Regulation
City IndexKraken
Best Overall
KrakenCity Index
Quick Answer

Kraken is the better choice overall, scoring 4.4/5 vs 4.1/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Kraken offers lower spreads (0.2 pips).

See full side-by-side comparison below

City Index vs Kraken: Key Differences

Feature

City Index

Kraken

Our Rating
4.1 / 5
4.4 / 5
Min. Deposit
$0
$0
Max Leverage
Spread From
0.5 pips
0.2 pips
Commission
None
$0.16/lot
Regulated By
Platforms
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Markets
Cfd, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
Crypto
Founded
1983
2011
Headquarters
London, UK
San Francisco, USA
Score
2 / 4
2 / 4

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Fees Comparison

Fee

City Index

Lower fees

Kraken

Spread From
0.5 pips
0.2 pips
Commission
None
$0.16/lot
Deposit Fee
None
None
Withdrawal Fee
None
$1.5

BrokerRank Verdict

City Index is better suited for beginners due to its broad market access, zero minimum deposit requirement, and user-friendly platforms, despite being less modern. Professional traders may prefer Kraken for its robust regulatory compliance and crypto-specific features, although its user interface may not be ideal for all. In terms of fees, City Index has the edge with zero commissions and lower spreads starting from 0.5 pips, compared to Kraken's higher commission and limited leverage options.

Who Should Choose Which?

City Index

City Index

4.1/5

Choose City Index if you want…

  • No per-trade commission
  • Higher leverage (up to 1:200)
  • More regulatory licences (3)
  • More market types (5)
Kraken

Kraken

4.4/5

Top pick

Choose Kraken if you want…

  • Higher overall rating (4.4/5)
  • Tighter spreads (from 0.2 pips)

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
#3FxPro logo
FxPro
4.1
FCA
Visit
#5AvaTrade logo
AvaTrade
4.0
MAS
Visit
#6Plus500 logo
Plus500
4.0
MAS
Visit

80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

Both City Index & Kraken are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is City Index better than Kraken?

Kraken scores higher overall on our independent rating system. City Index holds a 4.1/5 rating vs Kraken's 4.4/5. 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 Kraken?

City Index offers spreads from 0.5 pips, while Kraken starts at 0.2 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.

3

What is the minimum deposit for City Index vs Kraken?

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

4

Which broker is safer, City Index or Kraken?

City Index is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, while Kraken holds licences from FCA, CFTC.

5

What trading platforms do City Index and Kraken support?

City Index supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4. Kraken supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.

6

Can I use both City Index and Kraken?

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

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