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

City Index vs LHV 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Choosing between City Index and LHV depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. City Index is headquartered in London, UK, while LHV operates from Tallinn, Estonia. City Index has the longer track record, established in 1983, compared to LHV which was founded in 1999. 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

LHV

Higher ratedCity Index logo

City Index

4.1/ 5
Visit City Index →Full review
VS
City IndexLHV
BrokerRank Score4.1/5 ✓3.5/5
Min. Deposit$0$0
Spread from0.5 pips0 pips ✓
Max Leverage1:200 ✓1:5
RegulationFCA, ASIC, MAS ✓Finantsinspektsioon, FCA
PlatformsProprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, LHV Broker
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
City IndexLHV
Best for Low Fees
LHVCity Index
Best for Regulation
City IndexLHV
Best Overall
City IndexLHV
Quick Answer

City Index is the better choice overall, scoring 4.1/5 vs 3.5/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, LHV offers lower spreads (0 pips).

See full side-by-side comparison below

City Index vs LHV: Key Differences

Feature

City Index

Winner

LHV

Our Rating
4.1 / 5
3.5 / 5
Min. Deposit
$0
$0
Max Leverage
Spread From
0.5 pips
0 pips
Commission
None
None
Regulated By
FinantsinspektsioonFCA
Platforms
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, LHV Broker
Markets
Cfd, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
Stocks, Etf, Crypto, Indices
Founded
1983
1999
Headquarters
London, UK
Tallinn, Estonia
Score
2 / 3
1 / 3

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Fees Comparison

Fee

City Index

LHV

Lower fees
Spread From
0.5 pips
0 pips
Commission
None
None
Deposit Fee
None
None
Withdrawal Fee
None
None

Regulation & Trust

City Index holds licences from FCA, ASIC, MAS. LHV is regulated by FCA, Finantsinspektsioon.

Markets & Assets

Both brokers offer access to Stocks, Indices markets. City Index additionally covers Cfd, Forex, Commodities. LHV adds Etf, Crypto.

Fees & Spreads

On spreads, LHV is more competitive with EUR/USD spreads from 0.0 pips, compared to 0.5 pips at City Index.

Trading Platforms

City Index supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4. LHV offers Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, LHV Broker. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.

Minimum Deposit

City Index requires no minimum deposit, while LHV 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 LHV at 3.36/5, 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 LHV's 3.36/5. City Index holds more tier-1 licences (FCA, ASIC, MAS), offering stronger regulatory protection. LHV has a fees advantage with 0.0 pip spreads. LHV is still a solid option for traders who prefer LHV'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)
  • Higher leverage (up to 1:200)
  • More regulatory licences (3)
  • More market types (5)
LHV

LHV

3.5/5

Choose LHV if you want…

  • Tighter spreads (from 0 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.

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4.0
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Plus500
4.0
MAS
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80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

Both City Index & LHV are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is City Index better than LHV?

City Index scores higher overall on our independent rating system. City Index holds a 4.1/5 rating vs LHV's 3.5/5. 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 LHV?

City Index offers spreads from 0.5 pips, while LHV starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.

3

What is the minimum deposit for City Index vs LHV?

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

4

Which broker is safer, City Index or LHV?

City Index is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, while LHV holds licences from Finantsinspektsioon, FCA.

5

What trading platforms do City Index and LHV support?

City Index supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4. LHV supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, LHV Broker.

6

Can I use both City Index and LHV?

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

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