Skip to main content
Side-by-Side Comparison Independent Updated Oct 2, 2026

City Index vs M1 Finance 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Choosing between City Index and M1 Finance depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. City Index is headquartered in London, UK, while M1 Finance operates from Chicago, USA. City Index has the longer track record, established in 1983, compared to M1 Finance which was founded in 2015. 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

M1 Finance

Higher ratedCity Index logo

City Index

4.1/ 5
Visit City Index →Full review
VS
City IndexM1 Finance
BrokerRank Score4.1/5 ✓3.2/5
Min. Deposit$0 ✓$100
Spread from0.5 pips0 pips ✓
Max Leverage1:200 ✓1:2
RegulationFCA, ASIC, MAS ✓SEC
PlatformsProprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
City IndexM1 Finance
Best for Low Fees
M1 FinanceCity Index
Best for Regulation
City IndexM1 Finance
Best Overall
City IndexM1 Finance
Quick Answer

City Index is the better choice overall, scoring 4.1/5 vs 3.2/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, M1 Finance offers lower spreads (0 pips).

See full side-by-side comparison below

City Index vs M1 Finance: Key Differences

Feature

City Index

Winner

M1 Finance

Our Rating
4.1 / 5
3.2 / 5
Min. Deposit
$0
$100
Max Leverage
Spread From
0.5 pips
0 pips
Commission
None
None
Regulated By
SEC
Platforms
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Markets
Cfd, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
Stocks, Indices
Founded
1983
2015
Headquarters
London, UK
Chicago, USA
Score
3 / 4
1 / 4

Still deciding between City Index and M1 Finance?

Skip the back-and-forth — answer 4 quick questions and we'll match you to your best fit.

Matching for:Travelling or on a VPN? Change it.
Find my match

Fees Comparison

Fee

City Index

M1 Finance

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. M1 Finance is regulated by SEC.

Markets & Assets

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

Fees & Spreads

On spreads, M1 Finance 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. M1 Finance offers Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.

Minimum Deposit

City Index requires no minimum deposit, while M1 Finance sets a minimum deposit of $100. This makes City Index accessible to traders with any budget.

Overall Ratings

BrokerRank scores City Index at 4.06/5 and M1 Finance at 3.20/5, 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 M1 Finance's 3.20/5. City Index holds more tier-1 licences (FCA, ASIC, MAS), offering stronger regulatory protection. M1 Finance has a fees advantage with 0.0 pip spreads. City Index is more accessible for new traders with its lower minimum deposit requirement. M1 Finance is still a solid option for traders who prefer M1 Finance'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)
  • No minimum deposit
  • Higher leverage (up to 1:200)
  • More regulatory licences (3)
M1 Finance

M1 Finance

3.2/5

Choose M1 Finance 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.

#1ForTrade logo
ForTrade
4.3
FCA
Visit
#2FxPro logo
FxPro
4.1
FCA
Visit
#3AvaTrade logo
AvaTrade
4.0
MAS
Visit
#4Plus500 logo
Plus500
4.0
MAS
Visit

80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

#6XM logo
XM
3.9
Visit

Both City Index & M1 Finance are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is City Index better than M1 Finance?

City Index scores higher overall on our independent rating system. City Index holds a 4.1/5 rating vs M1 Finance's 3.2/5. 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 M1 Finance?

City Index offers spreads from 0.5 pips, while M1 Finance starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.

3

What is the minimum deposit for City Index vs M1 Finance?

City Index requires a minimum deposit of $0. M1 Finance requires $100.

4

Which broker is safer, City Index or M1 Finance?

City Index is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, while M1 Finance holds licences from SEC.

5

What trading platforms do City Index and M1 Finance support?

City Index supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4. M1 Finance supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.

6

Can I use both City Index and M1 Finance?

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

Key Trading Terms

Related Guides

More Comparisons

BrokerRank Research

Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.

Featured

Deriv

4.0
Open Account

Capital at risk · T&Cs apply