City Index vs Markets.com 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Regulation & Safety

City Index, established in 1983 and headquartered in London, is a veteran in the brokerage industry. It is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). These top-tier regulatory bodies ensure a robust framework for client protection, including segregated client accounts and compensation schemes in case of insolvency.

Markets.com, founded in 2008 and based in Limassol, Cyprus, is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), ASIC, and the FCA. While CySEC offers substantial regulatory oversight, Markets.com's multi-jurisdictional regulation provides an added layer of security for client funds. Like City Index, it also ensures client funds are held in segregated accounts.

Fees & Spreads

City Index offers competitive spreads starting from 0.5 pips, with no commission on trades, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious traders. The absence of a minimum deposit requirement further enhances its accessibility. However, traders should be mindful of the inactivity fee, which could affect those who do not trade frequently.

Markets.com provides spreads starting from 0.6 pips, also with no commission on trades. While this is slightly higher than City Index, the spread remains competitive. The minimum deposit of $100 may be a barrier for some, but it is relatively low compared to industry standards. Like City Index, Markets.com also imposes an inactivity fee, which could impact less active traders.

Trading Platforms

City Index offers a Proprietary Web and Mobile platform, along with MetaTrader 4 (MT4). The proprietary platforms provide solid research tools, notably from Refinitiv, but may lack the modern features found in newer platforms. Markets.com, on the other hand, offers both MT4 and MT5, along with its Proprietary Web platform. The availability of MT5 is a significant advantage for traders looking for advanced charting and analytical tools.

Who Should Choose City Index?

• Traders seeking a broker with a longstanding reputation in the industry.
• Investors looking for a broad market range (13,500+ markets).
• Clients who prefer not to meet a minimum deposit requirement.
• Traders interested in strong research capabilities.

Who Should Choose Markets.com?

• Traders interested in trading cryptocurrencies.
• Investors who prefer a choice of MT4 and MT5 platforms.
• Those looking for a broker with comprehensive educational resources.
• Clients seeking higher leverage (up to 1:300).

Our Verdict

For beginners, City Index is the preferable choice due to its no minimum deposit requirement and longstanding industry presence. Professionals might lean towards Markets.com for its advanced platform options and higher leverage. In terms of fees, City Index takes the lead with slightly tighter spreads.