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

City Index vs Purple Trading 2026: Which Broker is Better?

City Index and Purple Trading are two distinct brokerage firms catering to different types of traders. City Index, founded in 1983 and headquartered in London, is ideal for traders seeking a well-established broker with over 13,500 markets and strong research capabilities, although it only offers CFDs, meaning no real asset ownership. In contrast, Purple Trading, based in Cyprus and founded in 2016, appeals to traders looking for a broker with ECN execution and a variety of platforms, including cTrader, despite having a smaller range of instruments and fewer educational resources. The key difference lies in City Index's extensive market experience and comprehensive market offerings versus Purple Trading's lower entry barriers and advanced trading platforms.

City Index

Purple Trading

Higher ratedCity Index logo

City Index

4.1/ 5
Visit City Index →Full review
VS
City IndexPurple Trading
BrokerRank Score4.1/5 ✓3.5/5
Min. Deposit$0 ✓$25
Spread from0.5 pips0.2 pips ✓
Max Leverage1:2001:500 ✓
RegulationFCA, ASIC, MAS ✓CySEC, FCA
PlatformsProprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4MT4, MT5, cTrader
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
City IndexPurple Trading
Best for Low Fees
Purple TradingCity Index
Best for Regulation
City IndexPurple Trading
Best Overall
City IndexPurple Trading
Quick Answer

City Index is the better choice overall, scoring 4.1/5 vs 3.5/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Purple Trading offers lower spreads (0.2 pips).

See full side-by-side comparison below

City Index vs Purple Trading: Key Differences

Feature

City Index

Winner

Purple Trading

Our Rating
4.1 / 5
3.5 / 5
Min. Deposit
$0
$25
Max Leverage
Spread From
0.5 pips
0.2 pips
Commission
None
$3/lot
Regulated By
Platforms
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4
MT4, MT5, cTrader
Markets
Cfd, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
Forex, Cfd, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto
Founded
1983
2016
Headquarters
London, UK
Limassol, Cyprus
Score
4 / 5
1 / 5

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Fees Comparison

Fee

City Index

Purple Trading

Spread From
0.5 pips
0.2 pips
Commission
None
$3/lot
Deposit Fee
None
None
Withdrawal Fee
None
None

BrokerRank Verdict

City Index emerges as the better option for beginners, largely due to its extensive market experience, strong regulatory background, and the absence of a minimum deposit requirement, which offers more flexibility for those just starting out. Professional traders might prefer Purple Trading for its ECN execution and access to advanced trading platforms like cTrader, which can cater to more sophisticated trading strategies. When it comes to fees, Purple Trading has the edge with lower spreads starting from 0.2 pips, although it does charge a commission, whereas City Index offers commission-free trading but with slightly higher spreads.

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 per-trade commission
  • No minimum deposit
  • More regulatory licences (3)
Purple Trading

Purple Trading

3.5/5

Choose Purple Trading if you want…

  • Tighter spreads (from 0.2 pips)
  • Higher leverage (up to 1:500)
  • 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.

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4.3
FCA
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FxPro
4.1
FCA
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#5Plus500 logo
Plus500
4.0
MAS
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#6AvaTrade logo
AvaTrade
4.0
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Both City Index & Purple Trading are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is City Index better than Purple Trading?

City Index scores higher overall on our independent rating system. City Index holds a 4.1/5 rating vs Purple Trading'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 Purple Trading?

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

3

What is the minimum deposit for City Index vs Purple Trading?

City Index requires a minimum deposit of $0. Purple Trading requires $25.

4

Which broker is safer, City Index or Purple Trading?

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

5

What trading platforms do City Index and Purple Trading support?

City Index supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4. Purple Trading supports MT4, MT5, cTrader.

6

Can I use both City Index and Purple Trading?

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

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