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

City Index vs Rakuten Securities 2026: Which Broker is Better?

In this broker comparison, we examine City Index and Rakuten Securities, two distinct entities catering to different trading preferences. City Index, with its 40+ years of experience and extensive market offerings, appeals to CFD traders seeking a broad range of markets and research-backed insights, particularly those interested in leverage up to 1:200. In contrast, Rakuten Securities targets traders favouring direct stock and ETF investments, especially within Japan, benefiting from its integration with the Rakuten ecosystem and zero commission trades. The primary distinction lies in City Index's focus on CFDs and broader international appeal, while Rakuten excels in servicing the Japanese market with a strong emphasis on stock trading.

City Index

Rakuten Securities

Higher ratedCity Index logo

City Index

4.1/ 5
Visit City Index →Full review
VS
City IndexRakuten Securities
BrokerRank Score4.1/5 ✓3.5/5
Min. Deposit$0$0
Spread from0.5 pips0 pips ✓
Max Leverage1:200 ✓1:3
RegulationFCA, ASIC, MAS ✓FSA
PlatformsProprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MarketSpeed II
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
City IndexRakuten Securities
Best for Low Fees
Rakuten SecuritiesCity Index
Best for Regulation
City IndexRakuten Securities
Best Overall
City IndexRakuten Securities
Quick Answer

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

See full side-by-side comparison below

City Index vs Rakuten Securities: Key Differences

Feature

City Index

Winner

Rakuten Securities

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
FSA
Platforms
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MarketSpeed II
Markets
Cfd, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
Stocks, Etf, Crypto, Forex, Indices
Founded
1983
1999
Headquarters
London, UK
Tokyo, Japan
Score
2 / 3
1 / 3

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Fees Comparison

Fee

City Index

Rakuten Securities

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

BrokerRank Verdict

For beginners, City Index is the superior choice due to its extensive market offerings, robust research tools from Refinitiv, and absence of a minimum deposit requirement. Professional traders may prefer Rakuten Securities for its zero-commission stocks and ETFs and strong access to US stocks, though it is more Japan-focused. In terms of fees, Rakuten Securities edges out with its zero-pip spreads and commission-free trading, making it a cost-effective option for frequent 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 established (est. 1983)
Rakuten Securities

Rakuten Securities

3.5/5

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

Both City Index & Rakuten Securities are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is City Index better than Rakuten Securities?

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

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

3

What is the minimum deposit for City Index vs Rakuten Securities?

City Index requires a minimum deposit of $0. Rakuten Securities requires $0.

4

Which broker is safer, City Index or Rakuten Securities?

City Index is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, while Rakuten Securities holds licences from FSA.

5

What trading platforms do City Index and Rakuten Securities support?

City Index supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4. Rakuten Securities supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MarketSpeed II.

6

Can I use both City Index and Rakuten Securities?

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

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