City Index vs ThinkMarkets 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Regulation & Safety

City Index, established in 1983, is one of the more experienced brokers in the industry, with headquarters in London, UK. It is regulated by top-tier authorities such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Being part of the StoneX Group, a NASDAQ-listed company, adds another layer of trust and financial stability for traders. City Index offers protection schemes including segregated client funds to ensure the safety of client assets.

ThinkMarkets, founded in 2010 and also headquartered in London, is regulated by the FCA and ASIC. While it may not have the same breadth of regulatory oversight as City Index, it still offers a reputable level of safety and trust. ThinkMarkets holds client funds in segregated accounts and is registered with the FCA, providing additional protection for UK clients. However, it does not offer the same level of regulatory diversity as City Index.

Fees & Spreads

City Index charges spreads starting from 0.5 pips with no commission, making it a potentially cost-effective choice for traders who prefer a commission-free structure. This broker does not require a minimum deposit, offering flexibility for traders of all sizes. However, traders should be aware of an inactivity fee, which could affect those who do not trade regularly. The maximum leverage provided is 1:200.

ThinkMarkets offers spreads starting from 0 pips, but charges a commission of £3.5 on ThinkZero accounts. This structure might appeal to traders who prefer tighter spreads and are willing to pay a commission. Like City Index, ThinkMarkets does not require a minimum deposit, making it accessible for small-scale traders. It offers a higher maximum leverage of 1:500, appealing to those who wish to trade with greater risk. However, the commission structure may not suit everyone, especially those making frequent trades.

Trading Platforms

City Index provides a range of trading platforms including its proprietary web and mobile platforms, as well as MetaTrader 4 (MT4), known for its advanced charting tools and automated trading capabilities. ThinkMarkets also offers a strong platform selection with MT4, MT5, and its proprietary ThinkTrader platform, which is praised for advanced trading tools and an intuitive mobile app. While both brokers offer robust trading platforms, ThinkMarkets may have the edge with its advanced tools and user-friendly mobile experience.

Who Should Choose City Index?

• Traders seeking a broker with over 40 years of industry experience.
• Investors who prioritise regulatory oversight and fund security.
• Traders looking to trade a wide array of markets (13,500+).
• Individuals who prefer commission-free trading and no minimum deposit.

Who Should Choose ThinkMarkets?

• Traders looking for tighter spreads with a commission structure.
• Investors seeking higher leverage opportunities up to 1:500.
• Mobile-first traders who value advanced trading tools on-the-go.
• Individuals who trade cryptocurrencies in addition to traditional assets.

Our Verdict

For beginners, City Index is recommended due to its zero minimum deposit and commission-free trading. For professional traders, ThinkMarkets offers a more comprehensive platform suite and lower spreads. On fees, City Index edges out with no commission, although active traders might appreciate ThinkMarkets' tighter spreads despite the commission.