City Index
EXANTE
City Index vs EXANTE
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
City Index and EXANTE are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. City Index, founded in 1983 and headquartered in London, UK, is regulated by FCA and offers spreads starting from 0.5 pips with a minimum deposit of $100. EXANTE, established in 2011 in Valletta, Malta, holds licenses from MiFID II (CySEC), FCA, SFC with spreads from 0.1 pips and a $10000 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, City Index scored 8.2/10 overall compared to EXANTE's 8.2/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, EXANTE holds its own with lower trading costs and better trading platforms, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
City Index scores 8.2/10 overall vs 8.2/10 for EXANTE — a 0.0-point difference.
- 💵
City Index requires just $100 to start, while EXANTE needs $10000 — City Index is 100x more accessible.
- 📈
EXANTE offers 2,000,000+ instruments vs 4,500+ at City Index — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
City Index runs on City Index Platform, MT4, while EXANTE uses EXANTE Platform, EXANTE Web, EXANTE Mobile — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Education: City Index scores 7.5 vs 6.0 for EXANTE — a 1.5-point difference.
Our Verdict
City Index
Score: 8.2/10 · Wins 2 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($100)
EXANTE
Score: 8.2/10 · Wins 4 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
City Index takes the lead with an overall score of 8.2/10 compared to 8.2/10, winning in 2 out of 8 scoring categories. City Index stands out for superior education resources and smoother deposits & withdrawals, while EXANTE fights back with lower trading costs and better trading platforms.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, City Index comes out ahead with a 8.2/10 overall rating, winning 2 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 8.5/10. City Index holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. EXANTE is not without merit — it scores 8.2/10 overall and excels in Product Range (9.5/10), winning 4 categories. Traders who value lower trading costs or better trading platforms may find EXANTE the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full City Index review and EXANTE review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
EXANTE wins by 0.5 points
EXANTE wins by 0.5 points
EXANTE wins by 0.5 points
City Index wins by 1.5 points
City Index wins by 0.5 points
EXANTE wins by 1.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 ✓ | 8.2/10 ✓ |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $100 ✓ | $10000 |
| Max Leverage | 1:200 | 1:30 |
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips | 0.1 pips |
| Platforms | City Index Platform, MT4 | EXANTE Platform, EXANTE Web, EXANTE Mobile |
| Regulation | FCA | MiFID II (CySEC), FCA, SFC |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 1983 ✓ | 2011 |
| Markets | 4,500+ | 2,000,000+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, EXANTE has the edge with a score of 8/10 versus 7.5/10 for City Index. City Index offers spreads starting from 0.5 pips, while EXANTE starts from 0.1 pips. The minimum deposit at City Index is $100, compared to $10000 at EXANTE. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.
Trading Platforms
EXANTE scores 8.5/10 for platforms compared to 8/10 for City Index. City Index provides City Index Platform, MT4, while EXANTE offers EXANTE Platform, EXANTE Web, EXANTE Mobile. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. City Index is regulated by FCA (Tier 1), while EXANTE holds licenses from MiFID II (CySEC), FCA, SFC (Tier 1). City Index scores 8.5/10 and EXANTE scores 9/10 in this category. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, including segregated client funds and compensation schemes. Always verify your broker's specific license for your jurisdiction before opening an account.
Education & Research
For learning resources, City Index leads with 7.5/10 compared to 6/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. City Index and EXANTE both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.
Customer Support
City Index offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 8/10, while EXANTE provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 8/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.
Deposit & Withdrawal
City Index scores 7.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while EXANTE scores 7/10. City Index accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, and EXANTE supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. City Index requires a minimum deposit of $100 versus $10000 for EXANTE. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose City Index if you...
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($100)
Choose EXANTE if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is City Index better than EXANTE?
City Index scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 8.2/10), winning 2 of 8 categories. However, EXANTE is stronger in lower trading costs and better trading platforms. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, City Index or EXANTE?
EXANTE scores higher for trading costs. City Index offers spreads from 0.5 pips with a $100 minimum deposit, while EXANTE starts from 0.1 pips with $10000 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is City Index safe to trade with?
City Index is regulated by FCA and scores 8.5/10 for regulation. EXANTE is regulated by MiFID II (CySEC), FCA, SFC with a score of 9/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, City Index or EXANTE?
EXANTE scores 8.5/10 for platforms. City Index offers City Index Platform, MT4, while EXANTE provides EXANTE Platform, EXANTE Web, EXANTE Mobile. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for City Index vs EXANTE?
City Index requires a minimum deposit of $100, while EXANTE requires $10000. City Index has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.
Ready to Start Trading?
Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.