City Index
FBS
City Index vs FBS
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
City Index and FBS 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. FBS, established in 2009 in Belize City, Belize, holds licenses from IFSC, CySEC with spreads from 0.7 pips and a $5 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, City Index scored 8.2/10 overall compared to FBS's 7.2/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, FBS holds its own with smoother deposits & withdrawals, 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 7.2/10 for FBS — a 1.0-point difference.
- 💵
FBS requires just $5 to start, while City Index needs $100 — FBS is 20x more accessible.
- 📈
City Index offers 4,500+ instruments vs 250+ at FBS — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
City Index runs on City Index Platform, MT4, while FBS uses MT4, MT5, FBS Trader App — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Regulation & Trust: City Index scores 8.5 vs 6.5 for FBS — a 2.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
City Index
Score: 8.2/10 · Wins 6 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to you
FBS
Score: 7.2/10 · Wins 1 categories- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
- You prefer FBS's trading environment overall
City Index takes the lead with an overall score of 8.2/10 compared to 7.2/10, winning in 6 out of 8 scoring categories. City Index stands out for lower trading costs and better trading platforms, while FBS fights back with smoother deposits & withdrawals.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, City Index comes out ahead with a 8.2/10 overall rating, winning 6 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. FBS is not without merit — it scores 7.2/10 overall and excels in Deposit & Withdrawal (8.0/10), winning 1 category. Traders who value smoother deposits & withdrawals may find FBS the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full City Index review and FBS review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
City Index wins by 0.5 points
City Index wins by 1.0 points
City Index wins by 2.0 points
City Index wins by 1.0 points
City Index wins by 2.0 points
FBS wins by 0.5 points
City Index wins by 1.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 ✓ | 7.2/10 |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $100 | $5 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:200 | 1:3000 |
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips | 0.7 pips |
| Platforms | City Index Platform, MT4 | MT4, MT5, FBS Trader App |
| Regulation | FCA | IFSC, CySEC |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 1983 ✓ | 2009 |
| Markets | 4,500+ ✓ | 250+ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, City Index has the edge with a score of 7.5/10 versus 7/10 for FBS. City Index offers spreads starting from 0.5 pips, while FBS starts from 0.7 pips. The minimum deposit at City Index is $100, compared to $5 at FBS. 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
City Index scores 8/10 for platforms compared to 7/10 for FBS. City Index provides City Index Platform, MT4, while FBS offers MT4, MT5, FBS Trader App. 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 FBS holds licenses from IFSC, CySEC (Tier 1). City Index scores 8.5/10 and FBS scores 6.5/10 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 7.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. City Index and FBS 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 FBS provides 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 7/10. 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 FBS scores 8/10. City Index accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, and FBS supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Sticpay. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. City Index requires a minimum deposit of $100 versus $5 for FBS. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose City Index 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
- Responsive customer support matters to you
Choose FBS if you...
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
- You prefer FBS's trading environment overall
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is City Index better than FBS?
City Index scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 7.2/10), winning 6 of 8 categories. However, FBS is stronger in smoother deposits & withdrawals. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, City Index or FBS?
City Index scores higher for trading costs. City Index offers spreads from 0.5 pips with a $100 minimum deposit, while FBS starts from 0.7 pips with $5 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. FBS is regulated by IFSC, CySEC with a score of 6.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, City Index or FBS?
City Index scores 8/10 for platforms. City Index offers City Index Platform, MT4, while FBS provides MT4, MT5, FBS Trader App. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for City Index vs FBS?
City Index requires a minimum deposit of $100, while FBS requires $5. FBS 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.