eToro
City Index
eToro vs City Index
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
eToro and City Index are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. eToro, founded in 2007 and headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC and offers spreads starting from 1.0 pips with a minimum deposit of $50. City Index, established in 1983 in London, UK, holds licenses from FCA with spreads from 0.5 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, City Index scored 8.2/10 overall compared to eToro's 7.8/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, eToro holds its own with better trading platforms and stronger regulation, 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 7.8/10 for eToro — a 0.4-point difference.
- 💵
eToro requires just $50 to start, while City Index needs $100 — eToro is 2x more accessible.
- 📈
City Index offers 4,500+ instruments vs 3,400+ at eToro — a notable difference in market coverage.
- 🖥️
eToro runs on eToro Platform, eToro App, while City Index uses City Index Platform, MT4 — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Trading Costs: City Index scores 7.5 vs 6.0 for eToro — a 1.5-point difference.
Our Verdict
eToro
Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 3 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($50)
City Index
Score: 8.2/10 · Wins 4 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
City Index takes the lead with an overall score of 8.2/10 compared to 7.8/10, winning in 4 out of 8 scoring categories. City Index stands out for lower trading costs and better customer support, while eToro fights back with better trading platforms and stronger regulation.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, City Index comes out ahead with a 8.2/10 overall rating, winning 4 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. eToro is not without merit — it scores 7.8/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (9.0/10), winning 3 categories. Traders who value better trading platforms or stronger regulation may find eToro the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full City Index review and eToro review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
City Index wins by 1.5 points
eToro wins by 0.5 points
eToro wins by 0.5 points
eToro wins by 0.5 points
City Index wins by 1.5 points
City Index wins by 1.0 points
City Index wins by 0.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 ✓ |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $50 ✓ | $100 |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 | 1:200 |
| Spreads From | 1.0 pips | 0.5 pips |
| Platforms | eToro Platform, eToro App | City Index Platform, MT4 |
| Regulation | FCA, CySEC, ASIC | FCA |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2007 | 1983 ✓ |
| Markets | 3,400+ | 4,500+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, City Index has the edge with a score of 7.5/10 versus 6/10 for eToro. eToro offers spreads starting from 1.0 pips, while City Index starts from 0.5 pips. The minimum deposit at eToro is $50, compared to $100 at City Index. 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
eToro scores 8.5/10 for platforms compared to 8/10 for City Index. eToro provides eToro Platform, eToro App, while City Index offers City Index Platform, MT4. 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. eToro is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC (Tier 1), while City Index holds licenses from FCA (Tier 1). eToro scores 9/10 and City Index scores 8.5/10 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, eToro leads with 8/10 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. eToro and City Index 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
eToro offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Ticket System and scores 6.5/10, while City Index 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
eToro scores 7/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while City Index scores 7.5/10. eToro accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and City Index supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. eToro requires a minimum deposit of $50 versus $100 for City Index. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose eToro if you...
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($50)
Choose City Index if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eToro better than City Index?
City Index scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 7.8/10), winning 4 of 8 categories. However, eToro is stronger in better trading platforms and stronger regulation. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, eToro or City Index?
City Index scores higher for trading costs. eToro offers spreads from 1.0 pips with a $50 minimum deposit, while City Index starts from 0.5 pips with $100 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is eToro safe to trade with?
eToro is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC and scores 9/10 for regulation. City Index is regulated by FCA with a score of 8.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, eToro or City Index?
eToro scores 8.5/10 for platforms. eToro offers eToro Platform, eToro App, while City Index provides City Index Platform, MT4. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for eToro vs City Index?
eToro requires a minimum deposit of $50, while City Index requires $100. eToro 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.