FXOpen
City Index
FXOpen vs City Index
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
FXOpen and City Index are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. FXOpen, founded in 2005 and headquartered in Christchurch, New Zealand, is regulated by FCA, ASIC, CySEC and offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a minimum deposit of $1. 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 FXOpen's 7.8/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, FXOpen holds its own with lower trading costs 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 FXOpen — a 0.4-point difference.
- 💵
FXOpen requires just $1 to start, while City Index needs $100 — FXOpen is 100x more accessible.
- 📈
City Index offers 4,500+ instruments vs 600+ at FXOpen — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
FXOpen runs on MT4, MT5, TickTrader, while City Index uses City Index Platform, MT4 — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Research & Analysis: City Index scores 8.5 vs 7.0 for FXOpen — a 1.5-point difference.
Our Verdict
FXOpen
Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 2 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($1)
City Index
Score: 8.2/10 · Wins 4 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- 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 superior education resources and better customer support, while FXOpen fights back with lower trading costs 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. FXOpen is not without merit — it scores 7.8/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (9.0/10), winning 2 categories. Traders who value lower trading costs or stronger regulation may find FXOpen the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full City Index review and FXOpen review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
FXOpen wins by 1.0 points
FXOpen wins by 0.5 points
City Index wins by 1.0 points
City Index wins by 1.0 points
City Index wins by 1.5 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 | $1 ✓ | $100 |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:200 |
| Spreads From | 0.0 pips | 0.5 pips |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TickTrader | City Index Platform, MT4 |
| Regulation | FCA, ASIC, CySEC | FCA |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2005 | 1983 ✓ |
| Markets | 600+ | 4,500+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, FXOpen has the edge with a score of 8.5/10 versus 7.5/10 for City Index. FXOpen offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips, while City Index starts from 0.5 pips. The minimum deposit at FXOpen is $1, 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
FXOpen scores 8/10 for platforms compared to 8/10 for City Index. FXOpen provides MT4, MT5, TickTrader, 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. FXOpen is regulated by FCA, ASIC, CySEC (Tier 1), while City Index holds licenses from FCA (Tier 1). FXOpen 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, City Index leads with 7.5/10 compared to 6.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. FXOpen 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
FXOpen offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email and scores 7/10, 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
FXOpen scores 7.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while City Index scores 7.5/10. FXOpen accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto, and City Index supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. FXOpen requires a minimum deposit of $1 versus $100 for City Index. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose FXOpen if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($1)
Choose City Index if you...
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- 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 FXOpen better than City Index?
City Index scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 7.8/10), winning 4 of 8 categories. However, FXOpen is stronger in lower trading costs and stronger regulation. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, FXOpen or City Index?
FXOpen scores higher for trading costs. FXOpen offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $1 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 FXOpen safe to trade with?
FXOpen is regulated by FCA, ASIC, CySEC 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, FXOpen or City Index?
FXOpen scores 8/10 for platforms. FXOpen offers MT4, MT5, TickTrader, 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 FXOpen vs City Index?
FXOpen requires a minimum deposit of $1, while City Index requires $100. FXOpen 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.