Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of City Index vs Axi, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
City Index and Axi are both well-known online brokers, but they differ in terms of trust and regulation. Founded in 1983, City Index has a long-standing presence in the industry and is publicly traded, enhancing its credibility. It boasts an impressive Trust Score of 99 out of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, reflecting its reputation as a highly trusted platform. City Index holds 7 Tier-1 licenses, making it a top choice for traders who prioritize security. In addition, it holds 1 Tier-2 license, further emphasizing its commitment to compliance and reliability.
In comparison, Axi was founded in 2007 and is not publicly traded. With a Trust Score of 82, Axi is considered a trusted option among users but falls short of City Index's exemplary standing. Axi possesses 2 Tier-1 licenses, indicating a solid level of trustworthiness, along with 1 Tier-2 license. While Axi is a dependable choice for traders, those seeking the highest regulatory credentials might lean towards City Index, given its extensive licensing and top Trust Score rating.
| Feature |
City Index
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1983 | 2007 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
For commissions and fees, City Index and Axi land in different spots. City Index earns 4.5 out of 5 stars and ranks #15 of 63 brokers for this category at ForexBrokers.com, while Axi earns 4 out of 5 stars and ranks #44 of 63. City Index’s pricing for CFDs, forex, and spread betting is in line with the industry average, and you’ll generally find the best rates on City Index’s own platforms or MetaTrader. Axi does not publish average spread data, which makes direct, apples-to-apples comparisons harder.
City Index posts an average EUR/USD spread of 0.74 pips (July 2023), which puts it near the industry average but not among the very lowest-cost providers. Active traders may qualify for the Premium Trader account by depositing more than £10,000, unlocking exclusive pricing, events, content, and dedicated support. There are also volume-based rebates: in the U.K., £4 per million for monthly volumes above £25M, scaling to £7.5 per million above £300M; in Australia, AUD $4.5 per million at tier one up to AUD $14.5 per million at tier three.
Axi’s lack of published average spread figures means you’ll need to review its account terms and trading costs directly to gauge where it stands. That said, its 4-star rating and #44 ranking suggest it trails City Index on overall pricing competitiveness in this review set. If transparent spread data and tiered rebates matter to you, City Index has an edge; if you’re considering Axi, check the specific commissions, swaps, and any discounts available for your account type.
| Feature |
City Index
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £100.00 | $0 |
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 1.4 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.74 | N/A |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
City Index vs Axi: When it comes to the range of investments, City Index offers far more choice with 13,500 tradeable symbols compared to Axi’s 175. Both brokers support forex trading as CFDs or spot, with City Index listing 66 currency pairs and Axi 65. Neither broker provides access to exchange-traded U.S. or international shares (non-CFDs).
Both brokers offer copy trading and cryptocurrency trading via CFDs, but neither lets you buy actual crypto. For range of investments, City Index earns 5 stars and ranks #8 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, while Axi is rated 3.5 stars and ranks #57. If you want more market choice, City Index stands out; if you only need core forex and a lean set of CFDs, Axi fits the bill.
| Feature |
City Index
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 13500 | 175 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 66 | 65 |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | No | No |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | No | No |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
City Index and Axi both offer free demo accounts for practice, plus web and Windows desktop platforms, copy trading, and the ability to place trades directly from charts. MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is available at both brokers, while MetaTrader 5 (MT5) isn’t offered. One key difference: City Index also provides its own in-house platform, whereas Axi sticks with third-party options.
When it comes to platform quality and tools, ForexBrokers.com rates City Index at 4.5 stars and Axi at 3.5 stars, with City Index ranked 11th and Axi 64th in the category. If you want an extra, broker-built platform alongside MT4, City Index has the edge. If you’re happy with MT4 plus copy trading and chart trading, either broker can fit the bill.
| Feature |
City Index
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
City Index and Axi both provide mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android, with price alerts and the ability to draw trendlines on charts. The key differences show up in everyday use: City Index syncs watchlists between the app and your online account, while Axi does not, which can matter if you switch between devices or platforms.
For charting, City Index packs in 88 technical studies compared to Axi’s 30, and it auto-saves your chart drawings; Axi lacks auto-save. These feature gaps are reflected in independent reviews: City Index earns 4.5 out of 5 stars and ranks #9 out of 63 brokers for Mobile Trading Apps on ForexBrokers.com, whereas Axi holds 3.5 stars and ranks #60.
| Feature |
City Index
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
City Index vs Axi: For market research, City Index delivers daily market commentary, Trading Central analysis, a trader sentiment tool, and an economic calendar. Both brokers stream forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, or Dow Jones and both show long/short positioning across instruments. Axi does not publish daily commentary, and while it lacks Trading Central, it does include Autochartist for technical pattern ideas; City Index does not offer Autochartist.
City Index does not include TipRanks or Acuity Trading; Axi’s access to TipRanks and Acuity was not specified in the data provided. According to ForexBrokers.com, City Index earns 4.5/5 stars for research and ranks #10 out of 63 brokers, while Axi scores 3/5 stars and ranks #56, making City Index the better choice if you want more in-platform analysis and guidance.
| Feature |
City Index
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | No |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central | Yes | No |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | |
| Acuity Trading | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
City Index vs Axi for beginner education: both brokers run client webinars at least once a month and offer sizable libraries of starter videos, with each providing 10 or more beginner-focused lessons. City Index goes further with at least 10 advanced videos for experienced traders, while Axi doesn’t offer as many advanced topics. That gap shows up in the scores: City Index earns 4.5/5 stars for Education and ranks 9th out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, compared with Axi’s 3/5 stars and 27th place.
If you’re new to trading and want clear, steady learning—webinars, tutorials, and step-by-step videos—both platforms can help you grasp forex and CFD basics. If you plan to grow into more sophisticated strategies within the same learning center, City Index is the stronger choice thanks to its advanced video coverage and higher education rating, while Axi suits beginners who want core lessons and regular live sessions but don’t need as many advanced materials.
| Feature |
City Index
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that City Index is better than Axi. City Index finished with an overall rank of #8, while Axi finished with an overall rank of #49.
Backed by StoneX Group, City Index is a trusted brand known for its versatile trading platforms, excellent mobile app, diverse market research, and extensive range of tradeable markets.
| Feature |
City Index
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Axi
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|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 82 |
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City Index and Axi do not allow buying actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but both brokers offer cryptocurrency CFD trading.
City Index vs Axi: City Index supports ACH/SEPA, PayPal, and bank wire deposits and withdrawals (no Skrill), while Axi does not support ACH/SEPA; other funding methods for Axi and Visa/Mastercard availability for either broker were not specified.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | City Index | Axi | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 82 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | City Index Review |
| Broker Screenshots | City Index | Axi | |
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| Broker Gallery (click to expand) |
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| Regulation | City Index | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 82 | |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 2007 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | City Index | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | |||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | City Index | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | City Index | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 13500 | 175 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 66 | 65 | |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | No | No | |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | No | No | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | City Index | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 1.4 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.74 | N/A | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Order execution: Agency | No | Yes | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | City Index | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £100.00 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | ||
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | ||
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | ||
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | City Index | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No | |
| cTrader | No | No |
| Trading Tools | City Index | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | City Index | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] | |||
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | City Index | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | No | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | ||
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | City Index | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | City Index | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD [DELETED] | |||
| USD/JPY [DELETED] | |||
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF [DELETED] | |||
| USD/CAD [DELETED] | |||
| NZD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| AUD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| Review | City Index Review |
| Overall | City Index | Axi | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 82 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | City Index Review |
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