Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of City Index vs IFC Markets, 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, established in 1983, stands as a highly trusted online broker, boasting a perfect Trust Score of 99 according to ForexBrokers.com. As a publicly traded entity, City Index holds an impressive seven Tier-1 licenses, reinforcing its commitment to stringent regulatory standards and client protection. Additionally, it possesses one Tier-2 license, marking it as a strong contender in the trading world, offering a secure and reliable platform for its users.
In contrast, IFC Markets, founded in 2006, operates with a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 73, placing it in the average risk category. Unlike City Index, IFC Markets is not publicly traded and holds no Tier-1 licenses, which are critical for establishing high trust. While IFC Markets does possess one Tier-2 license, it stands on different footing compared to City Index when it comes to regulatory assurance and trustworthiness in the online trading arena.
| Feature |
City Index
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1983 | 2006 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
Comparing commissions and fees, City Index generally edges out IFC Markets for most forex traders. City Index holds 4.5/5 stars and ranks #15 of 63 in the Commissions and Fees category, while IFC Markets is rated 4/5 stars and ranks #40. On EUR/USD, City Index averages 0.74 pips (about in line with the industry), versus IFC Markets’ standard 1.44 pips (above the 1.08 industry average). IFC’s ECN account narrows the gap to an effective 1.1 pips once you include the 0.005% commission charged on both sides of a trade.
City Index pricing covers CFDs, forex, and spread bets, and you’ll usually get the best rates using its own platforms or MetaTrader. Active traders can qualify for the Premium Trader account with a £10,000+ deposit to unlock exclusive pricing, events, and dedicated support. For high-volume traders, U.K.-based professionals can earn rebates from £4 per million over £25M in monthly volume up to £7.5 per million above £300M, while Australian tiers range from AUD $4.5 to AUD $14.5 per million. Note: while competitive, some specialist brokers still post tighter raw spreads.
IFC Markets’ standard pricing is less competitive, with a typical 1.44-pip EUR/USD spread, but its ECN account offers better value for active traders at roughly 1.1 pips effective after commission. The lack of inactivity fees and the presence of active-trader discounts help offset costs, yet its overall standing for commissions and fees—4/5 stars and #40 of 63—trails City Index.
| Feature |
City Index
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £100.00 | $1 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | 1.44 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.74 | 1.1 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
City Index offers a far wider range of markets than IFC Markets. You can trade about 13,500 instruments at City Index versus 630 at IFC Markets. For currencies, City Index lists 66 forex pairs while IFC Markets has 49. Both brokers let you trade forex as CFDs or spot contracts and both support copy trading. Neither broker lets you buy actual cryptocurrency, but each offers crypto derivatives. For shares, neither offers direct U.S. stocks, and only IFC Markets provides access to some international exchange-traded shares (not CFDs).
According to ForexBrokers.com, City Index earns 5 stars and ranks 8th out of 63 brokers for Range of Investments, while IFC Markets earns 3.5 stars and ranks 44th. If broad market choice is your priority, City Index has the edge; if you need access to international exchange-listed shares (not CFDs), IFC Markets is the one of these two that provides it.
| Feature |
City Index
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 13500 | 630 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 66 | 49 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | 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). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
City Index and IFC Markets both offer free demo (paper) trading, proprietary platforms, and access via web browsers and Windows desktop downloads. Each supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and copy trading, while neither connects with DupliTrade or ZuluTrade. A key difference: IFC Markets also supports MetaTrader 5 (MT5), whereas City Index does not. For trading platforms and tools, ForexBrokers.com rates City Index at 4.5/5 (ranked 11th of 63) and IFC Markets at 4/5 (ranked 37th of 63).
On charting and workflow, both brokers let you trade directly from charts and include technical indicators. City Index lists 239 drawing tools and 11 watch list columns, compared with IFC Markets’ 15 drawing tools and 7 watch list columns. In practice, City Index leans toward deeper chart customization and broader watch list detail, while IFC Markets is appealing if you want MT5 alongside MT4 and a proprietary platform.
| Feature |
City Index
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 239 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
City Index and IFC Markets both check the key boxes for mobile trading. Each offers an iPhone app and an Android app, price alerts, synced watchlists that carry across devices, and real-time quotes. Their charting tools cover the essentials too: you can draw trendlines, switch between multiple time frames (intraday to weekly), and your drawings auto-save so you can pick up where you left off.
The main difference is depth of charting studies. City Index supplies 88 technical indicators, while IFC Markets offers 30. That added toolkit is reflected in third-party scores: City Index is rated 4.5 stars and ranked #9 out of 63 brokers for Mobile Trading Apps by ForexBrokers.com, compared with IFC Markets at 4 stars and ranked #53. If you rely on richer chart analysis, City Index is the stronger fit; if you just need core features to trade on the go, IFC Markets covers the basics well.
| Feature |
City Index
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
City Index vs IFC Markets for market research: both brokers publish daily market commentary, provide sentiment tools that show long/short positioning, and include an economic calendar. City Index stands out by adding premium forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, or Dow Jones, and it offers Trading Central tools for deeper technical and fundamental insights. IFC Markets does not provide top-tier news or Trading Central. Neither broker includes Autochartist, TipRanks, or Acuity Trading tools.
These differences show up in the scores. City Index earns 4.5 out of 5 stars for Research and ranks #10 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. IFC Markets scores 3.5 stars and ranks #41. If top-tier news and Trading Central matter to you, City Index is the stronger pick; if you only need basics like commentary, sentiment, and a calendar, both will cover that.
| Feature |
City Index
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
City Index and IFC Markets both provide a wealth of educational resources perfect for beginners keen on diving into forex and CFDs trading. With more than 10 educational materials such as articles, videos, and webinars dedicated to these subjects, both platforms cater to those seeking foundational knowledge. However, when it comes to online webinars, City Index stands out by offering live sessions at least once a month and providing a searchable archive of past webinars—features not available with IFC Markets. For beginners eager to learn through visual content, both brokers deliver at least 10 beginner-focused videos, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.
City Index goes a step further with advanced videos suitable for experienced traders, matching IFC Markets in offering over 10 such tutorials. Both platforms also feature a dictionary with over 50 investing terms, crucial for anyone new to trading. Yet, in terms of overall educational quality, City Index is highly rated with 4.5 stars and ranks #9 among 63 brokers in the Education category on ForexBrokers.com. IFC Markets, while still commendable, garners a 3.5-star rating and ranks #30. These rankings reflect City Index's superior dedication to educational resources for beginners.
| Feature |
City Index
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
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 IFC Markets. City Index finished with an overall rank of #8, while IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #45.
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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IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 |
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Both City Index and IFC Markets do not offer the ability to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they both provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers, City Index offers greater flexibility in payment options with support for ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, whereas IFC Markets provides options for Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires but lacks ACH, SEPA, and PayPal support, with neither broker offering Skrill.
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 | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | City Index Review |
| Broker Screenshots | City Index | IFC Markets | |
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| Regulation | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 2006 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | ||
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | ||
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | ||
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | |||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | ||
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | ||
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | ||
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | ||
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | ||
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 13500 | 630 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 66 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | 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). |
| Cost | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | 1.44 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.74 | 1.1 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £100.00 | $1 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 239 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | City Index | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | City Index Review |
| Overall | City Index | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | City Index Review |
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