Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of City Index vs Spreadex, 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, has cemented its reputation as a highly trusted online broker, largely due to its impressive collection of 7 Tier-1 licenses and 1 Tier-2 license. These licenses indicate a high level of regulatory safety and credibility. As a publicly traded company, City Index achieves a stunning Trust Score of 99 out of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, making it a top choice for traders seeking assurance and reliability.
Conversely, Spreadex, founded in 1999, operates privately and holds 1 Tier-1 license without any Tier-2 licenses, which suggests a moderate level of regulatory trust. With a Trust Score of 71, it falls within the average risk category according to ForexBrokers.com. Both City Index and Spreadex are not banks, offering specialized financial services to their clientele. While Spreadex provides a competitive option, particularly for those comfortable with a moderate risk level, City Index stands out for those prioritizing maximum trust and security in their online trading experiences.
| Feature |
City Index
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1983 | 1999 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
City Index and Spreadex are two online brokers with distinct offerings in terms of commissions and fees. City Index provides pricing for CFDs, forex, and spread-betting products that align with the industry average. Their average spread for the EUR/USD stands at 0.74 pips as of July 2023. The broker offers an advantageous Premium Trader account for those depositing over £10,000, giving access to exclusive pricing and services. Active traders in the UK can receive rebates starting at £4 per million for monthly trades exceeding £25 million, with more significant discounts available for higher volumes. As a result, City Index earns a 4.5-star rating and ranks #14 out of 63 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category according to ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, Spreadex presents a slightly higher average spread for EUR/USD at 0.81 pips, although they achieve a minimum spread of 0.6 pips 60% of the time. While not leading in competitive pricing, Spreadex still offers a satisfactory service for those looking for a straightforward trading experience. Spreadex receives a 4-star rating and ranks #27 in commissions and fees among 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com.
In summary, both City Index and Spreadex provide reasonable pricing structures, though City Index may offer better incentives for active traders aiming for larger volumes with their Premium Trader account and rebate options. Spreadex maintains a consistent pricing strategy with its average spreads, catering well to traders who value predictability over premium features.
| Feature |
City Index
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £100.00 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | 0.81 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.74 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| 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.
When comparing the range of investments offered by City Index and Spreadex, both platforms provide compelling options for traders. City Index edges ahead with a higher count of tradeable symbols, offering 13,500 compared to Spreadex’s 10,000. Forex enthusiasts will find a slightly greater selection with City Index, which lists 66 forex pairs against Spreadex's 52. Both platforms support forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts, ensuring traders can engage in currency trading with flexibility. However, neither broker facilitates the purchase of exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges, like Apple or Vodafone shares. For cryptocurrency fans, both brokers offer trading in cryptocurrency derivatives rather than actual coins, allowing investment in digital currencies without owning them directly.
Despite these differences, both City Index and Spreadex earn a perfect five-star rating for their range of investments, offering diverse opportunities that meet high standards in the industry. While City Index is ranked slightly higher at eighth place overall compared to Spreadex's thirteenth position, traders' preferences will ultimately depend on specific needs such as the ability to engage in copy trading, which is available with City Index but not with Spreadex.
| Feature |
City Index
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 13500 | 10000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 66 | 52 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| 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). | 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.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools offered by City Index and Spreadex, several key differences stand out. Both brokers provide access to proprietary trading platforms and offer free virtual demo accounts, which are essential for practicing trading strategies without financial risk. City Index, however, extends its platform options by offering a Windows-based desktop download, which Spreadex lacks. In addition, City Index supports the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, known for its extensive range of trading features, whereas Spreadex does not provide MT4 support. While both brokers offer web-based platforms for convenience, only City Index supports copy trading, expanding its appeal to traders interested in this feature.
When diving into charting capabilities, City Index pulls ahead with 239 drawing tools, compared to just 11 available on Spreadex. Both brokers allow trading directly from stock charts, enhancing the trading experience. Regarding watchlists, City Index offers a more extensive range with 11 columns for customization, while Spreadex provides 8. These tools collectively contribute to City Index's higher rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars for trading platforms and tools, compared to Spreadex's 4 stars. Ranked by ForexBrokers.com, City Index holds the 11th spot out of 63 brokers, showcasing its strong presence, while Spreadex is ranked 46th in the same category.
| Feature |
City Index
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 58 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 239 | 11 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 8 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of City Index and Spreadex, both platforms offer iPhone and Android apps, along with stock and forex price alerts. However, City Index distinguishes itself with features like watchlist symbol syncing, allowing traders to maintain updated lists across devices seamlessly—a feature not available with Spreadex. Furthermore, City Index provides an impressive 88 technical studies for its charting tools, whereas Spreadex does not specify its offerings in this area. Additionally, while both apps allow trendline drawing and viewing of various time frames, only City Index automatically saves chart drawings, enhancing user convenience.
Both apps support creating watchlists with real-time quotes, accommodating active traders' needs. City Index's mobile app earned a commendable 4.5-star rating, surpassing Spreadex's 4-star rating. On a broader industry scale at ForexBrokers.com, City Index holds the #9 spot out of 63 brokers in the Mobile Trading Apps category, while Spreadex ranks at #46. These evaluations highlight City Index's stronger appeal to traders looking for advanced mobile features and a seamless trading experience on the go.
| Feature |
City Index
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | N/A |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
City Index and Spreadex both provide valuable daily market commentary and access to top-tier forex news from reliable sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. While both platforms offer a sentiment-based trading tool, City Index stands out with its integration of Trading Central, providing technical analytics that Spreadex lacks. Conversely, Spreadex offers tools from Autochartist, which City Index does not. Both brokers provide an economic calendar for users to monitor global news events, but neither offers market research from TipRanks or tools from Acuity Trading.
In terms of ratings and rankings, City Index is rated higher with 4.5 stars for Research and holds the 10th position out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. Spreadex, on the other hand, earns a 4-star rating and ranks 31st. This suggests that while both brokers are strong in providing research resources, City Index edges ahead with a broader range of technical analysis tools and higher industry recognition.
| Feature |
City Index
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| 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 Spreadex both offer a range of educational resources to help beginners grasp the fundamentals of forex and CFDs, with more than 10 articles, videos, and archived webinars available from each broker. However, City Index stands out by hosting monthly live webinars, which Spreadex does not offer. Furthermore, City Index provides a comprehensive, searchable archive of past webinars, allowing learners to access valuable sessions at their convenience. When it comes to videos, both platforms present a solid collection tailored to beginners, though City Index goes a step further by also offering more than 10 advanced videos designed for experienced traders.
On the support side, both brokers include investor dictionaries with definitions for over 50 investing terms, aiding beginners in understanding industry jargon. However, City Index's robust educational offerings earn it a higher rating of 4.5 stars compared to Spreadex's 4 stars. In the Education category, City Index is ranked 9th out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, significantly ahead of Spreadex, which is ranked 45th. For beginners looking for comprehensive educational tools and ongoing learning opportunities, City Index clearly holds the edge.
| Feature |
City Index
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No |
| 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 Spreadex. City Index finished with an overall rank of #8, while Spreadex finished with an overall rank of #39.
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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Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 71 |
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Both City Index and Spreadex do not offer the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but they do provide options to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
City Index provides a more versatile range of deposit and withdrawal options than Spreadex, with support for ACH or SEPA transfers and PayPal, alongside Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, while Spreadex only supports Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires.
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 | Spreadex | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | City Index Review | Spreadex Review |
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| Regulation | City Index | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 71 | |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 1999 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | City Index | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| 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 | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | City Index | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 13500 | 10000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 66 | 52 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| 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). | 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 | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | 0.81 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.74 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | City Index | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £100.00 | $0 | |
| 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 | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | City Index | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 8 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 58 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 239 | 11 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | City Index | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | N/A | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | City Index | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | City Index | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | City Index | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Spreadex Review |
| Overall | City Index | Spreadex | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | City Index Review | Spreadex Review |
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