City Index Review 2026
Established in 1983
•
United Kingdom
• FCA Regulated
City Index is a well-established broker with a solid 4.3/5 rating. Regulated by FCA (highest protection tier), this broker offers spreads from 0.8 pips on EUR/USD with a minimum deposit of $100. Trade 13500+ instruments including forex, CFDs, and more.
📊 City Index Overview
City Index (GAIN Capital UK Limited) is a well-established broker founded in 1983 headquartered in London, United Kingdom. The broker operates under the supervision of FCA , one of the world's most respected financial regulators known for strict oversight and investor protection .
With access to 13500+ tradable instruments including 84 forex pairs , 8 cryptocurrencies , 4500 stocks , and various indices, City Index caters to diverse trading strategies.
| Legal Name | GAIN Capital UK Limited |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1983 |
| Headquarters |
London, United Kingdom
|
| Primary Regulation | FCA (Tier 1 - Highest Protection) |
| Instruments | 13500+ assets |
| Min Deposit | $100 |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 |
📖 City Index — In-Depth Introduction
City Index, a veteran broker founded in 1983, has built an impressive track record spanning 43 years of continuous operation. City Index's FCA authorization subjects the broker to rigorous compliance requirements, regular audits, and strict capital adequacy rules—providing peace of mind for safety-conscious traders. City Index focuses on accessibility, requiring just $100 to open a live account—making it suitable for beginners testing the waters.
Company Background
City Index (legally GAIN Capital UK Limited) has been operating in the financial services industry for 43 years. Headquartered in London, United Kingdom, the company has weathered multiple market cycles including the 2008 financial crisis and the 2020 pandemic volatility, demonstrating operational resilience.
The broker provides access to 13500+ tradable instruments.
💸 City Index Fees — Complete Cost Analysis
City Index offers competitive trading costs that will appeal to cost-conscious traders. The 0.8 pip spread on EUR/USD is below the industry average, providing good value. There are no commission fees on City Index's standard accounts. All trading costs are embedded in the spread, making it straightforward to calculate your expenses. Consider this cost analysis: with 0.8 pip spreads, each standard lot trade on EUR/USD costs $8 in spread. An average retail trader making 50 trades monthly would spend approximately $400 on spreads.
Trading Costs Breakdown
💡 Cost Calculator: City Index
Non-Trading Fees
| Fee Type | City Index | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free - $25 |
| Withdrawal Fee | Varies by method | $0 - $50 |
| Inactivity Fee | None | $10-50/month |
Want to compare fees with other brokers?
⚖️ Compare🛡️ Is City Index Safe? — Complete Security Analysis
Safety and fund security are paramount when choosing a broker, and City Index excels in this area with a Trust Score of 92/100. This rating reflects strong regulatory compliance, robust fund protection measures, and a clean operational history. Client funds at City Index are held in segregated accounts at top-tier banks, completely separate from the company's operational funds. This means even in the unlikely event of broker insolvency, your money remains protected and inaccessible to creditors.
Regulatory Framework
City Index is regulated by FCA.
Security Features Checklist
Understanding the Trust Score
Our 92/100 Trust Score is calculated using 15+ safety factors including regulation, company history, financial transparency, and client fund protection.
📋 Methodology👤 Who Should Use City Index?
✅ Best For
- Beginners will appreciate City Index's low $100 minimum deposit, free demo account, and educational resources. The learning curve is manageable, making it suitable for those just starting their trading journey.
- Muslim traders can benefit from City Index's swap-free Islamic accounts, which comply with Sharia principles. No interest is charged on overnight positions.
- Professional traders will appreciate City Index's institutional-grade features: tight spreads, advanced platforms, API access, and high leverage options (where permitted).
❌ May Not Suit
- Those seeking the absolute lowest trading costs.
Looking for alternatives?
📝 The Bottom Line on City Index
City Index is a solid choice for most traders looking for reliability with a 4.3/5 rating.
📈 City Index Detailed Scores
Our expert team evaluates brokers across 8 key categories. Here's how City Index performed in our rigorous testing:
City Index offers a solid trading experience with competitive conditions.
💰 City Index Fees & Spreads
Understanding trading costs is crucial for profitability. City Index uses a Variable spread model with no commission on standard accounts. The average EUR/USD spread is 0.8 pips — competitive compared to industry average.
📊 Typical Spreads
| Pair | Min | Average |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD | 0.5 | 0.8 pips |
| GBP/USD | 0.8 | 1.2 pips |
| USD/JPY | 0.6 | 1.0 pips |
| XAU/USD | 15 | 25 cents |
💳 Other Fees
| Commission (ECN) | No commission |
| Deposit Fee | Free |
| Withdrawal Fee | Free (method dependent) |
| Inactivity Fee | None |
| Swap-Free (Islamic) | ✓ Available |
💡 Trading Cost Example
Trading 1 standard lot (100,000 units) of EUR/USD with City Index:
- Spread Cost: 0.8 pips × $10/pip = $8.0
- Commission: $0
- Total Cost: $8.0 per lot
🛡️ City Index Regulation & Safety
City Index is regulated by FCA, a Tier 1 - Highest Protection regulatory authority. This means the broker must adhere to the strictest financial regulations, including capital requirements, regular audits, and mandatory investor protection schemes.
📜 Regulatory Licenses
- FCA 113942
- ASIC 345646
- MAS
🔒 Safety Features
- ✓ Segregated Client Funds
- ✓ Negative Balance Protection
- ✗ Investor Compensation
- — Publicly Traded
🎯 Trust Score: 92/100
High Trust: City Index has demonstrated excellent regulatory compliance and safety standards.
🖥️ City Index Trading Platforms
City Index offers 3 trading platforms, giving traders flexibility in how they access the markets. Mobile apps are also available for iOS and Android.
MetaTrader 4
The world's most popular forex platform. Ideal for beginners and algo traders with Expert Advisor support.
- ✓ Expert Advisors (EAs)
- ✓ Custom Indicators
- ✓ One-Click Trading
- ✓ Mobile & Desktop
City Index Platform
City Index's custom-built trading platform designed specifically for their clients.
- ✓ Custom Features
- ✓ Integrated Tools
- ✓ Web-Based
- ✓ Mobile App
📋 Platform Comparison
| Feature | MT4 | MT5 | cTrader | City Index Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Available | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy Trading | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Algo Trading | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| VPS Available | Not offered | |||
| API Access | Not available | |||
🌐 City Index Tradable Instruments
City Index offers access to 13500+ tradable instruments across multiple asset classes. This includes 84 forex pairs , 8 cryptocurrencies , and 4500 global stocks.
👤 City Index Account Types
City Index offers various account types to suit different trading needs and experience levels. Demo accounts are available for practice. Swap-free Islamic accounts are also available for Muslim traders.
Practice with virtual funds
Compliant with Sharia law
Not available
Not available
Not available
💳 City Index Deposits & Withdrawals
City Index requires a minimum deposit of $100 — one of the most accessible in the industry.
📥 Deposit Methods
- 💳Credit/Debit Cards
- 🏦Bank Wire Transfer
- 📱E-Wallets (Skrill, Neteller)
📤 Withdrawal Methods
- 💳Credit/Debit Cards
- 🏦Bank Wire Transfer
- 📱E-Wallets
⚖️ City Index Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Competitive spreads with average 0.8 pips on EUR/USD
- Top-tier FCA regulation ensures high safety standards
- Free demo account available for practice
- Low minimum deposit of just $100 makes it accessible
- Negative balance protection for retail traders
- Swap-free Islamic accounts available
❌ Cons
- No copy trading feature
- Limited educational resources for advanced traders
📚 City Index Education & Research
City Index's educational offerings are limited compared to some competitors.
Limited
Not available
Basic coverage
Available on trading platforms
🎧 City Index Customer Support
City Index offers customer support to assist traders with their queries.
⭐ City Index User Reviews
📝 User reviews will be displayed here. Share your experience with City Index!
Write a Review🏆 City Index — Our Verdict
City Index is a solid choice for most traders. With FCA regulation, 0.8 pips EUR/USD spreads, and a $100 minimum deposit, this broker is particularly accessible for beginners .
Best for: Safety-focused traders , Beginners with limited capital
⚠️ Risk Warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. Consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford the high risk of losing your money.
❓ City Index — Frequently Asked Questions
Is City Index a safe and regulated broker?
Yes, City Index is regulated by FCA, which is a Tier 1 - Highest Protection regulatory authority. The broker also holds licenses from 2 additional regulators. Client funds are kept in segregated accounts with negative balance protection.
What is the minimum deposit at City Index?
The minimum deposit at City Index is $100. This is considered low and accessible for beginners.
What trading platforms does City Index offer?
City Index offers the following trading platforms:
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4) — The most popular forex trading platform
- City Index Platform — Custom-built trading solution
- Web Platform — Trade directly from your browser
- Mobile Apps — Available for iOS and Android
What are City Index's spreads on EUR/USD?
City Index offers EUR/USD spreads from 0.5 pips with an average of 0.8 pips. The broker uses Variable spreads.
How long do withdrawals take at City Index?
Withdrawal processing times at City Index depend on the payment method:
- E-wallets: 0-24 hours
- Credit/Debit Cards: 2-5 business days
- Bank Transfers: 3-7 business days
Does City Index offer a demo account?
Yes, City Index offers free demo accounts with virtual funds so you can practice trading without risking real money. This is an excellent way to test the platform and develop your trading strategy.
What is City Index's maximum leverage?
City Index offers maximum leverage of 1:30. However, note that leverage limits vary by region due to regulatory requirements:
- EU/UK/Australia: Up to 1:30 for major forex pairs (retail)
- Professional traders: Higher leverage may be available upon qualification
- Other jurisdictions: Leverage up to 1:30 may be available
Higher leverage increases both potential profits and potential losses.
Can I use City Index in ?
City Index accepts traders from . The broker operates under FCA regulation. Always verify current availability and applicable regulations on the broker's website.
Does City Index offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts?
Yes, City Index offers Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law. These accounts do not incur swap charges for positions held overnight. Contact City Index's support to request an Islamic account.
What instruments can I trade with City Index?
City Index offers access to 13500+ tradable instruments:
- 84 Forex currency pairs
- 8 Cryptocurrencies
- 4500 Stock CFDs
- 21 Index CFDs
- 18 Commodities
