Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of City Index vs FXPrimus, 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.
When comparing City Index and FXPrimus, it's clear that City Index, established in 1983, offers a higher level of trust and security in online trading. It is a publicly traded entity with an exceptional Trust Score of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, indicating it as highly trusted. City Index holds seven Tier-1 licenses, which are the pinnacle of regulatory trust, along with one Tier-2 license, further reinforcing its strong regulatory standing. Despite not being a bank, City Index's financial credibility is strengthened by its public listing and extensive regulation.
On the other hand, FXPrimus, founded in 2009, does not share the same public trading status and holds only a single Tier-1 license. With a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 71, it is categorized as an average risk broker. Notably, FXPrimus lacks both Tier-2 licenses and the backing of a public listing, which are factors potential investors may consider. While both brokers are non-banking institutions, the regulatory contrasts between the two provide insights into their varying levels of investor security and confidence.
| Feature |
City Index
|
FXPrimus
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1983 | 2009 |
| 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 | 1 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of online brokers City Index and FXPrimus, City Index positions itself as an industry average performer offering competitive costs for trading CFDs, forex, and spread-betting products. The broker's proprietary platforms and MetaTrader can provide the best pricing. City Index offers various account options, including a Premium Trader account, which requires a deposit of more than £10,000 and offers benefits like exclusive pricing and dedicated customer service. Its spreads, particularly for the EUR/USD pairing at 0.74 pips, align with average industry standards, though they lag behind top performers like Tickmill and FP Markets.
FXPrimus, on the other hand, does not provide specific average spread data, making it challenging to directly compare the exact cost efficiency against City Index. However, with a slightly lower rating in the commissions and fees category, FXPrimus does offer a competitive environment for traders but ranks lower on the spectrum. This broker may suit those who prioritize simplicity and transparency over premium account features and active trader rebates.
In terms of ratings, City Index receives 4.5 stars out of five for its commissions and fees, ranking it at #14 among 62 brokers reviewed by ForexBrokers.com. FXPrimus garners a respectable 4 stars in the same category but holds a lower ranking of #42. These rankings reflect City Index’s slight edge in cost effectiveness and available features for active traders over FXPrimus.
| Feature |
City Index
|
FXPrimus
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £100.00 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | N/A |
| 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 | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When it comes to the range of investments, City Index stands out with a significantly broader offering compared to FXPrimus. City Index offers access to 13,500 tradeable symbols, including 66 forex pairs available as CFDs or spot contracts. In contrast, FXPrimus provides a more limited selection with 140 tradeable symbols and 42 forex pairs. Neither platform offers exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges, nor the ability to buy actual delivered cryptocurrencies. However, they both allow trading of cryptocurrency derivatives and offer copy trading features to their clients.
City Index's extensive range of offerings has earned it a 5-star rating and an impressive 8th rank out of 62 brokers for investment variety according to ForexBrokers.com. Meanwhile, FXPrimus has a 3.5-star rating and ranks 59th in the same category. Whether you're a casual investor or a seasoned trader, City Index presents a more diverse portfolio for those looking to explore a wide array of investment opportunities compared to FXPrimus.
| Feature |
City Index
|
FXPrimus
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 13500 | 140 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 66 | 42 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| 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). | 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 FXPrimus both offer a range of features in their trading platforms, making online trading an accessible experience for their users. Both brokers provide simulated trading with a free demo account, perfect for beginners looking to practice before engaging in live trading. Each firm has developed its own proprietary platform and supports Windows-based desktop downloads and browser-based trading platforms, ensuring flexibility across devices. Moreover, the popular MetaTrader 4 is available on both platforms, while only FXPrimus extends support to MetaTrader 5. Fans of copy trading will find features geared toward this approach on both platforms.
The comparison between City Index and FXPrimus further highlights some differences in their offerings. City Index excels with 239 drawing tools for charting, providing a more extensive toolkit for technical analysis compared to FXPrimus's 15 tools. Both platforms allow users to trade directly from stock charts, though City Index offers more comprehensive watch lists with 11 customizable fields as opposed to FXPrimus's seven. In terms of user ratings and industry rankings, City Index earns a higher score with 4.5 out of 5 stars and a #10 ranking, compared to FXPrimus's 4-star rating and #49 position. Overall, City Index appears to offer a more versatile and highly rated experience, particularly for those valuing detailed charting and watch list features.
| Feature |
City Index
|
FXPrimus
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 FXPrimus both offer mobile trading apps available on iPhone and Android devices. Both brokers provide users with essential features such as stock or forex price alerts and the ability to create watchlists with real-time quotes. However, a key difference lies in the ability for watchlist syncing; City Index allows for watchlist symbol syncing across devices, whereas FXPrimus does not. This feature ensures that any changes made to the watchlist on City Index's mobile app are reflected in the user's online account, adding a layer of convenience for traders who frequently switch between platforms.
In terms of charting capabilities, City Index holds a significant advantage with 88 technical studies compared to FXPrimus's 30, making it a better choice for traders who rely heavily on technical analysis. Both apps allow users to draw trendlines and view multiple time frames on charts, with auto-saving functionality for chart drawings. When rated by ForexBrokers.com, City Index's mobile app earned 4.5 stars and ranked 9 out of 62 brokers, showcasing a superior user experience. In contrast, FXPrimus received a 4-star rating, ranking at 47. Overall, while both platforms are strong contenders, City Index offers a more comprehensive array of features and better user ratings, particularly appealing to those who prioritize advanced charting tools and seamless device integration.
| Feature |
City Index
|
FXPrimus
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| 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.
Both City Index and FXPrimus provide daily market commentary and an economic calendar, making them strong choices for traders seeking regular updates and global news insights. However, City Index stands out with its partnership with top-tier news sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, offering superior market news. Additionally, City Index provides advanced tools from Trading Central and a sentiment-based trading tool, which are absent in FXPrimus's offerings.
This distinction in available tools is reflected in their ratings and rankings, with City Index earning a higher research rating of 4.5 stars and holding the #10 rank among 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. In comparison, FXPrimus has a 3-star rating and is ranked #58. While both platforms cover basic research needs, City Index is a preferable choice for traders looking for a comprehensive set of research tools and insights.
| Feature |
City Index
|
FXPrimus
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, City Index and FXPrimus both provide a solid array of materials focused on forex and CFDs. Both brokers offer a variety of articles, videos, and archived webinars on these subjects. Customers of each platform can benefit from monthly online educational webinars and have access to a searchable archive of past sessions. However, City Index stands out with a comprehensive collection tailored for beginners, offering over 10 educational videos specifically designed for those new to the world of trading. In contrast, FXPrimus falls short in this area by not meeting the same beginner-focused offerings.
City Index further enhances its educational support with a robust selection of advanced videos for seasoned traders, along with a detailed investor dictionary that explains over 50 trading terms. These features contribute to its higher educational rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, compared to FXPrimus’s 3-star rating. As a result, City Index holds a commendable rank of #9 in the education category among 62 brokers, whereas FXPrimus is positioned much lower at #51. The combination of beginner and advanced resources, along with detailed educational tools, makes City Index a more favorable choice for those looking to expand their trading knowledge.
| Feature |
City Index
|
FXPrimus
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that City Index is better than FXPrimus. City Index finished with an overall rank of #8, while FXPrimus finished with an overall rank of #53.
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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FXPrimus
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 71 |
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Both City Index and FXPrimus provide options for trading cryptocurrency derivatives, though neither offers the opportunity to purchase actual, delivered cryptocurrencies.
City Index supports ACH, SEPA, PayPal, Visa/Mastercard, and bank wire transfers for deposits and withdrawals, whereas FXPrimus offers Skrill, Visa/Mastercard, and bank wire transfers, but not ACH, SEPA, or PayPal.
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 | FXPrimus | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | City Index Review |
| Broker Screenshots | City Index | FXPrimus | |
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| Regulation | City Index | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 71 | |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 2009 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | City Index | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | City Index | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 13500 | 140 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 66 | 42 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| 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). | 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 | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | N/A | |
| 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 | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £100.00 | $100 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | City Index | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | City Index | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | City Index | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | City Index | FXPrimus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | FXPrimus | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | City Index Review |
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