Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of City Index vs Trading 212, 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 Trading 212 are two popular online brokers with distinct features and regulatory standings. Established in 1983, City Index has the advantage of being publicly traded and holds 7 Tier-1 licenses, indicating high trustworthiness. It also holds a Tier-2 license, adding to its credibility. With a perfect Trust Score of 99 out of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, City Index is considered highly reliable, attracting traders seeking a safe trading platform.
In contrast, Trading 212, founded in 2004, operates without being publicly listed on a stock exchange. It holds 2 Tier-1 licenses but does not have any Tier-2 licenses. With a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 79, Trading 212 falls into the average risk category. While it may appeal to some traders, its regulatory framework is not as extensive as City Index, which could be a consideration for users prioritizing trust and security in their trading activities.
| Feature |
City Index
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1983 | 2004 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
City Index and Trading 212 offer distinct commissions and fees structures for those engaging in trading. City Index provides competitive pricing for CFDs, forex, and spread-betting products, aligning with the industry average. For optimal rates, traders are encouraged to use City Index’s proprietary platforms or MetaTrader. The firm offers a Premium Trader account for active traders depositing over £10,000, granting exclusive access to pricing benefits, events, and dedicated customer support. Notably, City Index has an average spread of 0.74 pips for the EUR/USD, which is consistent with industry norms but falls short compared to top forex brokers like Tickmill and FP Markets. Additionally, City Index offers rebates for high-volume traders, ranging from £4 to £7.5 per million in the U.K., and AUD $4.5 to AUD $14.5 per million in Australia. City Index is rated 4.5 stars and holds the #14 spot out of 62 brokers in the ForexBrokers.com rankings.
In contrast, Trading 212 markets itself with zero-commission trading, though traders need to account for potential costs associated with trading spreads, especially when dealing with CFDs and forex. The minimum deposit for its CFD account is just 10 euros. While Trading 212 has started publishing average spread data to aid transparency, their EUR/USD spread was 1.9 pips as of January 2024, notably higher than the industry average. This places Trading 212 at a disadvantage relative to the best brokers in the CFD and forex categories. Despite these shortcomings, Trading 212 is rated 4 stars, securing the #43 spot in the ForexBrokers.com rankings.
Ultimately, both City Index and Trading 212 present unique advantages and drawbacks. City Index stands out for its robust rebate programs and slightly better star rating and ranking. On the other hand, Trading 212’s zero-commission claim and low deposit requirement may be enticing for beginner traders. Prospective traders should consider their specific trading needs and evaluate which platform offers the best overall value for their investment strategies.
| Feature |
City Index
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £100.00 | €10 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | 1.9 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.74 | 1.9 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | Yes |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| 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 and Trading 212 both provide forex trading as CFDs, offering a dynamic space for forex enthusiasts. While City Index boasts an impressive array of 13,500 tradeable symbols, Trading 212 offers 8,025 symbols. City Index provides 66 forex pairs compared to Trading 212's broader selection of 146. When it comes to buying stocks directly from U.S. and international exchanges, Trading 212 takes the lead, allowing users to invest in companies like Apple and Vodafone, a feature not available with City Index.
In terms of additional features, City Index includes copy trading options, while Trading 212 focuses on direct investment opportunities. Both platforms do not offer the option to buy actual cryptocurrencies but support cryptocurrency derivatives. Despite their differences, both platforms are rated five stars for their range of investments, with City Index ranked #8 and Trading 212 ranked #15 by ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
City Index
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 13500 | 8025 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 66 | 146 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| 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 trading platforms and tools between City Index and Trading 212, both brokers offer a comprehensive range of features tailored for traders. City Index stands out with its in-house developed platform, available as a Windows-desktop application alongside a web-based option, which offers a robust environment for trading. In contrast, Trading 212, while also featuring a proprietary platform for web-based use, does not provide a desktop download option. Both brokers support simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts, enabling users to practice before investing real money. City Index takes the upper hand with advanced features like copy trading and integration with MetaTrader 4, while Trading 212 doesn't support these options.
For charting enthusiasts, City Index impresses with an extensive array of 239 drawing tools, significantly surpassing Trading 212's offering of 20. Both platforms allow direct trading from stock charts, ensuring a seamless trading experience. When it comes to customization, City Index's watch list options are more comprehensive, offering 11 fields compared to Trading 212's 5. Overall, City Index earns a higher user rating of 4.5 stars, compared to Trading 212's 4 stars, and ranks 10th out of 62 brokers for their trading platforms and tools, while Trading 212 ranks 21st. This suggests that City Index may offer a more sophisticated and user-friendly experience for traders seeking a wider range of tools and features.
| Feature |
City Index
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 54 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 239 | 20 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 5 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When it comes to mobile trading apps, both City Index and Trading 212 offer comprehensive features for iPhone and Android users. They provide stock and forex price alerts, sync watchlist symbols across devices, and allow users to draw trendlines on charts. Additionally, these apps support multiple time frames like daily, weekly, or intraday to suit different trading strategies. While City Index offers 88 technical studies for charting, Trading 212 surpasses this with 104 options, providing a bit more flexibility for technical analysis enthusiasts. Both platforms also ensure that your drawings are auto-saved, so you never lose track of your important insights.
For real-time trading, you can create watchlists with up-to-the-minute quotes on both apps, ensuring you stay abreast of market movements. City Index's mobile app has been highly rated, earning 4.5 stars and securing the 9th spot out of 62 brokers as per ForexBrokers.com. Trading 212, although slightly trailing with 4 stars, still offers a solid mobile trading experience and ranks 17th in the same category. Whether you prioritize a higher number of technical studies or app ratings and rankings, both apps provide modern tools that cater well to the needs of mobile traders.
| Feature |
City Index
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | 104 |
| 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.
When comparing City Index and Trading 212 for market research offerings, several distinctions become apparent. City Index stands out with its provision of daily market commentary, a feature absent in Trading 212. Additionally, City Index sources forex news from top-tier providers like Bloomberg and Reuters, matching Trading 212 in this aspect. However, City Index gains an edge by incorporating tools from Trading Central, aiding users in technical analysis and fundamental research, whereas Trading 212 does not offer these resources. Both brokers provide sentiment-based trading tools and economic calendars, keeping traders informed of market trends and upcoming global news events.
Evaluating their overall research quality, City Index is rated higher with 4.5 stars compared to Trading 212's 3.5 stars. This difference is reflected in their rankings on ForexBrokers.com, where City Index ranks #10 out of 62 brokers for research, while Trading 212 falls behind at #46. While neither platform offers research tools from Autochartist, TipRanks, or Acuity Trading, City Index's strengths in daily commentary and exclusive analytical tools position it as a more comprehensive option for traders seeking in-depth market insights.
| Feature |
City Index
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| 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.
When comparing the educational resources available for beginners, both City Index and Trading 212 provide a wealth of learning materials tailored to those new to trading forex or CFDs. Both brokers offer at least 10 educational pieces, including articles, videos, and archived webinars. Additionally, each platform hosts monthly online client webinars and maintains a searchable archive of past webinars for easy access. Beginners can benefit from a minimum of 10 dedicated educational videos on each platform, helping them gain confidence and knowledge in trading practices.
For those who wish to deepen their understanding, both City Index and Trading 212 also feature at least 10 advanced educational videos aimed at more experienced traders. Investors can look up terms easily with the investor dictionary, which includes over 50 definitions on both platforms. However, City Index holds a slight edge, earning a rating of 4.5 stars for its educational offerings compared to Trading 212’s 3.5 stars. Furthermore, City Index ranks 9th in the education category according to ForexBrokers.com, while Trading 212 is positioned at 20th. This makes City Index a slightly more comprehensive choice for those prioritizing educational support in their trading journey.
| Feature |
City Index
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| 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 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that City Index is better than Trading 212. City Index finished with an overall rank of #8, while Trading 212 finished with an overall rank of #31.
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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Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 79 |
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Both City Index and Trading 212 do not provide the option to purchase actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but they do offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both City Index and Trading 212 provide versatile funding options, allowing deposits and withdrawals via ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires, but neither supports Skrill transactions.
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 | Trading 212 | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 79 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | City Index Review | Trading 212 Review |
| Broker Screenshots | City Index | Trading 212 | |
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| Regulation | City Index | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 79 | |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 2004 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | City Index | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | City Index | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 13500 | 8025 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 66 | 146 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| 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 | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | 1.9 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.74 | 1.9 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | City Index | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £100.00 | €10 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | City Index | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 5 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 54 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 239 | 20 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | City Index | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 104 | |
| 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 | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | City Index | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | City Index | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Trading 212 Review |
| Overall | City Index | Trading 212 | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 79 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | City Index Review | Trading 212 Review |
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