CI
City Index
4.1 / 5Score: 3 / 4
Four decades of regulatory pedigree meets multi-asset trading power with MT4 support.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:200
- Spread from
- 0.5 pips
- Regulators
- FCA, ASIC, MAS
Reviewed by Experts Updated 10/3/2026
City Index vs EasyEquities: Which Broker Wins in 2026?
City Index and EasyEquities serve very different types of investors, yet both claim a spot on many traders' shortlists. Our research puts City Index ahead overall with a 4.1/5 rating against EasyEquities's 3.2/5, largely on the back of regulation and platform depth. But EasyEquities still has a card to play on raw spread cost.
E
EasyEquities
3.2 / 5Score: 1 / 4
A straightforward, low-cost gateway into stocks, ETFs, and crypto for cost-conscious long-term investors.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:1
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- FSCA
Overall Winner
City Index
Best for Beginners
City Index
Lowest Fees
EasyEquities
Top Regulation
City Index
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | CI City Index | E EasyEquities |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 4.1 / 5 | 3.2 / 5 |
| Founded | 1983 | 2014 |
| Headquarters | London, UK | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Regulation | FCA, ASIC, MAS | FSCA |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | None | $0.25/lot |
| Max Leverage | 1:200 | 1:1 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4 | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
| Markets Offered | Cfd, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities | Stocks, Etf, Crypto |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
City Index
$0
EasyEquities
$0
Spreads From
City Index
0.5 pips
EasyEquities
0 pips
Commission
City Index
None
EasyEquities
$0.25/lot
Deposit Fees
City Index
None
EasyEquities
None
Withdrawal Fees
City Index
None
EasyEquities
None
Pros & cons
CI
City Index
Pros
- Backed by three tier-1 regulators for stronger client protection
- No commission charged on trades
- Higher leverage ceiling for active traders
- Broader market coverage across five asset classes
- MT4 compatibility opens up automated and algo trading
- Long operating history dating back to 1983
- Higher overall rating on our independent scoring system
Cons
- Spreads start at 0.5 pips, wider than EasyEquities's headline rate
- 1:200 leverage may be excessive risk for inexperienced traders
- No cryptocurrency market access
- Platform complexity may feel overwhelming for total beginners
E
EasyEquities
Pros
- Tighter headline spreads starting from 0 pips
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
- Simple, beginner-friendly platform design
- Access to crypto alongside traditional equities
- Zero minimum deposit lowers the barrier to entry
Cons
- Regulated only by the FSCA, a single regional authority
- No MT4 or advanced charting platform support
- Maximum leverage capped at 1:1, unsuitable for leveraged strategies
- Charges $0.25 per lot commission on trades
- Limited market range compared to multi-asset competitors
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Overall winner City Index
Lowest fees EasyEquities
Best regulation City Index
Better for beginners City Index
City Index is our recommended pick overall, scoring 4.1/5 versus EasyEquities's 3.2/5 on our independent rating system. City Index's edge comes from holding three tier-1 regulatory licences (FCA, ASIC, MAS), broader market access including forex and CFDs, and support for MT4 alongside its proprietary platforms. EasyEquities does claw back ground on pricing, with spreads from 0 pips versus City Index's 0.5 pips, making it worth a look for cost-conscious equity and ETF investors. However, for traders who want multi-asset access, stronger oversight, and a more mature platform ecosystem, City Index is the stronger all-round package.
Regulation & Safety
Regulatory strength is one of the widest gaps between these two brokers. City Index is regulated by the FCA in the UK, ASIC in Australia, and MAS in Singapore — three tier-1 financial authorities known for strict capital adequacy and client fund segregation rules.
EasyEquities, by comparison, is regulated solely by the FSCA in South Africa. While the FSCA is a credible regional regulator, it doesn't carry the same global weight or enforcement track record as the FCA or ASIC.
For traders who prioritize deposit protection and cross-border legal recourse, City Index's multi-jurisdictional oversight is a meaningful advantage. EasyEquities may still suit traders comfortable operating primarily within the South African regulatory framework.
Fees & Spreads
EasyEquities technically wins on headline pricing, advertising spreads from 0 pips compared to City Index's 0.5 pips. However, EasyEquities charges a $0.25 per lot commission, while City Index charges no per-trade commission at all.
Neither broker imposes deposit or withdrawal fees, which is a welcome point of parity for cost-sensitive traders on both sides.
When you factor in the commission structure, City Index's all-in cost on CFD and forex trades can actually be more competitive for active traders, despite the wider quoted spread. EasyEquities's pricing model favors buy-and-hold equity investors making fewer, larger trades.
Trading Platforms & Tools
City Index offers a more complete platform stack: Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, and MT4 support. The inclusion of MT4 is significant for algorithmic traders, EA users, and anyone wanting access to a global library of custom indicators.
EasyEquities keeps things simpler with just its Proprietary Web and Proprietary Mobile apps. These are well-designed for straightforward stock and ETF investing but lack the automation and charting depth serious forex or CFD traders typically expect.
For traders who value platform flexibility and third-party tool compatibility, City Index is the clear winner here.
Market Access & Leverage
City Index provides access to CFDs, forex, stocks, indices, and commodities, with leverage up to 1:200. This breadth makes it suitable for diversified multi-asset strategies and short-term speculative trading.
EasyEquities focuses narrowly on stocks, ETFs, and crypto, with maximum leverage capped at 1:1 — effectively a cash account model with no leveraged trading.
This difference reflects two fundamentally different business models: City Index is built for active traders wanting leveraged exposure across markets, while EasyEquities is designed for long-term investors who want simple, unleveraged ownership of shares and funds.
Account Setup & Accessibility
Both brokers offer a $0 minimum deposit, making either accessible to traders with limited starting capital.
City Index was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in London, giving it over four decades of operating history and institutional credibility. EasyEquities, founded in 2014 and based in Johannesburg, is a newer entrant with a strong regional footprint in South Africa.
New traders wanting a globally recognized brand with a long track record may lean toward City Index, while EasyEquities appeals to those wanting a modern, retail-focused investing app.
Our Verdict
City Index earns our recommendation as the stronger overall broker, scoring 4.1/5 against EasyEquities's 3.2/5. Its combination of tier-1 regulation, multi-asset market access, and MT4 support makes it the more versatile choice for the majority of traders.
EasyEquities remains a legitimate option for cost-conscious equity and ETF investors who value tight spreads and don't need leveraged trading or advanced platform tools.
Ultimately, your choice should hinge on trading style: active multi-asset traders should choose City Index, while simple long-term stock investors in South Africa may find EasyEquities perfectly adequate.
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
City Index wins overall
City Index edges out EasyEquities overall based on our expert rating score.
CI
Highest Rated
City Index
4.1 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (4.1/5).
City IndexBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
City IndexLower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
EasyEquitiesStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
City Index
Frequently asked questions
City Index comes out ahead on our independent rating system, scoring 4.1/5 compared to EasyEquities's 3.2/5. The gap is driven mainly by City Index's stronger regulatory backing and broader market access. That said, your ideal choice still depends on whether you prioritize multi-asset leveraged trading or simple, low-cost equity investing.
EasyEquities advertises tighter headline spreads starting from 0 pips versus City Index's 0.5 pips, but it also charges a $0.25 per lot commission. City Index charges no commission at all, so the real all-in cost often evens out or favors City Index for active traders.
Both City Index and EasyEquities require a $0 minimum deposit, meaning either platform is accessible to traders starting with minimal capital. Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees on top of this.
City Index is the safer option from a regulatory standpoint, holding licences from the FCA, ASIC, and MAS — three respected tier-1 authorities. EasyEquities is regulated solely by South Africa's FSCA, which offers credible but comparatively narrower regional oversight.
City Index supports its own Proprietary Web and Mobile platforms plus full MT4 integration, giving traders access to automated strategies and custom indicators. EasyEquities offers only its Proprietary Web and Mobile apps, which are simpler but lack MT4-level flexibility.
Yes, nothing prevents you from holding accounts at both brokers simultaneously. Many traders actually split capital between a multi-asset leveraged broker like City Index and a simpler equity platform like EasyEquities to diversify their trading approach.
City Index provides broader market coverage, including CFDs, forex, stocks, indices, and commodities. EasyEquities focuses more narrowly on stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrency, making it better suited to long-term investors rather than active multi-market traders.
City Index offers leverage up to 1:200, appealing to traders who want amplified exposure on CFD and forex positions. EasyEquities caps leverage at 1:1, effectively operating as a cash account model with no leveraged trading available.
City Index is generally rated as the stronger option for beginners on our scoring system, thanks to its established brand history and educational resources. However, EasyEquities's simpler interface and zero-commission-style entry point can also appeal to first-time investors who only want basic stock and ETF exposure.
Risk warning: Trading CFDs and forex involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.