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Broker Comparison

Alpaca Trading vs City Index

Compare Alpaca Trading and City Index side by side: fees, regulation, platforms.

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

API-driven and algorithmic traders

Alpaca Trading is a US API-first broker offering commission-free stocks, ETFs, options and crypto trading wit…

VS
City Index

City Index

Active CFD and spread betting traders

City Index is a UK-founded spread betting and CFD broker offering 13,500+ markets across forex, indices, shar…

Head-to-head comparison

Alpaca Trading vs City Index
Feature Alpaca Trading City Index
Minimum deposit - -
Stock trading fee Commission: Free for self-directed retail API accounts; SEC fee and FINRA TAF pass-through on sell transactions -
Regulators FINRA, SIPC, FinCEN FCA, ASIC, CySEC, MAS
Best for API-driven and algorithmic traders Active CFD and spread betting traders
Markets & account
Stocks
-
ETFs
-
Forex
-
CFDs
-
Crypto
-
Bonds
-
Options
Futures
-
Fractional Shares
-
Margin
Demo Account
Spread Betting
-

Pros & cons

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

Pros

  • Commission-free stocks, ETFs and options for self-directed retail API accounts
  • Paper trading environment available at no cost
  • Fractional shares supported
  • 24/5 extended trading hours on 100+ US stocks
  • Multi-leg options strategies supported
  • FINRA/SIPC member with up to $500,000 SIPC protection
  • Margin available at 4x intraday and 2x overnight
  • Securities lending program with potential income for shareholders

Cons

  • Platform is primarily API-driven; web and mobile apps are available but offer fewer features than conventional retail brokerage interfaces
  • Crypto accounts are not protected by FDIC or SIPC
  • Domestic wire withdrawals cost $25; international wires cost $50
  • Outbound ACATS transfer costs $100
  • Not suited for investors who prefer a full-featured retail brokerage app
  • Commission-free status may not apply to accounts opened through business partners
City Index

City Index

Pros

  • Regulated by FCA, ASIC, CySEC and MAS
  • FSCS investor protection for UK clients
  • No account opening, deposit or standard withdrawal fees
  • 13,500+ tradeable markets including forex, indices, shares and commodities
  • Spread betting is tax-free for UK residents
  • TradingView integration with direct trade execution
  • Free demo account with £10,000 virtual funds
  • Negative balance protection for retail clients

Cons

  • Inactivity fee of £12 per month after 12 months
  • Stock CFD commissions apply on every trade
  • Demo account expires after 12 weeks
  • Crypto CFDs unavailable to UK retail clients under FCA rules
  • No MetaTrader 5 support for most regions
  • No copy trading or social investing features
  • No passive investment options such as ready-made portfolios
Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading is a US API-first broker offering commission-free stocks, ETFs, options and crypto trading with a paper trading environment and margin accounts.

Visit Alpaca Trading Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

City Index

City Index

City Index is a UK-founded spread betting and CFD broker offering 13,500+ markets across forex, indices, shares, commodities and options, regulated by the FCA, ASIC, CySEC and MAS.

Visit City Index Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

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