FAQs hero

Opening an account FAQs

Discover everything you need to know about creating a trading account with our City Index FAQs. Learn how to apply for a CFD account, how long the process takes, how soon after creating a trading account you can begin trading, and more.
Opening an account
Opening an account
  1. How do I apply for an account?
  2. Do I need trading experience to open an account?
  3. Do I need a lot of money to open an account?
  4. How long will it take to open an account?
  5. Can I apply from outside Australia?
  6. Will I need to send in any additional documentation to open an account?
  7. How soon can I trade after opening an account?
  8. Can I re-activate my old City Index account?
  9. Can I open a joint account?
  10. Can I open a corporate account?
  11. Are City Index accounts FIFO or non-FIFO?
  12. How do I contact someone about the status of my new account?

How do I apply for an account?

Applying for a CFD trading account is quick and easy. You can apply in a matter of minutes by completing our simple and secure online application form.

As a regulated broker in Australia, we are required to ensure that our products are suitable for applicants. We will ask you questions about:

  • Your personal details
  • Your financial status
  • Your trading experience

It is important that you answer the questions accurately as it may impact your ability to create a CFD trading account.

Do I need trading experience to open an account?

It is important that you understand the risks involved in trading before you create a CFD trading account. We strongly encourage new traders to practise trading using a demo trading account and educate themselves on how to minimise trading risk using the education tools available on this website.

As part of our suitability criteria, you will have to complete a short questionnaire in order to ensure that our products are suitable for you.

Do I need a lot of money to open an account?

Your application will be considered based on your individual circumstances; these include both income and savings. There is a $150 minimum deposit to create a CFD trading account.

How long will it take to open an account?

It only takes a few minutes to apply for a new CFD trading account. We aim to process all applications as soon as possible. During the application process we will perform an online identity check to confirm your identity. If you successfully pass the identity check, you will be notified immediately, and we will let you know if we need any further details.

Can I apply from outside Australia?

Yes, in certain circumstances it is possible to create a CFD trading account from outside Australia, subject to review and approval.

Will I need to send in any additional documentation to open an account?

In most cases, you will not need to send us any supporting documents, as we should be able to verify your details online. Occasionally we will be unable to confirm your identity electronically (for example if you have moved house recently), and in such cases we will email you and ask that you provide certain documents.

If you are asked for this, then we will usually require copies of one document for proof of identity and one for proof of address. You will receive an email detailing specifically what we need.

The following are examples of documentation that could be requested:

  • Identification documents: machine readable passport, machine readable national identity card, photocard driving license.
  • Proof of address (dated within the last three months): utility bill, council tax bill, bank or credit card statement, mortgage statement.

If we do require documentation from you, you will be able to upload these securely using our online My Account portal. Either use the link provided in the email, or the redirect on the account application page. Please ensure the documents you provide meet the specifications listed.

How soon can I trade after creating a CFD trading account?

As soon as your CFD trading account has been approved, and you have funded it, you will be free to trade.

Can I re-activate my old City Index CFD trading account?

To reactivate your CFD trading account you need to complete our short online Account Reactivation Form. We need to ensure that we have your latest contact details on file and update you with any changes to our terms and conditions or service features that may have occurred during your inactivity.

After you submit the form, a member of our CFD trading account management team will be in touch to let you know if we need anything further from you, or to let you know that your account has now been reopened.

If you have any questions or need to discuss any aspect of your account, please call us:

Local: 1800 354 182

International: +61 2 9270 3682

Please note that if you haven’t traded with us for over two years, your CFD trading account will go into a dormant status preventing you from being able to login. This is for security purposes. You may be charged an inactivity fee of $15 a month when your account becomes dormant after 24 months.

Can I open a joint account?

Yes, you can create a joint CFD trading account, however there is a separate application form for this which must be completed and sent to New Accounts. Please note that you cannot add a second named person to an existing single trading account, you must apply for a new joint account.

See our Joint Account Application Form.

Can I open a corporate account?

Yes, we also offer a corporate trading account. There is a special application process for this as extra documentation is required. Please contact our sales team for further details.

Are City Index CFD trading accounts FIFO or non-FIFO?

City Index CFD trading accounts are FIFO accounts (first in first out). This means that trades opened in a market within which you already have an open position will amend that position instead of opening a new one – for example opening a sell trade in a GBP/USD when you already have a buy position will either partially or fully close the existing position. If you want to hedge a current position, you need to click the hedge button on the deal ticket.

City Index MetaTrader 4 trading accounts are non-FIFO, and hedging is a standard functionality on an MT4 trading account. This means that any trades opened in a market within which you already have an open position will count as hedged and give you greater flexibility to open and close multiple positions in multiple directions.

How do I contact someone about the status of my new account?

Our sales team are on hand to answer any questions you may have about creating a CFD trading account on 1800 910 228 or +61 2 9270 3673 from 9.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday Sydney time, or alternative you can email our team.

If you have already applied and the application is still pending, please contact our sales team to follow up. If you have any queries once your trading account is open, please contact our Client Support.

Email: support.au@cityindex.com