Picking the best Forex broker should be one of the first, and most important things in getting started in Forex trading, This is especially true if you are new to it. The three things you want from your broker are: experience, good reputation and a very successful track record. These are not the only qualities you want in your broker but it gives you an excellent starting point.
Finding a Forex broker .
One of the smartest way to go about finding a Forex broker is to get in contact with your local licensing authority which is responsible for licensing brokers to do business, You sure don't want to get involved with someone who makes amazing promises of wealth and fortune.
Be cautious;
Don't let your inexperienced be taken advantage of .
Reputation
Create a short list of three or four firms or brokers you are thinking about doing business with. Then check them out: you can do this online, by word of mouth and by getting in touch with the licensing agency to check out if they have any complaints filed against them.
Ask other Forex traders for information about the brokers you are thinking about using. Check with any associates or friends who have or are involved in Forex trading if they have any recommendations. It's best to determine up front just how easy they will be to deal with by contacting their customer service department.
For your protection.Make sure your Forex broker has enough safeguards installed to protect their customers. Check and be sure they are regulated and by whom. What protection are available to you by the regulatory agency? Make sure your funds are covered against bankruptcy and fraud.
Free trials
Many of the Forex brokers offer the opportunity to do test trading on the Forex market at no cost. You are not using real money or making real trades, but it does give you the opportunity to test out how their system works and if you would of made a profit or lost money if you were using a live system and your own, real money.
Some Forex brokers will provide you training videos or free visits from one of their existing Forex brokers to help you. The service the broker or company supplies during the free trial period should give you a good indication on how you will be treated when you become one of their clients, it will also let you get a feel on the way they operate.
What is offered?If they are all reliable and reputable, you will find that most Forex brokers offer about the same in tools. Some may charge a little more or less in their fees. Some may offer tips for free while others may supply the free accounts as described above, with training money of around $50,000.
The good Forex broker will give you key information in online trading or may provide trading information using email or a free DVD. They should also provide a 24-hour resource for customer service.
Forex trading online.
If you are going to use a practice online Forex trading account, your Forex broker must provide a safe trading environment that will protect all your personal details as well as your investment.
Costs involved.The Forex broker you use should tell you all cost upfront. They should not have any hidden fees and ask if they have any special frequent trading terms. Your broker should be transparent as how they operate when you have questions about costs, requirements or other information, you need to be sure you will be given full and honest answers.
Comparing Forex brokersOne of the best ways to compare different Forex brokers before you begin trading live with them is to take them up on their free trial offers this allows you to see which one works best for you.
Many websites will include comparison charts showing the difference between the large broker companies so you can, at a glance, see the differences offered and in the way they work.
Should you go International or local?
Ideally, It's best to choose a Forex broker that is located near you. If your broker is located where you are then they will be regulated by the agency that will be able to assist you if need help if something should go wrong. Also, keep in mind that an offshore broker will be using their local currency in all their transactions and this could have an effect on your returns.
Another extremely important thing to take in to consideration is their trading platform when selecting a Forex broker, the things you need to look at are: pairs of currencies available, spread between the bid/ask prices. If you open a free training accounts with at least 3 brokers, this will enable you to see which account will best fit your needs.
Keep in mind, the Forex broker is the one who could very well be the difference between you be successful or failure. Take your time so you don't set yourself up from the very start to fail before you get your trading started, Create a shortlist of Forex brokers and then take the time to research them and be sure and practice with the free accounts until you are comfortable before spending anything.