Finding a Forex Broker
The safest approach to choosing a Forex broker is to contact the authority or agency that licenses brokers in your area. (And an extra little side tip - be especially careful when checking the background of any broker who approaches you with some dazzling, over-the-top offer, or who guarantees you're certain to have success and sure winnings.) Start cautiously... don't allow yourself to be rushed into decisions. That's how many beginners are taken advantage of: many scam artists specialize in preying on the inexperienced because they're so eager to get started that they often throw caution and common sense aside.
1. Check Their Reputation
The Forex trading world is a fairly tight community. Use that fact for your protection. After you've done your initial research, work up a shortlist of 3 brokers you consider strong candidates. Then begin your due diligence. Research them online. Ask around for word-of-mouth opinions. And definitely contact governing authorities to check for a pattern of complaints in their history. Ask other traders about the experiences they've had with the brokers you're considering. Ask friends and others with experience in Forex trading to recommend a reputable broker. Find out if they're easy to deal with by first contacting their customer service desk with ALL the questions you have. If their answers are slow (or sketchy), it's better to steer clear.
2. Check Their System of Safeguards
Don't go near a Forex broker who has few safeguards for protecting you as a customer. Find out the name and contact information for their regulatory body. What protection does that organization provide - and is it hard to shake it loose? Are the funds of clients shielded from possible fraud or bankruptcy?
3. Do They Offer a Free Trial Account?
A very common introductory inducement is a free trial trading account. Basically they're giving you "play money" to practice with. When choosing a Forex broker this trial account gives you an excellent opportunity to learn exactly how the system works and to see how you might profit or lose when you move on to using real money. Some brokers also offer training videos for beginners, or even send out an actual Forex broker to help you in person. The level of service the broker provides during your free trial is a good indicator of how you'll be treated once you sign up as a customer. You'll also learn how their system functions, meaning you'll already know your way around before your own money hits the table.
