Five things to email a broker's support team first

[FXS London Scalper]

Support is the cheapest way to learn about a broker before depositing. Good questions get specific answers; vague answers are informative too.

Questions worth asking:

• Which entity will my account be with, and which regulator covers it?
• Are there any restrictions on trade duration or EA use?
• What's the typical execution time and does the account use last look?
• What are stop and freeze levels on my main pairs, and do they change around news?
• How long do withdrawals take for my method?
• Is there a fee for inactivity or withdrawals?

Ask by email or chat so you have a written record. Save the replies with the date.

How to judge the answers: specific numbers and references to documents are a good sign. "Our conditions are among the best" is not an answer.

Ask the same questions to two or three brokers and compare.

Keep the record with the account documents, so you can refer back to it if conditions change later.

What question gave you the most useful answer?