The great thing with opening a Forex broker account is that you can get to know how the software works and trade using a demo account first. A Forex broker might have their own downloadable software or offer trading online directly from their web site like Easy-Forex or eToro. Once you have opened a trading account you should also be able to continue to use your demo account.

It's essential to find a broker you are really happy with and build a relationship with them - you never know when you might need a favour or two!

Choose a broker which suits you. Do not rush into this because you will have to depend on your broker for the rest of your trading. Find one that really suits your style and has all the functions you require - like trading platform running times. Of course, if you trade Forex using eToro or Easy-Forex you will be able to trade without needing to download a trading platform which is good news for remote trading!

A good broker can really give you that extra edge you need in order to be successful in the Forex market. Firstly, understand your trading values, how often you want to trade, if you want to take a look at some automated systems and at what time of the day/night you will be trading.

Oh yes - and you can trade at night! Forex is a 24 hour a day market - it is only inactive during the weekend (Saturday and Sunday).

After you have narrowed down your Forex broker selection to a handful, it's a good idea to take a look at their trading platform. Trading platforms are very important and you need to understand how to use them. Ask if it's possible to sit with a trader while they use the platform or ask if there is any training available.

How do you tell if a Forex Broker is reputable?

This is quite straight forward as there are lots of good forums - word-of-mouth is always a good indicator! Actually so too is the amount of forex education, courses, resources, strategies etc a Forex broker has to offer their clients. Take a look at the margin the on their products, the availability of the trading/help desk and the pip spread they offer on the currencies you want to trade. Also check a broker's conditions for adding and withdrawing funds to and from your account. This differs greatly between Forex brokers so again, decide what works for you - there are plenty to choose from!

Most Forex brokers are of high reputation with a long and solid background - oh and if they have been around for a while it helps too!