Before you open an account.
Questions to ask a broker before you commit money.
Check the provider
Check a broker’s registration and permissions with the relevant regulator in your jurisdiction. Read the account terms, custody arrangements, withdrawal process, and complaint procedure. An attractive interface is not evidence that a provider is authorised.
Understand the costs
Compare brokerage charges, spreads, financing costs, data fees, minimum balances, and withdrawal or currency-conversion charges. Free trading can still involve other costs. Ask whether the instruments involve leverage or complex derivatives.
Protect your access
Use a unique password and multi-factor authentication. Verify the provider’s official domain and never share login or recovery codes. A Marketwise account, when available, will be separate from a brokerage account and will not hold money.