For every trader, choosing a reliable broker is a cornerstone of success. Achieving consistent gains in trading is not a walk in the park as it is, and you don't want any extra weight on your shoulders. If your broker creates additional pressure, be it hidden fees, clunky apps, or slow withdrawals, it can get under your skin very quickly and significantly complicate achieving your financial goals. The experts at Octa, a global broker with more than 13 years of market experience, list the main criteria that set reliable brokers apart. Transparent trading conditionsWhen trading in the financial markets, even small details matter. Such factors as spread size, commissions, and deposit and withdrawal fees can quickly turn a profitable session into a failure. In sum, these marginal differences can accumulate to equal or even surpass the profits earned as a result of a trading session. Most of the time, success in trading is determined by minor differences in market prices, so each pip counts. A narrower spread allows traders to enter and exit positions at more favourable prices, maximising potential profits. Given that, trading conditions such as fees and spreads can make or break your financial success.Before depositing a significant sum in your trading account, make sure the maths are correct. Test and see whether the trading conditions indicated by the broker align with reality. Ensure the broker doesn't impose any hidden fees that can come as a nasty surprise later. Fast and clear-cut withdrawal procedureA reliable broker takes care of minor details so that you can entirely focus on executing your strategy. For example, a fast and efficient withdrawal procedure allows you to decrease the cognitive load and save yourself a lot of worry. And this is why smooth withdrawals are a crucial sign of reliability. By establishing a transparent, user-friendly transactional mechanism and offering a wide variety of withdrawal options, brokers show a client-oriented approach to business and send a clear message to their clients about their reliability. After all, receiving their gains in due time using the payment system of their choosing is a key psychological factor for traders that inevitably impacts their mental game going forward.In trading, high order execution speed and quick, efficient, and transparent deposits and withdrawals enable positive interactions between traders and brokers. Responsive customer serviceFor an e-brokerage, as for any financial service provider, staying in touch with clients at any time is a sign of quality and trustworthiness. Establishing healthy, long-term relationships with clients is impossible if they can't count on your customer support.High-quality customer support also shows the status of your broker. If a broker can't maintain the highest standards in customer service, chances are other crucial elements of their client interaction will also be far from ideal. It is worth noting that global brokers often set industry benchmarks in terms of customer service. They use their international expertise and exposure to best practices to establish strict, robust customer support frameworks. ConclusionFor a less-than-seasoned trader, choosing a reliable broker based on the information provided on a site can be challenging. Instead, we recommend trying it out first-hand and seeing for yourself what the broker has to offer in terms of trading conditions, withdrawals, and customer service. After you verify your broker's reliability, you will be able to trade with confidence, which will more than likely translate into better financial outcomes. ***Disclaimer: Trading involves risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Use your expertise wisely and evaluate all associated risks before making any investment decisions.