to settle it: do the kyc, its mandatory and normal, but verify the broker is properly regulated first since thats the part that actually protects your documents. some traders also watermark their uploaded id with the date and purpose, for example 'for broker verification only', which is a small extra safeguard against the file being reused. then upload through the official portal and move on.

doing it small and early is the right instinct, keep doing that. complete your identity verification before you withdraw so theres nothing to hold it up, withdraw to your deposit method, and keep a screenshot of the request. if a regulated broker ever did stall without reason youd have a clean record to escalate, but with a legit one you almost certainly wont need it.

consistency across conditions, not a calendar. got it.

leverage = how much margin needed. p&l per pip never changes. focus on position size and stop distance, not leverage ratio.

couple hundred, treat it as tuition. clear.

commission account cheaper. do the math: (spread in pips × 10) vs (raw spread × 10 + commission). almost always commission wins on majors.

this is the calmest beginner advice ive gotten anywhere was about to chase a 100 percent deposit bonus from some broker i couldnt even find a license for. dodged that one thanks to you all.