Are you searching for the best demat account for intraday trading in India but feeling lost in the sea of options? Many traders face the same challenge: high brokerage charges, slow trading platforms, and unreliable customer support can eat into your profits and disrupt your trading flow. The right demat account can make all the difference-helping you trade faster, pay less, and stay ahead in the market.
A demat account for intraday trading is the foundation for anyone looking to actively buy and sell shares within the same trading day in India. This account holds your securities in electronic form, while a linked trading account allows you to execute buy and sell orders. Intraday trading is popular for its potential to profit from short-term price movements, but it requires the right tools, low costs, and reliable support to be successful.
What Is Intraday Trading?
Intraday trading means buying and selling securities on the same day, aiming to profit from small price fluctuations. Trades must be squared off before the market closes, and only the difference (profit or loss) is settled in cash. Intraday trading in India typically happens between 9:15 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. IST.
Top 7 Best Demat Accounts for Intraday Trading in India (2025)
1. Upstox – Best Discount Broker in India for Intraday Trading
Upstox leads the pack for intraday traders in 2025. With ultra-low brokerage, lightning-fast platforms, and reliable support, it is the go-to choice for both beginners and experienced traders.
Why Choose Upstox?
Upstox offers a flat ₹20 per order for intraday trades-one of the lowest in the industry. Its Pro platform ensures fast order execution, advanced charting, and real-time data. Over 1 crore traders trust Upstox for its transparent pricing and robust security.
Key Features:
- Brokerage for Intraday: ₹20 per order or 0.05% (whichever is lower)
- Account Opening Charges: ₹0
- AMC: ₹25/month (first year free)
- Trading Platform: Upstox Pro (Web & App) with advanced tools and indicators
- Margin: Up to 5x leverage on select stocks
- Support: 24/7 customer care via chat, email, and phone
2. Zerodha
Zerodha is India’s largest discount broker, known for its transparent charges and the powerful Kite trading platform.
Why Choose Zerodha?
Zerodha’s flat ₹20 per executed order for intraday trading and feature-rich Kite platform make it a favorite for high-volume traders.
Key Features:
- Brokerage for Intraday: ₹20 per order or 0.03% (whichever is lower)
- Account Opening Charges: ₹200 (Equity), ₹300 (Equity + Commodity)
- AMC: ₹300/year
- Trading Platform: Kite (Web & App)
- Margin: Up to 5x on select stocks
- Support: Email and ticket-based system
3. Angel One
Angel One (formerly Angel Broking) combines low brokerage with strong research support and a user-friendly app.
Why Choose Angel One?
Angel One offers flat ₹20 per order for intraday trading, free account opening, and a feature-rich mobile app.
Key Features:
- Brokerage for Intraday: ₹20 per order
- Account Opening Charges: ₹0
- AMC: ₹240/year (first year free)
- Trading Platform: Angel One App & Web
- Margin: Up to 5x leverage
- Support: Phone, email, and chat
4. Groww
Groww is popular among new traders for its simple interface and transparent pricing.
Why Choose Groww?
Groww charges a flat ₹20 per executed order for intraday trades and offers a clean, easy-to-use app.
Key Features:
- Brokerage for Intraday: ₹20 per order or 0.05% (whichever is lower)
- Account Opening Charges: ₹0
- AMC: ₹0
- Trading Platform: Groww App & Web
- Margin: Up to 5x on select stocks
- Support: Email and in-app chat
5. 5Paisa
5Paisa is a low-cost broker with a focus on technology and automation.
Why Choose 5Paisa?
5Paisa offers flat ₹20 per order for intraday trading and multiple subscription plans for even lower rates.
Key Features:
- Brokerage for Intraday: ₹20 per order (₹10/order with Power Investor Pack)
- Account Opening Charges: ₹0
- AMC: ₹25/month
- Trading Platform: 5Paisa App & Web
- Margin: Up to 5x leverage
- Support: Phone, email, and chat
6. ICICI Direct
ICICI Direct is a full-service broker with a strong banking background and a powerful 3-in-1 account.
Why Choose ICICI Direct?
ICICI Direct offers a seamless experience for those who want integrated banking and trading, with competitive intraday brokerage rates.
Key Features:
- Brokerage for Intraday: ₹20 per order (Neo Plan)
- Account Opening Charges: ₹0 (limited period)
- AMC: ₹300/year
- Trading Platform: ICICI Direct Markets App & Web
- Margin: Up to 5x leverage
- Support: Phone, email, and branch network
7. Motilal Oswal
Motilal Oswal is known for its strong research and advisory services.
Why Choose Motilal Oswal?
Motilal Oswal offers competitive intraday rates and robust research support for active traders.
Key Features:
- Brokerage for Intraday: ₹20 per order
- Account Opening Charges: ₹0
- AMC: ₹0 (first year), ₹400/year after
- Trading Platform: MO Trader & MO Investor Apps
- Margin: Up to 5x leverage
- Support: Phone, email, and in-person
Comparison Table: Best Demat Account for Intraday Trading (2025)
| Broker | Intraday Brokerage | Account Opening | AMC | Margin | Platform | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upstox | ₹20/order or 0.05% | ₹0 | ₹25/month (1st yr free) | Up to 5x | Upstox Pro (Web/App) | Fast execution, low cost |
| Zerodha | ₹20/order or 0.03% | ₹200/₹300 | ₹300/year | Up to 5x | Kite (Web/App) | Largest broker, Kite platform |
| Angel One | ₹20/order | ₹0 | ₹240/year (1st yr free) | Up to 5x | Angel One App/Web | Free account opening |
| Groww | ₹20/order or 0.05% | ₹0 | ₹0 | Up to 5x | Groww App/Web | Zero AMC, simple app |
| 5Paisa | ₹20/order (₹10 w/ pack) | ₹0 | ₹25/month | Up to 5x | 5Paisa App/Web | Subscription packs |
| ICICI Direct | ₹20/order (Neo Plan) | ₹0 (offer) | ₹300/year | Up to 5x | ICICI Direct App/Web | 3-in-1 account |
| Motilal Oswal | ₹20/order | ₹0 | ₹0 (1st yr), ₹400/year | Up to 5x | MO Trader/Investor | Strong research |
Why Do You Need a Demat Account for Intraday Trading?
- Electronic Holding: Your shares are held securely in electronic form, making transactions quick and efficient.
- Seamless Trading: A demat account, when linked to a trading account, allows you to execute rapid buy and sell orders-essential for intraday strategies.
- Access to Multiple Products: Besides stocks, demat accounts can hold bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, and more, all of which can be traded intraday.
- Margin Facility: Many brokers offer margin/leverage, letting you trade larger volumes than your available cash, which is a key benefit for intraday traders.
How to Choose the Best Demat Account for Intraday Trading
Key Factors to Consider
- Brokerage Charges: Lower brokerage means higher profits for frequent traders. Flat fee brokers like Upstox and Zerodha are ideal.
- Platform Speed and Reliability: Intraday trading requires fast, stable platforms with real-time data.
- Margin Facility: Higher leverage can boost your trading capacity, but use it wisely.
- Customer Support: Responsive support is crucial for resolving issues quickly.
- Ease of Account Opening: Look for brokers with instant, paperless onboarding.
- Research and Tools: Advanced charting, technical indicators, and research reports can help you make better decisions.
- Regulatory Compliance: Choose SEBI-registered brokers with strong security protocols.
How Does Intraday Trading Work?
- Open a Demat and Trading Account: Most brokers offer a combined account opening process.
- Fund Your Account: Transfer money from your bank to your trading account.
- Select Stocks: Choose stocks with high liquidity and volatility for better intraday opportunities.
- Place Intraday Orders: Mark your trades as “intraday” so they are squared off by the end of the day.
- Monitor and Square Off: Track price movements and close your position before the market closes.
Charges and Brokerage
- Account Opening Charges: Many brokers offer free account opening.
- Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC): Varies by broker; some offer zero AMC for smaller portfolios.
- Brokerage: Discount brokers like Zerodha, Upstox, and 5paisa offer ₹20 or lower per order for intraday trades.
- Other Charges: Statutory charges like STT, GST, and exchange fees apply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is the best demat account for intraday trading in India?
Upstox is the top pick for 2025 due to its low brokerage, fast platform, and strong support.
Which broker offers the lowest intraday brokerage?
Upstox, Zerodha, and 5Paisa offer flat ₹20 per order. 5Paisa offers ₹10 per order with a subscription plan.
Can I open a demat account online for intraday trading?
Yes, all leading brokers offer instant online account opening with Aadhaar and PAN.
What is margin trading, and how does it work?
Margin trading lets you trade with borrowed funds, increasing your buying power. Most brokers offer up to 5x leverage for intraday.
Are there any hidden charges in intraday trading?
Apart from brokerage, you pay statutory charges like STT, GST, and exchange fees. Always check the broker’s fee
Can I have multiple demat accounts for intraday trading?
Yes, you can open multiple demat accounts with different brokers.
What documents are required to open a demat account?
You need your PAN card, Aadhaar card, bank proof, and a photo/selfie.
Which is the best discount broker in India for intraday trading?
Upstox is widely regarded as the best discount broker in India for intraday trading in 2025.
Do brokers provide research and trading tips for intraday?
Full-service brokers like Angel One and Motilal Oswal provide research, while discount brokers focus on technology and low charges.
Conclusion
Finding the best demat account for intraday trading in India can help you save on brokerage, access fast trading platforms, and get the support you need to succeed. For 2025, Upstox stands out as the best discount broker in India for intraday trading, thanks to its low costs, robust platform, and reliable service. Other strong contenders include Zerodha, Angel One, Groww, and 5Paisa.
Ready to start trading? Open your demat account with Upstox now and experience seamless, cost-effective intraday trading.
Which broker do you trust for intraday trading? Share your choice in the comments below!
