Are you an NRI who wants to invest in Indian stocks, mutual funds, or IPOs, but feel confused by paperwork, fund transfers, and compliance? You’re not alone. Many NRIs struggle to manage multiple accounts and face delays in trading. The Best NRI 3-in-1 Account in India solves these problems by offering a single, integrated solution for banking, trading, and demat needs. In this guide, you’ll discover the latest, most reliable 3-in-1 accounts for NRIs, how they work, and why Upstox is the top pick for 2025.Managing investments from abroad can be stressful for NRIs. You need a system that is fast, secure, and compliant with Indian regulations. The Best NRI 3-in-1 Account in India is designed for this purpose. It combines a bank account, trading account, and demat account, allowing seamless fund transfers and investments in stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, and more. This guide draws on current data, competitor analysis, and industry expertise to help you find the right account for your needs.
What is an NRI 3-in-1 Account?
An NRI 3-in-1 Account is a bundled solution that includes:
- NRI Bank Account (NRE/NRO, often PIS-linked): Holds your rupee funds and handles all money transfers for investments. NRE accounts are for repatriable funds, while NRO accounts are for non-repatriable funds.
- NRI Demat Account: Safely stores your securities (stocks, mutual funds, bonds, ETFs) in electronic form.
- NRI Trading Account: Lets you buy and sell securities on Indian exchanges, with direct integration to your bank and demat accounts.
Investment Options with an NRI 3-in-1 Account
- Equities (Stocks)
- Mutual Funds
- ETFs
- Bonds and NCDs
- Corporate Fixed Deposits
- Systematic Investment Plans (SIP)
- Derivatives (F&O, on a non-repatriation basis)
- Tax-saving instruments (ELSS, PPF)
- Currency Derivatives
This integration means you can move funds, place trades, and settle investments without manual intervention or delays. Most large Indian banks and top brokers offer this service, including Upstox, ICICI Direct, HDFC Securities, Kotak Securities, Axis Direct, and SBI.
Top 5 Best NRI 3-in-1 Accounts in India (2025)
Below are the top picks for 2025, based on charges, features, digital experience, and NRI support.
1. Upstox
Upstox stands out as a leading provider of the Best NRI 3-in-1 Account in India. It offers a seamless combination of NRE/NRO bank account, trading account, and demat account, all in one place. Upstox is known for its transparent flat pricing, advanced digital platforms, and dedicated NRI desk.
Why Choose Upstox:
Upstox makes investing easy for NRIs by offering fast online account opening, flat ₹20 per executed order across all segments, and zero account maintenance charges for the first year. The platform supports both NRE (repatriable) and NRO (non-repatriable) accounts, giving you flexibility in managing your funds. Upstox’s digital interface is user-friendly, allowing you to trade in equities, F&O, mutual funds, and even commodities. With dedicated NRI support, you get help with compliance, documentation, and investment guidance.
Key Features:
- Flat ₹20 per trade for equity delivery, F&O, and commodities
- Zero account maintenance charges for the first year
- Fast, paperless account opening for NRIs
- Real-time research and trading tools
- Integrated NRE/NRO bank account, demat, and trading account
- Dedicated NRI desk for compliance and support
2. ICICI Direct NRI 3-in-1 Account
Why Choose ICICI Direct:
ICICI Direct offers a one-stop solution for NRIs with a 3-in-1 account, providing access to equities, IPOs, mutual funds, bonds, and FDs. The platform is robust, with a global reach in over 150 countries. ICICI Direct supports both PIS and non-PIS accounts, and the process is largely online for NRIs in the USA and Canada.
Key Features:
- Account opening charges: ₹4,000
- PIS Account AMC: ₹2,500
- Equity delivery brokerage: 0.50%–1.25%
- F&O brokerage: 0.03%–0.05%
- Option brokerage: ₹70–₹95 per lot
- 24/7 online access to portfolio and reports
3. HDFC Securities NRI 3-in-1 Account
Why Choose HDFC Securities:
HDFC Securities provides seamless investment in equities, derivatives, IPOs, mutual funds, and ETFs. The platform supports systematic investment plans (SIPs) and offers a single login for all services. HDFC also provides dedicated NRI support and compliance guidance.
Key Features:
- No initial deposit required
- No demat AMC for the first year
- Discounted brokerage for the first 90 days (up to ₹25 lakh free volume)
- Equity brokerage: 0.10% post-free volume
- F&O: Flat ₹20 per order
4. Kotak Securities Trinity Account
Why Choose Kotak Securities:
The Trinity Account enables NRIs to invest in equities, mutual funds, IPOs, and derivatives. It is known for its strong digital experience, wide branch network, and personalized customer support.
Key Features:
- No account opening charges
- Minimum account maintenance fee: ₹50/month
- No brokerage for the first 30 days
- Access to a wide range of investment products
5. Axis Direct NRI 3-in-1 Account
Why Choose Axis Direct:
Axis Direct is known for its digital-first approach, competitive pricing, and comprehensive investment options. The account supports both NRE and NRO accounts and offers easy fund transfers and portfolio management.
Key Features:
- Account opening fee: ₹2,500
- Demat AMC: ₹250/year
- Equity delivery brokerage: 0.75%
- F&O: ₹20 per order
Comparison Table: Best NRI 3-in-1 Accounts in India (2025)
| Broker | Account Opening Fee | Demat AMC | Equity Delivery Brokerage | F&O Brokerage | NRE/NRO Support | Commodity Broker in India (Full-Service Brokers) | Digital Onboarding | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upstox | ₹199 | ₹0 (1st year) | ₹20/order or 0.1% | ₹20/order or 0.05% | Yes | Yes | Yes | Flat pricing, fast digital |
| ICICI Direct | ₹4,000 | ₹2,500 | 0.50%-1.25% | 0.03%-0.05% | Yes | Yes | Yes (USA/Canada) | Global reach, full-service |
| HDFC Securities | ₹0 | ₹0 (1st year) | 0.10% (after free vol.) | ₹20/order | Yes | Yes | Yes | SIP, no AMC (1st yr), easy |
| Kotak Securities | ₹0 | ₹600/year | 0.49% | ₹21/order | Yes | Yes | Yes | No brokerage (30 days) |
| Axis Direct | ₹2,500 | ₹250/year | 0.75% | ₹20/order | Yes | Yes | Yes | Digital-first, low AMC |
Why Choose an NRI 3-in-1 Account?
- Convenience: Open and manage all three accounts with a single application and login.
- Seamless Fund Transfers: Move money instantly between bank, trading, and demat accounts.
- Compliance: Automated PIS reporting to RBI (for NRE accounts) and easy TDS settlement.
- Diverse Investment Options: Access equities, mutual funds, ETFs, IPOs, bonds, and more.
- Global Access: Trade and manage investments from anywhere in the world.
- Flexible Order Types: Use After Market Orders (AMO) and Good Till Cancelled (GTC) to trade anytime.
How to Choose the Best NRI 3-in-1 Account
- Check for NRE/NRO and PIS Support: Ensure the broker supports both repatriable and non-repatriable funds, and offers PIS-linked accounts where needed.
- Compare Brokerage and AMC: Look for low or flat fees, especially for frequent traders.
- Digital Experience: Prefer brokers with robust apps and online onboarding.
- Commodity Broker in India (Full-Service Brokers): If you want to trade commodities, check if the broker is a registered commodity broker.
- Customer Support: Choose brokers with dedicated NRI desks and global support.
- Investment Options: Confirm access to all products you want (stocks, mutual funds, bonds, etc.).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an NRI 3-in-1 account, and why is it important?
Who can open an NRI 3-in-1 account in India?
What is the difference between NRE and NRO accounts in a 3-in-1 setup?
Is PIS (Portfolio Investment Scheme) linking mandatory for all NRI 3-in-1 accounts?
What investment options are available through an NRI 3-in-1 account?
Can NRIs place trades outside Indian market hours?
How does the account opening process work for NRIs living outside India?
What are the typical charges for an NRI 3-in-1 account?
Charges include account opening fees (₹0–₹4,000), demat AMC (₹0–₹2,500/year), and brokerage (flat or percentage-based, e.g., 0.10%–1.25% for equity delivery)6.
Can I convert my existing resident account to an NRI 3-in-1 account?
Conclusion
The Best NRI 3-in-1 Account in India makes investing simple, secure, and efficient for NRIs. Upstox leads the market in 2025 with its flat pricing, zero AMC for the first year, and dedicated NRI support. ICICI Direct, HDFC Securities, Kotak Securities, and Axis Direct also offer strong 3-in-1 solutions with a variety of features. Compare charges, digital experience, and investment options before choosing.
Ready to invest in India from anywhere in the world? Open your NRI 3-in-1 account with Upstox today and enjoy seamless trading, banking, and investing!
