DH
Dhan
Discount BrokerAccount opening₹0
AMC₹0
Intraday₹20 or 0.03% per executed order, whichever is lower
Broker Comparison
Dhan vs HDFC Securities
Compare brokerage charges, account fees, trading platforms, products, MTF, advantages and limitations before choosing a broker.
Data verified: 2026-08-02
HD
HDFC Securities
Bank BrokerAccount openingFree
AMC₹750 per year
Intraday0.05%
Dhan vs HDFC Securities: Quick comparison
Key charges and account features side by side.
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| Feature | Dhan | HDFC Securities |
|---|---|---|
| Broker type | Discount Broker | Bank Broker |
| Account opening Charges | ₹0 | Free |
| Annual maintenance Charges | ₹0 | ₹750 per year |
| Equity delivery | ₹0 brokerage | 0.50% |
| Equity intraday | ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order, whichever is lower | 0.05% |
| Futures | ₹20 per executed order | 0.05% |
| Options | ₹20 per executed order | ₹100 per lot |
| Commodity | ₹20 per executed order | 0.02% for Intraday / 0.025% for Carry Forward (or ₹20 minimum) |
| Currency | ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order, whichever is lower | ₹20 flat per contract |
| DP charges | ₹12.50 per ISIN + GST | ₹20 + GST |
| Auto Square Off | ₹20 per order plus GST | ₹50 + GST per executed order |
| Call & trade | ₹50 per executed order plus 18% GST | ₹0 (Free) |
| Customer support | Official app/web help centre, ticket, email and/or phone support. | Official app/web help centre, ticket, email and/or phone support. |
| Active Users | Check official tariff | HDFC Securities has approximately 1.65 million active clients. |
About Dhan
Founded in 2021, Dhan is a Mumbai-based, technology-driven stockbroking platform serving investors and traders across India. It is registered with SEBI as a stockbroker and is also associated with CDSL, NSE, BSE and MCX.
Dhan allows users to invest and trade in stocks, ETFs, futures, options and commodities. Its platform suite includes the Dhan App, Dhan Web, Options Trader App, TradingView integration and tv.dhan.co for advanced chart-based trading.
Dhan offers competitive brokerage, including zero brokerage on equity delivery and ₹20 or 0.03%, whichever is lower, on intraday trades. With zero account-opening and maintenance charges, user-friendly platforms and a 50% brokerage discount for women, Dhan is suitable for both beginners and active traders.
About HDFC Securities
HDFC Securities, incorporated in 2000, is a leading full-service stockbroker backed by HDFC Bank. It is a SEBI-registered intermediary and a member of major exchanges, including NSE, BSE, MSEI and MCX, while offering depository services through CDSL and NSDL.
The company allows customers to invest and trade in equity, derivatives, mutual funds, IPOs, ETFs, bonds, commodities, currencies and other financial products. Customers can access these services through HDFC Securities’ online platforms, mobile applications and assisted investment services.
HDFC Securities also offers a convenient 3-in-1 account that links an HDFC Bank savings account with a trading and Demat account. This enables automatic fund transfers and provides customers with a seamless way to manage their banking, investments and securities from an integrated account. Brokerage charges vary depending on the chosen plan, trading segment and applicable offer.
Trading Platforms & Tools
- Dhan offers multiple trading platforms for different types of investors and traders. Its key platforms include the Dhan App, Dhan Web, Options Trader App, tv.dhan.co and direct trading through TradingView. These platforms provide advanced charts, option-chain analysis, trading indicators, watchlists and fast order execution.
Products Offered
- Dhan offers a wide range of investment and trading products, including equity stocks, ETFs, IPOs, mutual funds, futures, options, commodities and currency derivatives. These products are available through its mobile and web-based trading platforms for both investors and active traders.
Trading Platforms & Tools
- HDFC Securities offers the InvestRight mobile app and Trader’s Web platform for investing and trading in equities, derivatives, mutual funds, IPOs, ETFs and other financial products. These platforms include real-time market data, watchlists, portfolio tracking, advanced charts and research insights.
- HDFC SKY is its digital discount-broking platform, available through a mobile app and web platform. It provides TradingView-powered charts, technical indicators, multiple order types, portfolio tracking, watchlists, research reports and multi-asset trading facilities.
- Experienced traders and market researchers can use ProTerminal for advanced market analysis, real-time information, research tools and derivative strategies. HDFC Securities also provides assisted trading services for customers who prefer placing orders through its dealing desk.
Products Offered
- HDFC Securities offers equities, futures and options, commodities, currencies, mutual funds, ETFs and IPOs. It also provides bonds, government securities, fixed deposits, insurance and NPS investment options.
Dhan pros and cons
Pros
- Zero brokerage on equity delivery trades.
- Advanced platforms for options and active traders.
- Zero account-opening and annual maintenance charges.
Cons
- No offline branch network for in-person support.
- Advanced tools may feel complex for beginners.
HDFC Securities pros and cons
Pros
- Offers a convenient 3-in-1 bank, trading and Demat account.
- Provides a wide range of investment and trading products.
- Backed by HDFC Bank with strong research and customer support.
Cons
- Brokerage charges can be higher than discount brokers.
- Some advanced trading tools may feel complex for beginners.
Which broker should you choose?
Choose based on the segment you trade, total account cost, platform requirements, research needs and support preference. Verify the latest tariff and product availability on the brokers’ official websites before opening an account.
Read complete broker reviews
Frequently asked questions
Is Dhan a SEBI-registered stockbroker?
Yes. Dhan operates under Raise Securities Private Limited, which is registered with SEBI as a stockbroker. It is also a member of NSE, BSE and MCX and a depository participant with CDSL.
Is opening a Dhan Demat account free?
Yes. Dhan currently charges ₹0 for account opening and does not charge an annual maintenance or platform fee.
What are Dhan’s brokerage charges?
Dhan charges zero brokerage on equity delivery, ETFs, IPOs and mutual funds. Equity intraday and ETF intraday trades are charged at ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order, whichever is lower.
How much does Dhan charge for futures and options?
Dhan charges ₹20 per executed order for equity and commodity futures and options. Statutory taxes, exchange charges and other applicable fees are charged separately.
Which investment products are available on Dhan?
Dhan offers stocks, ETFs, futures, options, commodities, IPOs, mutual funds and the Securities Lending and Borrowing Mechanism, or SLBM.
Does Dhan provide a separate platform for options trading?
Yes. Options Trader by Dhan is a dedicated platform for F&O traders, offering real-time options data, strategy-building features and analytical tools.
Can I trade directly from TradingView with Dhan?
Yes. Dhan allows users to connect their account with TradingView and trade eligible stocks, futures and commodities directly through TradingView charts.
Is the Dhan Options Trader platform free?
Yes. Dhan states that all features available on its Options Trader platform are free for Dhan users.
What documents are required to open a Dhan account?
Users generally need PAN, Aadhaar-linked mobile details and bank information. Income proof may also be required to activate futures, options or commodity trading.
Is Dhan suitable for beginners?
Dhan can be used by beginners for stocks, ETFs, IPOs and mutual funds. However, some of its advanced charting, API and options-trading tools may require additional learning before use.
Is HDFC Securities a trusted stockbroker?
Yes. HDFC Securities is a SEBI-registered full-service stockbroker backed by HDFC Bank and has operated for more than 20 years.
Does HDFC Securities offer a 3-in-1 account?
Yes. Its 3-in-1 account connects an HDFC Bank savings account with a Demat and trading account for convenient fund transfers and investments.
What products can I invest in through HDFC Securities?
Customers can invest in equities, futures and options, mutual funds, IPOs, bonds, ETFs, commodities, currencies and other financial products.
What is the difference between HDFC Securities and HDFC SKY?
HDFC Securities is a full-service brokerage platform offering research and assisted services, while HDFC SKY is its digital discount-broking platform with flat-fee pricing.
What brokerage does HDFC SKY charge?
HDFC SKY generally charges ₹20 per order or the applicable percentage-based limit, whichever is lower. Charges vary by trading segment and order type.
Is HDFC SKY account opening free?
Yes. HDFC SKY currently offers zero account-opening charges through a completely digital application process.
Does HDFC SKY charge Demat AMC?
Demat AMC is waived for the first year. After that, the published charge is ₹20 per month.
Which documents are required to open an account?
Applicants generally need a PAN card, identity and address proof, bank details and an Aadhaar-linked mobile number for online KYC.
Can I invest in mutual funds without a trading account?
Yes. HDFC Securities’ Digify platform allows eligible investors to invest in mutual funds without opening a Demat or trading account.
Can an existing HDFC Securities customer switch to HDFC SKY?
Yes, but the existing HDFC Securities account may need to be closed before switching. The account must have no open positions, pending orders, negative balance or remaining securities.