Broker Comparison
Compare brokerage charges, account fees, trading platforms, products, MTF, advantages and limitations before choosing a broker.
Data verified: 2026-08-02
Key charges and account features side by side.
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| Feature | ICICI Direct | HDFC Securities |
|---|---|---|
| Broker type | Bank Broker | Bank Broker |
| Account opening | ₹0 | Free |
| Annual maintenance | ₹700 per annum | ₹750 per year |
| Equity delivery | Around 0.29% of the trade value | 0.50% |
| Equity intraday | Around 0.027% to 0.029% or flat ₹20 per order if using specific prepaid plans like Prime/iValue. | 0.05% |
| Futures | Flat ₹20 per order (Standard Plan) | 0.05% |
| Options | Flat ₹20 per order (Standard Plan) | ₹100 per lot |
| Commodity | ₹20 per order | 0.02% for Intraday / 0.025% for Carry Forward (or ₹20 minimum) |
| Currency | ₹20 per order | ₹20 flat per contract |
| DP charges | total ₹23.60 | ₹20 + GST |
| Auto Square Off | ₹50 per order (plus GST) standard I-Value pla | ₹50 + GST per executed order |
| Call & trade | ₹50 per executed order | ₹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 | 2.12 million active stock exchange clients as of June 2026 | HDFC Securities has approximately 1.65 million active clients. |
ICICI Direct is a full-service stockbroker and investment platform operated by ICICI Securities Limited. It allows users to invest and trade across multiple financial products through its website and mobile app.
The platform offers equity, intraday trading, futures and options, commodities, mutual funds, IPOs, bonds, ETFs and other investment products. It also provides research reports, trading tools and market insights for investors and traders.
ICICI Direct is known for its 3-in-1 account facility, which connects a bank account, Demat account and trading account. This makes fund transfers, investing and portfolio management more convenient for ICICI Bank customers.
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.
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.
The ICICI Direct 3-in-1 account combines an ICICI Bank savings account, Demat account and trading account. It enables faster fund allocation and a more convenient investing experience.
Yes. ICICI Securities Limited is registered with SEBI under registration number INZ000183631.
ICICI Direct currently offers zero account-opening charges for its online 3-in-1 account. Demat AMC, brokerage and other transaction-related charges may still apply.
ICICI Direct brokerage depends on the selected pricing plan and trading segment. Its iVALUE plan offers ₹20-per-order brokerage for equity intraday, futures, options and commodity trades.
The regular Demat annual maintenance charge may be up to ₹700, while selected subscription plans may offer a reduced AMC.
ICICI Direct offers stocks, intraday trading, futures and options, commodities, mutual funds, IPOs, ETFs, bonds, fixed deposits and other investment products.
ICICI Direct can be suitable for beginners who prefer an integrated bank, Demat and trading account, research support and access to multiple products. However, its charges can be higher than those of some discount brokers.
An ICICI Bank savings account is required to receive the complete benefits of the ICICI Direct 3-in-1 account. The bank account allows direct fund allocation without manually transferring money to the trading account.
ICICI Direct is a full-service stockbroking and investment platform operated by ICICI Securities Limited. It offers online trading, investing, research reports and access to multiple financial products.
Yes. HDFC Securities is a SEBI-registered full-service stockbroker backed by HDFC Bank and has operated for more than 20 years.
Yes. Its 3-in-1 account connects an HDFC Bank savings account with a Demat and trading account for convenient fund transfers and investments.
Customers can invest in equities, futures and options, mutual funds, IPOs, bonds, ETFs, commodities, currencies and other financial products.
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.
HDFC SKY generally charges ₹20 per order or the applicable percentage-based limit, whichever is lower. Charges vary by trading segment and order type.
Yes. HDFC SKY currently offers zero account-opening charges through a completely digital application process.
Demat AMC is waived for the first year. After that, the published charge is ₹20 per month.
Applicants generally need a PAN card, identity and address proof, bank details and an Aadhaar-linked mobile number for online KYC.
Yes. HDFC Securities’ Digify platform allows eligible investors to invest in mutual funds without opening a Demat or trading account.
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.
