ICICI Direct
Bank BrokerAccount opening₹0
AMC₹700 per annum
IntradayAround 0.027% to 0.029% or flat ₹20 per order if using specific prepaid plans like Prime/iValue.
Broker Comparison
ICICI Direct vs Motilal Oswal
Compare brokerage charges, account fees, trading platforms, products, MTF, advantages and limitations before choosing a broker.
Data verified: 2026-08-03
Motilal Oswal
Full-Service BrokerAccount opening₹0 (Free to open)
AMC₹199 per year (Free for 1st year)
Intraday0.02% of trade volume
ICICI Direct vs Motilal Oswal: Quick comparison
Key charges and account features side by side.
Swipe horizontally to view the full comparison →
| Feature | ICICI Direct | Motilal Oswal |
|---|---|---|
| Broker type | Bank Broker | Full-Service Broker |
| Account opening | ₹0 | ₹0 (Free to open) |
| Annual maintenance | ₹700 per annum | ₹199 per year (Free for 1st year) |
| Equity delivery | Around 0.29% of the trade value | 0.20% of trade volume |
| Equity intraday | Around 0.027% to 0.029% or flat ₹20 per order if using specific prepaid plans like Prime/iValue. | 0.02% of trade volume |
| Futures | Flat ₹20 per order (Standard Plan) | 0.02% of trade volume |
| Options | Flat ₹20 per order (Standard Plan) | ₹20 per lot |
| Commodity | ₹20 per order | 0.02% or ₹20 per lot |
| Currency | ₹20 per order | 0.02% for Futures / ₹20 per lot for Options |
| DP charges | total ₹23.60 | ₹20 or 0.025% of the transaction value per scrip (whichever is higher) |
| Auto Square Off | ₹50 per order (plus GST) standard I-Value pla | ₹50 per executed order. |
| Call & trade | ₹50 per executed order | ₹50 per executed order. |
| 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 | NSE Active Clients: ~8.99 Lakh |
About ICICI Direct
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.
About Motilal Oswal
Motilal Oswal Financial Services Limited (MOFSL) is a Mumbai-based financial services company founded in 1987 by Motilal Oswal and Raamdeo Agrawal. It has grown from a stockbroking firm into a diversified financial institution listed on the BSE and NSE.
The company offers stockbroking, wealth management, institutional broking, mutual funds, portfolio management services, investment banking, and home finance. It serves retail investors, high-net-worth individuals, and institutional clients across India.
Motilal Oswal is known for its research-driven investment services and its “Buy Right, Sit Tight” philosophy, which focuses on long-term value investing. It provides services through an extensive branch network and digital trading platforms.
Trading Platforms & Tools
- ICICI Direct Web Platform: The browser-based platform allows users to invest and trade in equities, derivatives, commodities, mutual funds, IPOs, bonds and ETFs. It includes watchlists, research reports, market data and portfolio tracking.
- ICICI Direct Mobile App: The mobile app enables users to place orders, track investments and manage their portfolios from anywhere. It also provides live market updates, advanced charts and investment insights.
- Advanced Trading Tools: ICICI Direct offers tools such as GTT orders, basket orders, stock screeners, live charts, i-Track, payoff analyser, option chain, strategy builder and API-based trading.
Products Offered
- ICICI Direct offers equity, intraday trading, futures and options, commodities, mutual funds, IPOs, ETFs, bonds, fixed deposits, NPS and insurance products. It also provides research reports, investment tools and margin trading facilities.
Trading Platforms & Tools
- Motilal Oswal offers the RIISE mobile app and web platform for online trading and investing. These platforms provide access to equities, derivatives, commodities, mutual funds, IPOs and other investment products, along with advanced charts, market data, research reports, stock recommendations and portfolio-tracking tools
Products Offered
- Motilal Oswal offers equities, futures and options, commodities, currency derivatives, mutual funds, IPOs, ETFs, US stocks, bonds, NCDs, fixed deposits, insurance, Portfolio Management Services (PMS) and Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). It also provides margin trading, depository, wealth management and research-based advisory services.
ICICI Direct pros and cons
Pros
- Convenient 3-in-1 bank, Demat and trading account.
- Provides research reports and investment recommendations.
- Offers a wide range of trading and investment products.
Cons
- Brokerage charges can be higher than discount brokers.
- Multiple pricing plans can be confusing for beginners.
Motilal Oswal pros and cons
Pros
- Strong research reports and investment recommendations.
- Wide range of trading and investment products.
- Multiple digital platforms and an extensive branch network.
Cons
- Brokerage charges may be higher than discount brokers.
- Pricing plans and additional charges can be 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.
Broker Rating
ICICI Direct
4.5/5
Motilal Oswal
3.4/5
Read complete broker reviews
Frequently asked questions
What is the ICICI Direct 3-in-1 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.
Is ICICI Direct a safe and SEBI-registered broker?
Yes. ICICI Securities Limited is registered with SEBI under registration number INZ000183631.
Is ICICI Direct account opening free?
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.
What are the brokerage charges in ICICI Direct?
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.
What is the ICICI Direct Demat AMC?
The regular Demat annual maintenance charge may be up to ₹700, while selected subscription plans may offer a reduced AMC.
Which products are available on ICICI Direct?
ICICI Direct offers stocks, intraday trading, futures and options, commodities, mutual funds, IPOs, ETFs, bonds, fixed deposits and other investment products.
Is ICICI Direct suitable for beginners?
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.
Is an ICICI Bank account required for ICICI Direct?
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.
What is ICICI Direct?
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.
Is Motilal Oswal a trusted stockbroker?
Yes, Motilal Oswal is an established full-service financial services company known for stockbroking, investment products and research-based recommendations.
Is Motilal Oswal registered with SEBI?
Yes, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Limited is a SEBI-registered intermediary and provides regulated broking and investment services in India.
Is Motilal Oswal Demat account opening free?
Yes, Motilal Oswal currently offers Demat and trading account opening at ₹0, with no minimum amount required to open an account.
Does Motilal Oswal charge annual maintenance charges?
Motilal Oswal currently advertises ₹0 AMC and administrative charges for the first year. Charges after the introductory period may depend on the selected account or pricing plan.
What is the Motilal Oswal trading app called?
Motilal Oswal’s main trading and investment platform is called RIISE. It is available as a mobile app and web-based trading platform.
What can I invest in through Motilal Oswal?
Investors can access equities, futures and options, commodities, mutual funds, IPOs, bonds, US stocks, insurance and ready-made investment portfolios through its platforms.
Does the RIISE app provide advanced charts?
Yes, the RIISE app provides free TradingView charts, market data and trading tools for technical analysis and order placement.
Can I do intraday and options trading with Motilal Oswal?
Yes, Motilal Oswal supports intraday, futures and options trading through the RIISE app and web platform.
Can I invest in US stocks through Motilal Oswal?
Yes, eligible investors can access US stocks through the international investing section available in the RIISE app.
Is Motilal Oswal suitable for beginners?
Motilal Oswal can be suitable for beginners who need research reports, investment recommendations, educational resources and access to professional advisory services. However, users should compare its brokerage and account-related charges before opening an account.