Zerodha
Discount BrokerAccount opening₹0
AMC₹300 + 18% GST per year
IntradayFlat ₹ 20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower)
Broker Comparison
Zerodha 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%
Zerodha vs HDFC Securities: Quick comparison
Key charges and account features side by side.
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| Feature | Zerodha | HDFC Securities |
|---|---|---|
| Broker type | Discount Broker | Bank Broker |
| Account Opening Charges | ₹0 | Free |
| Annual Maintenance Charges | ₹300 + 18% GST per year | ₹750 per year |
| Equity delivery | ₹0 brokerage | 0.50% |
| Equity intraday | Flat ₹ 20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower) | 0.05% |
| Futures | Flat ₹ 20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower) | 0.05% |
| Options | Flat ₹ 20 per executed order | ₹100 per lot |
| Commodity | Flat ₹ 20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower) | 0.02% for Intraday / 0.025% for Carry Forward (or ₹20 minimum) |
| Currency | Flat ₹ 20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower) | ₹20 flat per contract |
| DP charges | ₹15.34 per scrip (₹3.5 CDSL fee + ₹9.5 Zerodha fee + ₹2.34 GST) | ₹20 + GST |
| Auto Square Off | ₹50 plus 18% GST | ₹50 + GST per executed order |
| Call & trade Charge | ₹50 plus 18% GST | ₹0 (Free) |
| Customer support | Yes, Official app/web help centre, ticket, email and/or phone support | Official app/web help centre, ticket, email and/or phone support. |
| Active Users | 6.8 million NSE-active clients as of May 2026 | HDFC Securities has approximately 1.65 million active clients. |
About Zerodha
Zerodha is one of India’s leading discount stockbrokers, offering online investing and trading in equities, currencies, commodities, IPOs, futures and options, bonds, government securities, and direct mutual funds.
It charges ₹0 brokerage on equity delivery and direct mutual fund investments. Equity intraday and futures trades are charged at ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order, whichever is lower, while options trades cost a flat ₹20 per executed order.
Zerodha is known for its low-cost pricing, transparent services, user-friendly Kite trading platform, and strong focus on technology and investor education.
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
- Zerodha offers a modern trading and investment ecosystem through Kite Web and Mobile, Coin, Console, Kite Connect API, and Varsity. These platforms provide advanced charts, live market data, portfolio analytics, direct mutual fund investing, IPO applications, alerts, GTT orders, and educational resources.
Products Offered
- Zerodha offers a wide range of investment and trading products, including equity delivery, intraday trading, futures and options, commodities, currencies, ETFs, IPOs, direct mutual funds, bonds, and government securities. These products can be accessed through Zerodha’s online platforms, including Kite and Coin.
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.
Zerodha pros and cons
Pros
- ₹0 brokerage on equity delivery and direct mutual funds.
- Low flat brokerage for intraday and F&O trades.
- User-friendly Kite platform with advanced trading tools.
Cons
- No stock tips or advisory services.
- Call-and-trade and some additional services may incur extra charges.
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.
Broker Rating
Zerodha
4.4/5
HDFC Securities
Rating not added
Read complete broker reviews
Frequently asked questions
Is Zerodha a good stockbroker for beginners?
Yes, Zerodha is suitable for beginners because it offers a user-friendly Kite trading platform, educational resources through Varsity, and low brokerage charges.
What is the Zerodha account opening charge?
Zerodha currently offers free account opening for resident individual trading and demat accounts.
What brokerage does Zerodha charge?
Zerodha charges ₹0 brokerage on equity delivery. For equity intraday and futures, the charge is ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order, whichever is lower. Options trades are charged at ₹20 per executed order.
Does Zerodha charge an annual maintenance fee?
Yes, Zerodha charges an Account Maintenance Charge (AMC) of ₹300 per year plus 18% GST for standard resident individual accounts, though it is free for the first year. Instead of billing annually, Zerodha deducts this fee quarterly (every 91 days) directly from your trading balance.
Which trading platforms does Zerodha offer?
Zerodha offers Kite for trading and investing, Coin for direct mutual funds and other investments, and Console for portfolio reports and account statements.
Can I invest in mutual funds through Zerodha?
Yes, investors can use Zerodha Coin to invest in direct mutual funds without paying distributor commissions.
Does Zerodha provide stock tips or advisory services?
No, Zerodha does not provide stock tips, portfolio management, or personalised investment advisory services.
Is there any minimum balance requirement in Zerodha?
No, Zerodha does not require users to maintain a minimum account balance to keep their account active.
Can I apply for IPOs through Zerodha?
Yes, Zerodha users can apply for IPOs online through the Kite platform using a supported UPI ID.
Is Zerodha safe and SEBI registered?
Yes, Zerodha Broking Limited is registered with SEBI and is a member of major Indian stock exchanges, including NSE, BSE, and MCX. However, all stock market investments are subject to market risks.
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.