A Demat account, short for a dematerialized account, has become an essential tool for investors in India. It allows investors to hold their securities in an electronic format, eliminating the need for physical share certificates and enabling seamless trading and settlement. As the popularity of investing in the stock market continues to grow, selecting the best Demat account becomes crucial for investors looking for a secure, efficient, and user-friendly platform.
Find the Best Online Demat And Trading Account For You!
In India, there are several financial institutions and brokerage firms that offer Demat accounts with varying features and benefits. The best Demat accounts in India not only provide a safe and convenient way to hold securities but also offer additional features such as easy accessibility, advanced trading platforms, research tools, competitive brokerage charges, and excellent customer support.
Choosing the right Demat account is a crucial decision, as it directly impacts an investor’s trading experience and the overall efficiency of their investment journey. In this article, we will explore the features and qualities of the best Demat accounts in India, helping investors make an informed choice based on their specific needs and preferences.
Our Top Pick Stock Broker for Demat Account in India 2024
 | Upstox  Best for Beginners, Free Account Opening, & Saves from high brokerage fees. | |
 | ZERODHA Best for Quick, easy, and cost-effective equity trading. |
Note: The selection of the best Demat account may vary depending on individual requirements and priorities. Investors need to conduct thorough research, compare the features and charges of different providers, and assess their own investment goals before finalizing a Demat account provider.
List of Top 10 Best Demat Accounts In India 2024
Broker Name | Overall Rating | Account opening Charges | Account management Charges | Opening Year |
1. Upstox | Free | free | 2009 | |
2. Zerodha | Rs. 200 For (Equity) Rs. 100 For (Commodity) | Rs. 300 Per Annum + GST | 2010 | |
3. 5Paisa | Free | Zero | 2016 | |
4. Groww | Free | Free | 2016 | |
5. India Infoline | Free | Rs. 250 Per Annum (Free for First Year) | 1995 | |
6. Paytm Money | Rs. 200 | Rs. 300 Per Annum | 2010 | |
7. Angel One | Free | Rs. 240 Per Annum | 1996 | |
8. Sharekhan | Free | Rs. 400 (Free for First year) | 2016 | |
9. Motilal Oswal | Free | Rs. 400 (Free For First Year) | 1987 | |
10. HDFC Securities | Free | Rs. 750 Per Annum | 2000 | |
11. Kotak Securities | Free | Rs. 600 Per Annum | 1994 | |
12. ICICI Direct | Free | Rs. 300 (from second Year) | 2000 | |
13. fyers | Free | Rs. 300 Per Annum | 2015 | |
14. choice | Free | Rs. 200 Per Annum + GST | 2010 | |
15. SBICap Securities | Rs. 850 | Rs. 350 Per Annum | 2001 |
Details Analysis of Top 10 Demat Accounts In India:
#1. Zerodha Demat Account:
Best for trading, investing, cost-effectiveness, & advanced technology.
With over 40 lakh users, Zerodha is the largest and most reputable discount broker. The main reason for Zerodha’s success is its superior customer service, which is superior to that of all other discount brokers.
Zerodha charges a modest brokerage cost of Rs. 20 per completed order, whichever is less. If you trade in large volumes, you can save up to 90% compared to other full-service stockbrokers. Zerodha offers free stock delivery trading.
Trading platforms with enhanced charts and other tools for enhanced technical analysis are available through Zerodha.
Zerodha Top Features:
- Low-cost brokerage rates
- User-friendly online trading platforms (Zerodha Kite, Zerodha Coin)
- Access to a wide range of financial instruments (stocks, derivatives, commodities, mutual funds, bonds)
- Seamless trading experience
- Competitive pricing compared to traditional brokerage firms
Account Opening Charges & AMC:
- Fees for starting a Demat and trading account are Rs 200.
- Fees for opening a commodity account – Rs 100.
- Annual maintenance fees are Rs 300 per year.
Zerodha Brokerage Charges:
- Zero brokerage for equity delivery.
- Intraday equity – 0.03 percent or Rs 20 per executed order.
- Equity futures – 0.03 percent or Rs 20 per executed order.
- Equity options are charged a fixed rate of Rs 20 for each executed order.
Pros
- Low-cost brokerage fees, making it cost-effective for traders and investors.
- User-friendly online platforms with advanced tools and features for research and analysis.
- Diverse investment options, including stocks, derivatives, commodities, mutual funds, and bonds.
Cons
- Customer support may sometimes be slow or delayed in responding to queries.
- No investor protection.
#2. Upstox Demat Account:
Upstox is one of the best discount brokers because of its low brokerage fees, innovative technological platforms, and strong profitability.
Upstox charges a flat fee of Rs. 20 for every intraday deal, regardless of trading volume, with free stock delivery. When compared to other full-service brokers, you may save a significant amount on brokerage fees.
Upstox provides the fastest and finest online trading platform in India, which is a must for traders.
Upstox Account Charges & Fee:
- Opening a Demat and Trading Account with Upstox is completely free (limited-time offer).
- Annual Maintenance Fees for Upstox – Rs. 25 per month.
Upstox Trading Brokerage Charges:
| Trading Segment | Brokerage |
|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | Rs. 0 |
| Equity (Intraday & Futures) | Lower of Rs. 20 per executed order or 0.05% |
| Equity Options | Rs. 20 per executed order |
| Currency Futures & Options | Lower of Rs. 20 per executed order or 0.05% |
| Commodity F & O | Lower of Rs. 20 per executed order or 0.05% |
For more details about Upstox pro please visit Best Trading Platform in India.
Advantages of Upstox:
- For delivery, there are no brokerage fees.
- Exceptional trading platforms.
- Regardless of transaction volume, fixed and low brokerage.
#3. 5Paisa Demat Account:
Under the extra Ultra Trader bundle, 5Paisa charges the lowest brokerage Charges of Rs 10 per trade. You may place a single deal worth crores and pay only Rs 10 in brokerage.
The Ultra trader pack has a monthly cost of Rs. 999. 5Paisa levies a fixed brokerage fee of Rs. 20 for every completed order without the pack.
You may trade using a 5Paisa mobile trading app. In terms of convenience, user experience, and speed, the 5Paisa mobile app is the finest in India.
After providing all of the required documentation, your 5Paisa account will be activated the same day. If you want the cheapest brokerage Demat account, 5Paisa is the way to go.
5Paisa Charges Details:
5paisa provides an all-in-one investing account with two additional packs.
- Rs. 499 per month for the Research & Idea Pack. Brokerage is Rs. 20 per trade, with an AMC of Rs. 45 per month.
- The Ultra Trader Pack costs Rs.999 per month. Brokerage is Rs. 10 per trade, and there are no AMC fees.
- Under the Research & Idea bundle, you simply need to pay maintenance fees for the current month.
- Opening a 5paisa account is completely free.
5paisa Account Open Charges & AMC:
| Account Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Trading Account Opening Charges (One Time) | Rs 0 |
| Trading Annual Maintenance Charges AMC (Yearly Fee) | Rs 0 (Free) |
| Demat Account Opening Charges (One Time) | Rs 0 (Free) |
| Demat Account Annual Maintenance Charges AMC (Yearly Fee) | Rs 540 (charged as Rs 45 per traded month) |
5Paisa Trading Platforms:
- 5Paisa Trader Station Web: 5Paisa is a low-volume trading platform. The web-based interface makes it simple to view portfolio, position, and holdings data.
- 5Paisa.EXE Trader Terminal: The trader terminal is designed for high-volume traders, with a sophisticated UI and quick execution. You will receive a real-time market price, comprehensive charts with tools, and historical stock prices.
- 5Paisa App: This app allows you to trade on your smartphone with simple access to markets and a wonderful user experience.
For more details please visit the Best Trading App in India.
#4. Angel Broking or Angel one Demat Account:
Angel Broking is one of India’s oldest brokerage firms, with 2.15 million brokerage accounts.
Angel Broking’s customer service is excellent. Angel Broking is only recommended if your Adhaar Card is connected to your cellphone phone.
After establishing your identity with an Adhaar OTP, you may complete your whole application online and begin trading.
Account Charges of Angel Broking:
- Opening Fees for a Trading Account – Rs 0.
- Charges for opening a Demat account are Rs 0.
- Annual Maintenance Charges – Rs. 0 for the first year then Rs. 450 per annum.
Angel Broking Provided Trading Platforms:
- Angel Broking Trade: A web-based tool that may be used for portfolio tracking and online trading. The site includes up-to-date market data as well as live news. For deals, I utilize the Angel Broking trade platform.
- Angel Broking Mobile App: ARQ technology is used in the Angel Broking App to provide individualized advice. The software allows you to trade, monitor current market values, and keep track of your portfolio.
- Angel Speed Pro: An installable program that includes 30 days of intraday data and 20 years of historical data. The site incorporates news flash and provides access to a variety of information.
Additional Services:
- A margin of up to ten times the amount deposited is available.
- Through digital KYC, you may begin trading within an hour.
#5. Sharekhan Demat Account:
With over 20 lakh customers, Sharekhan is one of the most popular online brokerage firms. Currently, the organization serves customers via 3200 share stores in 541 cities.
Account Charges of Sharekhan account:
- Trading Account Opening Charges – Nil.
- Demat Account Opening Charges – Nil.
- Annual Maintenance Charges – Rs. 400 per annum (1st year free).
Brokerage Charges:
| Transaction Form | Brokerage |
|---|---|
| Equity (Intraday & Futures) | 0.1% on the 1st leg and 0.02% on the 2nd leg |
| Equity Delivery | 0.50% (min 10 paise) |
| Equity Options | Rs 100 per lot or 2.5% on the premium ( whichever is higher) |
Advantages of Sharekhan:
- There are no account opening fees.
- For the first year, there is no yearly maintenance fee.
- Investors can attend Sharekhan’s online and offline training programs.
- Calling and trading are both free of charge.
Disadvantages:
- On the second leg, there are 0.02 percent brokerage fees.
- When compared to other stockbrokers, the brokerage rate is greater. You can, however, bargain at the time of account opening.
#6. Motilal Oswal Demat Account:
Motilal Oswal offers a wide range of services, including private wealth management, retail brokerage and distribution, institutional broking, asset management, private equity banking, commodities broking, monetary broking, major strategies, and home finance.
The company now has over 2200 business locations and over ten thousand registered clients. The rationale for having a large client base is Motilal Oswal’s robust research-based guidance.
They spend about 10% of their income on research, as well as employing and training research staff. Because I conduct my own research before purchasing any stocks, their research calls are of little use to me.
Account Charges:
- Demat Account Opening Charges – Rs 0.
- Trading Account Opening Charges – Rs 0.
- Annual Maintenance Charges – up to Rs 899 depending on the scheme.
Motilal Oswal Brokerage Charges:
| Segment | Brokerage |
|---|---|
| Equity (Intraday & Futures) | 0.05% |
| Equity Delivery | 0.50% |
| Equity Options | Rs. 70 per lot |
Motilal Oswal Trading Platforms:
- Desktop Trading Platform MO Trader: An installed desktop platform on your PC or laptop. The system enables access across all classes to around 30.000 research reports.
- MO Trader Web Platform – where you may quickly access your trading account online using any web browser.
- MO Trader Mobile App: a mobile platform that provides real-time information and execution for smartphone users.
Advantages of MOSL Demat and Trading account:
- Awarded research advisory encompassing 45 industries and 80,000+ reports.
- There are several value-added services available, such as portfolio management services, FD, gold, US stocks, and bond investing.
#7. India Infoline Demat Account:
IIFL Securities Ltd (IIFL) is a large full-service stockbroker with over 22 lakh customers. The IIFL Demat account is ideal for individuals who want guidance and research assistance while making investment decisions.
For trading and value investing, you would need to pay a percentage-based brokerage fee. IIFL has three brokerage plans: variable brokerage, flat brokerage, and value-added brokerage.
Additional offers:
- Research advisory.
- Market & sector reports & Information.
- Options Trading Using Sensible.
- Loan Products (Home, Personal, Gold, Against Property & Business Loan).
- Mutual Fund Investment.
- Wealth & Financial Management.
Benefits of IIFL Demat Account:
- Account opening is free, and the first year’s AMC is zero.
- Brokerage fees are lower when compared to other full-service brokers.
- 500+ stock research reports, sector summaries, daily stock advice, and recommendations
- IPO and mutual fund investments are examples of value-added services.
IIFL Account Opening Charges:
- Account opening charges – FREE.
- First-year annual maintenance charges – FREE (limited time).
- Annual maintenance charges second year onwards – Rs 250
IIFL Brokerage Charges:
- Stock delivery – Free.
- Intraday, futures & options – Flat Rs 20/trade.
#8. HDFC Securities Demat Account:
HDFC Security Limited is a subsidiary of HDFC Bank, India’s largest private bank. HDFC Securities offers a 3-in-1 account that combines your savings account, trading account, and Demat account.
Account Charges:
- Account Opening Charges – NIL.
- Account Annual Maintenance Charges – Rs 750 ( free for the first year).
Trading Platform of HDFC:
- HDFC Pro Terminal: The HDFC Pro Terminal is a web-based trading tool that provides real-time market data as well as features such as market analysis and sentiment analysis. HDFC charges Rs. 1,999 for the usage of the Pro terminal for a period of 12 months.
- HDFC Securities Mobile Trading: The HDFC mobile platform allows mobile phone users to trade stocks and derivatives in just a few clicks.
- Disadvantages:
Advantages:
- Funds may be readily transferred from one account to another to interconnected accounts. Only useful for HDFC saving account holders.
Disadvantages:
- Commodity trading is not available through HDFC security.
- If you are a new HDFC member, you must first create a savings account.
- The use of the Pro trading terminal costs Rs. 1,999.
#9. Kotak Securities Demat Account:
Kotak Securities is the brokerage division of its parent company, Kotak Mahindra Bank.
They provide services in a variety of markets, including stocks, derivatives, ETFs, currencies, and portfolio management.
They have a clientele of over 12 lakhs. Their branches and franchisees may be found in over 1200 sites in 360+ cities and towns.
Kotak Securities Brokerage Structure:
They have two brokerage Plans. Dynamic Plan, and Advance Brokerage Plan.
- Dynamic Brokerage Plan:
| Delivery Trading (Monthly Volume) | Brokerage Charges |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 Lakh | 0.59% |
| 1-5 Lakh | 0.55% |
| 5-10 Lakh | 0.45% |
| 10-20 Lakh | 0.36% |
| 20-60 Lakh | 0.27% |
| 60 Lakh- 2 Crores | 0.23% |
| Greater than 2 Crores | 0.18Brokerage Charges% |
| Intraday Trading | Brokerage Charges |
|---|---|
| Less than 25 Lakhs | 0.06% |
| 25 Lakhs- 2 Crores | 0.05% |
| 2 Crores – 5 Crores | 0.04% |
| More than 5 Crores | 0.03% |
Kotak Securities Demat Account Opening and AMC Charges:
- Trading Account Opening Charges: Rs 750
- Demat Account Maintenance Charges: Rs 50 per month.
Advantages of Kotak Demat & Trading Account:
Pros:
- They provide a 3-in-1 Demat account that allows for the smooth transfer of payments.
- All investing options are available under one roof.
- Above-average trading platforms, as well as support for traders with sluggish internet connections
- Online chat with the support team is available.
Cons:
- There is no support for the commodities segment.
- Brokerage fees are exorbitant, even when compared to comparable full-service brokers.
#10. ICICI Direct Demat Account:
ICICI Direct is a large stock brokerage firm with over 20 lakh customers. ICICI Direct offers a diverse range of services and investment opportunities, including.
- Investing in stocks, derivatives, mutual funds, initial public offerings (IPOs), NCDs and bonds, ETFs, and currencies.
- Products of great value. Investment in E-Locker and NPS.
- Home loans and loans secured by securities.
Additional offers:
- If your trading volume is minimal, the ICICI Direct account is ideal.
- If you already have an ICICI saving account and wish to invest in IPOs and mutual funds, you may do so.
- You will get a 3-in-1 account, which includes a savings account, a trading account, and a Demat account all rolled into one.
- The 3-in-1 account allows for simple money transfers in and out.
ICICI Direct offers 3 types of brokerage plans:
- ICICI direct Prime:
| Prime plan in Rs. | Cash | Equity Futures | Equity Options per lot | Currency Futures | Currency Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900 | 0.25% | 0.025% | Rs. 35 | Rs. 20 per order & Rs. 2 per lot | Rs. 20 per order & Rs. 2 per lot |
| 4,500 | 0.18% | 0.018% | Rs. 25 | Rs. 20 per order & Rs. 2 per lot | Rs. 20 per order & Rs. 2 per lot |
| 9,500 | 0.15% | 0.015% | Rs. 20 | Rs. 20 per order & Rs. 2 per lot | Rs. 20 per order & Rs. 2 per lot |
- I- Secure Plan: Where a fixed percentage of brokerage of 0.55% is charged on turnover.
- Prepaid Brokerage Plan:
| Prepaid plan in Rs | Cash | Equity Futures | Equity Options per lot | Currency (F&O) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5000 | 0.25% | 0.025% | Rs. 35 | Rs. 20 per order & Rs. 2 per lot |
| 12,500 | 0.22% | 0.022% | Rs. 30 | Rs. 20 per order & Rs. 2 per lot |
| 25,000 | 0.18% | 0.018% | Rs. 25 | Rs. 20 per order & Rs. 2 per lot |
| 50,000 | 0.15% | 0.015% | Rs. 20 | Rs. 20 per order & Rs. 2 per lot |
| 1,00,000 | 0.12% | 0.012% | Rs. 15 | Rs. 20 per order & Rs. 2 per lot |
| 1,50,000 | 0.09% | 0.009% | Rs. 10 | Rs. 20 per order & Rs. 2 per lot |
ICICI Direct Account Charges:
- Account Opening Charges- up to Rs. 975 depending on the scheme.
- Annual Maintenance Charges – Rs 700 (1st year free).
ICICI Direct Trading Platforms:
- Trade Racer Web: A web-based platform that allows you to do all trading and investment operations. Any browser may access the online platform.
- Trade Racer Desktop: An installable trading platform that includes features such as live-streaming quotations and research calls, as well as an integrated fund transfer mechanism.
How to Choose the Best Demat Account?
To choose the best demat account, follow these key steps:
- Research: Conduct research on different demat account providers and compare their features, charges, and reputation.
- Assess Your Needs: Determine your investment goals, preferred investment options, and the level of customer support you require.
- Security and Regulations: Ensure the demat account provider is trustworthy, reliable, and regulated. Look for robust security measures.
- Cost Consideration: Evaluate the charges associated with the demat account, including account opening fees, maintenance charges, and transaction fees.
- User-Friendly Interface: Opt for a Demat account with an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that provides real-time market data and order placement.
- Customer Support: Consider the quality and responsiveness of customer support, ensuring multiple channels are available for assistance.
- Integration with Trading Account: If you have or plan to open a trading account, ensure compatibility and integration between the demat and trading accounts.
- Recommendations and Reviews: Seek recommendations from experienced investors and pay attention to user reviews and ratings.
- Additional Services: Consider additional services provided, such as IPO applications, research reports, or educational resources.
- Account Opening Process: Evaluate the account opening process, preferring providers with convenient online account opening options.
By following these steps, you can make an informed decision and choose the best Demat account in India that meets your specific investment requirements and preferences.
Conclusion:
When choosing the top demat account in India, it’s crucial to assess your investment goals, trading preferences, and the specific features and services that align with your needs. Consider factors such as account opening charges, brokerage fees, AMC, research reports, trading platforms, and customer support to make an informed decision that suits your investment requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Which brokerage has the lowest fees in India?
Zerodha & Upstox is a popular brokerage house in India known for its low fees and discount brokerage model. They offer commission-free equity investments and charge a flat fee for other trades, making them one of the lowest-cost options for investors in India.
Which Demat account is best for beginners in India?
Which Demat account is the best and cheapest in India?
Upstox, Zerodha, and 5Paisa are considered one of the best and cheapest Demat account providers in India. They are a leading discount broker known for their low brokerage fees and user-friendly platform.
Which Demat account is free of cost?
Typically, Demat accounts in India are not completely free of cost. However, there are certain brokers that offer zero account opening charges for Demat accounts. Zerodha & Upstox is such broker that offers zero account opening charges for Demat accounts. However, it’s important to note that there may still be charges associated with other services such as transaction charges, annual maintenance charges (AMC), and other applicable fees.
Which is the best Demat account for small investors?
There are several Demat account providers that cater to small investors. Some popular options include Zerodha, Upstox, and 5Paisa. These platforms offer low brokerage fees, user-friendly interfaces, and a range of investment options. However, the “best” Demat account for a small investor ultimately depends on individual preferences and requirements. It’s advisable to compare the features, charges, customer support, and reviews of different providers to determine which one aligns best with your specific needs.
Which is the best demat account for Mutual Funds?
Many Demat account providers offer the facility to invest in Mutual Funds. Some of the well-known platforms that are popular for Mutual Fund investments include Zerodha Coin, HDFC Securities, ICICI Direct, and Groww. These platforms typically provide a wide range of Mutual Funds to choose from, easy navigation, user-friendly interfaces and often offer features like goal-based investing, SIP (Systematic Investment Plan), and tracking portfolio performance. However, the “best” Demat account for Mutual Funds depends on individual requirements and preferences. It’s advisable to compare the features, charges, customer support, and reviews of different providers to determine which one suits your needs and offers the Mutual Fund options you are interested in.
Which is the best 3 in 1 Demat account?
ICICI Direct, HDFC Securities, and Kotak Securities are among the popular options for 3-in-1 Demat accounts.
Which is the best Demat account for traders?
For traders, the best Demat account would depend on their specific trading preferences, strategies, and requirements. Some popular Demat account providers that are commonly used by traders include Zerodha, Upstox, Sharekhan, and ICICI Direct. These platforms typically offer advanced trading tools, fast order execution, real-time market data, technical analysis tools, and various trading platforms (web, mobile, desktop) to cater to different trading styles. It’s advisable for traders to compare the features, charges, customer support, and reviews of different providers to determine which one aligns best with their trading needs.
Is the Demat account safe?
Yes, Demat accounts are considered safe due to regulatory oversight, elimination of physical certificates, secure infrastructure, account segregation, and investor protection mechanisms.
Can I open 2 Demat accounts with the same bank account?
Yes, it is possible to open multiple Demat accounts with the same bank account.
Can I have multiple Demat Accounts?
Yes, you can have multiple Demat accounts. There is no restriction on the number of Demat accounts an individual can hold. However, it’s important to note that maintaining multiple Demat accounts may involve additional administrative work and can incur extra charges such as account maintenance fees. It’s advisable to assess your investment needs and consider the convenience and cost implications before deciding to open multiple Demat accounts.
Can I Buy Shares without a Demat account?
No, you cannot buy shares without a Demat account. A Demat account is necessary to hold and trade shares in electronic form. When you purchase shares, they are credited to your Demat account, and when you sell shares, they are debited from your Demat account. It serves as a digital repository for your securities holdings, eliminating the need for physical share certificates. Therefore, to participate in the stock market and buy shares, you must have a Demat account.
Can I have multiple Demat Accounts with the same stockbroker?
You cannot open multiple Demat accounts with the same Depository Participant (DP) or broker. Each Demat account you hold will incur separate charges for annual maintenance. Additionally, not utilizing a Demat account may result in charges and potential account freezing.
