When choosing a stockbroker, investors often compare Anand Rathi and Zerodha—two well-known brokerage firms in India. While Anand Rathi is a full-service broker offering a wide range of financial services, Zerodha is India’s largest discount broker, known for its low-cost trading and innovative technology.
In this detailed comparison, we analyze their brokerage charges, trading platforms, features, and pros & cons to help you decide which one suits your needs.
Anand Rathi vs Zerodha – A Quick Comparison
Particulars
Anand Rathi
Zerodha
Type of Broker
Full-Service Broker
Discount Broker
Exchange Membership
NSE, BSE, MCX, NCDEX
NSE, BSE, MCX, NCDEX
Year of Incorporation
1994
2010
Number of Branches
1200+
22
Head Office
Mumbai, India
Bangalore, India
Account Opening & AMC ChargesComparison
Service
Anand Rathi
Zerodha
Trading Account Opening Charges
Rs 0 (Free)
Rs 0 (Free)
Trading Account AMC
Rs 0 (Free)
Rs 0 (Free)
Demat Account Opening Charges
Rs 0 (Free)
Rs 0 (Free)
Demat Account AMC
Rs 532 (1st Year Free)
Rs 300
Brokerage ChargesComparison
Segment
Anand Rathi
Zerodha
Equity Delivery
0.20%
Rs 0 (Free)
Equity Intraday
0.02%
Rs 20 per executed order or 0.03% (whichever is lower)
Equity Futures
0.02%
Rs 20 per executed order or 0.03% (whichever is lower)
Equity Options
Rs 50 per lot
Rs 20 per executed order
Currency Futures
0.02%
Rs 20 per executed order or 0.03% (whichever is lower)
Currency Options
Rs 20 per lot
Rs 20 per executed order
Commodity Futures
0.02%
Rs 20 per executed order or 0.03% (whichever is lower)
Commodity Options
Rs 100 per lot
Rs 20 per executed order
Call & Trade Charges
Rs 0 (Free)
Rs 50 per executed order
Leverage & Margin
Segment
Anand Rathi
Zerodha
Equity Delivery
1x (100% of trade value)
1x (100% of trade value)
Equity Intraday
5x (Up to 20% of trade value)
5x (Up to 20% of trade value)
F&O (Equity, Currency & Commodity)
1x (100% of NRML margin)
1x (100% of NRML margin)
Trading Platforms & FeaturesComparison
Feature
Anand Rathi
Zerodha
3-in-1 Account
No
No
Charting & Technical Analysis
Yes
Yes
Automated Trading
Yes
Yes
SMS Alerts
Yes
No
Online Portfolio Tracking
Yes
No
Trading Platforms
TradeMobi, Trade Xpress+, Tr@de X’pro
Kite Web, Kite Mobile (Android/iOS), Coin
Trading in SME Shares?
No
Yes
Referral Program
Yes
Yes
Investment OptionsComparison
Investment Type
Anand Rathi
Zerodha
Equities
Yes
Yes
Commodities
Yes
Yes
Currency
Yes
Yes
IPO
Yes
Yes
Mutual Funds
Yes
Yes
Bonds / NCDs
Yes
No
Debt Instruments
Yes
No
Order TypesComparison
Order Type
Anand Rathi
Zerodha
Bracket Order
Yes
No
Cover Order
Yes
Yes
BTST (Buy Today Sell Tomorrow)
Yes
Yes
STBT (Sell Today Buy Tomorrow)
Yes
No
After Market Order (AMO)
Yes
Yes
Good Till Cancelled (GTC)
No
Yes
Anand Rathi VsZerodha – Pros and Cons
Pros
Anand Rathi
Zerodha
Wide branch network across India.
Free account opening for people under 25.
Multiple financial products under one roof.
India’s largest broker with the most active clients.
Research & advisory services available.
Zero brokerage on equity delivery trades.
Loan against shares & margin trading available.
Rs 20 flat brokerage on all segments.
IPO application facility.
Excellent trading platform (Kite).
Personalized customer support.
Direct mutual fund investment (Coin).
Cons
Anand Rathi
Zerodha
Higher brokerage charges compared to discount brokers.
No stock tips, research, or recommendations.
No Good Till Canceled (GTC) orders.
Call & Trade charges: Rs 50 per order.
No free mutual fund investment platform.
No unlimited monthly brokerage plans.
High brokerage on equity options.
No 3-in-1 account.
Which Broker Should You Choose?
Choose Zerodha if you prefer low-cost trading, advanced technology, and a seamless online experience. It’s best for active traders and long-term investors looking for zero brokerage on delivery trades and flat Rs 20 per order pricing.
Choose Anand Rathi if you need personalized advisory services, a loan against shares, and a full-service brokerage with research reports. It’s ideal for investors who require hand-holding in their financial decisions.
Still unsure? Explore more broker comparisons and reviews at TheShareBrokers.com! 🚀