Choosing the right stockbroker is crucial for seamless trading and investment. Two of the most popular brokers in India, AxisDirect and Zerodha, cater to different types of investors. AxisDirect is a full-service broker, whereas Zerodha is a discount broker known for its low-cost trading. In this detailed comparison, we evaluate both brokers on key parameters like brokerage charges, features, trading platforms, and more to help you decide which one suits your needs best.
Overview of AxisDirect and Zerodha
| Feature | AxisDirect | Zerodha |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Broker | Full-Service Broker | Discount Broker |
| Exchange Membership | BSE, NSE, MCX | NSE, BSE, MCX, NCDEX |
| Year of Incorporation | 2006 | 2010 |
| Number of Branches | 56 | 22 |
| 3-in-1 Account | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Direct Mutual Fund Investment | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Automated Trading | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| SMS Alerts | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Trading Platforms | DirectTrade, AxisDirect Web, AxisDirect Mobile | Kite Web, Kite Mobile, Coin |
| Call & Trade Charges | ₹20 per call | ₹50 per executed order |
| Margin Trading Funding | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Account Opening & AMC Charges
| Charge Type | AxisDirect | Zerodha |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Account Opening Charges | ₹900 | ₹0 |
| Trading Account AMC Charges | ₹0 | ₹0 |
| Demat Account Opening Charges | ₹0 | ₹0 |
| Demat Account AMC Charges | ₹650 | ₹300 |
💡 Verdict: Zerodha offers a more affordable account opening experience, while AxisDirect has a higher Demat AMC charge.
Brokerage Charges Comparison
| Segment | AxisDirect | Zerodha |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | 0.50% | ₹0 (Free) |
| Equity Intraday | 0.05% | ₹20 per executed order or 0.03%, whichever is lower |
| Equity Futures | 0.05% | ₹20 per executed order or 0.03%, whichever is lower |
| Equity Options | Intraday: ₹0.01 per lot Carry Forward: ₹10 per lot | ₹20 per executed order |
| Currency Futures | 0.05% | ₹20 per executed order or 0.03%, whichever is lower |
| Currency Options | Intraday: ₹0.01 per lot Carry Forward: ₹10 per lot | ₹20 per executed order |
| Commodity Futures | 0.03% | ₹20 per executed order or 0.03%, whichever is lower |
| Commodity Options | ₹50 per lot | ₹20 per executed order |
| Minimum Brokerage | ₹20 per trade | 0.03% in Intraday and F&O |
💡 Verdict: Zerodha wins with its flat-fee model and free delivery trades, making it ideal for cost-conscious traders.
Leverage & Margin Comparison
| Segment | AxisDirect | Zerodha |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | 1x | 1x |
| Equity Intraday | Up to 5x | Up to 5x |
| F&O (Equity, Currency & Commodity) | 1x (Span + Exposure) | 1x (Span + Exposure) |
💡 Verdict: Both brokers offer similar leverage, with no significant advantage for either.
Trading Platforms & Features
| Feature | AxisDirect | Zerodha |
|---|---|---|
| Charting | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Automated Trading | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Online Portfolio Tracking | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Margin Against Shares (Equity & F&O) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Order Types (GTT, GTC, AMO, BO, CO) | Limited | ✅ Available |
💡 Verdict: Zerodha excels with its advanced trading platforms (Kite) and features like GTT orders. However, AxisDirect offers in-depth portfolio tracking and stock research tools.
Axis Direct Vs Zerodha- Pros & Cons
Zerodha – Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
✔️ Free equity delivery trading (₹0 brokerage).
✔️ Flat ₹20 per trade for intraday and F&O.
✔️ Advanced trading platforms (Kite).
✔️ Direct Mutual Fund investment.
✔️ Good Till Triggered (GTT) orders.
❌ Cons:
❌ No stock research or recommendations.
❌ ₹50 per trade for Call & Trade.
❌ No 3-in-1 account.
AxisDirect – Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
✔️ 3-in-1 account (Bank + Demat + Trading).
✔️ Free research reports and stock recommendations.
✔️ Strong offline presence with branches.
✔️ Educational webinars and tutorials.
❌ Cons:
❌ High brokerage compared to discount brokers.
❌ ₹250 per month fee for non-Axis Bank customers.
❌ ₹2,999 per year charge for installable trading terminal.
❌ Higher commodity and currency trading brokerage.
Conclusion: Which Broker Should You Choose?
The choice between AxisDirect and Zerodha depends on your trading style and needs:
- Choose Zerodha if:
✅ You prefer low-cost trading with ₹0 equity delivery.
✅ You need advanced trading platforms and algo trading.
✅ You invest in Direct Mutual Funds. - Choose AxisDirect if:
✅ You want a 3-in-1 account for seamless banking and trading.
✅ You rely on stock research and expert recommendations.
✅ You prefer offline support and branches.
💡 Final Verdict: Zerodha is the best choice for most traders and investors due to its low-cost structure, powerful trading tools, and innovation. However, AxisDirect suits investors who need full-service brokerage support and banking integration.
💬 Still confused?
Let us know in the comments which broker you prefer or if you need further guidance please visit thesharebrokers.com. 🚀