Compare Kotak Securities vs Zerodha to find the best stock broker in India. Explore brokerage charges, trading platforms, account features, and customer support to make an informed choice.
About Kotak Securities
Established in 1994, Kotak Securities Ltd is a full-service stockbroker and a subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank. It provides a 3-in-1 account (bank, trading, and demat), allowing seamless fund transfers. Kotak Securities offers investment options in equities, derivatives (equity, commodities, and currency), IPOs, and mutual funds. Additional services include research reports, margin trading, depository services, and third-party investment products like insurance. The broker also facilitates direct investment in US markets.
Know More About Kotak Securities
About Zerodha
Founded in 2010, Zerodha is India’s largest and most popular discount broker. It offers low-cost trading with a flat-fee model, making it a preferred choice for retail investors and traders. Zerodha provides investments in equity, commodities, currency, IPOs, bonds, and mutual funds. It charges ₹0 brokerage for equity delivery and direct mutual funds, while intraday and F&O trades have a flat fee of ₹20 per executed order or 0.03% (whichever is lower). Zerodha is known for its advanced trading platforms like Kite and Coin, offering seamless trading experiences.
Kotak Securities vs Zerodha – Key Differences
| Feature | Kotak Securities | Zerodha |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Broker | Full-Service Broker | Discount Broker |
| Founded | 1994 | 2010 |
| Exchange Memberships | BSE, NSE, MCX, NCDEX | NSE, BSE, MCX, NCDEX |
| Branches | 153 | 22 |
| 3-in-1 Account | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | KEAT ProX, Kotak Stock Trader (App), Website | Kite Web, Kite Mobile (iOS/Android), Coin |
| Research Reports & Tips | Yes | No |
| Call & Trade Charges | ₹50 per call | ₹50 per executed order |
Account Opening & AMC Charges
| Fee Type | Kotak Securities | Zerodha |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Account Opening Charges | ₹0 (Free) | ₹0 (Free) |
| Trading Account AMC | ₹0 | ₹0 |
| Demat Account Opening Charges | ₹0 (Free) | ₹0 (Free) |
| Demat Account AMC | ₹600 | ₹300 |
Brokerage Charges Comparision
| Segment | Kotak Securities (Trade Free Plan) | Zerodha |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | 0.25% (Min ₹20 per trade) | ₹0 (Free) |
| Equity Intraday | Free | ₹20 per executed order or 0.03% (whichever is lower) |
| Equity Futures | ₹20 per trade (Intraday: Free) | ₹20 per executed order or 0.03% |
| Equity Options | ₹20 per trade (Intraday: Free) | ₹20 per executed order |
| Currency Futures | ₹20 per trade (Intraday: Free) | ₹20 per executed order or 0.03% |
| Currency Options | ₹20 per trade (Intraday: Free) | ₹20 per executed order |
| Commodity Futures | ₹20 per trade (Intraday: Free) | ₹20 per executed order or 0.03% |
Margin Leverage
| Segment | Kotak Securities | Zerodha |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | 1x (100% of trade value) | 1x (100% of trade value) |
| Equity Intraday | Up to 5x (20% margin) | Up to 5x (20% margin) |
| Futures & Options | 1x (NRML margin) | 1x (NRML margin) |
Kotak Securities vs Zerodha – Features & Trading Platforms
| Feature | Kotak Securities | Zerodha |
|---|---|---|
| Charting & Technical Analysis | Yes | Yes |
| Automated Trading | Yes | Yes |
| SMS Alerts | Yes | No |
| Online Portfolio Tracking | Yes | No |
| Margin Trading Funding | Yes | Yes |
| Margin Against Shares | Yes (Equity Cash) | Yes (Equity F&O) |
| Intraday Square-off Time | Equity: 3:15 PM | Varies by segment |
| Trading in SME Stocks | No | Yes |
| Referral Program | No | Yes |
Trading Platforms:
- Kotak Securities: KEAT ProX, Kotak Stock Trader (App), Web-based Trading.
- Zerodha: Kite Web, Kite Mobile (Android/iOS), Coin for Mutual Funds.
Pros & Cons
✅ Kotak Securities – Pros
✔ 3-in-1 Account: Seamless fund transfers with Kotak Mahindra Bank.
✔ Zero Brokerage Intraday Trading: Free intraday trading in select plans.
✔ Research & Advisory: Comprehensive reports for investors.
✔ Access to US Markets: Invest directly in international stocks.
❌ Kotak Securities – Cons
❌ High Equity Delivery Brokerage: Charges 0.25% (compared to ₹0 in Zerodha).
❌ Expensive Dealer-Assisted Plans: High brokerage for offline trading.
❌ Demat AMC Charges: ₹600/year, higher than Zerodha’s ₹300.
✅ Zerodha – Pros
✔ ₹0 Brokerage on Equity Delivery & Mutual Funds.
✔ Low Trading Fees: ₹20 flat brokerage per trade.
✔ Excellent Trading Platforms: Kite and Coin are among the best in India.
✔ Algo Trading & APIs: Advanced tools for traders.
❌ Zerodha – Cons
❌ No 3-in-1 Account: Requires a separate bank account.
❌ No Research Reports & Stock Tips.
❌ Call & Trade is Expensive: ₹50 per executed order.
Which Broker Should You Choose?
| Investor Type | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Casual Investors | Both Kotak Securities & Zerodha |
| Active Traders | Zerodha (Lower brokerage, better platforms) |
| Long-Term Investors | Zerodha (₹0 brokerage on delivery trades) |
| Beginners & Bank Customers | Kotak Securities (3-in-1 Account) |
📌 Final Verdict:
- Choose Kotak Securities if you prefer a 3-in-1 account with research reports.
- Choose Zerodha if you want zero brokerage on delivery, lower trading costs, and a better trading platform.
