If you are planning to invest in stock market, it is necessary for you to open the demat account first. There are many stock brokers who is providing demat accounts, but this doesn’t mean you can choose anyone uprightly. If you want to choose the Best Demat Account in India, it is recommended to read their pros and cons carefully.
What is a Demat account?
A Dematerialized or Demat account refers to an account that allows people to keep their financial instruments in the electronic format means it provides the facility of holding shares, bonds, securities and mutual funds in the electronic format.
Just like a savings account which is used to hold your money, a Demat account is used to keep the shares.
We will also discuss benefits of demat accounts and its necessity later in this article.
Compare Trading Charges of Top 10 Demat Accounts in India
If you want to open a Demat account, the brokerage is the first and foremost thing to consider. Brokerage refers to a certain percentage of the transaction value that is deducted every time a stock transaction is done. So, here is a list of the best demat account providers that offer the lowest brokerage charges.
| Demat Account | Delivery charges | Intraday charges | Options charges | Futures charges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paytm Money | ₹20 or 0.10% | ₹20 or 0.05% | ₹20 | ₹20 |
| Zerodha | Free | ₹20 or 0.03% | ₹20 | ₹20 |
| Aditya Birla Capital | ₹20 or 0.25% | ₹0 or 0.30% | ₹20 | ₹20 |
| Upstox | 2.5% or ₹20 | ₹20 or 0.05% | ₹20 | ₹20 |
| 5Paisa | ₹20 or 0.25% | ₹20 or 0.05% | ₹10 | ₹10 |
| Groww | ₹20 or 0.05% | ₹20 or 0.25% | ₹20 | ₹20 |
| Axis Direct | Free | ₹20 or 0.03% | ₹20 | ₹20 |
| Kotak Securities | ₹20 or 0.25% | ₹0 | ₹20 | ₹20 |
| SBI Securities | ₹20 or 2% | ₹0 or 0.30% | ₹20 | ₹20 |
| HDFC Securities | ₹20 or 0.50% | ₹20 or 0.10% | ₹100 | 0.05% |
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List of Best Demat Accounts in India – Top 10 Demat Accounts in India
Zerodha
Boasting a client base of over 3 million, Zerodha is undoubtedly the leader of the game. It is the biggest and most trusted discount broker in India at present. Though the discount broker is primarily known as the trendsetter in the discount broking segment, it also has amazing customer services that give it an edge in the industry.
Salient features of Zerodha Demat Account
- Exceptional Customer Support
- Market research tools
- Competitive brokerage
- Outstanding trading platforms
- One of the most trusted discount brokers in the industry
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low Brokerage Costs | Customer Support Limitations |
| Strong Technology/Trading Platform | No Relationship Manager/Advisory |
| Strong Educational Initiative | Limitations on Certain Order Types or Margins |
| Large and Established Player | Occasional Technical Glitches |
Demat Account Opening Charges
| Account Opening Charges | Free |
| AMC for Trading Account | Rs 0 |
| AMC for Demat Account | Rs 300 per year |
Zerodha Brokerage Charges
Zerodha boasts a standard brokerage model where it charges a standard Rs. 20 or 0.03% per stock traded. In the case of equity delivery, it remains zero. The maximum charge is Rs. 20 per order.
| Trading Category | Brokerage Charges |
| Equity Delivery | Rs 0 (Free) |
| Intraday | Flat Rs 20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower) per executed order |
| Equity Future | Flat Rs 20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower) per executed order |
| Options | Flat Rs 20 per executed order (on Turnover) |
| Currency Futures | Flat Rs 20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower) per executed order |
| Options | Flat Rs 20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower) per executed order |
| Commodity | Flat Rs 20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower) per executed order |
| Mutual Fund | Rs 0 (Free Unlimited Direct MF) |
Groww
Initially started as a mutual fund platform, Groww is a Bengaluru-based online discount broker in India that charges a standard brokerage across various instruments like IPO, Equity, and Mutual Funds. The stockbroker also offers investors to invest in digital gold, fixed deposits, US stocks, and others in a seamless fashion. Being an online broker, Groww does not offer any tips, recommendations, and research services. A wonderful choice for the best online demat account in India.
Main features of Groww Demat Account
- Zero commission on direct mutual funds
- Paperless account opening facility
- The maximum brokerage limit is Rs. 20
- Option to convert the external regular mutual fund into a direct mutual fund
- Facility to invest in digital gold, US stocks, and corporate FD
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional User Experience (UX) and Interface | Limited Advanced Charting and Tools |
| Zero Commission on Mutual Funds | Higher Brokerage for Intraday and F&O |
| Wide Range of Investment Options | Limited Research and Analysis |
| Strong Educational Content | Technical Glitches |
Account Opening Charges
| Demat Account Opening Charges | Free Demat Account |
| Trading Account Opening Charges | Rs 0 |
| Demat AMC | Rs 0 |
Groww Brokerage Charges
| Trading Category | Brokerage Charges |
|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | Rs 20 per executed order or 0.01% whichever is lower |
| Equity Intraday | Rs 20 per executed order or 0.01% whichever is lower |
5Paisa
Counted among the leading discount brokers in India, 5paisa.com is promoted and supported by IIFL. To date, the brokerage firm has more than 1.2 million clients. With 5Paisa, traders and investors can choose to open the best demat account and invest across equity, commodity, and currency segments. 5paisa is India’s rapidly growing discount broker which offers trading and investment services across various segments, including stocks, derivatives (F&O) and currency.
5paisa is a registered member of BSE and NSE. 5paisa’s unmatched exposure to technology developed by its parent organization, IIFL, for over 2 decades in the retail broking landscape.
Top Features of 5Paisa Demat Account
- Only discount broker to provide detailed research and advisory services on over 4000 firms
- One-stop destination for all investment products
- Standard Rs. 20 per executed trade
- Gives savings of up to 90% in comparison to conventional brokers
- Nil account opening charges
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide Range of Investment Products | Customer Support Issues |
| Paperless and Easy Account Opening | User Interface Can Be Overwhelming |
| Good Research & Analytics Tools | Not Ideal for Beginner Investors |
| Margin Funding Available | Additional Charges for Key Features |
Demat Account Opening Charges
| Trading Account Opening Charges | Free |
| Demat Account Opening Charges | Rs 0 |
| Account Maintenance Charges (AMC) | Rs 200 yearly |
5Paisa Brokerage Charges
| Category | Brokerage Fee |
|---|---|
| Equity Intra-day | Rs 20 per trade |
| Delivery | Rs 20 per trade |
| Equity Futures | Rs 20 per trade |
| Options | Rs 20 per trade |
| Commodity Futures | Rs 20 per trade |
| Options | Rs 20 per trade |
| Currency Futures | Rs 20 per trade |
| Options | Rs 20 per trade |
Paytm Money
Paytm Money is one of the rapidly growing discount brokering firms in India. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the country’s leading company, One97 Communications Ltd. Paytm Money is a leading stockbroker and an Investment Advisor, registered under SEBI. The company is a depository participant of CDSL and also a member of BSE and NSE.
Paytm Money offers reasonable charges for trading with free Equity Delivery trading. It gives Free Mutual Fund services with 0 charges for investment and redemption.
Top features of Paytm Money Demat Account
- 0 commission on direct mutual funds
- 10 maximum brokerage
- Zero account maintenance charges
- Paperless account opening
- Flat Rs. 10 for intraday trading
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Seamless Onboarding & User Experience | Limited Advanced Features for Active Traders |
| Strong Focus on Direct Mutual Funds | Customer Support Can Be Inconsistent |
| Competitive Pricing for Stock Trading | Not Ideal for Large Traders |
| Integration with Paytm Ecosystem | Product Offerings are Still Evolving |
Paytm Money Account Charges
| Trading Account Opening Charges | Rs 0 |
| Demat Account Opening Charges | Rs 0 |
| Account Maintenance Charges (AMC) | Free |
Paytm Money Brokerage Charges
| Trading Segment | Brokerage Charges |
|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | Rs 20 or 2.5% of turnover |
| Intraday Equity | Rs 20 or 0.05% whichever is lower |
| Future | Rs 20 or 0.01% per executed order |
| Equity Options | Rs 20 per executed order |
Samco Securities
One popular name in the discount broking landscape is Samco Securities. It allows investors to trade in stocks across MCX, BSE, and NSE. Established in 2015, SAMCO is counted among the popular discount stock brokers in India. SAMCO is widely known for its super-low brokerage, margin offerings, more exposure and free trading software.
For investors, there are more than 500 stocks available to choose from. The best offerings by SAMCO are StockPlus, CashPlus, InstaPlus, and their demat account. You can consider SAMCO as the top provider of Demat accounts.
Top Features of SAMCO Demat Account
- 4X equity delivery leverage
- Standard rate trading at Rs. 20 per executed trade
- Option to trade in stocks even with a zero balance
- Advanced mobile trading app – StockNote
- Instant account opening in a hassle-free manner
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ease of Account Opening | Primarily for Active Traders |
| Extremely Competitive Pricing | NRI Accounts Not Supported |
| Advanced, Feature-Rich Trading Platform | Limited Product Offerings |
| Strong Focus on Trader Education | Occasional Technical Glitches |
Account Opening Charges
| Trading Account Opening Charges (One Time) | Zero |
| Demat Account Opening Charges (One Time) | Zero |
| Account Annual Maintenance Charges AMC (Yearly Fee) | Rs 400 |
SAMCO Brokerage Charges
| Equity Delivery | Rs 20 per executed order |
| Intraday | Rs 20 per executed order |
| Equity Futures | Rs 20 per executed order |
| Options | Rs 20 per executed order |
| Currency Futures | Rs 20 per executed order |
| Options | Rs 20 per executed order |
ICICI Direct
ICICI Direct is one of the top-rated retail stockbrokers in India and offers best-in-class trading services to over 50 lakh customers. Traders and investors can choose to trade in equity, commodities, and currencies at BSE, NSE, and MCX. Moreover, there is an option to invest in IPOs, mutual funds, NCDs, fixed deposits, home loans, and loans against securities, among others.
Top Features of ICICI Direct Demat Account
- ICICIdirect iValue Plan, which features a flat ₹20/ Order for Intraday, Futures and options
- Free research picks
- Interest on Buy Now pay later (MTF) at as low as 9.69% p.a.
- 3-in-1 account
- Trading can be done across BSE and NSE
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Brand Trust and Security | Complex Fee Structure |
| Research and Advisory Services | High Margin Funding Rates |
| Strong Customer Service | Not Ideal for High-Frequency Traders |
| Wide Range of Products |
Account Opening Charges
| Transaction | Charges |
|---|---|
| Trading Account Opening Charges | Nil – Free Demat Account |
| Account AMC Charges | Nil |
| Demat Account Opening Charges | Nil |
| Demat AMC | Rs 300 (from 2nd year onwards) |
ICICIdirect Brokerage Charges
| Segment | Brokerage Charges |
|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | as low as 0.07% |
| Intraday | Rs 20 per order with iValue |
| Equity Futures | Rs 20 per order with iValue |
| Equity Options | Rs 20 per order with iValue |
| Currency Futures | Rs 20 per order |
| Currency Options | Rs 20 per order |
| Commodity Futures | Rs 20 per order |
| Commodity Options | Rs 20 per order |
Angel One
Established in 1987, Angel Broking is one of the reputed full-service retail stockbrokers in India. The full-service stock broker offers the best demat account in India and a wide range of trading and investment services, including stock and commodity, investment advisory, loans against shares, margin funding, and other financial products. At present, the firm has over 100 branches, 11000 sub-broker offices across 1800+ cities.
Top Features of Angel One Demat Account
- Free of cost stock advisory & research
- New-age trading platforms
- An extended network of franchises and sub-brokers
- ARQ-based investment vehicle
- One of the trusted brands of India
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cost-Effective for Long-Term Investors | Relatively High Intraday and F&O Brokerage |
| Advanced and Feature-Rich Trading Platforms | Platform Can Be Overwhelming for Beginners |
| Strong In-House Research and Advisory Tools | Occasional System Glitches |
| Strong Brand Recognition and Trust | Limited Global Market Access |
Account Opening Charges
| Trading Account Opening Charges | Nill |
| Annual maintenance charges (AMC) | Nill |
| Demat Account Opening Charges | Nill – Free Demat Account |
| Account Maintenance Charges (AMC) | Rs 240 |
Brokerage Charges
| Category | Brokerage Charges |
|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | Nil |
| Equity Intraday | Flat Rs 20 per executed order |
| Futures | Flat Rs 20 per executed order |
| Equity Options | Flat Rs 20 per executed order |
| Currency Futures | Flat Rs 20 per executed order |
| Options | Flat Rs 20 per executed order |
| Commodity Futures | Flat Rs 20 per executed order |
| Options | Flat Rs 20 per executed order |
Edelweiss
Set up in 2008, Edelweiss Broking Ltd. is a Mumbai-based full-service stockbroker that offers a wide range of trading and investment services in all leading asset categories including IPOs, Mutual Funds, Debt, Equity, Derivatives, Currency, Commodities, Futures & Options. Edelweiss Group has a fabulous presence in PAN India with more than 475 offices across 200 footprints. It has over 12K employees catering to over 15 lakh clients across diverse business sectors.
Top Features of Edelweiss Demat Account
- Standard Rs. 10 per trade across all categories
- Free sock research and advisory services
- Free online trading platforms
- Quick paperless online account opening
- Web-based IPO investment
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive Research and Advisory | Complex Fee Structure |
| Advanced and Multiple Trading Platforms | Relatively Slower Technology at Times |
| Dedicated Relationship Management | Order Types Not Very Advanced |
Edelweiss Account Opening Charges
| Transaction | Charges |
|---|---|
| Trading Account Opening Charges | Nil |
| Annual Maintenance Charges AMC | Nil |
| Demat Account Opening Charges | Nil |
| Account Annual Maintenance Charges AMC | Rs 240 |
Edelweiss Brokerage Charges
| Segment | Brokerage Charges |
|---|---|
| Monthly Charges (Fixed) | |
| Equity Delivery | Rs 0 (Free) |
| Intraday | Flat Rs 20 per executed order |
| Equity Futures | Flat Rs 20 per executed order |
| Options | Flat Rs 20 per executed order |
| Currency Futures | Flat Rs 20 per executed order |
| Options | Flat Rs 20 per executed order |
| Commodity Futures | Flat Rs 20 per executed order |
| Options | Flat Rs 20 per executed order |
IIFL Securities
Established in 1995, IIFL Securities is one of the popular full-service stockbrokers in India. A part of the IIFL Group, IIFL offers different types of trading and investment services for almost all financial instruments like commodities, equities, derivatives, stocks, loans, FDs, Bonds, IPOs, etc. The most significant part of this full-service stockbroker is the fixed-rate brokerage plan which is just Rs. 20 per traded order.
Top Features of IIFL Securities Demat Account
- An excellent network of branches across the country
- Advanced trading platform ‘Trader Terminal’
- Flat Rs. 20 per trader brokerage
- Equity and Mutual Fund research and stock advisory services
- Brokerage-free equity delivery trading
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong Research and Advisory Services | Occasional Technical / UI Challenges |
| Advanced and Robust Trading Platforms | Customer Service / Account Issues |
| Strong Brand Reputation and Legacy | Additional Hidden Charges |
Account Opening Charges
| Trading Account Opening Charges | Nil |
| Account AMC Charges | Rs 0 |
| Demat Account Opening Charges | Rs 0 |
| Demat AMC | Rs 250 (Free for 1st year) |
IIFL Securities Brokerage Charges
| Equity Delivery | Nil |
| Intraday | Rs 20 per order |
| Equity Futures | Rs 20 per order |
| Options | Rs 20 per order |
| Currency Futures | Rs 20 per order |
| Options | Rs 20 per order |
| Commodity Futures | Rs 20 per order |
| Options | Rs 20 per order |
Sharekhan
Largely considered the 3rd largest full-service stockbroker in India, Sharekhan is undoubtedly a reputed name in the field of full-service broking. With over 18 lakh clients, Sharekhan offers trade execution services for equity cash and derivatives categories on BSE and NSE, commodities trading facilities on MCX and NCDEX. Sharekhan’s ‘ShareMobile’ platform offers trading services through mobile apps that are available for iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, Android and other devices.
Top Features of Sharekhan Demat Account
- Free call & trade service
- Online training, seminars and workshops for stock investors
- Option to use the fixed deposit as collateral for F&O trading
- Online fund transfers from any bank
- One of the reliable names in the stockbroking landscape
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Established & Trusted Brand | Outdated User Experience on Some Platforms |
| Powerful Trading Platforms | Slower Adoption of New Tech Trends |
| Good Research and Advisory Services | Customer Service Can Be Inconsistent |
| Flexible Brokerage Options | Limited Features in Some Account Types |
Account Opening Charges
| Trading Account Opening Charges | Nil |
| Account AMC Charges | Nil |
| Demat Account Opening Charges | Nil |
| Demat AMC | Rs 400 (Free for 1st year) |
Brokerage Charges
| Equity Delivery | 0.50% |
| Intraday | 0.10% |
| Equity Futures | 0.10% |
| Options | Rs 50 per lot |
| Currency Futures | 0.10% |
| Options | Rs 30 per lot |
| Commodity Futures | 0.03% |
| Options | 0.03% |
Best Demat Account for Beginners
Angel One – Angel One demat account is the best for beginners. With its user-friendly interface and educational resources, it makes investing easy for new traders. Angel One offers low brokerage that empowers beginners to navigate the markets with confidence.
Best Demat Account in India for Intraday Traders
Zerodha – Zerodha is the top choice for intraday traders due to its seamless platform and advanced trading tools. Zerodha with its user-friendly interface, offers real-time customer support, which makes Zerodha’s demat account is best for intraday traders.
Top Demat Account for IPO Investment
Upstox – Upstox offers the best service for IPO investors with its user-friendly platform, allowing quick and easy participation in new offerings. With low brokerage fees and efficient processing, Upstox demat account is considered the best choice for IPO investment.
Compare Top 10 Demat Accounts for Mutual Fund Investment
| Demat Account Name | Rating |
|---|---|
| Groww | 9.4 |
| Angel One | 9.2 |
| Zerodha | 9.2 |
| Upstox | 9.2 |
| HDFC Securities | 9.0 |
| ICICI Direct | 9.0 |
| Kotak Securities | 8.9 |
| Motilal Oswal | 8.8 |
| IIFL | 8.8 |
| 5Paisa | 8.5 |
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best Demat account in India depends on your investing approach and frequency of trading, as well as what investments you are exploring. Discount brokers like Zerodha, Upstox, and Angel One appeal mainly to active traders with their low fees and great interface. Full-service brokers, for example, ICICI Direct, Kotak Securities, and HDFC Securities give you extra services such as research, relationship managers, and banking services.
When you choose a broker, be sure to look at the specifics, including brokerage fees, account maintenance fees, trading platform, customer service, reputation and investment options. Always go with a SEBI registered broker and one with a solid reputation and a simple to use interface.
User Experience: Choosing the Right Demat Account
When I first decided to start investing in the stock market, I realized that opening a Demat account is the first step. However, with so many brokers offering trading accounts in India, it was difficult to understand which one would be the best for my needs.
After reading this guide on the Best Demat Account in India 2026, I gained a much clearer understanding of how different brokers compare and what factors should be considered before opening an account.
One of the most helpful sections was the comparison table of brokerage charges. It clearly showed how brokers like Zerodha, Groww, Paytm Money, Angel One, and 5Paisa charge for delivery trades, intraday trading, options, and futures. This made it easier to identify brokers that offer low brokerage costs, especially for frequent traders.
I also found the detailed explanations of each broker very useful. For example, Zerodha stands out for its strong technology and low brokerage, while Groww offers a simple interface that is ideal for beginners. Angel One and Edelweiss provide research and advisory services, which can help investors who prefer guidance while investing.
Another helpful aspect was learning about the features and pros and cons of each Demat account. Instead of just listing brokers, the guide explained their strengths, such as advanced trading platforms, research tools, and investment options.
The section highlighting the best Demat accounts for different types of investors was particularly useful. It showed that Angel One is suitable for beginners, Zerodha works well for intraday traders, and Upstox is considered a good option for IPO investments.
Overall, this guide helped simplify a complex decision. It provided a clear comparison of brokerage charges, platform features, and investment options, making it easier to choose a Demat account that fits my trading style and financial goals.
FAQs – Best Demat Account in India
What are the documents required to open a demat account?
The following documents are required to open a demat account in India.
Proof of Income, Proof of Identity and Proof of Address.
Which is the best Demat account in India?
Here are some of the leading stockbrokers that offer the best Demat accounts in India.
1. Zerodha
2. Upstox
3. IIFL
4. Angel Broking
5. SAS Online
Which is the No. 1 Demat account broker in India?
Angel Broking & Zerodha are considered India’s No. 1 demat account, other than this, these are India’s best demat accounts for beginners –
1. Angel Broking
2. Motilal Oswal
3. Zerodha
4. ICICIDirect
5. IIFL
Which is the best Demat account for IPO?
According to many surveys and research reports, it has been found that Zerodha tops the list of stockbrokers when it comes to opening a free Demat account for IPO investment.
Which is the Top Demat Account in India for Intraday Trading?
The top 5 Demat accounts for intraday trading in India are:
1. Zerodha
2. Upstox
3. Angel Broking
4. 5Paisa
5. TradeSmart Online
Which is the best Demat broker in India for Small Investors?
These demat brokers are providing top demat accounts for small investors, please check it out:
1. Zerodha Demat Account
2. Angel Broking Demat Account
3. Sharekhan Demat Account
4. Edelweiss Demat Account
5. 5Paisa Demat Account
