Last Updated on 26/02/2022 by Deepak Singla
The stock market has traversed a long path ever since Stock Exchanges were first launched in India. With the revolutionary technology of the 21st century, the volumes of stock market trading have further surged. The market was ruled by traditional brokerage firms like Indiabulls, Sharekhan, and so on. But, the world has changed a lot since then, and a lot of top players have entered the depository participant or brokerage business.
To join the herd of stock market investors, the first thing you need to do is open a Demat account. Now, investors could have all sorts of trading requirements! Whether it is wanting to buy and sell shares on the same day, invest in the stock market through a bank, or to start investing with a small sum of money, all of these are valid enough. And you need to keep these in mind along with certain other parameters while choosing the best Demat account for trading.
Looking for the best Demat account in India? Worry not, you’ve chosen the right page! From the best Demat account for intraday trading to the top Demat account for beginners, scroll through a list of 11 best Demat accounts in India:
List of Top 11 Demat Accounts in India 2022
| Sl. No. | Demat Account Provider | Account Opening Charges | Brokerage Charges | Annual Maintenance Charges |
| 1. | 5 paisa | Nil | INR 10 or INR 20 per order (depends on the plan selected) | Nil or INR 45 per month |
| 2. | Zerodha | INR 200 | INR 20 per trade | INR 300 per year |
| 3. | Upstox | Nil | 30 days free, brokerage after that period is INR 20 per order | INR 25 per month |
| 4. | Sharekhan | Nil | 0.50% per share | INR 400 p.a. (1st year free) |
| 5. | India Infoline (IIFL) | Nil | 0.10 % to 0.50% (depends on the scheme selected) | INR 250 p.a. (from 2nd year, 1st year’s AMC is waived off) |
| 6. | Angel Broking | Nil | 0.40% per share | INR 450 p.a. (1st year free) |
| 7. | ICICI Direct | INR 975 | 0.55% | INR 700 (1st year free) |
| 8. | Kotak Securities | INR 750 | 0. 049% to 0.49%% | INR 50 per month |
| 9. | HDFC Securities | INR 750 | 0.50% | INR 750 (1st year free) |
| 10. | Motilal Oswal | Nil | 0.50% | Up to INR 899 (depends on the plan) |
| 11. | SBICap Securities | INR 850 | 0.075% | INR 400 |
1. 5Paisa
5Paisa is a top-rated stockbroker company in India that has witnessed quick growth and success. It has a flat brokerage charge of INR 10 per trade. Now, that makes it very well-suited for young investors.
It provides you with a canopy of reliable services. You will also get the 5Paisa app for mobile trading. Moreover, it doesn’t charge anything on stock delivery. These factors have contributed to establishing 5Paisa Demat account as one of the best Demat accounts in India.
Features and Benefits
- Low Brokerage Charges
- Free Delivery
- The trading App interface is good
- Fast account opening procedure
- Two types of packs: Research & Idea Pack and Ultra Trader Pack
| Active Client Base | 6,31,514 |
| Complaints | 0.04% |
| Account Opening Charges | Free |
| Annual Maintenance Charges | INR 45 per month |
| Brokerage Charges | INR 10 or INR 20 |
| Pros | Research Insights
Low Brokerage |
| Cons | Customer Service |
2. Zerodha
Zerodha is one of the most trustworthy brokerage service providers in India. It is one of the first and currently the fastest-growing brokerage companies in India with a daily turnover of around INR 10,000 crores.
Zerodha Demat account is the very best Demat account for beginners. The reason behind is its low brokerage charges. Moreover, it guides investments as well which is very beneficial for young investors.
Features and Benefits
- Free stock delivery. No brokerage charged here
- Great customer support
- Helpful tools for analyzing stocks in the Zerodha app
- Minimum brokerage cap per transaction not present
- Maximum brokerage cap is at INR 20 regardless of the transaction volume.
| Active Client Base | 23,03,799 |
| Complaints | 0.01% |
| Account Opening Charges | INR 200 |
| Annual Maintenance Charges | INR 100 |
| Brokerage Charges | INR 20 per order |
| Pros | Low Brokerage |
| Cons | Support Service |
3. Upstox
Upstox Demat account provides brokerage services at really cheap charges. However, it gives you access to high-end technology and several other benefits as well. It is backed by top-class investors and is currently ruling as one of the best Demat accounts for beginners in the country.
Features and Benefits
- They are offering zero brokerage for 30 days currently
- No brokerage delivery charges
- Low brokerage charge despite incurring a large trade volume
- Free and fast account opening procedure
| Active Client Base | 92781 |
| Complaints | 0.08% |
| Account Opening Charges | Free |
| Annual Maintenance Charges | INR 25 per month |
| Brokerage Charges | INR 20 |
| Pros | Trading platforms
Free delivery Low Brokerage |
| Cons | Can’t make IPO and FPO investments |
4. Sharekhan
Sharekhan Demat account has a giant client base and is currently providing its services across 541 cities. Backed by regular analysis reports, share market advice, and recommendations, it is easily one of the best Demat and trading accounts in India.
Features and Benefits
- AMC charges waived off for the first year
- Free account opening
- Online and offline training workshops for investors
- Minimal brokerage
- Services spread across 541 cities in India
| Active Client Base | 5,87,121 |
| Complaints | 0.03% |
| Account Opening Charges | Nil |
| Annual Maintenance Charges | INR 400 |
| Brokerage Charges | 0.50% |
| Pros | Reliable brand |
| Cons | High Brokerage |
5. IIFL
Indian Infoline (IIFL) is well-reputed for providing speedy execution of brokerage services. This brand is trusted by more than 40 lakh clients. It provides amazing research support and guidance to clients when it comes to making important investment decisions.
Features and Benefits
- 3 Brokerage plans: Variable, Flat, and Value-Added Brokerage
- Wide range of services including research insights, market reports, loans, mutual funds, finance management, etc.
- IIFL Demat account opening charges are 0
- AMC charges are nil for the 1st year
| Active Client Base | 221753 |
| Complaints | 0.06% |
| Account Opening Charges | Nil |
| Annual Maintenance Charges | INR 250 p.a. |
| Brokerage Charges | 0.10% to 0.50% |
| Pros | Free account opening
Market Insights |
| Cons | NA |
6. Angel Broking
Angel Broking is one of the top-rated full-service brokerage companies in India. It is backed by experts who appear frequently on high-end business TV channels like CNBC Awaaz, NDTV Profit, and so on. Moreover, it allows online application with your Aadhaar card.
Features and Benefits
- Fast account opening process. Allows you to start trading within an hour
- The account can be opened online with your Aadhar card only
- Great Trading platforms like Angel Broking App, Angel Broking Trade, and Angel Speed Pro
- The margin of 10x of the deposited amount provided
| Active Client Base | 9,33,128 |
| Complaints | 0.03% |
| Account Opening Charges | 0 |
| Annual Maintenance Charges | INR 450 |
| Brokerage Charges | 0.40% |
| Pros | Good Research Insights |
| Cons | Customer Service |
7. ICICI Direct
ICICI Direct is one of the best banks for Demat accounts with a whopping client base of more than 20 lakh. It provides its customers with a large range of services and benefits. Besides, it offers 3 different types of accounts as per your needs.
Features and Benefits
- 3-in-1 account consisting of savings, demat, and trading account
- Several services including loans, equity investments, derivatives, mutual funds, etc.
- Two trading platforms for ICICI Demat account holders: Trade Racer Web and Trade Racer Desktop
| Active Client Base | 11,65,887 |
| Complaints | 0.02% |
| Account Opening Charges | INR 975 (depends on the plan) |
| Annual Maintenance Charges | 0.55% |
| Brokerage Charges | INR 700 |
| Pros | 3-in1 demat account
Reliable Service |
| Cons | Expensive Brokerage |
8. Kotak Securities
Kotak Securities Demat account is yet another top-rated demat account that won’t disappoint you. It provides you with two options: Dynamic and Advance Brokerage plan, and allows you to pick one that suits your needs. Kotak Demat account is trustworthy enough to have a clientele of over 12 lakhs besides having branches in 1200 locations.
Features and Benefits
- Two types of brokerage plans: Dynamic and Advance Brokerage
- Branches at over 1200 locations
- Services across several categories such as equities, portfolio management, ETFs, derivatives, etc.
- Great trading platforms
| Active Client Base | 435201 |
| Complaints | 0.01% |
| Account Opening Charges | INR 750 |
| Annual Maintenance Charges | INR 50 per month |
| Brokerage Charges | 0. 049% to 0.49% |
| Pros | 3-in1 demat account
Good trading platforms |
| Cons | High brokerage
Commodity segment not supported |
9. HDFC Securities
HDFC Securities is a branch of HDFC bank which is the largest private banking institution in India. HDFC demat account is one of the best demat and trading accounts in India because of its low AMC and zero account opening charges. Moreover, it offers you the golden opportunity to integrate your savings, trading, and demat accounts together.
Features and Benefits
- Free account opening
- Two highly beneficial trading platforms: HDFC Pro Terminal and HDFC Securities Mobile Trading
- AMC charges waived off for the first year
- Customer needs to integrate their HDFC Savings Account with demat and trading account. This enables easy fund transfer.
| Active Client Base | 668312 |
| Complaints | 0.01% |
| Account Opening Charges | Nil |
| Annual Maintenance Charges | INR 750 |
| Brokerage Charges | 0.50% |
| Pros | Easy fund transfer
Integrated accounts |
| Cons | Doesn’t support commodity trading
Opening a Savings Account with HDFC required |
10. Motilal Oswal
Motilal Oswal demat account charges you nothing for opening an account. It is also backed by award-winning researchers to help you make the right investment decisions. Moreover, it provides a scheme where you can pay INR 2,500 only once as your one-time lifetime AMC.
Features and Benefits
- Three trading platforms: For desktop, browser, and mobile
- Zero account opening charges
- Other value-added services: FD, US equities, bonds, portfolio management, etc.
- Award-winning research advisory board
| Active Client Base | 322121 |
| Complaints | 0.02% |
| Account Opening Charges | 0 |
| Annual Maintenance Charges | INR 899 |
| Brokerage Charges | 0.05% to 0.50% |
| Pros | Good trading platforms
Free account opening |
| Cons | High AMC charges |
11. SBICap Securities
SBICap demat account allows you to execute a lot of functions like invest in IPOs, NCDs, ETFs, mutual funds, and so on. It comes with minimum account maintenance charges and low brokerage charges as well. It provides both a trading software for your desktop and a mobile app for your smartphone.
Features and Benefits
- Low AMC charges
- Services across various fronts: IPO investments, mutual funds, NCDs, ETFs, loan, etc.
- High-end trading software compatible with both smartphone and desktop
- High client base all over India
- Trusted brand name
- Two insightful trading platforms
| Active Client Base | 209567 |
| Complaints | 0.05% |
| Account Opening Charges | INR 850 |
| Annual Maintenance Charges | INR 400 |
| Brokerage Charges | 0.075% |
| Pros | Wide range of services
Low AMC |
| Cons | High Account opening charges |
How to Choose the Best Demat Account in India
Once you have made your mind to open a Demat Account, you need to choose a proper stockbroker for the job. Choosing the best demat and trading account is not any child’s play. You need to do proper research before finalizing a demat account.
1. Ease of Account Opening
You need to keep in mind that SEBI has put forward a certain procedure which needs to be followed for creating a Demat account. Now, the demat account provider can also simplify the process to a certain extent to make it more convenient for the customers.
For instance, the opening of an online Demat account would be so much freer of hassles. This involves using your e-KYC and then a quick verification. Following this, your account would be created in a short period and you could start trading within a few days.
2. App and Software
The second point to look for while choosing the best demat account is the software and user interface. Every demat account provider has its inbuilt downloadable app or software. But, you need to check certain reviews to get to know more in this regard. Moreover, you also need to check out their browser-based app. Android and iOS apps make the process even more comfortable. You would be able to stay updated about the market through an app on your phone. Some Broker provide very good Stock trading experiece to thier users by user friendly features on best trading app or sofware for stock Selling.
3. Brokerage and Trading Charges
Every brokerage firm or demat account provider will have certain charges. So, to get the best possible deal, you need to compare such trading charges and brokerage. The fees depend on the brokerage company. Make sure you get the best benefits at the lowest possible cost.
4. Annual Maintenance Charges
Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) is the amount of money you need to pay annually for your demat account’s maintenance. Even if your account is idle, you need to pay these charges to maintain it. So, you should also compare the AMC charged by different demat account providers to select the best one from the lot.
5. Analytics
With the improvements in technology, every aspect of our living is getting better including demat holdings. A lot of Depository Participants (DPs) have been providing online analytics to their clients. These include real-time valuation, demat inflows, outflows, alerts, industry trends, and so on. So, if you want these value additions, then make sure you choose the right demat account.
6. Square Off Timing
At the end of the day, every intraday trader needs to square off their position. If you are unable to do so, then the broker will initiate on your behalf. Figure out the timing of squaring off followed by different brokers and choose the one that suits you best.
Tips to Keep in Mind While Opening a Demat Account
- Make sure that the account maintenance charges of the demat account you are eyeing are affordable for you.
- Check out the account opening procedure to ensure that it’s seamless
- Ensure if the Demat Participant provides customized analytics for their clients
- Look for a smooth interface between your banking, demat and trading accounts.
FAQs About Best Demat account in India
Q1. How to find the best Demat account in India?
Ans. There is a set of rules you should follow to land with the best demat account in the country. First, figure out what exactly you are going to use the demat account for, then compare its features like its charges, its statistics with other players in the competition. Lastly, make sure that the account is affordable for you.
Q2. What is the best Demat account for beginner traders?
Ans. The best demat account in India depends on what you need it for. Whether it is for intra-trading, investing in IPO, or something else, you need to prioritize your requirements first. However, based on the reviews and stats, there are certain top demat accounts with impeccable reputations in India. Among these are Zerodha, Upstox, 5paisa, etc.
Q3. Which demat and trading account charges the lowest brokerage?
Ans. There are some top brokerage companies indeed that charge the least brokerage charges. These include 5Paisa, Zerodha, and other key players.
Q4. What is the best demat account for intraday trading?
Ans. If your goal is to choose the best demat account for intraday trading, then you need such an account that offers great trading platforms and low brokerage fee. 5Paisa leads the game here as well.
Q5. How to create a demat account?
Ans. Get in touch with the DP you want to open a demat account with. They will explain the procedure to you and ask you for certain documents. Submit the required documents along with the duly filled in application form.
The documents asked for include ID proof, address proof, PAN card, etc. Once your details are successfully verified, your application shall be processed. Now, the broker will dispatch your user ID and password. These will allow you to log in to your account and start trading in the stock market.
Final Thoughts
Everybody wants to achieve the best in their lives. With a little bit of far-sightedness and good knowledge, that is possible. Share trading can help you achieve your dreams easily only you implement proper knowledge in the field.
Demat Account Provider plays an important role here. A good depository will have an excellent team of DPs to guide you with your investments. We hope that you have found the right demat account in this article.
Let us know your thoughts below!
