Top 10 Best Demat Trading Account in India 2023 (Review & Comparison)

You might be confused about finding the best demat & trading account in India. You may find full-service brokers in your city or your bank will be offering you a demat account but they charge a hell of lot of money in brokerage.

If you know how to research and invest, then probably you go for a discount broker. They charge a nominal brokerage fee against your trades.

I have compiled a list of the 11 best demat and trading accounts in India as per your requirement. Let’s first discuss the quick comparison between trading and demat account.

Trading Account vs Demat Account

ParametersTrading AccountDemat Account
DefinitionA trading account used for buying and selling securitiesDemat account used for holding securities in electronic form
PurposeThe main purpose of trading account is to facilitate buying and selling of securities in the marketThe purpose of demat account is to holds securities in electronic (dematerialized) form
NatureActive for trading activitiesPassive account for holding securities
Type of AssetsTrading account only act the buy and sell the securities such as stocks, derivatives, commodities, currenciesDemat account hold various securities such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs
FunctionalityTrading account is used to execute trades and provides a trading platform. Demat account is used to hold and maintain securities in electronic form. 
RoleFacilitates buying/sellingFacilitates holding securities
Transaction ModeBuys and sells securities in the marketTransfers securities between buyer and seller
SettlementA trading account takes time in the settlement because it is done over a while.A Demat account reduces the risk of a delayed settlement because it is done in a short period of time. 

Benefits of Demat Account

#1. Secure and Convenient: Demat accounts provide a secure and convenient way to hold your securities in an electronic format. This eliminates the risks associated with physical certificates, such as loss, theft, and damage.

#2. Easy Access to Investments: With a demat account, you have instant access to your investment portfolio. You can monitor your holdings, check transaction history, and view updated market values at any time through online platforms or mobile apps.

#3. Faster Settlement: Demat accounts facilitate faster settlement of trades. The transfer of securities is done electronically, leading to quicker and more efficient transactions compared to physical share transfers.

#4. Reduced Paperwork: Holding securities in electronic form eliminates the need for extensive paperwork, such as filling out transfer forms, submitting physical documents, and getting signatures. This streamlines the process and reduces administrative hassles.

#5. Nomination Facility: Demat accounts provide a nomination facility, allowing you to nominate a person who will receive the securities in the event of your demise. This helps in the smooth transfer of assets and avoids legal complications.

#6. Loan against Securities: Demat accounts provide the option to avail loans against your securities. You can pledge your holdings as collateral and borrow funds for various financial needs, leveraging the value of your investments.

#7. Risk Diversification: A demat account enables you to diversify your investment portfolio across different asset classes, such as equities, bonds, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This helps spread the risk and potentially enhances returns.

#8. Easy Portfolio Tracking: With a demat account, you can easily track and manage your investment portfolio. Regular updates on holdings, transactions, and market values allow you to make informed decisions and monitor the performance of your investments.

#9. Cost Savings: Demat accounts can lead to cost savings compared to physical shareholding. There is no risk of paper-related expenses, such as stamp duty, handling charges, and storage costs. Additionally, online trading platforms often offer competitive brokerage rates, reducing transaction costs.

Best Demat Account with the Lowest Brokerage Charges in India 2023

#1. Zerodha Demat & Trading Account Review

Zerodha is among the top stock brokers in India. Zerodha is the trendsetter of discount brokerage in the country.

You don’t have to pay big brokerage charges while trading as they charge Rs. 20 per order or 0.03% (whichever is lower). 

You can also invest in direct mutual funds without paying any fee to Zerodha. 

Zerodha demat account charges

ParticularsCharges
Account opening chargesEquity trading account –  Rs. 200Commodities – Rs. 100 (optional)
Account Maintenance Charges (AMC)Rs. 300/- p.a (Charged quarterly Rs. 75 per quarter)
DematRs. 150/- per certificate
RematRs. 150/- + Actual CDSL charges
Transaction (Debit)Buy – Nil, Sell – Rs. 13.5/- 

Zerodha brokerage charges 

SegmentBrokerage
Equity DeliveryZero
Equity Intraday  TradingRs. 20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower)
Equity OptionsFlat Rs. 20 per executed order 
Equity FuturesRs. 20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower)
Currency OptionsRs. 20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower) 
Commodity F&ORs. 20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower)

Zerodha margin scheme

SegmentMargin
Equity DeliveryZero
Intraday Equity3 to 12.5x 
Index Futures35% of the NRML margin
Equity Futures45% of the NRML margin 
Index Option Writing35% of the NRML margin
Stock Option Writing45% of the NRML margin
Currency Futures & Option Writing 50% of the NRML margin 
Commodity Futures & Option Writing50% of the NRML margin 

Pros

  • Discounted brokerage & free delivery is beneficial for both trader and investors
  • Accept UPI payments
  • Detailed reports for better analysis
  • Direct mutual funds investments
  • Minimalist and simple trading platform

Cons 

  • Server hangs in rush hours
  • No research based advice
  • No physical offices

Check out Best intraday trading strategies

#2. 5Paisa Demat & Trading Account Review

5paisa is another trustworthy name in top indian brokers. 5paisa is backed by IIFL. 

5paisa  offers a flat fee per trade not %age of the traded amount, so helps you save money on brokerage. 

Apart from stock trading, you can also avail financial services like mutual funds, and health insurance.

5paisa demat account charges

ParticularsCharges
Account opening chargesFree
Account Maintenance Charges (AMC)Rs. 45 per month (Pay only in the month you trade)

5paisa brokerage charges

OptimumPlatinumTitanium
Stock DeliveryRs. 20/orderRs. 10/orderFREE
Stock IntradayRs. 20/orderRs. 10/orderRs. 10/order (Rs. 1000 Free/month)
Stock F&ORs. 20/orderRs. 10/orderRs. 10/order
Commodity F&ORs. 20/orderRs. 10/order (For Equity options Rs. 2/lot)Rs. 10/order (For Equity options Rs. 2/lot)
Call Trade ChargesRs. 100/callFreeFree
Monthly Charges0Rs. 499Rs. 999

5Paisa margin facility

SegmentMargin
Equity IntradayUp to 20x
Equity DeliveryUp to 3.5x
Equity Futures3x
Currency Futures1x

Pros

  • Flat brokerage per trade
  • Delivery margin available
  • Fast paperless account opening
  • Easy to use mobile app
  • Different products like trading, mutual funds, insurance, and loan available

Cons 

  • App jitters in peak time
  • Trade overcall is Rs. 100/trade which is expensive

#3. Upstox Demat & Trading Account Review

If you want high margins and low brokerage then you opt for UpStox.

UpStox also offers a 3-in-1 account facility with the help of IndusInd bank. Now you can trade directly from your savings account without any hassle of funds transfer. Secondly, you can earn interest on your idle funds.

UpStox is backed by big names like Ratan Tata, and GVK Davix.

UpStox demat account charges

ParticularsCharges
Account opening chargesFree
Account Maintenance Charges (AMC)Rs. 300/- p.a (Charged Rs. 25 per month)

UpStox brokerage charges 

SegmentBrokerage
Equity DeliveryZero
Equity Intraday TradingRs. 20 or 0.05% (whichever is lower)
Equity OptionsFlat Rs. 20 per executed order 
Equity FuturesRs. 20 or 0.05% (whichever is lower)
Currency OptionsFlat Rs. 20 per executed order 
Commodity OptionsFlat Rs. 20 per executed order 
Commodity FuturesRs. 20 or 0.05% (whichever is lower)

UpStox margin scheme

SegmentIntraday orders
BasicPriority
NSE/BSE Cash15x20x
Index Futures3x6x
Stock Futures3x3x
Index Option Sell3x6x
Stock Option Sell3x3x
NSE Currency4x4x
MCX Future2.5x3x
SegmentCO/OCO Orders
BasicPriority
NSE/BSE Cash20x27x
Index Futures20x28x
Stock Futures5x6x
Index Option Sell3x4x
Stock Option Sell3x3x
NSE Currency4x5x
MCX Future3x4x
NSE Option Buy1.33x2x

Pros 

  • Different plans for investors and traders
  • High margin scheme with priority plan
  • 3-in-1 account facility 
  • Amibroker users can place orders directly

Cons

  • Gets sluggish during peak hours
  • No IPO investment facility

Also read – Prostocks Review

Best Full Service Demat Account in India for Small investors 

#4. Angel Broking Demat Account Review

Angel b Broking is one of the oldest (since 1987) stockbrokers having branches over 900 cities serving reaching over one million customers. 

Angel offers a 2-in-1 account that can be opened digitally. You need to do digital KYC.

I recommend Angel Broking only if your Adhaar Card is linked with your mobile number. 

Brokerage Charges

Angel Broking does not have different trading plans. You need to pay a maximum of Rs. 20 per trade across the trading segment irrespective of the trading volume.

Trading SegmentBrokerage Charges
Equity DeliveryRs. 0
Equity IntradayRs. 20 per trade
Futures – Equity / Commodity / Currency Rs. 20 per trade
Options – Equity / Currency Rs. 20 per order

Angel Broking Demat Account Charges

ParticularsCharges
Statutory charges at the time of account openingNil
Advance/ DepositNil
Account Maintenance Charges (AMC)Normal AMC Charges – Rs. 450/- p.a Lifetime AMC (Charged upfront once) Rs. 2500/- 
DematRs. 50/- per certificate
RematRs. 50/- + Actual CDSL charges
Transaction (Debit)Rs. 20/- per ISIN

Pros

  • Digital account opening
  • Rs. 0 account opening charges
  • Oldest broker

Cons

  • High Demat and Remat charges

Also read – Angel broking vs sharekhan

#5. Motilal Oswal Demat & Trading Account Review

You can open a 2-in-1 (demat + trading) account with Motilal Oswal. The company has 30+ years of research expertise. 

Motilal Oswal has more than 1700 offices business locations across India with over 7.5 lakh registered customers.

Brokerage, Admin and AMC Charges

Motilal Oswal offers three types of plans. The brokerage details under each plan are as under;

#1. Value Pack

Value AmountDeliveryIntraday (on each leg)Futures Equity & Currency (on each leg)Futures Commodity (on each leg)Options Equity (per lot on each leg)Options Currency (per lot on each leg)
Rs. 20000.40% (min 2 paise)0.040%0.040%0.030%Rs. 50Rs. 20
Rs. 30000.35% (min 2 paise)0.035%0.035%0.025%Rs. 45Rs. 18
Rs. 50000.30% (min 2 paise)0.030%0.030%0.020%Rs. 40Rs. 15
Rs. 10,0000.25% (min 2 paise)0.025%0.025%0.015%Rs. 30Rs. 12
Rs. 30,0000.20% (min 2 paise)0.020%0.020%0.010%Rs. 25Rs. 11
Rs. 50,0000.15% (min 2 paise)0.015%0.015%0.008%Rs. 25Rs. 10
Rs. 1,00,0000.10% (min 2 paise)0.010%0.010%0.007%Rs. 20Rs. 8
  • Admin charges under the value pack for all the slabs is Rs. 199 from the first year itself.
  • The AMC charges are NIL for the first year. From the second year onwards the charges are Rs. 299 per annum.  

#2. Margin Scheme

Margin Up to DeliveryIntraday (on each leg)Futures Equity (on each leg)Options Equity (per lot)Currency F&O (per lot)AMC Fee p.aAdmin Fee p.a
Rs. 9,9990.50% (min 5 paise)0.050%0.050%Rs. 100Rs. 20Rs. 800Rs. 199
Rs. 10,000 to 24,9990.50% (min 5 paise)0.050%0.050%Rs. 100Rs. 20Rs. 299Rs. 199
Rs. 25,000 to 49,9990.40% (min 3 paise)0.040%0.040%Rs. 75Rs. 20FreeNIL
Rs. 50,000 to 99,9990.03% (min 3 paise)0.030%0.030%Rs. 70Rs. 20FreeNIL
Rs. 1 lakh to 2,99,9990.25% (min 3 paise)0.025%0.025%Rs. 50Rs. 20FreeNIL
Rs. 3 lakh to 4,99,9990.02% (min 2 paise)0.020%0.020%Rs. 40Rs. 20FreeNIL
Rs. 5 Lakh0.015% (min 1 paise)0.015%0.015%Rs. 25Rs. 20FreeNIL
Margin Up to Commodity Futures(on each leg)
Rs. 9,9990.04% 
Rs. 10,000 to 24,9990.04% 
Rs. 25,000 to 49,9990.04% 
Rs. 50,000 to 99,9990.03% 
Rs. 1 lakh to 2,99,9990.02% 
Rs. 3 lakh to 4,99,9990.02% 
Rs. 5 Lakh0.01% 

#3. AMC 999 Plan

Trading TypeBrokerage Charges
Equity Delivery0.50%
Equity Intraday0.05% on each leg
Equity Futures0.05% on each leg
Equity OptionsRs. 100 per lot
Currency Futures and OptionsRs. 20 per lot
Commodity F&O0.030% on each leg

Admin Charges – Rs. 199 annually

AMC Charges – Rs. 800 annually

Motilal Oswal Demat Account Charges

ParticularsCharges
Statutory charges at the time of account openingNil
Advance/ DepositAdmin charges – up to Rs. 199 for certain plans
Account Maintenance Charges (AMC)Up to Rs. 800 for certain plans (details given with brokerage charges)
DematRs.50/- per certificate + Rs. 50/- per request
RematRs. 35/- for 100 shares or part thereof or Rs. 35/- per certificate whichever is higher. Rs.25/- per request
Transaction (Debit)On Mkt – Up to Rs. 35 or 0.035%, Off Mkt – Rs. 40 or 0.040% 

Pros

  • Online account opening
  • 30 years of research expertise

Cons

  • High d Demat charges

#6. IIFL Securities (India Infoline) Demat Account Review

IIFL Securities offers 2-in-1 (demat + trading) account with research advisory.  

One can invest/ trade in equity, derivatives, commodities and currency. Other value added services are investing in IPO, mutual funds & portfolio management services.

IIFL Securities Brokerage Charges 

IIFL has three equity brokerage plans;

1. Variable Brokerage Plan

Delivery (brokerage applicable on both sides)

Monthly Volume(in Rs. Lacs)Brokerage
<10.60%
1-50.55%
5-100.45%
10-200.35%
20-600.25%
60-2000.20%
>2000.15%

Intraday (brokerage applicable on both sides)

Monthly Volume (in Rs. Lacs)Brokerage
<200.05%
20-1000.04%
100-5000.03%
>5000.02%

Equity Futures

(brokerage applicable on both sides)

Monthly Volume (in Rs. Lacs)Brokerage
<1000.05%
100-5000.04%
500-10000.03%
1000-50000.025%
>50000.02%

Equity Options

(brokerage applicable on both sides)

Monthly Premium Vol (in Rs. Lacs)Brokerage
Up to Rs. 4 lacs2.5% (min Rs. 100 per lot)
4-102.0% (min Rs. 100 per lot)
10-201.75% (min Rs. 80 per lot)
20-501.25% (min Rs. 60 per lot)
>501.0% (min Rs. 40 per lot)

2. Flat Brokerage Plan

Trade SegmentsBrokerage
Intraday both side0.05%
Delivery0.50%
T and Z group shares0.75%
Futures both sides0.05%
Options (minimum)1% of premium or Rs. 100 per lot whichever is higher 

3. Value Added Subscription Plan 

Subscription ValuePlan Period (month)DeliveryIntraday (each leg)Futures (each leg)Options (each leg)
Default Plan (Nil)12 0.50%0.05%0.05%1% of premium or Rs. 100 per lot whichever is higher 
Rs. 10000.25%0.03%0.03%1% of premium or Rs. 70 per lot whichever is higher 
Rs. 20000.15%0.02%0.02%0.50% of premium or Rs. 60 per lot whichever is higher 
Rs. 5000120.35%0.04%0.04%1% of premium or Rs. 90 per lot whichever is higher 
Rs. 10,000120.25%0.03%0.03%1% of premium or Rs. 70 per lot whichever is higher 
Rs. 25,000120.15%0.02%0.02%0.50% of premium or Rs. 60 per lot whichever is higher 
Rs. 50,000120.10%0.01%0.01%Flat Rs. 40 per lot
Rs. 1,00,000120.05%0.01%0.01%Flat Rs. 20 per lot

IIFL Securities Demat Account Charges

ParticularsCharges
Statutory charges at the time of account openingNil
Advance/ DepositNil
Account Maintenance Charges (AMC)Rs. 400 per annum 
DematRs. 15 per certificate plus Rs. 40 towards postal charges
RematRs. 15 per certificate or Rs. 15 for every 100 securities or part thereof whichever is higher.
plus Rs. 40 towards postal charges
Transaction (Debit)0.04% of the value of transaction subject to min. Rs. 25 per instruction. 

Pros

  • DP services of both NSDL and CDSL
  • Other value added services like IPO, Mutual fund, and PMS

Cons

  • Brokerage plan selection can be tough (too many plans)

Best 3-in-1 Demat Account in India 2023

#7. SBI Cap Securities Demat & Trading Account Review

SBICap s Securities in association with State Bank offers a seamless 3-in-1 account (demat + trading + bank) to invest in equity, derivatives and mutual funds. 

You can apply for the account opening through their app.sbismart.com portal.

SBICap Securities Brokerage Charges

Trading SegmentBrokerages
Delivery0.50%
Intraday (on each leg)0.075%
Equity Futures (on each leg)0.03%
Equity Options; Rs. per lot (on each leg)Rs. 50
Currency Futures (on each leg)0.015%
Currency Options; Rs. per lot (on each leg)Rs. 20

SBICap Securities Demat Account Charges

ParticularsCharges
Statutory charges at the time of account openingNil
Advance/ DepositNil
Account Maintenance Charges (AMC)1. Rs. 750/- (Rs. 500/- for e-statement) for Individual with POA 2. Rs 750/- For individual without POA 
DematRs 5 /- per cert. + Rs. 35/- courier charges per request
RematRs. 35/- P per R request + CDSL Charges i.e. Rs.10/- per 100 securities or part quantity.
Transaction (Debit)a. Throughu POA – 0.01% of the transaction value subject to the minimum of Rs. 21/- and M maximum of Rs.300/- per ISIN debit instruction

b. Through u DIS – 0.04% of the transaction value S subject to M minimum of Rs. 30/- per ISIN debit instruction (Charges of Rs.10/- per ISIN for late submission)

Pros

  • Online account opening
  • Backing of State Bank
  • Low Demat charges

Cons

  • Rs. 30 for – Account statement through the post 

#8. HDFC Securities Demat & Trading Account Review

HDFC securities provide a 3-in-1 account that integrates your demat, trading, and savings account.

You need to have an existing HDFC b Bank account or open a new savings bank account before you can apply for the demat account.

HDFC Securities Brokerage Charges

Trading SegmentBrokerage
Delivery0.50% or min Rs.25 or ceiling of 2.5% on transaction value (Both Buy & Sell)
Intraday0.05% or min Rs.25 or ceiling of 2.5% on transaction value (Both Buy & Sell)
Equity Futures0.025% or min Rs.25 or ceiling of 2.5% of transaction value (Both Buy & Sell)
Equity OptionsHigher of 1% of the premium amount or Rs.100 per lot (Both Buy & Sell)
Currency FuturesRs. 12 each side on 
Currency OptionsRs. 10 each side 
Commodity Futures0.020% or min Rs. 20 per order.
Commodity OptionsRs.100 per lot

HDFC Securities Demat Account Charges

ParticularsCharges
Statutory charges at the time of account openingNil
Advance/ DepositNil
Account Maintenance Charges (AMC)Rs. 750 per annum
DematRs. 5/- per certificate + Rs. 35/- per request or min. Rs.40/- + Rs 35/- courier charges per request
RematRs 30/-per request + CDSL actual charges Currently 

A) Rs 10/- for every hundred securities or part thereof or 

B) a F flat fee of Rs 10/- per certificate whichever is higher (Min Rs. 40/- and Max Rs. 5 lacs) + Rs. 35 courier charges per request
Transaction (Debit)For Equity/Equity MF On Market — 0.04% of the value of txn or Rs. 25/- whichever is higher Off Market — 0.04% of the value of txn or Rs. 40/- whichever is higher. 

For Debt/Debt MF On Market — 0.04% of the value of txn or Rs. 25/- whichever is higher (max. Rs. 5000) Off Market — 0.04% of the value of txn or Rs. 40/- whichever is higher (Max. Rs 5000)

Pros

  • Backing of HDFC Bank
  • Low Demat charges

Cons

  • Needs HDFC savings account 

#9. Kotak Securities Demat & Trading Account Review

You can apply for the Kotak s Securities d Demat account online. However, you need to complete the in-person verification, then only you get the account details. 

Kotak s Securities offers a 3-in-1 account. You can have an intraday trading by paying Rs 999/year.

Brokerage Charges 

Kotak Securities offers two plans, namely – Dynamic Brokerage plan and Advance brokerage plan.

1. Dynamic brokerage plan

For Delivery Trades

SlabsBrokerage (both sides)
< Rs. 1 Lakh0.59%
Rs. 1 Lakh to Rs. 5 Lakh0.55%
Rs. 5 Lakh to Rs. 10 Lakh0.45%
Rs. 10 Lakh to Rs. 20 Lakh0.36%
Rs. 20 Lakh to Rs. 60 Lakh0.27%
Rs. 60 Lakh to Rs. 2 Crores0.23%
> Rs. 2 Crores 0.18%

Intraday Trades

SlabsBrokerage (both sides)
< Rs. 25 Lakh0.06%
>Rs. 25 Lakh0.05%

Futures 

SlabsBrokerage (both sides)
< Rs. 25 Lakhs 0.06%
Rs. 25 Lakhs to Rs. 2 Crores0.05%
Rs. 2 Crores to Rs. 5 Crores0.04%
> Rs. 5 Crores 0.03%

Options – Brokerage is applicable on both sides

Monthly Premium Volume Intraday brokerageSettlement BrokerageMinimum brokerage per lot
Up to Rs. 4 Lakhs2.5%2.5%Rs. 300
Rs. 4 Lakhs to Rs. 11 Lakh2.25%2.5%Rs. 240
> Rs. 11 Lakhs1.8%2.3%Rs. 180

Currency Derivatives 

Monthly Volume SlabCurrency FuturesCurrency Options
Rs. 0 to Rs. 3 Crores0.040% or Rs. 20 whichever is higherRs. 20 per lot
Rs. 3 Crores to Rs. 8 Crores0.036% or Rs. 18 whichever is higherRs. 18 per lot
Rs. 8 Crores to Rs. 15 Crores0.030% or Rs. 15 whichever is higherRs. 15 per lot
Rs. 15 Crores to Rs. 30 Crores0.020% or Rs. 10 whichever is higherRs. 10 per lot
> Rs. 30 Crores0.015% or Rs. 7.5 whichever is higherRs. 7.5 per lot

2. Advance Brokerage Plan – (Brokerage rates are applicable on both sides)

ParticularsPlan APlan BPlan CPlan D
FeesRs. 5000Rs. 10,000Rs. 50,000Rs. 2,00,000
Delivery0.39%0.29%0.19%0.12%
Intraday0.040%0.035%0.030%0.015%
Futures0.040%0.035%0.030%0.015%
OptionsRs. 225 per lotRs. 225 per lotRs. 150 per lotRs. 150 per lot
Currency Futures0.024% or Rs. 12 per lot whichever is higher0.020% or Rs. 10 per lot whichever is higher0.016% or Rs. 8 per lot whichever is higher0.016% or Rs. 8 per lot whichever is higher
Currency OptionsRs. 12 per lotRs. 10 per lotRs. 8 per lotRs. 8 per lot

Kotak Securities Demat Account Charges

ParticularsCharges
Statutory charges at the time of account openingNil
Advance/ DepositNil
Account Maintenance Charges (AMC)Individual (Resident) – Rs. 65 pm for up to 10 debit transactions. Rs. 50 pm for 11 to 30 debit transactions. Rs. 35 pm for more than 30 debit transactions.
DematIndividual:- Rs.3/- per certificate plus Rs. 50/- per request 
RematIndividual:- Rs.10/- for 100 securities (shares, bonds, mutual fund units). Minimum Payable Rs. 15/-
Transaction (Debit)Individual:- For Regular AccountsOn Market /Off Market – 0.04% of the value of securities or Minimum Rs. 27(Plus CDSL charges as applicable). 

Pros

  • Intraday trading at Rs. 999/ yr 
  • Lowest Demat charges

Cons

  • AMC charges based on debit transactions

#10. ICICI Direct Demat & Trading Account Review

ICICI Direct offers 3-in-1 (Demat + trading + bank) account in association with parent ICICI Bank. 

Apart from share trading one has access to solid research advisory and value added services. The services include NPS, IPO investing, mutual funds, I insurance, loan products and wealth & portfolio management services.  

But in order to open a demat account with ICICI Direct you need to have an account with ICICI b Bank. 

Brokerage Charges 

ICICI has an I i-Secure plan, prepaid brokerage plan and ICICI Direct Prime plan. 

Brokerage charges for I i-Secure Plan;

A variable percentage of brokerage is charged on the basis of quarterly turnover.  

Trading TypeBrokerage Charges
Equity Delivery0.55% (including buy and sell)
Equity Intraday0.275% ( the second leg is not charged)
Equity Futures0.050% plus a flat brokerage of Rs. 50 on the second leg
Equity OptionsRs. 95 per lot plus a flat brokerage of Rs. 50 on the second leg
Currency Futures 0.050% plus a flat brokerage of Rs. 10 on the second leg
Currency OptionsRs. 25 per lot plus a flat brokerage of Rs. 10 on the second leg

The brokerage for Margin and Margin Plus under the I –  i-Secure Plan is 0.050%

Brokerage charges under Prepaid Brokerage Plan;

Prepaid valueDelivery brokerageIntraday/ FuturesEquity OptionsCurrency F&O
Rs. 10,0000.25%0.025%Rs. 35 per lotRs. 0
Rs. 25,0000.22%0.022%Rs. 30 per lotRs. 0
Rs. 50,0000.18%0.018%Rs. 25 per lotRs. 0
Rs. 1,00,0000.15%0.015%Rs. 20 per lotRs. 0
Rs. 2,00,0000.12%0.012%Rs. 15 per lotRs. 0
Rs. 3,00,0000.09%0.009%Rs. 10 per lotRs. 0

Brokerage charges under ICICI Direct Prime Plan;

Prime PlanScheme validity Delivery brokerageIntraday/ FuturesEquity OptionsCurrency F&O
Rs. 900365 days0.25%0.025%Rs. 35 per lotRs. 0
Rs. 4,500365 days0.18%0.018%Rs. 25 per lotRs. 0
Rs. 9,500365 days0.15%0.015%Rs. 20 per lotRs. 0

ICICI Direct Demat Account Charges

ParticularsCharges
Statutory charges at the time of account openingNil
Advance/ DepositRs. 2500, if the client is not having ICICI Bank account
Account Maintenance Charges (AMC)Rs. 700 per annum
DematRs. 50 per demat request form and Rs. 3 for each certificate
RematRs. 25 for every 100 securities or part thereof, subject to max. fee of Rs. 3 Lakh or a flat fee of Rs. 25 per certificate whichever is higher.
Transaction (Debit)0.04% or min. Rs. 30 for application through internet or min. Rs. 35 if submitted through call centre or min. Rs. 40 if submitted at branches, andMaximum Rs. 25,000

Pros

  • 3-in-1 account
  • DP is with ICICI Bank

Cons

  • Rs. 2500 advance from non ICICI Bank account holders
  • Too many brokerage plans

Best Free Demat Account in India 2023

#11. Edelweiss Broking Demat & Trading Account Review

Edelweiss b Broking offers an online fast, hassle-free and secure 2-in-1 account opening process. 

Edelweiss b Broking has investment options and services like margin, leverage and loan against stocks.

The best part is that the first year AMC is free and you need to pay Rs. 500 per annum from the second year onwards. 

Brokerage Charges 

Edelweiss has two brokerage plans;

ParticularsEdelweiss LiteEdelweiss Elite
Equity DeliveryRs. 10 per executed order0.30%
Equity IntradayRs. 10 per executed order0.03%
Equity FuturesRs. 10 per executed order0.03%
Equity OptionsRs. 10 per executed orderRs. 75 per lot
Currency FuturesRs. 10 per executed order0.02%
Currency OptionsRs. 10 per executed orderRs. 20 per lot

One can switch accounts. Account switch is free when you switch from Lite to Elite. Whereas a fee of Rs. 2500 is charged when you switch from the Elite to the Lite plan. 

Edelweiss Demat Account Charges

ParticularsCharges
Statutory charges at the time of account openingNil
Advance/ DepositNil
Account Maintenance Charges (AMC)For new clients a) Star Scheme – Rs 1500 one time, No AMC. b) Regular Scheme (With POA) andc) Regular Scheme (Non-POA) – Free for 1st year. From 2nd year onwards Rs 500 pa.
DematRs. 2 Per Certificate + Rs 30 for Postage
RematRs 10 per 100 securities or part thereof (Subject to min Rs 10 per request)+ Rs 30 for Postage
Transaction (Debit)Within Edelweiss 1. Mkt Sell – 0.02% of txn value or Rs 20/ txn whichever is higher.
2. Off-market – 0.03% of the txn value or Rs 20/ txn whichever is higher 
3. Sell – Off-market outside edelweiss – 0.03% of the txn value or Rs 40/txn whichever is higher 

Pros

  • Free AMC for 1st year
  • Lowest demat charges

Cons

  • Elite to the Lite plan switch is charged Rs. 2500
  • Research reports and advisory are charged

Conclusion 

Now you can make an informed decision to get the right demat & trading account as per your need. Zerodha is the top discount broker in India, if you want to go with discount broker then Zerodha is good option.

In case, you want to go with a full service broker, then I would recommend you to go with Angel broking.

FAQs

Can I delete my demat account?

Yes, you can delete your demat account online or offline. You need to follow the specific procedure for online account closure.

For offline close, you need to submit a written request to your Depository Participant (DP) along with the necessary documents. However, it is recommended to transfer or sell all the securities held in the demat account before closing it.

What is the maximum balance in a Demat account?

There is no maximum balance limit for a Demat account. You can hold a significant amount of securities in your Demat account without any upper cap.

The account is designed to accommodate a large portfolio of shares, bonds, mutual funds, and other securities in electronic form.

What is the minimum balance in a Demat account?

There is no minimum balance requirement for a Demat account. Unlike a bank account, a Demat account does not mandate maintaining a minimum balance.

You can hold zero or a very small quantity of securities in your Demat account without any penalty or requirement to maintain a minimum balance.

However, it’s important to note that certain depository participants or brokers may have their own AMC charges or fees that apply regardless of the account balance. It’s advisable to check with your specific depository participant or broker for any applicable charges or requirements.

What is the difference between demat and trading account?

A trading account is used to buy and sell stocks and other financial instruments in the stock market, while a demat account is used to hold the securities in electronic form.

The demat account acts as a digital locker for your shares, bonds, mutual funds, and other securities, while the trading account facilitates the buying and selling of these securities.

What documents are required to open a Demat account?

You will need to submit the following documents are required:

  • Proof of Identity (PoI): Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID card, Driving license.
  • Proof of Address (PoA): Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID card, Driving license. Raion card, or Utility bills (electricity, water, gas, telephone) not more than 3 months old
  • Last 6 months Bank account statement.
  • PAN Card
  • Passport-sized photographs
What is BSDA?

BSDA (Basic Services Demat Account) is a type of demat account introduced by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to facilitate small investors who hold a limited number of securities.

The account offers zero maintenance charges if the holding value of up to Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 25 for holding value between Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 2 lakh. to make it more affordable for small investors.

What are the charges associated with a Demat trading account?

The charges for a Demat trading account include account opening fees, annual maintenance charges (AMC), transaction charges, and other applicable fees. The specific charges may vary depending on the depository participant or broker.

Can I open multiple Demat and trading accounts?

Yes, you can have multiple Demat and trading accounts with different depository participants or brokers, as per your preference and investment needs.

Which demat account is best?

Zerodha is one of the best demat accounts in India. Zerodha is a discount brokerage firm that offers low brokerage charges and user-friendly platforms such as Kite, Coin.

You will also find that the overall Zerodha’s service and customer support is better than other discount brokers.