As per our research report on top 20 stockbrokers in India, ICICI Direct ranks fifth among the 266 SEBI registered stockbrokers as of March 31, 2023.
ICICI Direct is a full service stock broker with an active client base of 23,33,088 as of March 2023.
With ICICI Direct, you can invest and trade in stocks, derivatives, mutual funds, IPOs, ETFs, and bonds. You would also get stock investment tips, research, or Robo advisory services at ICICI Direct.
ICICI Bank Demat Account
ICICI Direct offer three types of accounts:
#1. 3-in-1 Account
ICICI offers 3-in-1 accounts which combine the bank, trading, and demat accounts, enabling seamless transactions between them. It offers a convenient and integrated platform for trading and investing.
#2. 2-in-1 Account
The 2-in-1 account comprises a trading and demat account. If you already have an ICICI bank account then you can link your ICICI bank account to these demat and trading accounts, eliminating the need to open a new bank account with ICICI Bank.
This allows you to avoid opening a new bank account with ICICI bank to trade and invest with ICICIdirect.
#3. ICICIDirect NRI Trading Account
In addition to residents, ICICIDirect also offers NRI (Non-Resident Indian) trading accounts. NRIs can open an NRI 3-in-1 account, which includes a NRI Demat & trading account along with an NRI bank savings account.
NRIs have the option to choose either a Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS) or a non-PIS trading account. NRIs can invest in stocks, derivatives, mutual funds, and IPOs using advanced trading platforms and tools.
ICICI Direct Demat Account Charges & AMC
ICICI Direct charges zero for Demat & trading account opening. However, you need to pay annual maintenance charges (AMC) of Rs. 700 for the Demat account, which can be waived for ICICIdirect customers in the first year.
ICICI also offers different subscription based brokerage plans. You need to pay a subscription from Rs 299 to Rs 4999 depending upon the selected plan.
| Segments | Account opening & AMC Charges |
| Trading Account Opening Charges | Zero (Free) |
| Demat Account Opening Charges | Zero (Free) |
| Trading AMC Charges | Zero (Free) |
| Demat AMC Charges | Rs. 700 (waived for ICICIdirect customers for the first year) |
| Additional Plan Fee | Up to Rs 4999, depending upon the plan |
ICICI Direct Brokerage Charges
ICICI Direct offers four plans with different brokerage rates.
- i-Secure Plan
- ICICI Direct Prime Plan
- ICICI Direct Neo Plan
- Prepaid Brokerage Plan
#1. Brokerage charges under i-Secure Plan
ICICI i-Secure plan offers fixed percentage brokerage charges based on quarterly turnover.
| Particulars | Brokerage Charges |
| Equity Delivery | 0.55% |
| Equity Intraday | 0.275% (second leg is not charged) |
| Equity Futures | 0.050% plus a flat brokerage of Rs. 50 on the second leg |
| Equity Options | Rs. 95 per lot plus a flat brokerage of Rs. 50 on the second leg |
| Currency F&O | Rs. 20 per order |
| Commodity F&O | Rs. 20 per order |
The brokerage for Margin and Margin Plus under I – Secure Plan is 0.050%.
#2. Brokerage charges for ICICI Direct Prime plan
| Prime Plan | Delivery Brokerage | Intraday/ Futures | Equity Options (per lot) | Currency F&O (Per Order) | Commodity F&O (Per Order) |
| Rs. 299 | 0.27% | 0.027% | Rs. 40 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 |
| Rs. 999 | 0.22% | 0.022% | Rs. 35 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 |
| Rs. 1,999 | 0.18% | 0.018% | Rs. 25 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 |
| Rs. 2,999 | 0.15% | 0.015% | Rs. 20 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 |
| Rs. 3,999 | 0.12% | 0.012% | Rs. 15 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 |
| Rs. 4,999 | 0.10% | 0.010% | Rs. 10 | Rs 20 | Rs 20 |
#3. Brokerage charges for ICICI Direct Neo Plan
Under the Neo plan, you need to pay the one time subscription fee of Rs. 299.
| Segment | Brokerage Charges |
| Equity Delivery | 0.55% |
| Equity Intraday | Rs 20 per order |
| Equity Futures | Rs 0 (free) |
| Equity Options | Rs 20 per order |
| Currency F&O | Rs 20 per order |
| Commodity F&O | Rs 20 per order |
#4. Brokerage charges under Prepaid Brokerage plan
| Prepaid Value | Equity Delivery | Equity Intraday & Futures | Equity Options (in Rs. Per lot) | Currency F&O (per order) | Commodity F&O (per order) |
| Rs. 2,500 | 0.25% | 0.25% | 35/- | Rs 20 | Rs 20 |
| Rs. 5,000 | 0.22% | 0.22% | 30/- | Rs 20 | Rs 20 |
| Rs. 12,500 | 0.18% | 0.18% | 25/- | Rs 20 | Rs 20 |
| Rs. 25,000 | 0.15% | 0.15% | 20/- | Rs 20 | Rs 20 |
| Rs. 50,000 | 0.12% | 0.12% | 15/- | Rs 20 | Rs 20 |
| Rs. 1,00,000 | 0.07% | 0.07% | 7/- | Rs 20 | Rs 20 |
ICICI Direct Margin Leverage
As per SEBI regulations on peak margins from 1st September 2021, ICICIdirect offers up to 20% of the trade value (5x leverage) for intraday trading.
| Segment | ICICI Direct |
| Equity Delivery | 100% of trade value (1x leverage) |
| Equity Intraday | 20% of trade value (5X leverage) |
| F&O (Equity, Currency & Commodities) | 100% of NRML margin (Span + ELM) (1x leverage) |
You may also like to read the lowest brokerage charges for intraday trading in India.
ICICI Direct Trading Platforms
ICICI Direct provides three online trading platforms –
#1. ICICIdirect.com Website
ICICIdirect website is the web-based trading platform offered by ICICIdirect. It provides a user-friendly interface with various features such as real-time market data, research reports, customizable watchlists, and trading across multiple segments like equity, derivatives, commodity, currency, IPO, SIPs, mutual funds, and insurance.
#2. ICICIDirect Mobile App
ICICIdirect offers a mobile application available for both Android and iOS devices. The app allows you to trade and invest in stocks, commodities, currency, mutual funds, F&O, IPO, and FD/bonds, all in one place.
You can access the real-time market information, place orders, view portfolio holdings, receive market alerts, and access research reports.
For mutual funds investments, you need to pay Rs. 30 or 1.5% on SIP transactions and Rs. 100 fees on lumpsum investment.
ICICI Direct also offers two different mobile apps for different kinds of investment.
A. ICICIDirect Market App
ICICIDirect offers a user-friendly and feature-rich trading app called “Markets App.” This interactive app allows you to trade in stocks, F&O, commodities, and IPOs.
ICIC Direct Market App provides advanced live charting, Option Chain with Open Interest graphs, fast order placement, eATM feature for quick cash withdrawal from stock selling, and comprehensive equity and derivatives research.
The app ensures security with biometric login and end-to-end encryption, making it a safe platform for trading on the go.
B. ICICIDirect Money App
You can invest in mutual funds, ELSS, Sovereign Gold Bonds, FD/Bonds, ETFs, and insurance plans through the ICICI Direct Money app. You can access 38+ leading AMCs and use the expert recommendations and top-performing funds across equity, debt, hybrid, and ELSS categories.
You can also invest in mutual funds for free with ICICIdirect Money App. You can start a SIP with as low as Rs. 100 per month or invest a lump-sum amount.
#3. Trade Racer (Trading Terminal)
Trade Racer is an installable desktop based trading terminal that offers advanced charting tools, technical indicators, market scanners, customizable layouts, and real-time streaming quotes.
Trade Racer is suitable for active traders who require in-depth analysis and advanced trading features.
Pros of ICICI Direct Demat Account
- 3 in 1 Account opening facility
- Multiple brokerage plans
- Invest in mutual funds for free with ICICIdirect Money App
- e-ATM facility to sell stocks and get cash instantly
- Loans on securities
- Expert research calls and recommendations
- Dedicated customer services
Cons of ICICI Direct Demat Account
- High brokerage fees across different plans.
- NEO flat discount brokerage plan of Rs. 20 charges a one-time subscription fee of Rs. 299.
- Mutual fund investment with ICICIDirect is not free, you need to pay a lower of Rs. 30 or 1.5% on SIP transaction and Rs. 100 fees on lumpsum investment.
ICICI Direct Customer Support
ICICI Direct has good customer support, providing assistance to you through multiple channels including phone and email.
Their customer support team is known for being responsive and helpful in addressing queries, providing assistance with demat account-related issues, trading platform navigation, and resolving any technical difficulties faced by customers.
- ICICIDirect Customer Care Phone Number: 1860 123 1122
- ICICIDirect Customer Support Email: [email protected]
FAQs
ICICI Direct charges a flat fee of Rs 25 per ISIN for debit transactions and Rs 5.5 per ISIN for credit transactions.
The minimum brokerage charged by ICICI Direct is Rs 20 per order in the Neo plan.
No, there are charges applicable for mutual fund investments, such as Rs. 30 or 1.5% on SIP transactions and Rs. 100 fees on lump sum investments.
ICICI Direct offers i-Secure Plan, Prime Plan, Neo Plan, and Prepaid Brokerage Plan with varying brokerage rates and features.
Yes, there is an AMC fee of Rs. 700 for the Demat Account, which can be waived for ICICIdirect customers for the first year.
Yes, ICICI Direct offers stock investment tips, research reports, and even Robo advisory services to assist investors in making informed decisions.
The STT charges levied by ICICI Direct are as follows:
- Equity delivery: 0.1% on the buy-side
- Equity intraday: 0.025% on the sell-side
- Equity futures: 0.01% on the sell-side
- Equity options: 0.05% on the sell-side
- Currency futures: 0.01% on the sell-side
- Currency options: 0.05% on the sell-side
- Commodity futures: 0.01% on the sell-side
ICICI Direct charges a flat fee of Rs 50 per segment for auto-square-off trades.
