In 2025, with retail investing surging and the stock-market ecosystem becoming increasingly competitive, your choice of a demat account matters a lot. A good demat account gives you low costs, reliable service, good platform features, and peace of mind. In this article you’ll get:
- A clear checklist of what to look for in a demat account
- A comparison of the top 10 demat account providers in India
- Help in choosing the right one for your style of investing/trading
Let’s dive in.
What to Look For in a Demat Account
Before comparing providers, you should know the key criteria that determine a great demat account:
1. Brokerage & Transaction Cost
Check what you pay when you buy/sell shares (equity delivery, intraday, futures/options). Lower cost means better net return.
2. Account Opening Charges & AMC (Annual Maintenance Charge)
Some brokers charge one-time account opening fees, and/or annual maintenance fees for your demat/trading account.
3. Platform & App Usability
A good mobile app/web UI, fast execution, minimal glitches—especially important if you trade frequently.
4. Additional Features & Support
Research reports, advisory, IPO access, mutual funds, US stocks, good customer support, educational material—all add value.
5. Hidden/Non-Trading Charges
Check demat maintenance, remat/demat certificate charges, inactivity fees etc. Even low brokerage can be offset by hidden costs.
6. Trust, Regulation & Security
Ensure the broker is registered with Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and part of recognized depositories (Central Depository Services Ltd. or National Securities Depository Limited) so your securities are safe.
Top 10 Demat Accounts in India (2025) – Comparison & Highlights
Here are ten leading demat account/broker options in India for 2025. (Note: The list and order are illustrative — you should check latest fees & offers.)
| # | Broker / Provider | Key Highlights | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zerodha | ₹0 on equity delivery trades; flat ~₹20 for intraday/F&O; strong platform and user base. Lucknow Lions+2Bosswallah Blog+2 | Traders + long-term investors seeking low cost |
| 2 | Upstox | Very low cost, modern interface, good mobile experience. CardGrid+1 | Beginners + mobile traders |
| 3 | Groww | Free or very low fees in many plans; great for new investors; huge growth. Forbes India+1 | New investors and long-term holds |
| 4 | Angel One | Zero or minimal delivery brokerage in many plans; full-service features (research/advisory). CardGrid+1 | Investors who want support + low cost |
| 5 | ICICI Direct | Bank-backed 3-in-1 account (bank + trading + demat); strong for full-service. CardGrid+1 | Investors preferring bank linkage + guidance |
| 6 | HDFC Securities | Another trusted bank-linked option; strong service albeit higher cost. CardGrid+1 | Investors valuing brand & stability over lowest cost |
| 7 | Kotak Securities | Bank-broker combo with full-service features; reliable for mid/long-term. CardGrid | Bank customers & full-service seekers |
| 8 | 5 paisa | Discount-broker model with flat fees; one of the cost-efficient options. Lucknow Lions | Cost-sensitive investors/traders |
| 9 | Rupeezy | Emerging player focused on lowest brokerage; worth watching. CardGrid | Investors seeking ultra-low cost experiment |
| 10 | Sharekhan (now part of a larger group) | Established full-service broker; good for guided investing. Registrationwala | Investors preferring in-depth service & advice |
Note: Fee levels, offers and features change fast. Always check the broker’s website for the latest plan details before opening an account.
How to Pick the Right One for You
Here’s how you match your style to the right account:
Scenario A: You’re a Long-Term Investor (Buy & Hold)
- Look for minimal delivery brokerage (ideally zero)
- Low/no AMC or account fees
- Simple reliable platform
- Extra features like mutual funds or SIPs might matter
- Good picks: Groww, Zerodha
Scenario B: You Trade Frequently / Intraday / Options
- Flat low commission per trade matters more than lowest delivery cost
- Platform execution speed is critical
- Advanced charting and order types helpful
- Good picks: Zerodha, Upstox, 5paisa
Scenario C: You Prefer Full-Service / Guidance
- Willing to pay slightly higher fees for research/advice
- Banking integration and one-stop account helpful
- Good picks: ICICI Direct, HDFC Securities, Angel One
Scenario D: You’re a Beginner / First-Time Investor
- Look for easy onboarding, intuitive app, educational support
- Lower cost helps reduce barrier to entry
- Good pick: Groww, Upstox
Key Tips & Reminders
- Read the fine print: Some “₹0 brokerage” offers may exclude certain segments or have other conditions.
- Check non-trading charges: Demat AMC, remat fees, inactivity, call & trade, etc.
- Bank linkages matter: If you already bank with the same group, fund transfer gets easier.
- Platform reliability: Look for reviews of app stability, execution speed, especially at market open or expiry days.
- Promotions: Brokers often offer waiver of account opening or first-year AMC — use that to advantage.
- Switching is possible: If your needs change, you can transfer your demat/trading account to another broker.
- Your usage matters: If you trade 10-20 times a month versus once every quarter, your cost dynamics are very different.
The Bottom Line
There is no single “best” demat account for everyone. The best depends on your investing style, trading frequency, budget and support requirements.
- If you want lowest cost and mostly buy & hold → go for a discount broker like Zerodha or Groww
- If you trade actively and need slick platform → Upstox or 5paisa
- If you prefer bank-integration and full service → ICICI Direct or HDFC Securities
Take your time, compare plans side-by-side (especially current fees), pick one, open account, and invest/trade with clarity.