Top 10 Demat Accounts in India (May 2025) — Features & Fees You Should Know
If you’re thinking about investing in the stock market, opening a Demat account is your very first step. It helps you safely hold your shares in digital form, making trading smooth and hassle-free. But with so many options available, how do you pick the best Demat account for yourself?
In this post, we’ll break down the top 10 Demat accounts in India right now, covering their charges, benefits, and what makes each one stand out. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trader, knowing these details can save you time and money — and help you start investing the smart way.
1. Groww
- Ideal for: Beginners and casual investors
- Account Opening Cost: No charge
- Annual Maintenance Fee (AMC): Zero
- Trading Fees: ₹20 per order or 0.05%, whichever is less
- Why Pick Groww: Groww is perfect if you want a simple platform with no hidden fees. It’s great for first-time investors who want to start small and learn as they go.
2. Zerodha
- Ideal for: Long-term investors and active traders
- Account Opening Cost: ₹200
- AMC: ₹300 per year
- Brokerage Fees: Free for delivery; ₹20 or 0.03% for intraday and derivatives
- Why Pick Zerodha: Zerodha changed the game by offering low-cost trading with powerful tools. It’s a favorite among serious investors who want access to advanced features without burning a hole in their pocket.
3. Angel One
- Ideal for: Investors wanting research-backed insights
- Account Opening Cost: Free
- AMC: Free first year, ₹240 yearly after
- Brokerage Fees: Free for delivery; ₹20 or 0.03% for intraday and derivatives
- Why Pick Angel One: If you like getting detailed market research and expert advice along with your trades, Angel One has you covered.
4. Upstox
- Ideal for: Traders looking for tech-savvy tools at reasonable costs
- Account Opening Cost: Free
- AMC: ₹75 quarterly or ₹150 annually
- Brokerage Fees: Free for delivery; ₹20 per intraday or derivatives trade
- Why Pick Upstox: Upstox offers lightning-fast order execution and great charting options for active traders who want to stay ahead.
5. ICICI Direct
- Ideal for: Investors wanting banking and trading all-in-one
- Account Opening Cost: Free
- AMC: ₹700 per year
- Brokerage Fees: Up to ₹35 per trade depending on the plan
- Why Pick ICICI Direct: It’s reliable and secure, with a trusted bank behind it — perfect if you want everything under one roof.
6. 5Paisa
- Ideal for: Investors on a budget
- Account Opening Cost: Free
- AMC: ₹300 per year
- Brokerage Fees: ₹20 per trade across all segments
- Why Pick 5Paisa: 5Paisa keeps things simple and affordable, with useful tools and options for investors who want to keep costs low.
7. Paytm Money
- Ideal for: Mutual fund investors and casual stock buyers
- Account Opening Cost: Free
- AMC: Zero
- Brokerage Fees: ₹15 per executed order
- Why Pick Paytm Money: If you’re already using Paytm, this makes investing easy with zero commission on direct mutual funds and a clean interface.
8. HDFC Securities
- Ideal for: HDFC Bank customers looking for convenience
- Account Opening Cost: ₹999
- AMC: ₹750 yearly
- Brokerage Fees: 0.5% on delivery trades, 0.05% for intraday
- Why Pick HDFC Securities: Great for users who want secure integration with their bank and reliable research.
9. Kotak Securities
- Ideal for: Investors preferring a 3-in-1 Kotak account
- Account Opening Cost: Free
- AMC: ₹600 per year
- Brokerage Fees: 0.49% for delivery trades, 0.049% intraday
- Why Pick Kotak Securities: Offers detailed market updates and easy portfolio tracking.
10. Motilal Oswal
- Ideal for: Investors seeking expert advice and thorough research
- Account Opening Cost: Free
- AMC: ₹400 per year
- Brokerage Fees: 0.5% for delivery, 0.05% intraday
- Why Pick Motilal Oswal: If you want deep market insights and personalized advisory, this is a top pick.
Remember: Every investor’s needs are different. The best Demat account for you depends on how often you trade, what services you need, and your budget. So, take your time to compare options and choose wisely.
Opening the right Demat account not only saves you money but also sets you up for smoother investing in the future. Don’t just pick the cheapest option — look for features that match your goals.
If you want help deciding which account fits your style or need a quick comparison chart, just let me know!
