Snapshot
Choosing the best Demat account is the first crucial step in your investment journey. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro trader, the right account saves money, provides better features, and ensures seamless trading. In this guide, we’ll compare the top Demat accounts in India, break down their fees, features, and benefits so you can confidently pick the one that fits you best.
Opening a Demat account is the first step toward investing in the stock market. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you? Whether you’re a first-time investor or an active trader, choosing the best Demat account can help you save on fees, access smart tools, and invest with confidence. In this guide, we’ll break down and compare the top Demat accounts in India for 2025 — highlighting their features, charges, pros, and who they’re best suited for. Let’s find your perfect match!
What is a Demat Account?
A Demat Account (Dematerialised Account) is like a bank account but for your shares and securities. Instead of holding physical share certificates, it holds them digitally.
Fact Flash ⚡: As per SEBI guidelines, you need a Demat account to trade in the Indian stock market.
How Does a Demat Account Work?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how a Demat account functions:
- You open a Demat account with a Depository Participant (DP) like Zerodha, Groww, or ICICI Direct.
- When you buy shares, they are credited to your Demat account.
- When you sell shares, shares are debited from your account.
- It links to your trading and bank accounts for easy transactions.
Fact Flash ⚡: Always link your Demat account with a savings account for seamless fund transfer.
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Types of Demat Accounts in India
| Type of Demat Account | Suitable For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Demat Account | Indian residents | Standard features for all traders |
| Repatriable Account | NRIs with NRE bank accounts | Allows overseas fund transfers |
| Non-Repatriable Account | NRIs with NRO bank accounts | Does not allow repatriation |
Top 7 Best Demat Accounts in India – 2025
Let’s take a detailed look at the best Demat account providers in India in terms of cost, features, and support.
1. Zerodha (India’s No.1 Discount Broker)
- Account Opening Charges: ₹200
- Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC): ₹300
- Brokerage: ₹0 for equity delivery; ₹20/trade for intraday
- User Experience: Clean UI, Kite app
- Best For: Active traders and investors
✅ Expert Note: Zerodha handles over 20% of India’s retail trading volume.
2. Upstox
- Account Opening Charges: Free
- AMC: ₹300
- Brokerage: ₹0 for delivery; ₹20/order for F&O/intraday
- Features: Fast trading platform, real-time market data
- Best For: Traders looking for low-cost platforms
3. Groww
- Account Opening Charges: Free
- AMC: Free
- Brokerage: ₹20 or 0.05% (whichever is lower)
- User Base: More than 5 crore users
- Best For: Beginners in mutual funds and stocks
4. Angel One
- Account Opening Charges: Free
- AMC: Free for 1st year
- Brokerage: ₹0 delivery; ₹20/trade intraday
- Best For: Research-backed investing
5. ICICI Direct
- Account Opening Charges: ₹0-₹975 (based on plan)
- AMC: ₹700/year
- Brokerage: 0.55% (can be reduced with prepaid plans)
- Benefits: Trusted bank-led platform, 3-in-1 account
6. HDFC Securities
- Account Opening Charges: ₹999
- AMC: ₹750/year
- Brokerage: 0.5% for delivery; ₹25/trade intraday
- USP: Integrated banking services
7. 5paisa
- Account Opening Charges: ₹0
- AMC: ₹45/month or ₹540/year
- Brokerage: ₹20/order; ₹10/order for premium plan
- Best For: Budget investors and traders
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Side-by-Side Comparison Table of Top Demat Accounts
| Broker | Opening Charges | AMC | Delivery Brokerage | Intraday Brokerage | Mobile App Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zerodha | ₹200 | ₹300 | ₹0 | ₹20/trade | 4.4/5 |
| Upstox | ₹0 | ₹300 | ₹0 | ₹20/trade | 4.3/5 |
| Groww | ₹0 | ₹0 | ₹20 or 0.05% | ₹20/trade | 4.4/5 |
| Angel One | ₹0 | Free* | ₹0 | ₹20/trade | 4.3/5 |
| ICICI Direct | ₹0 – ₹975 | ₹700 | 0.55% | 0.275% | 4.2/5 |
| HDFC Securities | ₹999 | ₹750 | 0.5% | ₹25/trade | 4.1/5 |
| 5paisa | ₹0 | ₹540 | ₹20/order | ₹20/order | 4.0/5 |
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Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Demat Account
When picking the best Demat account, always compare the following:
- ✅ Account opening & maintenance charges
- ✅ Brokerage fee structure
- ✅ Ease of use (mobile & web apps)
- ✅ Customer support
- ✅ Research tools and reports
- ✅ Add-ons like mutual fund, IPO, ETF access
- ✅ Reputation & reviews
Fact Flash ⚡: For beginners, go for zero AMC and flat brokerage models.
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Expert Tips for Beginners
- 🔹 Avoid high brokerage full-service brokers unless you need premium services.
- 🔹 Start with free accounts like Groww or Angel One if you’re testing the waters.
- 🔹 Check mobile app experience – most trading is done on phones today.
- 🔹 Read reviews and check complaints on Google Play Store and forums.
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Conclusion
Selecting the best Demat account in India depends on your trading frequency, investment goals, and budget. For active traders, Zerodha and Upstox offer the best tools. If you’re a beginner, Groww or Angel One provides an easy entry with zero charges. ICICI Direct and HDFC offer legacy benefits with integrated banking for premium users.
Fact Flash ⚡: Always read the fine print. Some brokers may advertise zero charges but have hidden fees during withdrawal or trade execution.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Groww and Angel One are great for beginners due to zero AMC and easy UI.
Yes, you can have multiple accounts with different brokers.
No, but it is optional. Mutual funds can be held in a Demat or non-Demat mode.
Annual Maintenance Charges are yearly fees for maintaining your Demat account.
Zerodha, Upstox, and Groww offer the lowest or zero brokerage for delivery trades.
Yes, it’s SEBI-registered and among the most trusted brokers in India.
If documents are ready, most accounts are opened within 24-48 hours.
PAN card, Aadhaar card, bank proof, and a photograph.
Yes, NRIs can open Repatriable or Non-Repatriable Demat accounts.
A trading account is for buying/selling; a Demat account stores your shares.
