Opening a Demat account is the first step toward investing and trading in the Indian stock market. With the growing popularity of equity, mutual funds and IPOs, choosing the best Demat account in India has become crucial for beginners and experienced traders alike. Since multiple brokers offer different features, broking charges and platforms, selecting the right one can be confusing. This article lists the top Demat accounts in India, explains what a Demat account is and highlights the factors you should consider before opening one.
What is a Demat Account?
A Demat account (short for dematerialised account) holds securities (shares, bonds, mutual funds, etc.) in electronic format. Instead of physical share certificates, everything is stored digitally, making trading and investing seamless.
A Demat account in India is usually linked to a trading account. When you buy shares, the shares are credited to your Demat account. When you sell, the shares are debited from the Demat account after the sale is executed via the trading account.
The best Demat account offers low brokerage, paperless account opening, a user-friendly platform and reliable customer support. Whether you are a beginner or a frequent trader, choosing the right service provider is essential.
List of Top Demat Accounts in India
Here are some of the best Demat accounts in India, covering popular brokers and banks trusted by millions of investors.
1. Groww
Groww is India’s No.1 stockbroker (in terms of NSE active clients) and one of the fastest-growing investment platforms in India. Opening a Demat account with Groww is entirely online and has zero account opening fees with a flat brokerage of INR 20 per order or 0.05%, whichever is lower.
The Groww app boasts a simple and intuitive UI, which makes it ideal for beginners while also providing advanced trading tools for pro traders. Beyond stocks, the app also offers commodity trading, investment in stocks, direct mutual funds, IPOs, and NFOs.
Highlights:
- Zero account opening and AMC charges
- Margin Trading Facility (MTF) to amplify trading potential.
- A single app solution for both beginner, advanced-trading and investing.
Advanced trading tools for pro traders like scalper mode, advanced option chain, payoff graphs, and algo trading APIs for HFTs. - Paperless KYC, fast account opening.
2. Zerodha
Zerodha is known for its low-cost model and offers demat account for trading with a flat brokerage structure and advanced platforms like Kite and Coin.
Highlights:
- No account opening charge
Brokerage of INR 20 or 0.03% on intraday and F&O trades - Free direct MF and equity delivery
3. Upstox
Backed by marquee investors, Upstox offers the top Demat accounts in India. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced investors due to its low brokerage and feature-rich trading app.
Highlights:
- No Demat account opening charges
INR 20 per trade brokerage on equity, F&O, commodity and currency - Great research tools and reports
4. Angel One
Angel One is one of the oldest brokerage firms in India. It offers a full-service Demat account with access to research reports, advisory and a strong presence across India. Angel One’s SmartAPI and app-based platforms make it a good option for both traders and long-term investors.
Highlights:
- Lifetime free Demat account opening offers
INR 20 or or 0.03% per trade brokerage - Personalised advisory services
5. ICICI Direct
ICICI Direct is part of ICICI Bank, offering a 3-in-1 account (savings + trading + Demat). It is considered one of the best Demat accounts in India for investors who prefer banking convenience along with trading.
Highlights:
- 3-in-1 integrated account
Zero Demat account opening charges - No Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) for the first year
6. HDFC Securities
HDFC Securities offers another popular bank-backed Demat account in India. Known for reliability and security, it provides a seamless experience for HDFC Bank customers.
Highlights:
- 5 types of plans available
Zero account opening charges - Good research and advisory support
- 7. Kotak Securities
Kotak Securities offers a wide range of trading and investment options, making it a good choice for both beginners and professionals. Their best Demat account options include free lifetime AMC (annual maintenance charges) offers.
Highlights:
- INR 0 account opening
- Free intraday trading plans
Extensive research and portfolio tracking tools
8. Sharekhan
Sharekhan is one of the oldest brokers in India, with a strong physical presence and digital platforms. It is widely trusted by investors and offers full-service brokerage with research support.
Highlights:
- No account opening charges
Free Dial-N-Trade service to place trading orders via phone - Free research access across all segments
9. Motilal Oswal
Motilal Oswal is known for its research-driven approach, making it ideal for long-term investors. It offers one of the best Demat accounts in India for investors who value expert recommendations and portfolio guidance.
Highlights:
- Free account opening Wide product range including stocks, derivatives, and mutual funds
- No AMC for the first year
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Demat Account
With so many top Demat accounts in India, selecting the right one depends on your needs. Here are key factors to consider:
- Brokerage Charges: Compare fees for intraday, delivery and F&O trading. The best Demat account for trading usually has a flat or low brokerage.
- Account Opening and Maintenance Fees: Some providers offer free account opening and a lifetime zero AMC, making them attractive for beginners.
- Ease of Use: The best Demat account for beginners should have a simple interface and an easy onboarding process.
- Trading Platforms: Look for brokers offering advanced yet user-friendly platforms (mobile and web-based).
- Research and Advisory: Full-service brokers like Motilal Oswal and ICICI Direct provide in-depth reports and recommendations.
- Customer Support: Reliable support (online or offline) is crucial, especially for new investors.
- Integration with Banking: 3-in-1 accounts offered by ICICI, HDFC, and Kotak provide seamless fund transfer and trading convenience.
Conclusion
Opening the right Demat account in India can make your investment journey smoother and more profitable. For both beginners and pro traders, platforms like Groww, Upstox offer the best Demat account for trading. Bank-linked options like ICICI Direct, HDFC Securities, and Kotak Securities are suitable for those who want integrated financial services.
Ultimately, the best Demat account in India depends on your investment style, trading frequency and preference for service or cost savings. Compare the top Demat accounts in India carefully, and choose one that aligns with your long-term financial goals.
