Looking to invest in stock markets? If yes, the first and foremost thing to do is to open a Demat account as this is the most essential things before you commence your journey towards stock investing. Generally, it is responsibility of the investors to open a best demat account in India according to their need before investing. However, today most stock brokers allows them to open both a demat account and trading account with them. This makes the process quite simpler and faster. Before we move further, let’s first learn what a demat account is.
What is a Demat account?
A Demat account is also called Dematerialized account. In other terms, translating or dematerializing your physical shares in the digital format is understood as holding a Demat Account. Demat account is supposed to keep the shares and securities of publicly traded firms in an electronic version. In case of a Demat account, a person can hold different types of investments like bonds, government securities, equity shares, exchange traded funds, and mutual funds. Just like a bank account, a Demat account is either credited or debited every time buying or selling of shares is done.
A Demat account reduces the load of needless paperwork, but also helps rationalize the procedure of stock trading. There are two organizational bodies that look after the management of demat accounts – National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) and Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL).
Now if you want to know which is the best Demat account in India, there are various factors to keep in mind. For your reference, here are top 5 demat accounts in India that feature attractive brokerage and nearly zero Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC).
Upstox Free Demat Account
Upstox is one of the reasonably priced broking houses in India which provides trading across various segments like currency, commodities, equities, options, and futures. Upstox is supported by a clusters of investors inclusive of Ratan Tata, GVK Davix and Kalaari Capital.
Salient Features of Upstox Free Demat Account
- Get a Free Trading and Demat Account
- Zero brokerage charges for the first month after opening of the account
- Receive free equity deliveries which are very affordable
- Brokerage charges of Rs 20 per intraday trade
- Get next-gen, cutting-edged trading software platform available for the website, desktop or mobile
- Fully digital account opening using Aadhaar
Zerodha
Another prominent name in the field of stock broking is Zerodha. Considered one of the top 10 stock brokers in India, Zerodha is known to be the frontrunner in this category. In fact it is known to be the harbinger of discount broking concept in India. Set up in 2010, it offers a free Demat account for investors, traders, and others. The term ‘Zerodha’ is a mix of two words – Zero and Rodha. The tem Rodha is a Sanskrit word and means the barrier.
Salient Features of Zerodha
- The equity delivery trades are charged zero and there are no charges linked with it
- The brokerage charges Rs 20 or 0.03% on the executed trade for intraday trading and rest
- This brokerage firm features a trading portal, great blog, Z-Connect to handle the queries of traders and investors
- Traders are not supposed to pay any straight fees or turnover obligation
- Analysis, charting, trading is available in the desktop trading platform known as Pi
Angel Broking
One leading name in the field of stock broking is Angel Broking, which has been winning hearts among traders and investors. With a remarkable client base of over 20 lakh, the leading stock broking firm has established presence in over 900 cities and 8500 franchises.
The stock broker offers investors to trade across commodities, equities, IPOs, currencies, and Futures and Options and provides best demat account in India with zero AMC.
Account Opening Charges
Demat account opening charges – 0
Trading account opening charges – 0
Demat account Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) – 0 for first year, Rs 450 from second year onwards
Trading account Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) – 0
Brokerage
Equity delivery 0
Equity intraday 20/ trade
Equity future 20/ trade
Equity option 20/ trade
IIFL (India Infoline)
India Infoline or IIFL is one of the leading stock brokers in India. Set up in year 1995, IIFL has a remarkable in more than 4000 locations spread across 900+ cities in India.
IIFL offers to trader in stocks across Equities, Derivatives, Commodities, Currencies, IPOs, Mutual funds and bonds.
Account Opening Charges
- Demat account opening charges – Free
- Commodity account opening charges – Free
- Demat account Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) – Zero for first year and Rs 300 per year second year onwards.
Brokerage
Delivery brokerage 0
Equity Intraday, Futures & Options, Commodity & Currency 20 per trade
Equity options 20 per order
Sharekhan
One of the top 10 stock brokers in India, Sharekhan is considered a pioneer in the stock broking industry. It offers a wide range of services varying from Equities, Derivatives, Currencies, Commodities, and Portfolio management service (PMS) etc.
Global giant BNP Paribas acquired sharekhan in 2015 with a worth of over Rs 2,200 Crores. Its leading trading terminal is known as TradeTiger and is counted among the best trading terminals in the industry.
Account Opening Charges
Trading account opening– Rs 750
Demat account opening charges – 0
Demat account Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) – Rs400 (NIL for first year)
Trading account Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) – 0
Brokerage
Equity: 0.015% – 0.07%
Equity Delivery: 0.1% – 0.4%
Futures: 0.015% – 0.07%
Options: Rs 25/lot – Rs 80/Lot
At a time when there are hundreds of stock broker options available to choose from, it becomes necessary to do the proper research before choosing a specific one. This way, you can save on cost and efforts by choosing the best stock broker in India.
So, while trying to get better returns without spending too much on brokerage and account maintenance, choose a stock broker that have lowest brokerage and zero AMC.
