Best Demat Account in India 2025

A Demat account is required to invest in the Indian stock market. Demat account services are provided by many brokers, but the choice is based on your requirements. Some accounts are ideal for active traders, while others are ideal for long-term investors.

What is a Demat Account?

A Demat account allows investors to have financial instruments such as stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, bonds, etc., in an electronic format. Previously, these securities were conducted in the physical certificate format and were prone to losses, theft and forgery risks. Demat accounts were introduced to eliminate such risks and provide a safer and easier way of dealing with investments.

Key Features to Consider in a Demat Account

1. Brokerage – Select a broker that charges the lowest trade-execution charge.

2. Account Maintenance Fees – Select brokers that have the lowest annual account maintenance costs.

3. Account Opening Fees – Select brokers who have zero or low opening account charges.

4. Margin Interest – Select brokers who charge lower interest on margin trading facilities.

5. Research Tools – Select brokers who offer enhanced trading and market analysis software.

6. Customer Support – Get timely and efficient support for any issues related to accounts.

A Quick Guide about Demat Accounts in India

Broker	Brokerage Charges	AMC (Annual Maintenance)
Zerodha	₹20 or 0.03% per executed order, whichever lower	₹300 + GST
Angel One	₹20 per order	₹240 (1st year free)
ICICI Direct	0.55% for equity delivery, 0.275% for intraday	₹ 700
Kotak Securities	0.49% for equity delivery, 0.049% for intraday	₹ 600
Upstox	₹20 or 0.05% per order	₹ 150
5paisa	₹20 per order	₹ 300
Sharekhan	0.5% for equity delivery, 0.1% for intraday	₹ 400
Motilal Oswal	0.5% for equity delivery, 0.05% for intraday	₹ 199
SBI Securities	0.5% for equity delivery, 0.05% for intraday	₹ 750 (1st year free)
Axis Direct	0.5% for equity delivery, 0.05% for intraday	₹ 750

Best Demat Accounts in India

1. Zerodha

Zerodha is a major force in Indian stockbroking with tech-infused trading platforms. Zerodha was the first company to implement the flat broking model, transforming the charging pattern of trading fees in India.

Key Features:

• Easy trading platform for beginners and professional traders.
• Expert customer care to resolve client problems efficiently.
• It offers a free education platform, which is Varsity. Through this, you can gain knowledge about your client.

Best For: Investors seeking a low-cost platform with the lowest brokerage charges can consider Zerodha.

2. Angel One

Angel One is one of the leading full-service brokers in India, offering equities, commodities, derivatives, and other trading and investment services. Additionally, the platform provides seasoned investment advisory services, backed by cutting-edge technology with a client-oriented approach.

Key Features:

• Client-based model, providing for easy support and services.

• State-of-the-art trading solutions offered via a simple-to-use app.
• Strong offline network with offices spanning the country.

Best For: Offline and online broking services – preferred traders and investors. 

3. ICICI Direct Securities

ICICI Direct Securities, owned by ICICI Bank, is one of India’s leading stockbrokers. It provides a three-in-one account with savings, trading, and Demat services along with numerous investment products customised to various investor requirements.

Key Features:

• Strong local presence through branch offices in order to serve the investor’s needs.
• Access to advanced research and consultancy facilities.
• Customised wealth management services for specific investor needs.

Best For: Investors in need of hand-holding through branch office locations and customised guidance.

4. Kotak Securities Limited

Kotak Securities, owned by Kotak Mahindra Bank, provides simple linking of bank, trading, and Demat accounts. It provides equities, commodities, and derivatives, in addition to the Web and Kotak Neo app for instant market information.

Key Features:

• Provides different investment choices, including equities, commodities, and mutual funds.
• Offers investor education in the form of several online tutorials and courses.
• Supported by Kotak Bank, so that the brand name and reputation are good and reliable.

Best For: Traders looking to learn something in the market while trading confidently.

5. Upstox

Upstox offers an online trading platform with sophisticated technical analysis facilities, enabling traders to study trends among commodities and stocks. Its strategy and option chain mode facilities allow users to devise and execute trades without any issues.

Key Features:

• Simple mobile phone application perfect for newbie users to initiate trading.
• Watchlist multiple to monitor equities, commodities, and intraday suggestions.
• No maintenance fees on an Upstox account within a year.

Best For: Intraday and swing traders via technical analysis.

6. 5 Paisa

5Paisa is one of India’s top discount brokers, offering low-cost commodity, mutual fund, and equity trading. Being an AMFI-approved distributor of mutual funds, it seeks to bring convenience and affordability of investing to all classes of investors.

Key Features:

• User-friendly web and mobile interfaces for easy trading.
• Investing in mutual funds directly on the website.
• The FnO360 platform provides sophisticated features to aid in making sound trading decisions.

Best For: Investors looking to learn the stock market via interactive workshops.

7. Sharekhan

Sharekhan is among India’s longest-established online brokers for trading, growing quickly with a pan-India franchise network. Sharekhan has been funded by international and local financial institutions over the years, lending credibility and scalability.

Key Features:

• Sleek mobile app with sophisticated trading utilities for investors.
• Sharekhan Classroom is an online course providing detailed training to investors.
• The customer care team is committed to promptly answering client queries.

Best For: Investors interested in learning technical as well as fundamental analysis. 

8. Motilal Oswal

Motilal Oswal is a leading Indian broking company providing advisory, portfolio management, and investment in asset classes. It has over three decades of experience and industry award wins and provides research reports and sophisticated trading tools on its website and mobile app.

Key Features:

• Specially crafted financial products meeting the specific requirements of individual investors.
• Easy-to-use and straightforward mobile app with a hassle-free trading experience.
• Securities-based loans for qualified investors.

Best For: Investor clients who want access to an array of sophisticated financial products, including portfolio management schemes.

9. SBI Securities

SBI Securities, the subsidiary of the biggest public sector bank in India, State Bank of India, provides secure trading and investing services. Known for its widespread branch network and government-supported reputation, the site provides equity and commodity dealing along with advisory and research services.

Key Features:

• Individual relationship managers for high-net-worth clients.
• Margin trading facilities increase the buying power of intraday traders.

Best For: New and seasoned investors looking for full services, with relatively higher charges.

10. Axis Direct

Axis Direct, a subsidiary of Axis Bank and part of Axis Securities Limited, is a top trading platform in India. With the power of advanced technology, it provides hassle-free banking and Demat account integration to Axis Bank customers. Based in Mumbai, the firm provides a solid trading and investment platform.

Key Features:

• Sophisticated trading and investing interfaces for smooth implementation.
• Stocks, commodities, and industries are carefully analysed day by day through robust fundamental research.
• Facilities for margin financing to augment the trading capabilities of investors.

Best For: Investors who would like to maximise the use of margin trading facilities.

Conclusion

While opening a Demat account, look for services, charges, support, and platform offerings. Short-term investors will need low brokerage and sophisticated trading tools, whereas long-term investors might select brokers that have lower or zero annual maintenance fees.
When looking for the best Demat account in India, the top 10 Demat accounts reviewed make it easier to make effective decisions. Brokers with easy-to-use platforms, fair fees, and good support provide a seamless, trouble-free investing experience.