In the age of digital investing, having a Demat account is a must for anyone looking to buy or sell stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, or IPOs. While most brokers charge fees for trading, a few are revolutionizing the market by offering zero brokerage Demat accounts. If you’re an investor who wants to maximize profits and minimize charges, this guide is tailored just for you.
✅ What is a Demat Account?
A Demat account (short for Dematerialized account) is where you store shares and securities in an electronic format. It eliminates the need for physical certificates and enables easy, fast, and safe transactions in the stock market.
🔍 Why Zero Brokerage Demat Accounts Are Gaining Popularity
Traditionally, brokers charged fees every time you traded. However, with the rise of fintech and digital platforms, several discount brokers now offer zero brokerage on delivery trades, and some even offer completely free trades across all segments.
Key Benefits:
- Cost Saving: No brokerage fees means more money in your pocket.
- Ideal for Beginners: Helps new investors avoid unnecessary costs.
- Long-Term Gains: Especially beneficial for delivery-based traders and investors.
🏆 Top 7 Zero Brokerage Demat Accounts in India – 2025
| Rank | Broker Name | Zero Brokerage On | Account Opening Fee | Annual Maintenance Fee | App Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zerodha | Delivery Trades | ₹200 | ₹300 | 4.3★ |
| 2 | Groww | Equity Delivery & Mutual Funds | ₹0 | ₹0 | 4.5★ |
| 3 | Upstox | Delivery Trades | ₹0 | ₹25/month | 4.2★ |
| 4 | Paytm Money | Delivery & MF | ₹0 | ₹0 | 4.1★ |
| 5 | Shoonya by Finvasia | All Segments | ₹0 | ₹0 | 4.0★ |
| 6 | Dhan | Delivery Trades | ₹0 | ₹0 | 4.3★ |
| 7 | m.Stock by Mirae Asset | All Trades (limited time) | ₹149 | ₹0 (Lifetime AMC) | 4.4★ |
🔎 Detailed Overview of Each Zero Brokerage Demat Account
1️⃣ Zerodha
Zerodha is India’s largest discount broker and a pioneer in low-cost trading.
- Zero brokerage on delivery trades
- Flat ₹20 for intraday and F&O
- Trusted platform with over 1 crore users
Best For: Long-term investors and active traders
2️⃣ Groww
Groww started as a mutual fund investment platform and now offers a completely free Demat account.
- Zero account opening and AMC charges
- No brokerage on delivery and mutual funds
- Very beginner-friendly mobile app
Best For: First-time investors and mutual fund enthusiasts
3️⃣ Upstox
Backed by Ratan Tata, Upstox is one of the fastest-growing discount brokers.
- Free account opening
- ₹20 per trade for intraday/F&O
- Robust trading tools and charts
Best For: Traders who want simple pricing and excellent tools
4️⃣ Paytm Money
From the house of Paytm, this platform offers a clean interface and no-frills investment options.
- Zero charges on account opening and mutual fund investments
- Flat ₹10 per executed order for intraday
- Integrated with Paytm ecosystem
Best For: Investors who prefer a unified digital finance experience
5️⃣ Shoonya by Finvasia
As the name suggests, Shoonya means Zero – and that’s their brokerage model.
- No brokerage across delivery, intraday, F&O, currency, and commodities
- ₹0 account opening and AMC
- Direct mutual funds available
Best For: Cost-conscious traders and investors
6️⃣ Dhan
Dhan is a relatively new player with aggressive pricing and smart features.
- Zero brokerage on delivery
- ₹20 per order on intraday and F&O
- Advanced features like TradingView, options strategies
Best For: Tech-savvy and DIY traders
7️⃣ m.Stock by Mirae Asset
m.Stock offers zero brokerage across all segments for life for a one-time fee.
- One-time ₹149 subscription for unlimited zero brokerage
- ₹0 AMC for life
- Advanced order types and margin trading facility
Best For: Investors looking for unlimited zero-brokerage trades
🧾 Zero Brokerage vs Traditional Brokerage – Cost Comparison
Let’s see how much you can save with a zero brokerage Demat account:
| Trade Type | Traditional Broker (avg.) | Zero Brokerage Broker |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery (5 trades/month) | ₹250 – ₹500 | ₹0 |
| Intraday (20 trades/month) | ₹500 – ₹1000 | ₹0 – ₹400 |
| AMC Charges | ₹300 – ₹700/year | ₹0 – ₹300/year |
| Total Yearly Cost | ₹2000 – ₹5000 | ₹0 – ₹1000 |
Potential Savings: ₹2000 to ₹4000 annually!
📲 Best Demat Account Apps in India (User Ratings)
| App Name | Google Play Store Rating | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|
| Groww | 4.5★ | Clean UI, MF + Stocks, No AMC |
| Zerodha Kite | 4.3★ | Advanced charts, Stability |
| Upstox Pro | 4.2★ | Fast execution, Market depth |
| Dhan | 4.3★ | TradingView, Options Builder |
| m.Stock | 4.4★ | Zero brokerage all segments |
| Shoonya | 4.0★ | Zero charges across board |
| Paytm Money | 4.1★ | Ecosystem integration, Alerts |
📌 How to Choose the Best Zero Brokerage Demat Account?
✅ Factors to Consider:
- Charges: Check for hidden fees, AMC, or platform fees.
- Platform Features: Ensure good UI/UX, charts, tools, and mobile support.
- Customer Support: Active and responsive support is crucial.
- Brokerage Terms: Some offer zero brokerage only on delivery trades.
- Regulatory Status: Ensure the broker is registered with SEBI and CDSL/NSDL.
📋 Documents Required to Open a Demat Account
To open a Demat account online, you’ll typically need:
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank proof (Cancelled cheque or bank statement)
- Selfie or live photo
- Signature (digital or scanned)
The process is 100% online and can be completed in 10–15 minutes.
🛡️ Safety and Security of Zero Brokerage Brokers
All listed brokers are SEBI-registered and maintain investor security through:
- 2FA authentication
- Encrypted transactions
- Direct credit of shares to your linked Demat
- NSDL/CDSL backed depositories
Always ensure the broker is listed on the official SEBI portal.
👨💼 Who Should Go for a Zero Brokerage Demat Account?
Best for:
- New investors: Save on costs while learning the ropes.
- Long-term investors: Especially if you buy and hold.
- Low-frequency traders: Occasional traders can avoid excess charges.
- DIY traders: Those who manage portfolios without advisory.
📦 Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re just starting and want a no-fuss platform, go with Groww or Dhan. If you’re an active trader looking for zero brokerage across all segments, Shoonya or m.Stock is a perfect choice. For those who want stability and advanced features, Zerodha still leads the pack.
🔚 Conclusion
Zero brokerage Demat accounts have democratized investing in India. Whether you’re a seasoned trader or a newbie investor, switching to a cost-efficient platform can significantly improve your returns. With no account opening fees, zero delivery charges, and low to zero intraday fees, these platforms are changing how Indians invest.
Take your time to compare features, check for any hidden charges, and most importantly, pick a platform that matches your investing style.