The Indian stock market has witnessed massive growth in retail participation over the last few years. With millions of new Demat accounts being opened every month, competition among brokers has also intensified. One of the biggest trends in this competition is the “Zero Brokerage Trading Account” model, where investors can buy and sell shares without paying traditional brokerage charges.
This new-age offering has made trading more affordable, especially for beginners and long-term investors. But is a trading account with zero brokerage really free? Are there hidden charges? And which broker offers the best zero brokerage plans?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything about zero brokerage accounts, list the best brokers in India, compare their features, and give you actionable insights.
Best Trading Account with Zero Brokerage in India
Top brokers offering zero brokerage trading accounts:
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Kotak Securities Trade Free Plan – Truly zero brokerage on equity delivery.
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Paytm Money – Zero brokerage for delivery trades.
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Groww – Zero brokerage on delivery + free Demat.
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Upstox (Special Plans) – Low brokerage, some zero-cost offers.
Zero Brokerage Demat Account in India
A Demat + Trading account combo with zero brokerage means you can buy shares and hold them for free. Popular among long-term investors, such accounts are offered by:
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Kotak Securities
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Paytm Money
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Groww
Best Zero Brokerage Trading App in India
Mobile-first apps with zero brokerage features:
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Groww App – Easiest UI.
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Paytm Money App – Low-cost trading.
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Kotak Neo App – Premium features with zero brokerage delivery.
Online Trading Account with Zero Brokerage
Zero brokerage is usually applicable only for:
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Equity delivery trades.
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Long-term holdings.
For intraday and F&O trades, brokers still charge ₹10–₹20 per order.
Zero Brokerage Trading Account for Beginners
Beginners prefer these accounts because:
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No fixed brokerage = cost savings.
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Easy app interface.
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Free account opening in many cases.
Best for students, first-time investors, and part-time traders.
SEBI-Approved Zero Brokerage Trading Platforms
Always check if the broker is SEBI-registered. Safe platforms include:
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Kotak Securities
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Paytm Money
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Groww
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Upstox
Avoid unregistered or foreign brokers that promise zero brokerage but aren’t SEBI-compliant.
Zero Brokerage Demat and Trading Account for Long-Term Investors
For long-term investors, zero brokerage on delivery is the biggest advantage. Example:
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If you buy ₹5 lakh worth of shares, you save ₹5000+ in brokerage annually.
Zero Brokerage Trading Account for Intraday Trading
⚠️ Note: Most brokers still charge for intraday trades.
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Kotak Securities charges zero on delivery, but intraday = ₹20/order.
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5paisa & Upstox = low brokerage (₹10–₹20).
So intraday traders don’t get full zero brokerage benefits.
Zero Brokerage Trading Account for Delivery Trading
Delivery trading is where zero brokerage shines.
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Kotak, Groww, and Paytm Money offer completely free delivery trading.
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Best for long-term wealth creation.
Hidden Charges in Zero Brokerage Trading Account
Even if brokerage is zero, some charges still apply:
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STT (Securities Transaction Tax)
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Exchange Transaction Charges
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GST
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Stamp Duty
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Demat AMC (Annual Maintenance Charges)
So, “zero brokerage” ≠ “zero cost”.
Best Bank-Backed Zero Brokerage Trading Account in India
For investors who want trust + zero brokerage:
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Kotak Securities Trade Free Plan (backed by Kotak Bank).
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HDFC & ICICI don’t offer zero brokerage but are safer.
Zero Brokerage Trading Account with Free Demat
Some brokers also provide free Demat + lifetime AMC waiver:
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Groww
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Paytm Money
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Kotak Neo
Safe and Secure Zero Brokerage Trading Platforms
Security features to look for:
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SEBI registration.
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2FA login.
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Bank-backed support.
Safe choices: Kotak, Groww, Paytm Money.
Zero Brokerage Trading Account vs Discount Brokers
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Zero Brokerage Brokers: Free delivery trades, but limited features.
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Discount Brokers: Charge ₹20/order but offer advanced charting (e.g., Zerodha, Upstox).
Zero Brokerage Trading Account with Global Investing
Some platforms allow US stock investments with zero brokerage:
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INDmoney
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Groww Global
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Vested Finance
Zero Brokerage Trading Account with Mutual Funds
Almost all zero brokerage platforms also allow free mutual fund investing:
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Groww
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Paytm Money
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Zerodha Coin
Taxation Rules for Zero Brokerage Trading in India
Even if brokerage = zero, taxation rules apply:
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Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG): 15% tax on profits.
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Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): 10% above ₹1 lakh.
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Must declare in ITR.
Case Study: Zero Brokerage Trader in India
Ritika from Mumbai opened a Kotak Neo zero brokerage account in 2023. She invested ₹2,00,000 in equity delivery trades and saved nearly ₹4,000 in brokerage charges compared to a traditional broker. This made her long-term investing more cost-effective.
FAQs
Q1. Which is the best zero brokerage trading account in India?
Kotak Securities (Trade Free Plan) and Groww.
Q2. Is zero brokerage really free?
Yes, but taxes and government charges still apply.
Q3. Which broker is safest for zero brokerage trading?
Bank-backed brokers like Kotak Securities.
Q4. Can I do intraday with zero brokerage?
No, most brokers still charge ₹10–₹20/order for intraday.
Q5. Which app is best for beginners?
Groww and Paytm Money.
Conclusion
A trading account with zero brokerage is a game-changer for Indian investors, especially long-term ones. If you are someone who buys and holds stocks, a zero brokerage Demat + Trading account will save you thousands every year.
Best choice for beginners – Groww, Paytm Money.
Best choice for safety – Kotak Securities.
Best for global investors – INDmoney, Vested.
But remember — zero brokerage does not mean zero cost. Taxes and government charges still apply. Always choose a SEBI-approved broker for safety.
