NIFTY 50 ▲ 24,812.30 SENSEX ▼ 81,204.15 BANK NIFTY ▲ 52,110.40 CDSL registered depository NSDL registered depository NIFTY 50 ▲ 24,812.30 SENSEX ▼ 81,204.15 BANK NIFTY ▲ 52,110.40 CDSL registered depository NSDL registered depository
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BestDemat

Open your first demat account with the right broker

A clear comparison of charges, brokerage and features — no jargon, no confusion.

Based on publicly available info on SEBI-registered brokers • For information only
Portfolio snapshot +8.4%

What is a demat account?

A Demat (Dematerialised) account is the digital space where your shares, bonds and ETFs are held electronically — much like a bank account holds your money. In India, a demat account is mandatory for investing in the stock market, and it's registered under one of two depositories: NSDL or CDSL.

Four steps to open an account

01

Choose a broker

Pick the right depository participant based on brokerage, AMC and features.

02

Complete KYC

Online eKYC using PAN, Aadhaar and bank details — usually done in 10 minutes.

03

Verification

Video or digital signature verification confirms your identity.

04

Account active

Your account is active within 24–48 hours and you can start trading.

Always check these three fees

A

Account opening fee

Most brokers now keep this free, though some premium plans may charge a fee.

B

AMC (annual maintenance)

Under SEBI's BSDA rule, this can be zero if your holding value is below ₹4 lakh.

C

Brokerage rate

The fee charged per trade — flat fee or percentage-based, depending on the broker.

Popular discount brokers

Broker Account opening fee AMC (within BSDA limit) Equity delivery brokerage
Zerodha ₹0 ₹0 ₹0 Open now
Groww ₹0 ₹0 ₹0 – low flat fee Open now
Upstox ₹0 ₹0 Low flat fee Open now
Angel One ₹0 Depends on holding Flat fee Open now

Rates change from time to time — always check the broker's official website before deciding.

Keep these in mind before choosing

Don't go by "free" alone

A ₹0 account-opening offer can sometimes hide higher brokerage or other charges.

Check depository registration

Verify that the broker is registered with SEBI and CDSL/NSDL.

Watch for commission-based rankings

Many comparison sites rank brokers based on affiliate commission — this site may work on the same model, so do your own research before deciding.

Test the app experience

Order placement, charts and customer support — get a sense of these before committing.