Looking for the best stock trading platform? Discover which app has lowest brokerage in india, comparing top brokers like Zerodha, Upstox, Groww & more. Save mo

Looking for the best stock trading platform? Discover which app has lowest brokerage in india, comparing top brokers like Zerodha, Upstox, Groww & more. Save money and maximize your investment returns!

Which App Has Lowest Brokerage in India? A Detailed Comparison

Introduction: Navigating the Brokerage Maze

The Indian stock market is booming, with more and more individuals diving into the world of equity investments. From seasoned traders to first-time investors, everyone is looking for the perfect platform to manage their portfolios. One of the most crucial factors when choosing a stockbroker is the brokerage charged per trade. High brokerage fees can significantly eat into your profits, especially for frequent traders. This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of the most popular trading apps in India, focusing on identifying the platform that offers the lowest brokerage charges while also considering other important factors such as platform features, user experience, and safety.

Understanding Brokerage Charges in India

Before diving into the specifics of each app, let’s first understand the different types of brokerage charges you might encounter:

• Flat Fee Brokerage: This is the most common type, where you pay a fixed fee per trade, regardless of the size of the transaction. This model is particularly advantageous for high-volume traders.
• Percentage-Based Brokerage: Some brokers charge a percentage of the transaction value as brokerage. This can be beneficial for very small trades but can quickly become expensive for larger trades.
• Zero Brokerage: Many brokers now offer zero brokerage on delivery trades (holding stocks for more than one day). However, brokerage charges may still apply for intraday trading (buying and selling stocks on the same day).
• Other Charges: Apart from brokerage, you also need to consider other charges such as Securities Transaction Tax (STT), Goods and Services Tax (GST), Stamp Duty, Exchange Transaction Charges, and SEBI Turnover Fees.

Understanding these charges is crucial to accurately assess the overall cost of trading with a particular broker.

Top Contenders for Lowest Brokerage in India: A Detailed Comparison

Several trading apps in India claim to offer the lowest brokerage. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular contenders:

Zerodha: The Pioneer of Discount Broking

Zerodha is arguably the most well-known discount broker in India. It revolutionized the industry by offering a flat fee brokerage model. Here’s a breakdown of their charges:

• Equity Delivery: ₹0 (Free)
• Intraday & F&O: ₹20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower) per executed order

Key Features:

• Kite Platform: User-friendly and feature-rich trading platform available on web and mobile.
• Zerodha Coin: Direct mutual fund investments with no commission.
• Zerodha Varsity: A comprehensive educational resource for learning about the stock market.
• Robust Infrastructure: Reliable platform with good uptime.

Suitable for: Both beginners and experienced traders looking for a cost-effective and reliable trading platform.

Upstox: Backed by Ratan Tata

Upstox is another popular discount broker that has gained significant traction in recent years. They offer competitive brokerage rates and a user-friendly trading experience.

• Equity Delivery: ₹0 (Free)
• Intraday & F&O: ₹20 or 0.05% (whichever is lower) per executed order

Key Features:

• Upstox Pro: A fast and intuitive trading platform available on web and mobile.
• Advanced Charting Tools: Useful for technical analysis.
• Margin Trading Facility: Provides leverage for trading.
• Digital Gold: Option to invest in digital gold.

Suitable for: Traders looking for a modern and feature-rich trading platform with competitive brokerage rates.

Groww: Simplicity Redefined

Groww is known for its simple and intuitive user interface, making it an excellent choice for beginners. They offer a straightforward investment experience.

• Equity Delivery: ₹0 (Free)
• Intraday & F&O: ₹20 or 0.05% (whichever is lower) per executed order

Key Features:

• User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate and understand, even for novice investors.
• Direct Mutual Funds: Invest in mutual funds directly from the app.
• US Stocks: Option to invest in US stocks.
• Fixed Deposits: Invest in fixed deposits through the platform.

Suitable for: Beginners who are looking for a simple and user-friendly platform to start their investment journey, particularly in mutual funds and direct equity.

Angel One (formerly Angel Broking): A Traditional Broker with a Modern Twist

Angel One is a well-established brokerage firm that has adapted to the changing landscape by offering a discount brokerage model. It provides a combination of traditional brokerage services and a modern trading platform.

• Equity Delivery: ₹0 (Free)
• Intraday & F&O: ₹20 or 0.25% (whichever is lower) per executed order

Key Features:

• Angel One App: A comprehensive trading platform with various features.
• ARQ Prime: A robo-advisory platform that provides personalized investment recommendations.
• Research Reports: Access to research reports and market analysis.
• Margin Trading Facility: Offers margin trading options.

Suitable for: Investors who value research and advisory services along with competitive brokerage rates.

5Paisa: Ultra-Low Brokerage at a Flat Rate

5Paisa is another discount broker known for its ultra-low brokerage model. They offer a flat fee for all types of trades.

• Equity Delivery: ₹20 per order
• Intraday & F&O: ₹20 per order

Key Features:

• 5Paisa Mobile App: A user-friendly mobile app for trading.
• Robo-Advisory: Provides automated investment advice.
• Mutual Funds & Insurance: Option to invest in mutual funds and insurance products.
• Loans: Access to personal loans.

Suitable for: Frequent traders who trade in various segments and prefer a flat fee brokerage model.

Detailed Brokerage Comparison Table

To provide a clear comparison, here’s a table summarizing the brokerage charges of each app mentioned above:

Broker	Equity Delivery	Intraday & F&O
Zerodha	₹0	₹20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower)
Upstox	₹0	₹20 or 0.05% (whichever is lower)
Groww	₹0	₹20 or 0.05% (whichever is lower)
Angel One	₹0	₹20 or 0.25% (whichever is lower)
5Paisa	₹20	₹20

Beyond Brokerage: Other Factors to Consider

While brokerage is a significant factor, it’s crucial to consider other aspects before choosing a trading app:

• Platform Reliability: A stable and reliable platform is essential, especially during volatile market conditions. Frequent outages can lead to missed opportunities and potential losses.
• User Interface: A user-friendly interface is crucial for a smooth trading experience, especially for beginners.
• Trading Tools & Features: Advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and research reports can significantly enhance your trading decisions.
• Customer Support: Responsive and helpful customer support is essential to resolve any issues you may encounter.
• Account Opening Charges & Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC): Some brokers charge account opening fees and annual maintenance charges.
• Margin Trading Facility: If you plan to use leverage, consider the margin trading facility offered by the broker.
• Investment Options: Check if the app offers access to various investment options such as equity, derivatives, mutual funds, IPOs, and bonds.
• Safety and Security: Ensure that the app adheres to regulatory standards and employs robust security measures to protect your funds and data.

The Role of Demat Accounts

All the brokerage apps mentioned facilitate trading through a Demat account. A Demat account is essential for holding shares in electronic form. Each broker offers you to open a Demat account, which is linked to your trading account. Keep in mind the charges associated with Demat accounts such as AMC or transaction charges when shares are debited or credited to your account. The Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL) and National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) are the two main depositories in India that hold securities in dematerialized form.

Impact of SEBI Regulations on Brokerage

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays a vital role in regulating the stock market and ensuring investor protection. SEBI’s regulations can impact brokerage models and fees. For instance, SEBI has introduced measures to enhance transparency and reduce risks associated with intraday trading and margin trading. These regulations indirectly influence the brokerage structure offered by different trading apps.

Investing in Mutual Funds through Trading Apps

Many trading apps also offer the option to invest in mutual funds. Most discount brokers offer direct mutual fund investments, which means you can invest in mutual funds without paying any commission. This can be a significant advantage over traditional brokers who charge a commission on mutual fund investments. You can choose from a wide range of mutual funds, including equity funds, debt funds, and hybrid funds. You can also start a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) to invest a fixed amount regularly.

Tax Implications of Trading

It’s important to be aware of the tax implications of trading in the stock market. Profits from equity delivery are subject to capital gains tax. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 15%, while long-term capital gains (LTCG) exceeding ₹1 lakh are taxed at 10%. Profits from intraday trading are considered business income and are taxed according to your income tax slab. Similarly, income from Futures and Options (F&O) trading is also treated as business income. It is advisable to consult a tax advisor to understand the tax implications of your trading activities.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right App for Your Needs

Determining the “best” app depends largely on your individual trading style, investment goals, and preferences. While Zerodha, Upstox, and Groww offer ₹0 brokerage on equity delivery, the small differences in intraday and F&O charges, platform features, and user experience can make a significant difference. For example, if you prioritize simplicity and ease of use, Groww might be a better choice. If you need advanced trading tools and research reports, Angel One could be more suitable. If you are a frequent trader, you might consider 5Paisa. The best approach is to compare the features and fees of different apps and choose the one that best aligns with your specific needs and trading style. Consider opening accounts with a couple of brokers to experience their platforms firsthand before committing fully. Also, be mindful of the risks involved in stock market investments and trade responsibly. Always consider investing a portion of your portfolio in safer investment options like Public Provident Fund (PPF), National Pension Scheme (NPS) or Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) for tax saving purpose along with stocks.