Best Online Share Trading Platforms
Discount Brokers
These brokers primarily charge lower brokerage fees and offer advanced trading tools. They are ideal for traders who prefer to do their own research and analysis.
- Pros: India’s largest discount broker. Their ‘Kite’ platform is user-friendly, fast, and integrates advanced charting tools (TradingView and ChartIQ). They offer zero brokerage for equity delivery and a flat ₹20 per order for F&O and intraday trading. Their educational resource ‘Varsity’ is highly popular.
- Best for: All types of traders, from beginners to experienced ones.
Pros: Backed by Ratan Tata, Upstox offers low brokerage and advanced features like personalized watchlists and real-time stock notifications. Known for fast trade execution.
Best for: Those who need quick trade execution and support for a wide range of asset classes.
Pros: Primarily focused on mutual funds initially, Groww has gained popularity in stock trading as well. It offers a very simple user interface, making it great for new investors.
Best for: New investors and those who prefer simplicity.
Pros: Formerly a full-service broker, Angel One now also follows a discount brokerage model. It provides strong research, advisory services, and analytical tools.
Best for: Those looking for good research and advisory services at a low cost.
Pros: A relatively new platform that has quickly gained popularity. It offers advanced trading tools and features specifically designed for traders (e.g., TradingView integration, 1-tap trading).
Best for: Active traders and those who want access to advanced tools.
Pros: Offers very low brokerage (₹10 per order) and a user-friendly interface. A good option for budget-conscious traders.
Best for: Those looking for the absolute lowest trading costs.
Full-Service Brokers
These brokers offer additional services beyond just trade execution, such as research reports, personalized advice, and financial planning. Their brokerage charges might be higher compared to discount brokers.
ICICI Direct:
Pros: One of India’s oldest and most established brokers. Offers integrated 3-in-1 account facility (savings, demat, trading) with ICICI Bank. Provides advanced research and various investment options.
Best for: Those who want a comprehensive service integrated with a bank and rely on research.
HDFC Securities:
Pros: Backed by HDFC Bank, it offers an advanced platform and robust research support.
Best for: Similar to ICICI Direct, suitable for those who prefer a full-fledged service connected to a reputable bank.
Kotak Securities:
Pros: Part of Kotak Bank, offering diverse investment options and analytical tools.
Best for: Those seeking a secure and complete service integrated with a bank.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Platform:
Brokerage Charges & Other Fees: Check the charges for delivery, intraday, and F&O. Are there account opening charges or AMC (Annual Maintenance Charges)?
Platform Features: How user-friendly is the trading platform? What charting tools, research reports, and notification features are available?
Customer Support: How accessible and helpful is their customer support in case of issues?
Investment Options: Do they offer only stocks, or can you also invest in mutual funds, IPOs, bonds, commodities, currencies, US stocks, etc.?
Educational Resources: Are there learning opportunities available, especially for beginners?
