5 Best 3-in-1 Demat Trading Accounts in India 2024

You can transfer money seamlessly between your bank account and trading account if you have a 3-in-1 account.

Most banks provide stock brokerage services through their subsidiaries. 

The flip side is, banks charge very high brokerages for intraday and delivery on a 3 -in-1 Demat account.

3-in-1 bank accounts are suitable only if you make a few transactions in stocks throughout the year.

If you are a daily trader or invest in stocks regularly, then you would end up paying a substantial amount as a brokerage. I would suggest you to open an account with discount brokers like Zerodha who charge a flat brokerage fee of Rs 20 per trade.

You can go through the details on the 5 best 3-in-1 demat account in India 2024 that help you trade seamlessly.   

Best 3-in-1 Demat Account in India 2024

#1. ICICI Direct 3-in-1 Account

ICICI Direct 3-in-1 online account helps you trade on NSE and BSE in assets like equity, and derivatives (currency & commodity).

ICICI offers other value-added services like research advisory, PMS and wealth management.

The account also allows you to invest in Mutual Funds, IPOs and Life Insurance. ICICI Direct offers Home, Gold and Business loans also.

Brokerage Charges

ICICI Direct presently has 3 plans –

1. i-Secure Plan
2. ICICI Direct Money Saver Brokerage Plan
3. ICICI Direct Prime Plan

#1. Brokerage charges for i-Secure Plan

Where a variable percentage of brokerage is charged. 

Trading Type	Brokerage Charges
Equity Delivery	0.55% (including buy and sell)
Equity Intraday	0.050%
Equity Futures	0.050% plus a flat brokerage of Rs. 50 on the second leg
Equity Options	Rs. 95 per lot plus a flat brokerage of Rs. 50 on the second leg
Currency F&O	Rs. 20 per order
Commodity F&O	Rs. 20 per order

The brokerage for Margin and Margin Plus under the i-Secure Plan is 0.050%

#2. Brokerage charges under the Money Saver Plan

Equity Delivery	Equity Intraday/ Futures	Equity Options	Currency and Commodity F&O
0.29%	0.029%	Rs. 45 per lot	Rs. 20 per order

#3. Brokerage charges under ICICI Direct Prime Plan

Prime Plan	Scheme validity	Delivery brokerage	Intraday/ Futures	Equity Options	Currency & Commodity F&O
Rs. 299	365 days	0.25%	0.025%	Rs. 35 per lot	Rs. 20 per order
Rs. 999	Lifetime	0.22%	0.022%	Rs. 35 per lot	Rs. 20 per order
Rs. 2,999	Lifetime	0.15%	0.015%	Rs. 20 per lot	Rs. 20 per order
Rs. 4,999	Lifetime	0.10%	0.010%	Rs. 10 per lot	Rs. 20 per order
Rs. 9,999	Lifetime	0.07%	0.007%	Rs. 7 per lot	Rs. 20 per order

Annual Fee 

Charges for opening an account are as under

Particulars	Charges
Trading and Demat account opening	Rs. 0
Demat account annual maintenance	Rs. 700 (1st year free)

Trading Platform 

ICICI 3-in-1 account comes with a “Trade Racer” trading platform in the web version, desktop version and on mobile devices.

The platform combines the iClick2Gain tool, Live Scanner and Heat Maps for an enhanced trading experience. 

Zerodha Demat account is the best alternative for ICICI Direct among the discount brokers. You get free stock delivery along with a flat brokerage plan for intraday trading without paying any additional fee. You can read our detailed comparison between ICICI Direct vs Zerodha.

#2. HDFC Securities 3-in-1 Account

HDFC 3-in-1 account helps you trade and invest in various assets including US stocks. You also get value-added services like loans against your shares, bonds and mutual funds. 

However, the biggest drawback of the account is that you need to pay Rs. 1,999 p.a for using the trading platform “Pro Terminal”.

Also, depending on the type of savings account you will be required to keep a certain minimum balance with HDFC Bank. 

Brokerage Charges 

Segment	Brokerage Charges
Equity Delivery Trades	0.50% OR a minimum of Rs. 25
Equity Intraday Trades	0.05% OR a minimum of Rs. 25 on both buy and sell
Equity Futures	0.025% OR a minimum of Rs. 25 on both buy and sell
Equity Options	Higher of 1% of the premium amount or Rs.100 per lot (Both Buy & Sell)
Currency Futures	Rs. 12 per contract on each side
Currency Options	Rs. 10 per contract each side
Commodity Futures	0.020% or minimum Rs.20 per order
Commodity Options	Rs.100 per lot

Annual Fee 

The account opening charges are under:

Particulars	Charges
Trading & Demat Account Opening charges	Rs. 0
Annual Maintenance Charges	Up to Rs. 750 (1st year free)
Trading Platform Charges	Rs. 1,999

In case if you want to trade currency derivatives then there is a charge of Rs. 250 to activate currency trading.

If you are looking for a zero AMC Demat account, you can read our Upstox detailed review that offers free account opening with zero AMC.

Trading Platform 

#1. HDFC Pro Terminal

HDFC Pro Terminal is a web-based trading platform that helps in tracking market trends and momentum. 

The platform gives you access to Stock Screeners, Portfolio Tracker, Watchlists and RADAR tools.  

#2. HDFC Securities App

HDFC Securities App is compatible with iOS and Android smartphones. The app helps trading by providing live market data, a few clicks trade & IPO application.  

#3. Kotak Trinity 3-in-1 Account

Kotak Trinity 3-in-1 account’s USP is that it allows you to transfer any sum of money without any upper limit to your trading account on any single day.   

You can place After Market Orders (AMO) in the evening after the market close. AMO will be sent to stock exchanges the next day when the trading session starts. 

Kotak Securities charges an account opening fee of Rs. 750 and you need to wait for approximately 10 days to open the Trinity 3-in-1 account.

Brokerage Charges

There are two brokerage plans, namely – Trade Free Plan and Dealer Assisted Brokerage Plan.  

1. Kotak Securities – Trade Free Brokerage Plan

Trading Segment	Trade Free Youth	Trade Free Plan	Trade Free Pro
Account for	below 30 years	Above 30 years	Margin trading
Account Opening	Rs. 0	Rs. 0	Rs. 0
AMC Charges	Rs. 0	Rs. 50 p.m.	Rs. 50 p.m.
Brokerage Charges
Equity Delivery	Rs. 0	0.20%	0.10%
Intraday for all segments	Rs. 10 per order	Rs. 10 per order	Rs. 10 per order
Carry Forward F&O trades	Rs. 10 per order	Rs. 10 per order	Rs. 10 per order

The brokerage charge in equity delivery is free under the Trade Free Youth plan. But you still need to pay other charges like STT, SEBI fees, Exchange charges and stamp duty on your trades.

2. Dealer-Assisted Brokerage Plan

The plan is suited to investors who are new to the stock market long-term investing and need a hold holding in research, investing and managing investments.

Kotak Securities will assign you a dedicated dealer to discuss, plan and strategize your investments.

One time charges for dealer assisted plan is Rs. 499 and the brokerage charges are also higher.

Segment	Charges
Account Opening	Rs. 0
AMC Charges	Rs. 50 p.m.
Brokerage Charges
Equity Delivery	Higher of Rs. 21 or 0.39%
Equity Intraday	Higher of Rs. 21 or 0.39%
Equity & Commodity Futures	0.039%
Equity & Commodity Options	Rs. 39 per lot
Currency Futures	Rs. 9 per lot
Currency Options	Rs. 5 per lot

 Trading Platform 

#1. Kotak Website

Kotak Website is a browser-based trading platform that can be accessed directly from the Kotak Securities website. 

The platform lets you trade in equity, derivatives, IPO, ETFs and bonds. 

#2. Kotak Stock Trader App

Kotak Stock Trader is compatible with Android and iOS devices. The app allows you to trade, access charts and manage your portfolio on the move. 

#3. KEAT Pro X

KEAT Pro X is a downloadable EXE. application that comes with customizable watchlists, live market data, charting tools, and stock recommendations. 

#4. SBICAP Securities 3-in-1 Account

SBICAP 3-in-1 account gives you access to lots of value-added services like –

• research advisory 
• insurance products
• loan products (home & auto)
• mutual fund & bond investment

Brokerage Charges

SBI Securities offers 5 different brokerage plans. The main difference is in charges and conditions for delivery trades.

Trading Segment	Plan 499	Pro 749	OIOP-3K	OIOP-5K	OIOP-10K
Delivery	0.50%	0.35%	0.20%	0.20%	0.20%
Complimentary Delivery Trade (lifetime)*	1 Lac	2.5 Lacs	15 Lacs	30 Lacs	75 Lacs
Intraday	Rs. 20 per order	Rs. 20 per order	Rs. 20 per order	Rs. 20 per order	Rs. 20 per order
Equity Futures	0.05%	0.02%	Rs. 20 per order	Rs. 20 per order	Rs. 20 per order
Equity Options	Rs. 50 per lot	Rs. 20 per lot	Rs. 20 per order	Rs. 20 per order	Rs. 20 per order
Currency	Rs. 20 per lot	Rs. 20 per lot	Rs. 20 per order	Rs. 20 per order	Rs. 20 per order

Annual Fee 

Particulars	Fees
Account Opening Charges	Rs. 0
Account Maintenance Charges	Rs. 500

Trading Platform 

#1. SBISMART Trading APP

SBISmart app allows access to live market price data, news and research reports. The app is not so user-friendly and has negative reviews on the Apple and Google Play store. 

#2. SBISMART Xpress 

SBISmart Xpress is a desktop-based trading platform that offers live streaming, charting tools and heat maps.

#3. SBISMART Web Portal

SBISmart Web Portal is an HTML browser-based trading platform that supports trading, stock & Index analysis, provides research, company reports, and trading calls.

#5. Axis Direct 3-in-1 Account

You should pick the Axis Direct 3-in-1 account if you are new to trading and require hand-holding or you already have an Axis Bank account.

The 3-in-1 account gives access to value-added services like research advisory on SMS, life and general insurance, tax and will planning.

Brokerage Charges

Axis Direct has 5 brokerage plans. 

Particulars / Plans	Prosperity Plan	Investor Plan	Now or Never Plan	Premium Plan	Freedom Plan*
Complimentary Delivery Turnover (CDT)	NIL	Rs. 3 Lakhs (buy + sell)	Rs. 12 Lakhs (buy + sell)	Rs. 25 Lakhs (buy + sell)	NIL
Validity period	N.A.	1 year	10 years	1 year	N.A.
One time account setup fees	Rs. 0	Rs. 1,500	Rs. 5,555	Rs. 10,000	Rs. 0

*Under the Freedom plan you get free brokerage when you transfer fund from a non Axis to Axis Bank. Details of which are under –

Fund Transfer Amount	50,000	75,000	1 Lac	2 Lac	3 Lac	4 Lac	5 Lac
Free Brokerage	Rs. 1500	Rs. 2250	Rs. 3000	Rs. 5000	Rs. 6000	Rs. 8000	Rs.10000

Brokerage Rates  

Plans	Prosperity Plan	Investor Plan	Now or Never Plan	Premium Plan	Freedom Plan
Equity Delivery (each leg)	0.50%	0.35%	0.20%	0.10%	0.40%
Equity Intraday (each leg)	0.05%	0.035%	0.02%	0.01%	0.04%
Futures (each leg)	0.05%	0.035%	0.02%	0.01%	0.04%
Options	Rs. 20 per order	Rs. 20 per order	Rs. 20 per order	Rs. 20 per order	Rs. 20 per order

Annual Fee

Particulars	Fees
3-in-1 Account Opening Charges	Rs. 0
Annual Maintenance Charges	For Axis Bank Customer: First Year: Free Second Year Onwards: Rs. 750 For Non-Axis Bank Customer: First Year: Rs. 350 Second Year Onwards: Rs. 750

Trading Platform 

#1. Axis Direct Trade

Axis Direct Trade is a .EXE based desktop trading platform that helps create multiple customized watch lists, instant trade confirmations, live quotes and portfolio positions. 

#2. Axis Web Trading Platform

Axis Web is a browser-based trading platform that provides information in “Card View”. One has access to customized filters, alerts and notifications. 

#3. Axis Mobile Trading App

Axis Direct Mobile App helps you trade in equity and derivatives only. The drawback is that you cannot invest in IPO, Mutual Funds and Bonds using the app.

Factors to Consider Before Opening 3-in-1 Account

#1. Brokerage Charges

Brokerage charges are a major cost that depends on the trading volume and the value-added services that you need. 

A 3-in-1 account with a full-service broker that offers research advisory and other value-added services will have a higher percentage-based brokerage charge.

Go for a full-service broker only if you require hand-holding, stock tips, and research advisory and do not mind paying extra for other services. 

On the other hand, discount brokers give you minimal trading support and offer you flat brokerage charges.

If you do your own research and want to trade independently then a 3-in-1 account at a discount broker will be best for you. 

#2. Trading Platforms

Online trading platforms are the gateways that connect you to stock exchanges for trading. You get access to a web-based, desktop-based and mobile app-based trading platform when you open a 3-in-1 account. 

But, some of the stockbrokers charge a fee for providing a trading platform that you should know before you open a 3-in1 account.   

#3. AMC Charges

Annual Maintenance Charge (AMC) is a recurring fee related to Demat and trading accounts. The AMC fees start from Rs. 0 and goes up to Rs. 1,000 and above. 

Some brokerage houses offer lifetime free AMC on a refundable interest-free deposit that needs to be paid upfront. 

You should look for a 3-in-1 account that fulfills your trading needs at a low AMC cost. 

#4. Account Opening Fees

The account opening fee is a one-time cost. 

A 3-in-1 account offered by full-service brokers carries processing fees for opening accounts. The fees range from a few hundred to a thousand rupees.

Whereas, discount brokers charge Rs. 0 for account opening.

Conclusion 

Picking a 3-in-1 account depends on your trading and investing needs. So, be clear of what you want before you finalize any one of the accounts.

If you want to save brokerage charges, then you can open a Zerodha account that provides free delivery of stocks.

But if you also require research advisory and do not mind paying extra money, then you can open a 3-in-1 account with your existing bank.

FAQs

What is a 3-in-1 account in a demat account?

3-in-1 means, a combination of demat, trading and savings accounts offered by a single entity in India.

This is possible when a bank offers stockbroking & DP services directly or through its subsidiary.

Which banks provide a 3-in-1 account?

Private banks offering 3-in-1 accounts in India – ICICI, HDFC, Axis, Kotak, AU Small Finance

PSU banks offering 3-in-1 accounts in India – SBI, Bank of Baroda

What is the difference between a 3-in-1 and a 2-in-1 account?

In a 2-in-1 account, there are two parties involved, your stock broker offers demat & trading account. And your bank – which offers a savings bank account.

The 3 accounts are then interlinked for easy fund transfer & smooth trading.

For whom 3-in-1 account best suited?

3-in-1 account will suit you, if you:

• already have a savings account with any of the above-mentioned banks in India
• want to keep all your financial dealings and records with a single financial institution
• want a seamless fund movement between accounts