Zerodha is the biggest discount broker in India with over 1 Crore+ customers and is known for lower brokerage charges.
You only need to pay a fixed brokerage of Rs. 20 per trade irrespective of the trade volume.
Equity Delivery is Free
You can save huge money on brokerage charges if you trade high volumes regularly. No brokerage charges on the stock delivery.
Let’s assume you do a minimum monthly trading of 10,00,000 rupees with 10 trades (20 if we include the buying & selling side).
Comparison of Zerodha trading brokerage with ICICI Securities that charges 0.275% (0.55% if we include both buying and selling).
10,00,000 * 12 months * 0.55% = Rs. 66,000.
Comparison of Zerodha trading brokerage with Sharekhan that charges 0.10% (0.2% total on buying and selling).
10,00,000 * 12 months* 0.2% = Rs. 24,000.
Trading brokerage with Zerodha that charges Rs. 20 per trade
20 trades per month * 12 months * 20 Rs brokerage = Rs. 4,800 only.
Zerodha is a member of BSE, NSE, and MCX allows you to trade/ invest in – Stocks, Mutual Funds, F&O, Govt. Securities & bonds and IPO & ETFs.
USP of Zerodha (over other stockbrokers in India):
- Zerodha has the highest trading volume and number of active clients
- Charges NO fees for Equity delivery & Mutual fund investment
- Low complaint rate
- No risky margin funding product
- Does not do/ use client funds for proprietary trading
- Zerodha Kite offers simple UX loaded with advanced trading tools
- Suitable for small to large, beginners to professional traders including algo traders.
Zerodha Background – Know About the Company
Zerodha was founded on 15 August 2010 by Nithin Kamath and Nikhil Kamath. Zerodha was the first company to introduce the discount broking model in India.
You need to pay a fixed brokerage of Rs 20 per trade for intraday and no brokerage on equity delivery.
Earlier banks and full-service brokers were charging high brokerage fees on both delivery and intraday trading.
For example, you would end up paying approx Rs 50 to Rs 100 as brokerage on Rs 1 lakh trade and Rs 500 for stock delivery worth Rs 1 lakh.
Discount broking model has helped retail investors save money on the brokerage fee.
Now, even full-service brokers like angel broking and IIFL Securities also have started providing discount broking packages.
Zerodha is the biggest stockbroker in India with a 1 Crore + customer base.
More than 15% of daily retail volumes across Indian stock exchanges happen through Zerodha platforms.
Detailed Zerodha Charges
Zerodha Account Opening Charges
- Demat & trading account (Equity, F&O and Currency) opening charges – Rs. 0
- Demat & trading a/c (Equity, F&O, Currency and Commodity) opening charges – Rs. 0
- Annual maintenance charges – Rs. 300 per annum.
Zerodha Brokerage Charges
Zerodha offers 0% brokerage on stock delivery and a flat Rs. 20 per trade on intraday.
Detailed Zerodha Brokerage Charges
| Type | Brokerage |
| Equity Delivery | Rs. 0 |
| Equity Intraday | Lower of Rs. 20 per executed order or 0.03% |
| Equity Futures | Lower of Rs. 20 per executed order or 0.03% |
| Equity Options | Rs. 20 per executed order |
| Currency Futures | Lower of Rs. 20 per executed order or 0.03% |
| Currency Options | Rs. 20 per executed order |
| Commodity Futures | Lower of Rs. 20 per executed order or 0.03% |
| Commodity Options | Rs. 20 per executed order |
Call & trade service is available at an additional charge of Rs. 50 per order.
Zerodha brokerage calculator
Zerodha charges a lower of Rs. 20 per executed order or 0.03%.
Brokerage for a Rs 50,000 trade
Lower of Rs 20 or 0.03% of 50,000 = Rs 15
You would be charged Rs 15 as a brokerage fee
Brokerage for Rs 1,00,000 trade
Lower of Rs 20 or 0.03% of 1,00,000 = Rs 30
You would be charged Rs 20.
Zerodha Margin/Leverage/ Exposure
| Segment | Margin |
| Zerodha Margin Equity Delivery | No Margin |
| Zerodha Margin Intraday Equity | Up to 5X |
| Zerodha Margin Index F&O | 1X |
| Zerodha Margin Stock F&O | 1X |
| Zerodha Margin Currency Futures | 1X |
| Zerodha Margin Commodity Futures | 1X |
Zerodha Trading Platforms
#1. Kite 3.0
Kite 3.0 is a web-based online trading and investment platform that can be used for trading on mobile, tablets, desktops and laptops.
You can search across 90,000+ stocks and F&O contracts across stock exchanges like BSE, NSE and MCX.
- Sleek User Interface
- Real-Time Widgets
- Advanced Charting
- Covers all Stock Exchanges
- Near Zero Latency
Kite 3.0 is free to all Zerodha customers.
#2. Kite Mobile
Kite mobile trading app is one of the most advanced trading apps in India available for both Android and iOS users. You can trade and monitor live streaming data from BSE, NSE and MCX with the Kite app.
The app’s USP is fast interface on light bandwidth consumption of fewer than 0.5 Kbps for a full MarketWatch.
Kite app offers extensive charting with 100s of indicators and 6 chart types. You can place advanced order types like Brackets and Cover orders with ease.
You would get all the features of Kite 3.0 in the Kite app. And seamless login to other Zerodha apps like Zerodha Coin to make mutual fund and bond investments.
#3. Sentinel
Sentinel is a market price alert tool for stocks, futures and options residing on the cloud. You will get a notification whenever the underlying hits the price (today, tomorrow, or months from now) that you have set.
You can set alerts for over 90,000+ stocks, bonds, commodities, F&O contracts and currencies across exchanges on OHLC, bids and offers, in addition to the price.
You will get alerts on Kite web and via email.
Zerodha Additional Products
#1. Coin
Zerodha Coin allows you to buy mutual funds online directly from asset management companies and is completely commission-free.
You would save on both upfront and trail commissions on your investment. Coin saves you time and money, otherwise to invest directly, you have to visit the fund house’s website or office, fill up the form and invest in the fund.
Zerodha Coin is completely free.
#2. Coin Mobile
Coin mobile is a mobile application having all the features of Zerodha Coin for investing in mutual funds.
You can log in with your Kite account and start using the app.
#3. Kite Connect API
Kite Connect is a set of simple HTTP APIs built on top of Zerodha’s exchange-approved web-based trading platform – Kite. You can build a full-fledged trading platform Kite Connect API.
You would gain programmatic access to data such as profile and funds information, order history, positions, live quotes, place orders and manage your portfolio at your convenience.
For startups, Kite Connect API is free but for retail, the charges are Rs. 2,000 per month.
#4. Console
A Console is a complete trade and reporting dashboard for Kite Connect users. It acts as a back office for all the activities including recording of trades and investment that you do on Zerodha.
Console allows you to track and manage your investments with in-depth reporting and analytics.
You get tax-ready reports and even can consolidate your family portfolio on Console.
Zerodha Account Opening Process
Click here to directly visit the Zerodha account opening page
Follow the steps mentioned in the video for a quick account opening.
Zerodha Customer Care Number
Line 1 – 080-4718 1888
Line 2 – 080-4718 1999
Zerodha vs Sharekhan Comparison
| Particulars | Zerodha | Sharekhan |
| Can trade-in | Stocks, Equity F&O, Currency F&O and Commodity F&O, Bonds and Govt-Securities | Stocks, Equity F&O, Currency F&O and Commodity F&O |
| Brokerage Charges | Details for Zerodha Plan | Sharekhan |
| Equity delivery | Rs. 0 | 0.30% (min 1 paise per share) |
| Equity Intraday | Lower of Rs. 20 per executed order or 0.03% | 0.02% on both 1st leg and on the 2nd leg |
| Futures (Equity, Currency, Commodity) | Lower of Rs. 20 per executed order or 0.03% | 0.02% on both 1st leg and on the 2nd leg |
| Equity & Commodity Options | Rs. 20 per executed order | Rs 20 per lot on each side |
| Currency Option | Rs. 20 per executed order | Rs 5 per lot on each side |
| Margin for Intraday | Up to 5X | Up to 5X |
| Account Opening Charges | Zerodha | Sharekhan |
| Demat & Trading Account | Rs. 0 | Rs. 0 |
| Demat AMC Fees | Rs. 300 | Rs. 400 p.a (1st year free) |
| Commodity Account | Rs. 0 | Rs. 0 |
Zerodha vs Motilal Oswal Comparison
| Particulars | Zerodha | Motilal Oswal |
| Type | Discount broker | Full-service broker |
| Helps trade-in | Stocks, Equity F&O, Currency F&O and Commodity F&O, Bonds and Govt-Securities | Stocks, Equity F&O, Currency F&O and Commodity F&O |
| Brokerage Charges | Details for Zerodha Plan | Motilal Oswal |
| Equity delivery | Rs. 0 | 0.20% |
| Equity Intraday | Lower of Rs. 20 per executed order or 0.03% | 0.02% |
| Equity Futures | Lower of Rs. 20 per executed order or 0.03% | Rs. 20 per lot |
| Currency Futures | Lower of Rs. 20 per executed order or 0.03% | Rs. 20 per lot |
| Commodity Futures | Lower of Rs. 20 per executed order or 0.03% | Rs. 20 per lot |
| Equity Options | Rs. 20 per executed order | Rs. 20 per lot |
| Currency Options | Rs. 20 per executed order | Rs. 20 per lot |
| Commodity Options | Rs. 20 per executed order | Rs. 200 per lot |
| Margin for Intraday | Up to 5X | Up to 5X |
| Account Opening Charges | Zerodha | Motilal Oswal |
| Demat & Trading Account | Rs. 0 | Rs. 0 |
| Commodity Account | Rs. 0 | Rs. 0 |
| Demat AMC Fees | Rs. 300 | Rs 199 p.a (1st year free) |
Zerodha vs Angel Broking Comparison
| Particulars | Angel Broking | Zerodha |
| Can trade-in | Stocks, Equity F&O, Currency F&O and Commodity F&O | Stocks, Equity F&O, Currency F&O,Commodity F&O Bonds and Govt-Securities |
| Brokerage Charges | Angel Broking | Zerodha Brokerage |
| Equity delivery | Rs. 20 | Rs. 0 |
| Equity Intraday | Lower of Rs. 20 per executed order or 0.03% | Lower of Rs. 20 per executed order or 0.03% |
| Equity, Currency, Commodity F&O trades | Rs. 20 per executed order | Lower of Rs. 20 per executed order or 0.03% |
| Charges for Call and Trade | Rs. 20 per executed order | Rs. 50 per order |
| Margin for Intraday | Up to 5 times | Up to 5X |
| Account Opening Charges | Rs. 0 | Rs. 0 |
| Demat AMC Fees | Rs. 240 p.a payable quarterly | Rs. 300 |
Final Thoughts – Should you open a Zerodha Account
Whereas other discount brokers in India only focused on customer acquisition through lucrative signup bonuses, Zerodha keeps working on providing better service to its customers.
You can sense this from
- Improving their trading platforms continuously
- Resolving customer complaints as quickly as possible
- Keep creating a customer support guide for any new issue faced by the customer
- Partnership with brands like Smallcase, Sensibull, Streak and Golden PI to provide a better investment experience
If you are serious about trading or value investment, you should definitely open an account with Zerodha.
FAQs
Is Zerodha trustworthy?
Yes, Zerodha is a trustworthy stockbroker. It is registered with SEBI, CDSL and BSE, NSE, MCX stock exchanges in India.
As with other popular brokers, Zerodha works under the regulations laid out by SEBI and RBI.
Is Zerodha good for beginners?
To suit beginner’s requirements, Zerodha charges a lower of Rs 20 or 0.03% brokerage charges.
Other discount brokers either charge a fixed fee of Rs 20 or a minimum of 0.05% brokerage fee.
Therefore, Zerodha is preferred for both beginners and advanced traders.
Is Zerodha good for trading?
Zerodha’s brokerage plan and advanced trading platforms make it an ideal stock broker for trading needs.
Is there any problem with Zerodha?
Some users face service down during the peak trading hours with Zerodha.
Can I invest in an IPO via Zerodha?
Yes, you can apply for an IPO through the Zerodha Kite and UPI-enabled app as a payment option.
How to contact Zerodha customer care?
You can contact Zerodha customer support on
Mobile – 080 4718 1888 and 080 4718 1999
Support guides on – support.zerodha.com
Email – support@zerodha.com
Social media platforms – Twitter & Facebook
Does Zerodha provide Research?
Zerodha does not provide you with any stock tips, research, or Robo advisory services.
Zerodha only provides you with a platform through which you can transact in stocks, mutual funds, bonds, and ETFs.
Is Digilocker compulsory for Zerodha?
You need to share your Aadhaar information to open an online account. SEBI approved the method to open Digilocker and then share the Aadhaar with Zerodha.
Sharing Digilocker with Zerodha is completely safe and Zerodha does not store Aadhaar information.
What are the Disadvantages of Zerodha?
Zerodha does not provide stock research, trading tips or other value-added services like portfolio management, margin trading facilities and insurance & loan products.
You should go with Zerodha if you do not need any of the above products.
Is Zerodha really free?
The Rs. 0 brokerage on equity delivery means – Zerodha is not collecting any charges for the delivery trade. But you need to pay GST, SEBI, NSE/BSE fees, transaction fees and stamp duty on the delivery trade.
Zerodha is upfront and transparent about the charges.
Be cautious before opening account with Zerodha. They are not same as earlier. Charges has been increased big silently from 0.01 to 0.03 and on each trade. If you are small investors then no problems but if big trading volume then you may be in trouble.Not only this their support system services is not like before. They do not take responsibility of their reporting figures to CDSL and to Income Tax. One of my friend having account with them is in big trouble. Their reporting figures to CDSL and income tax differs by 24 Lacs and Zerodha saying that you correct it yourself. Can any one in India can do it. Over 7800 entries data and every figures need checking by you and you have no tools for that. My friend is in big trouble and wrote to CDSL and Income Tax but not getting any resolutions. Government of India only imposing complications to us and have no teeth to screw these Big giants who have earned so high from us that taking salary of 100 crores a year and Now harrassing us.
Understood a lot about the trading,I may soon open a DEMAT & TRADING account ,in a day or two and start trading ,once the whole concept is again revised.
Hi Pradeep,
Hope you are doing good.
Thank you for your detailed review on Zerodha. It really helped us. If you get a chance, can you please review FYERS as well.
Regards,
Srinivas
Looks good. Would like to open Zerodha account. Let some RM call me preferably between 9.00 am to 2 pm; or after 6.00 pm
You can start your account opening process from here. Zerodha support team will contact you after that.