What Is a Demat Account? Meaning, Types and Charges
A demat account holds your shares and securities electronically. Learn how it works, the types available, BSDA, and the charges to expect.
Updated 30 September 2026
Demat Accounts
A demat account holds your shares electronically at NSDL or CDSL. Compare the account opening fee, annual maintenance charge (AMC) and DP charges published by each broker.
Fees checked on against each broker's official pricing page.
| Broker | Account opening | AMC | DP charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zerodha | ₹0 | Free yr 1; ₹300/yr + GST | ₹15.34/scrip/day |
| Groww | ₹0 | ₹0 | ₹23.60/sell order |
| Angel One | ₹0 | Free yr 1; ₹60/qtr + GST | ₹23.60/sell txn |
| Upstox | ₹0* | Free yr 1; ₹300/yr + GST | ₹23.60/scrip/day |
| ICICI Direct | Not verified | ₹700/yr (₹300 Prime) | ₹20 + GST/scrip/day |
| HDFC SKY by HDFC Securities | ₹0 | Free yr 1; ₹20/month | ₹23.60/ISIN debit |
| Kotak Securities | ₹0 (₹99 Youth) | ₹50/month + GST (non-BSDA) | 0.04% (min ₹20) + GST/day |
| Motilal Oswal | ₹0 | ₹0 yr 1; later not verified | Not verified |
| 5paisa | ₹0 | Free yr 1; ₹25/month + GST | ₹23.60/ISIN debit |
| Sharekhan | ₹0 | ₹400/yr (yr 2+) | Nil via Sharekhan |
Guides in this section
How to Open a Demat Account Online: Step by Step
Documents, eKYC, in-person verification and what happens after you apply — a practical guide to opening a demat and trading account in India.
Updated 30 September 2026
Trading Account vs Demat Account: The Difference
A trading account places orders; a demat account holds the securities. How they work together, what each costs and whether you need both.
Updated 30 September 2026
What Is a BSDA (Basic Services Demat Account)?
BSDA is a low-cost demat account for small investors. Eligibility, holding limits and the AMC caps under SEBI's revised framework.
Updated 30 September 2026
Choosing a demat account
For long-term investors, the AMC and DP charge often matter more than brokerage. If you hold only one demat account with modest holdings, a BSDA account can reduce the AMC to nil. See our ranked list of the best demat accounts.