Over the last decade, investors have moved beyond the question of “Is investing for me?” and asked, ” Which is the best trading app in india for my investing?”
There is a dynamic surge in participation in the Indian stock market, with lakhs of new investors entering the fray. This surge has been fueled, in part, by the rise of digital platforms that simplify investing and make it accessible to a broader audience. On the other hand, this has fuelled the advent of innovative and sophisticated demat platforms in India. Both investors and platforms are contributing to each other’s growth.
Choosing the right platform to manage your demat account is crucial for a hassle-free, secure, seamless and rewarding investment journey.
Here are the top ten platforms in India, along with their features, strengths, and marketing USPs (Unique Selling Points) or specialisations.
Understanding The Demat Ecosystem
Here is a recap of the demat account or demat app basics. A dematerialised or demat account is a virtual wallet storing your traded securities. It can be compared to a mobile payment wallet, where your bank account money is digitally stored to be used for transactions. It can be seen as a medium for trading in the securities markets.
In the past, when there was no such digital repository where you hold your investments in electronic form, traders and investors used the cumbersome physical share certificates. Many hassles were attached to such a system and thus were replaced by dematerialization. Investors need a trading platform to operate a Demat account and participate in the stock market. These two demat and trading accounts fall in the 2-in-one category of demat accounts.
Most no-frills or zero-frills demat accounts are two-in-one demat accounts. When a bank account is added to this two-in-one mechanism, it becomes a three-in-one demat account, with a bank account, trading account, and demat account all in one. When you open a demat account, you must check the details and choose according to your requirements.
Main Players In The Demat Landscape
After the 2-in-one and 3-in-one demat accounts, there are two main types of players offering demat and trading services:
-
Full-Service Brokers
These traditional brokers offer comprehensive services, including research, advisory, portfolio management, and access to various investment products beyond equities. These are demat trading app platforms and can typically charge higher brokerage fees but provide personalized support and guidance. However, HDFC SKY is a full-service broker with zero account opening charges and zero AMC for the first year.
-
Discount Brokers
These are new-age brokers. They primarily focus on providing a platform for executing trades at a low brokerage fee. They can offer self-directed investors online trading platforms and mobile apps with essential features.
Top Platforms for Managing Demat Accounts In India
Below are India’s top demat trading app platforms based on their type, strengths, and selling points.
Sr |
Platform |
Type |
Strengths |
Platform Specialisation |
| 1 | HDFC SKY App | Full-service broker app | Real-time portfolio tracking, easy order placement, personalised recommendations, research and insights, and secure transactions. | Investors seeking a comprehensive mobile-first experience with research and advisory support from a trusted brand. |
| 2 | Zerodha Kite | Discount broker | User-friendly interface, advanced charting tools, extensive educational resources, active trading community. | Active traders and DIY investors who prefer a feature-rich platform with low brokerage fees. |
| 3 | Upstox Pro | Discount broker | Competitive brokerage rates, fast order execution, user-friendly mobile app, comprehensive charting and analysis tools. | Traders and investors seeking a cost-effective platform with a good mobile trading experience. |
| 4 | Angel One | Discount broker | Wide range of investment options, research reports, personalised advisory services, robust trading platform. | Investors seeking a balance of low brokerage and value-added services like research and advisory. |
| 5 | Groww | Discount broker | Simple and intuitive interface, user-friendly mobile app, fractional investing, and good customer support. | Beginners and investors who prefer a simple and easy-to-use platform. |
| 6 | ICICI Direct | Full-service broker | 3-in-1 account (Demat, trading, and bank account), comprehensive research, diverse investment options, strong customer support. | Investors seeking a one-stop solution for their investment needs with a strong emphasis on research and banking integration. |
| 7 | Kotak Securities | Full-service broker | Wide range of investment products, research reports, personalized advisory, strong online and offline presence. | Investors who prefer a combination of online and offline services with research and advisory support. |
| 8 | mStock | Full-service broker | Wide range of investment options, research reports, trading tools, personalised advisory. | Investors seeking a balance of research, technology, and personalised service. |
| 9 | 5paisa | Discount broker | Competitive brokerage rates, user-friendly platform, diverse investment options, and good mobile app. | Cost-conscious investors seeking a comprehensive platform with a wide range of investment options. |
How To Choose The Right Demat App Platform
Investment Style
Are you a trader or long-term investor in securities? Active traders might prioritise advanced charting and order execution capabilities. Similarly, long-term investors might value trading speed, research and portfolio tracking tools.
Brokerage Fees
Discount brokers offer lower brokerage fees, while full-service brokers charge higher fees but provide additional services.
2-In-One Or 3-In-One Account
The former usually comes at zero brokerage cost. However, annual charges may apply for a 3-in-one demat account.
Platform Features
Investors can consider the platform’s user interface, ease of use, research tools, charting capabilities, and customer support.
Investment Options
If you plan to invest beyond equities, ensure the platform offers access to the desired investment products. Similarly, a 2-in-one demat account might have certain restrictions even within equities due to its risk management mechanisms.
Mobile App
A user-friendly demat trading app is essential for investors who prefer to manage their investments on the go. The HDFC SKY App, for example, can help you manage securities market investments on the go.
Conclusion
Your investment journey will begin once you have chosen the best trading platform to execute your trades. Your trading and investing journey can be simplified once you have made the right decision by choosing the best Demat app.
Whether you opt for a discount broker with low fees and advanced features or a full-service broker with personalized suggestions, the right platform can significantly enhance your investment experience. You can consider your individual needs, investment style, and preferred level of support when making your demat account opening decision. With the abundance of options available today, including innovative mobile apps. All you need to do is find a platform that helps you navigate through investing in the securities markets to achieve your financial goals.