Best Demat Accounts in India for Beginners (2025)
If you’re just starting your stock market journey, opening a Demat account is the first essential step. With the surge in retail participation and digital onboarding, several brokers now offer beginner-friendly features, low charges, and easy app-based platforms. In this 2025 guide, we’ll help you choose the best Demat accounts in India specifically for new investors.
What Is a Demat Account?
A Demat (Dematerialized) account holds your shares and securities in electronic form. It works like a digital wallet for your stock market investments. It is mandatory for trading stocks on Indian exchanges like NSE and BSE.
Key Features Beginners Should Look For
When choosing a Demat account in 2025, beginners should focus on:
- Zero or low account opening charges
- User-friendly mobile app & dashboard
- Low brokerage on delivery trades
- Instant paperless account opening
- Good customer support & learning resources
Best Demat Accounts in India for Beginners (2025)
Here are the top platforms, along with their features and beginner benefits:
1. Zerodha
- Account Opening Fee: ₹200
- Annual Maintenance Charge (AMC): ₹300
- Platform: Kite (clean, simple UI)
- Best For: Long-term investors, active traders
- Pros: Lowest brokerage, vast educational content (Varsity)
2. Groww
- Account Opening Fee: ₹0
- AMC: ₹0
- Platform: Groww App (simple design)
- Best For: First-time investors
- Pros: No maintenance cost, direct mutual fund support
3. Upstox
- Account Opening Fee: ₹0
- AMC: ₹0 for first year
- Platform: Upstox Pro (modern interface)
- Best For: Beginners interested in both stocks and F&O
- Pros: Fast onboarding, investment tools, IPO access
4. Angel One
- Account Opening Fee: ₹0
- AMC: ₹0
- Platform: Angel One App
- Best For: Beginners who want advisory and tools
- Pros: Free research, smart suggestions, wide service network
5. ICICI Direct (3-in-1 Account)
- Account Opening Fee: ₹0–₹975
- AMC: ₹300–₹700
- Platform: ICICI Direct
- Best For: Existing ICICI Bank customers
- Pros: Seamless bank integration, trusted brand
Comparison Table
| Broker | Account Fee | AMC | Platform | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zerodha | ₹200 | ₹300 | Kite | Yes |
| Groww | ₹0 | ₹0 | Groww App | Yes |
| Upstox | ₹0 | ₹0 (1st yr) | Upstox Pro | Yes |
| Angel One | ₹0 | ₹0 | Angel App | Yes |
| ICICI Direct | ₹0–₹975 | ₹300–₹700 | ICICI Direct | Moderate |
Which Is the Best for You?
If you’re a complete beginner, Groww and Upstox offer the easiest entry with ₹0 opening and maintenance charges. If you’re serious about learning and growing as a trader, Zerodha is the most powerful platform with great educational resources.
Final Tips Before You Open a Demat Account
- Ensure your PAN card and Aadhaar are linked and active
- Use your own mobile number and email ID
- Complete the KYC process digitally
- Check for hidden charges like platform fees or DP charges
- Start with small investments and get familiar with the app
FAQs
1. Is Demat account mandatory to invest in stocks?
Yes, a Demat account is required to buy/sell shares on NSE and BSE.
2. Can I open more than one Demat account?
Yes, you can have multiple Demat accounts with different brokers using the same PAN.
3. Which Demat account has no AMC charges?
Groww, Angel One, and Upstox offer zero AMC for beginners.
4. Which Demat account is best for students?
Groww and Upstox are great for students due to no charges and simple interface.
5. How long does it take to open a Demat account online?
With e-KYC, most platforms activate accounts within 15–30 minutes.
