Stock market investment has become increasingly popular in India, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. It allows you to build long-term wealth and make significant short-term profits from the comfort of your home or office.
However, choosing the right trading platform is crucial to starting your equity trading journey. According to Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) guidelines, retail investors cannot invest or trade directly at the stock exchanges. Instead, they must open Demat account with a stockbroker and use the broker’s equity trading platform to invest.
In this blog, we will explore India’s best equity trading platforms and their features, benefits, and suitability for different kinds of traders.
- HDFC SKY
HDFC SKY has emerged as one of India’s best equity trading platforms. Whether you are planning to invest in stocks or searching for an option trading app, HDFC SKY is your one-stop solution. It offers a seamless and highly intuitive experience and caters to beginners and experienced traders.
With HDFC SKY, you can invest in a gamut of equity instruments, including stocks, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), and mutual funds. Below are its key features:
User-friendly Interface
HDFC SKY’s user interface is among the best in the market. You can seamlessly track your portfolios and trade stocks during market hours in real time.
Zero Account Opening Charges
You can open Demat account for free with HDFC SKY and start trading without any hassles. You won’t have to pay the Account Maintenance Charges (AMC) for the first year.
Advanced Trading Tools
You can access advanced trading tools when using the HDFC SKY trading platform. These tools include in-depth market analysis, real-time data, and customisable charts to help you make informed trading decisions.
Minimum Brokerage Charges
HDFC SKY offers one of the best brokerage structures in the market. Its simplified, affordable pricing structure with zero hidden charges ensures maximum profits.
Excellent Customer Support
HDFC Sky is known for its reliability and excellent customer support. You can call their customer care number “1800-1212-109” to get immediate assistance or simply e-mail at skysupport@hdfcsky.com.
- Zerodha
Zerodha is another popular discount broking trading platform in India. It is a good choice for cost-conscious traders who value low brokerage fees. The key features include:
Low-cost Trading
Zerodha charges flat brokerage fees. You can enjoy affordable trading as per your budget.
Zerodha Kite
Zerodha Kite by Zerodha is a popular Demat trading app with a user-friendly interface. It also features multiple market watches, easy order placement, and advanced charting.
Educational Resources
As a beginner, you can sign up for Zerodha’s Varsity program, which offers free educational content to help you better understand equity trading.
Diverse Investment Options
In addition to equity trading, you can invest in mutual funds, bonds, and more through Zerodha and their different platforms.
- Upstox
Upstox is another popular name in the Indian trading landscape, mainly due to its tech-savvy platform and feature-rich mobile app. The key features of this trading platform include:
Low Brokerage Rates
Like Zerodha, Upstox is an online discount broker. It offers affordable brokerage rates for seasoned traders.
Free Account Opening
You can open your Demat account for free with Upstox. However, you may have to pay nominal account maintenance charges annually.
High-speed Trading
Upstox’s online trading platform and mobile trading app are known to assist in high-speed equity trading. You can place your orders during market hours and get them executed swiftly.
Market News and Updates
The Upstox app lets you access the latest market news and updates and make well-informed investment decisions.
- Angel One
Angel One is one of India’s oldest and most trusted trading platforms. Its new-age tools and services make it a top choice among beginners and experienced traders. The key features of Angel One include:
User-Friendly Mobile App
The Angel One app is a highly rated demat trading app with a clean and easy-to-navigate interface.
ARQ Prime
ARQ Prime is a popular stock advisory tool by Angel One. It provides AI-based stock recommendations per your financial goals, investment horizon, risk appetite, and other factors.
Full-Service Brokerage
In addition to Demat account opening and equity trading services, Angel One offers research reports and portfolio management services at nominal costs.
Flexible Brokerage Plans
You have the flexibility to choose from multiple brokerage plans as per your trading requirements.
- ICICI Direct
ICICI Direct is another trusted name in the Indian stock market ecosystem. It boasts a history of more than two decades, catering to uncountable happy investors. With ICICI Direct, you can invest in various financial instruments, including stocks, ETFs, IPOs, mutual funds, and fixed deposits. The key features include:
Full-Service Brokerage Firm
Like Angel One, ICICI Direct is a full-service brokerage firm. It offers additional services like investment advisory, portfolio management, research reports, etc.
3-in-1 Account
With ICICI Direct, you can open a 3-in-1 account for seamless trading. You don’t have to manage separate Demat, trading, and savings accounts.
Multiple Brokerage Plans
ICICI Direct offers flexibility in choosing brokerage plans that suit your trading style.
Robust Security
ICICI Direct’s trading platform boasts strong security features. It ensures safe and reliable trading transactions.
- Groww
Groww was initially popular for mutual fund investing. However, it expanded its offerings and is among the popular equity trading platforms in India. The key features include:
Simple User Interface
Groww has one of the simple and most user-friendly interfaces among all equity trading apps in India. You can download the Groww app on your smartphone or log into the Groww website.
Quick Account Setup
With Groww, you can open your Demat account quickly and start your equity trading journey.
Low Brokerage Fees
Groww’s transparent pricing and competitive rates make it attractive for cost-conscious and low-budget investors.
Conclusion
These are some of the most popular equity trading platforms in India. They offer a combination of affordability, advanced features, and user-friendly interfaces to make your trading journey seamless. You can download HDFC SKY Demat trading app on your smartphone and upgrade your investing experience.
When choosing the bright trading platform, consider your trading goals, budget, and the type of tools and support you require. Happy investing!
