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Writer's pictureVaani Shrivastava

Upstox v. Zerodha - Best Zero Share Brokerage App.



Upstox v. Zerodha - Best Zero Share Brokerage App


In the evolving landscape of online trading in India, choosing the right brokerage platform can make a significant difference in your investment journey. Among the leading contenders, Upstox and Zerodha have emerged as popular choices for traders seeking zero brokerage options. This blog post delves into a detailed comparison between Upstox and Zerodha, examining their features, services, and overall value proposition to help you determine which platform suits your trading needs best.


Upstox, backed by notable investors like Ratan Tata, has gained traction for its user-friendly interface, competitive pricing, and robust trading tools. It offers a range of services including equity trading, commodities, and mutual funds, with the added advantage of zero brokerage on equity delivery trades. On the other hand, Zerodha, the pioneer of discount broking in India, has established itself as a formidable player with its comprehensive trading platform, Kite, and an array of advanced analytical tools. Known for its transparent pricing model and customer-centric approach, Zerodha also provides zero brokerage on equity investments, making it a strong competitor.


This blog will explore the key aspects of both platforms, such as trading costs, ease of use, customer support, and additional features, to help you make an informed decision on whether Upstox or Zerodha is the better zero brokerage app for your trading endeavors.


Upstox


Upstox, a leading fintech company in India, has been a game-changer in the stock market trading arena. Established in 2009 under the name RKSV Securities, Upstox was the brainchild of Ravi Kumar, Raghu Kumar, Kavitha Subramanian, and Shrini Viswanath. The founders, inspired by their early experiences in trading, embarked on a mission to make trading accessible and affordable to the masses.


The company's journey began in a modest apartment in Delhi, serving a small group of customers. It wasn't long before the company's innovative approach to trading caught on, and they moved to Mumbai, where their growth accelerated. Word of mouth played a significant role in their expansion, as thousands of customers joined the platform, drawn by its user-friendly interface and cost-effective solutions.


The company's current status in the market is robust, with a significant user base that trusts Upstox for its reliable and transparent services. The platform provides real-time updates on NSE, BSE, IPOs, Mutual Funds, and stocks, keeping investors informed and ready to make smart investment decisions.


Upstox's commitment to innovation and customer service has not gone unnoticed. The company has received multiple rounds of funding, including investments from notable figures such as Ratan Tata, and has achieved a valuation that places it among India's unicorn startups.


Features and Services

Upstox provides a comprehensive trading experience with its advanced trading features and investment options. Users can trade in equities, commodities, currency, futures, and options across various exchanges like NSE, BSE, MCX, and NCDEX. The platform is accessible via Upstox Pro Web and Upstox Pro Mobile trading platforms, which are known for their robust performance and intuitive design.

 

The app offers real-time market data, advanced charting tools, and a variety of order types to enhance trading efficiency. It also supports a Demat account and Trading account, which can be opened with minimal documentation, making the onboarding process smooth and hassle-free.

 

Pros of Upstox App


  • Advanced Charting: The app provides advanced charting functionality with over 100 technical indicators and numerous drawing tools, catering to the needs of technical analysts.


  • User-Friendly Interface: Both the web and mobile platforms are designed with the user in mind, offering ease of use and a seamless trading experience.

  • Educational Resources: Upstox offers a wealth of educational materials, including webinars, courses, and quick videos, to help users understand the nuances of trading and investing.

  • Convenience: Trade anytime, anywhere through their mobile app.

 

Cons of the Upstox App


  • Internet-Dependent: The platform requires a stable Internet connection for trading, which might be a limitation for users with inconsistent connectivity.


  • No Unlimited Monthly Trading Plans: Unlike some competitors, Upstox does not offer unlimited monthly trading plans, which may be a drawback for high-frequency traders.

  • No Zero Brokerage Policy: Upstox follows a low-cost brokerage model, charging a flat fee of Rs 20 per trade across all segments, unlike other apps that offer zero brokerage on non-intraday (normal) trading.


Brokerage and Fees


  • Brokerage Charge For Normal Trading: (Normal trading is non-intraday trading where the buyer takes delivery of the stocks): INR 20 or 2.5% whichever is lower per order.

  • Brokerage Charge For Intraday Trading: INR 20 or 0.05% whichever is lower per order on stocks.

  • Brokerage Charge For Options Trading: INR 20 or 0.05% whichever is lower per order.

  • Brokerage Charge For Futures Trading: INR 20 or 0.05% whichever is lower per order.

  • Demat Debit Charges: INR 18.5 per scrip per debit/sell transaction. 

  • Account Opening Charges: INR 0

  • Annual Maintenance Charge: INR 0.

  • Payment Gateway Charges Netbanking: INR 7 each time you add funds to your account. 

  • Payment Gateway Charges UPI: INR 0

  • Overdue Interest Charges: INR 20 per day per INR 40,000, provided as margin. 

  • Monthly Platform Fee: INR 0 per month. 

  • Digital KYC Charges: INR 0.

  • Physical Settlement Charges: Not specified. 

  • Call & Trade Order: INR 50 + GST for each order.


Upstox is a prominent online brokerage platform that has garnered a positive reputation for its user-friendly interface and a range of features designed to cater to both novice and experienced investors. It offers a robust trading experience with real-time market data, charting tools, and analytical resources to help users make informed decisions. However, it's important to note that while Upstox provides competitive brokerage rates, it does not offer zero brokerage on share investment and trading. This means that users will incur charges on their transactions, which are clearly outlined in the platform's fee structure. Despite this, many users find the overall value offered by Upstox to be beneficial for their investment journey.


Zerodha


Zerodha, a name that has become synonymous with innovation in the Indian stock brokerage industry, began its journey on the 15th of August, 2010. The company was founded with a vision to break down the barriers traders and investors faced in India in terms of cost, support, and technology. The name 'Zerodha' is derived from the English word 'Zero' and the Sanskrit word 'Rodha', meaning barrier, reflecting the company's mission to eliminate hurdles for traders.


The brainchild of brothers Nithin Kamath and Nikhil Kamath, Zerodha was bootstrapped with the aim of disrupting the traditional brokerage model. Nithin Kamath, the CEO, brought his extensive experience as a trader to the table, having navigated the challenges of the industry for over a decade. His brother, Nikhil Kamath, who serves as the CFO, joined forces to create a platform that would democratize trading by making it accessible and affordable.


Zerodha's innovative approach introduced a discount brokerage model that significantly reduced the commission on trades. This model not only made trading viable for a larger segment of the population but also challenged the status quo of the brokerage industry. The company's in-house technology further cemented its position as a leader, offering a robust ecosystem of investment platforms that cater to the needs of millions of clients.


Today, Zerodha stands as India's largest stock broker, contributing over 15% of all Indian retail trading volumes. With over 1+ Crore clients, the company's impact on the market is undeniable. Zerodha's success is not just limited to its trading platforms; it has also made significant strides in financial education and community initiatives. The company runs several online educational programs and has a strong presence in the fintech ecosystem through Rainmatter, its fintech fund and incubator, which invests in various startups aiming to grow the Indian capital markets.


The current status of Zerodha is a testament to its relentless pursuit of innovation and customer-centricity. The company continues to evolve, introducing new features and services that keep it at the forefront of the industry. Its leadership team, comprising individuals like Dr. Kailash Nadh (CTO), Venu Madhav (COO), and Seema Patil (Director), among others, ensures that Zerodha remains a dynamic and forward-thinking entity.


Zerodha's journey from a startup to a market leader is a story of vision, determination, and technological prowess. It serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs and traders alike, proving that with the right approach, even the most entrenched industries can be revolutionized.


Features and Services

 

  • Kite by Zerodha: Kite is the ultra-fast flagship trading platform of Zerodha, boasting streaming market data, advanced charting, and an elegant user interface. It's designed to function seamlessly on both Android and iOS devices, offering a demo for users to try before committing.

 

  • Coin: Coin allows users to buy direct mutual funds online, commission-free, and delivered directly to their Demat account, enhancing the investment experience on mobile devices.


  • Varsity Mobile: An educational resource, Varsity Mobile offers stock market lessons with in-depth coverage and illustrations in a mobile-friendly format.

 

Pros of the Zerodha App

 

  • Zero Brokerage on Normal Trading: Zerodha offers zero brokerage on equity delivery trades, which is a significant advantage for long-term investors.


  • User-Friendly Interface: Kite's interface is sleek and intuitive, making it accessible for users of all experience levels.


  • Advanced Charting and Analysis Tools: The app provides hundreds of indicators and tools for sophisticated trading strategies.


  • Wide Range of Order Types: Investors can place market, limit, stop-loss, bracket, cover, and after-market orders.


  • Extensive Historical Data: Zerodha offers an impressive range of historical data for stocks and F&O contracts.

 

Cons of the Zerodha App

 

  • Account Opening Process: The account opening process can be slow and requires some paperwork, which may not be entirely online.


  • Market Coverage: Zerodha primarily caters to the Indian market, which might limit global investors.


  • Investor Protection: There is a lack of investor protection, which could be a concern for some users.


  • Two-Step Authentication: The absence of two-step authentication may raise security concerns for users.


Brokerage and Fees


  • Brokerage Charge For Normal Trading: (Normal trading is non-intraday trading where the buyer takes delivery of the stocks): INR 0. 

  • Brokerage Charge For Intraday Trading: INR 20 or 0.03% whichever is lower per order on stocks.

  • Brokerage Charge For Options Trading: INR 20 or 0.03% whichever is lower per order.

  • Brokerage Charge For Futures Trading: INR 20 or 0.03% whichever is lower per order.

  • Demat Debit Charges: INR 13.5 per scrip per debit/sell transaction. 

  • Account Opening Charges: INR 200.

  • Annual Maintenance Charge: INR 300 per year. 

  • Payment Gateway Charges Netbanking: INR 9 each time you add funds to your account. 

  • Payment Gateway Charges UPI: INR 0

  • Overdue Interest Charges: 0.05% per day. 

  • Monthly Platform Fee: INR 0 per month. 

  • Digital KYC Charges: INR 0.

  • Physical Settlement Charges: 0.25% of the contract value. 

  • Call & Trade Order: INR 50.

 

Zerodha's app stands out for its zero brokerage on normal trading, user-friendly interface, and a wide array of tools and features that cater to various trading and investment needs. However, potential users should be aware of the limitations regarding the account opening process, market coverage, and security features. As with any investment platform, it is crucial to consider these factors in light of personal investment goals and risk tolerance. Zerodha continues to evolve, and its commitment to technology and customer-centric services makes it a formidable player in the Indian brokerage space.


Upstox and Zerodha: A Comparative Analysis

 

Brokerage Charges:

One of the most critical aspects for traders is the cost of trading. Zerodha offers zero brokerage on equity delivery trades, which is a significant advantage for long-term investors. For intraday trades, futures, and options, it charges a flat fee of ₹20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower) per executed order.

 

Upstox, on the other hand, charges ₹20 or 2.5% (whichever is lower) for equity delivery. For intraday, futures, and options, the charges are ₹20 or 0.05% (whichever is lower) per executed order. This difference in equity delivery charges is a distinguishing factor between the two.

 

Trading Platforms:

Zerodha's Kite platform is highly regarded for its intuitive design and robust performance. It offers a seamless trading experience with advanced charting and analytical tools.

 

Upstox provides its Pro Web and Pro Mobile trading platforms, which are known for their speed and a range of features for technical analysis. Upstox also offers access to third-party trading software like Dartstock, NEST Trader, and Fox Trader for advanced traders.

 

Account Opening and Maintenance:

Zerodha charges ₹200 for account opening and an annual maintenance charge (AMC) of ₹300. Upstox offers free account opening and a lower AMC of ₹150, making it a more cost-effective option for those looking to minimize initial costs.

 

Customer Service:

Both brokers offer customer support through various channels. However, Zerodha has a larger network with 22 branches across India, compared to Upstox's 4 branches. This could be a consideration for those who prefer in-person assistance.

 

Investment Options:

Both brokers provide a wide range of investment options, including equities, commodities, currencies, futures, and options. They also offer direct mutual funds and IPO investments.

 

Safety and Reliability:

Both Zerodha and Upstox are registered with SEBI and offer secure trading environments. They employ state-of-the-art security measures to protect investor data and transactions.

 

The choice between Upstox and Zerodha will largely depend on individual preferences and trading habits. Zerodha's zero brokerage on equity delivery trades makes it an attractive option for investors who hold stocks for longer periods. Upstox's lower account maintenance costs and free account opening may appeal to new traders looking to minimize costs.



 

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