Introduction
When it comes to stock market investing or trading, brokerage charges play a pivotal role in determining your net profits. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned trader executing multiple trades daily, every rupee saved in brokerage adds up. With the rise of technology and competition in the broking industry, finding brokers with the lowest brokerage charges in India has never been more crucial — or more accessible.
Let’s explore how brokerage charges work, what to look out for, and which platforms are offering the best value in 2025.
What Are Brokerage Charges?
Brokerage charges are the fees that a stockbroker charges you for executing trades on your behalf. They can vary significantly from broker to broker and are usually charged either as a percentage of the transaction value or as a flat fee.
Types of Brokerage Charges:
- Delivery Brokerage: When you buy shares and hold them for more than one day.
- Intraday Brokerage: When you buy and sell stocks on the same day.
- Futures & Options (F&O): Charged for trading derivatives.
- AMC (Annual Maintenance Charges): Charged for maintaining your Demat account.
Types of Brokers in India
Before diving into specific platforms, it’s essential to understand the two major types of brokers in India:
- Full-Service Brokers: These brokers, like ICICI Direct or HDFC Securities, offer research, advisory, and personalized services but at higher fees.
- Discount Brokers: They focus on executing trades at lower costs and minimal frills. These include Zerodha, Upstox, and Groww.
To get the lowest brokerage charges in India, discount brokers are generally your best bet.
Factors Influencing Brokerage Charges
Not all traders are the same, and your brokerage cost can depend on:
- Type of Trade: Intraday trades often have lower charges than delivery trades.
- Volume of Trading: Higher-volume traders may benefit more from flat fees.
- Trading Platform: Some brokers charge extra for advanced charting tools or APIs.
- Service Packages: Brokers may offer bundled services that affect cost.
Top Brokers with the Lowest Brokerage Charges in India
✅ 1. Zerodha
- Brokerage: ₹0 for delivery; ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order for intraday and F&O.
- AMC: ₹300/year
- USP: Kite trading platform, excellent UI, fast execution
✅ 2. Upstox
- Brokerage: ₹0 delivery; ₹20/trade for intraday and F&O
- AMC: ₹249/year (waived in some cases)
- USP: Fast onboarding, margin trading
✅ 3. Groww
- Brokerage: ₹0 delivery; ₹20/trade for intraday and F&O
- AMC: ₹0
- USP: Ideal for beginners, intuitive app interface
✅ 4. Angel One
- Brokerage: ₹0 delivery; ₹20 or 0.25% per executed order (whichever is lower)
- AMC: ₹240/year
- USP: Full-service features at discount pricing
✅ 5. 5paisa
- Brokerage: ₹20 per order; premium plans offer lower fees
- AMC: ₹45/month or ₹540/year
- USP: Value-added plans, research reports
Comparison Table: Brokerage Charges Overview
BrokerDeliveryIntradayF&OAMCZerodha₹0₹20₹20/order₹300/yearUpstox₹0₹20₹20/order₹249/yearGroww₹0₹20₹20/order₹0Angel One₹0₹20 or 0.25%₹20/order₹240/year5paisa₹20₹20₹20/order₹540/year
Zerodha: The Pioneer of Discount Broking
Zerodha revolutionized F&O and intraday trading in India by introducing the flat ₹20 per trade model. Its Kite trading platform is sleek, packed with features, and ideal for all levels of traders.
Pros:
- Transparent fee structure
- Excellent educational content (Varsity)
- Fast and reliable order execution
Cons:
- No personal advisory
- Limited customer support during high-volume trading hours
Tips to Choose the Right Broker Based on Charges
- Know your trading style: Intraday traders benefit more from flat fee brokers.
- Avoid hidden charges: Check for platform fees, call-and-trade fees, etc.
- Look at AMC: A zero or minimal AMC broker can save long-term costs.
- Evaluate platform features: Go beyond price — reliability matters.
Other Charges to Keep in Mind
Even with the lowest brokerage charges in India, traders must account for:
- STT (Securities Transaction Tax)
- GST on brokerage
- SEBI Turnover Fees
- Stamp Duty
- Transaction Charges by exchanges (NSE/BSE)
These are fixed charges imposed by regulatory bodies and are unavoidable.
How Brokerage Charges Impact Your Profits
Let’s consider a quick example:
- You place 25 intraday trades a month.
- With a flat ₹20 charge, your monthly cost is ₹500.
- With a full-service broker charging 0.5% on ₹1 lakh per trade, your cost = ₹12,500/month.
You save ₹12,000/month by switching to a broker with the lowest brokerage charges in India!
Conclusion: Saving Smarter with the Right Broker
In an age where every paisa counts, understanding and choosing the broker with the lowest brokerage charges in India can be a game-changer. Discount brokers like Zerodha, Upstox, and Groww are leading the charge, offering low-cost and efficient trading platforms.
However, cost should not be the only metric. Reliability, platform usability, customer support, and trading tools also matter.
If you’re looking to maximize profits, minimize trading costs, and get the best value for your trades, switch to a platform that aligns with both your trading style and budget.
