How to Open a Demat Account in India A Complete Guide (2025)

A Demat Account (Dematerialized Account) is critical for investing in the stock marketplace, IPOs, mutual price range, ETFs, and bonds. It lets in you to maintain shares and securities in digital format, eliminating the need for a physical certificate.

In this guide, we will explain:
✅ What is a Demat Account?
✅ Step-by-step process to open Demat Account
✅ Top Demat Account Apps in India
✅ Charges & Documents Required
✅ Best Broker for 0 Brokerage Trading

What is a Demat Account?

A Demat Account acts like a virtual locker in which your stocks, mutual price range, ETFs, and bonds are stored electronically. It is managed with the aid of Depository Participants (DPs), registered with NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) and CDSL (Central Depository Services Limited).

Benefits of a Demat Account:

✅ Easy & Secure – No risk of losing physical share certificates.
✅ Quick Transactions – Buy/sell shares instantly.
✅ Dividend & Bonus Credits – Automatically receive dividends, bonuses, and rights issues.
✅ Loan Against Securities – Use your holdings as collateral for loans.
✅ Access to IPOs & ETFs – Invest in Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs).

Step-by-Step Process to Open a Demat Account Online

1️⃣ Choose a Depository Participant (DP)

Select a registered stockbroker or Demat account provider like Zerodha, Upstox, Angel One, Groww, ICICI Direct, or HDFC Securities.

2️⃣ Visit the Broker’s Website or App

Go to the official website or download the trading app to start the account opening process.

3️⃣ Fill Out the Online Application Form

Enter your name, mobile number, email ID, PAN card details, and bank account information.

4️⃣ Upload KYC Documents

Submit the following documents for verification:
📌 PAN Card – Mandatory for all stock market transactions.
📌 Aadhaar Card – For identity and address proof.
📌 Bank Account Details – Canceled cheque or bank statement.
📌 Income Proof (for F&O Trading) – Salary slip, ITR, or bank statement.

5️⃣ Complete e-KYC & Video Verification

Verify your identity through Aadhaar-based OTP authentication or video KYC as per SEBI regulations.

6️⃣ Sign the Agreement & Submit Application

Read and accept the terms & conditions, digitally sign the agreement, and submit your application.

7️⃣ Receive Your Demat Account Details

Once approved, you will receive:
✅ Demat Account Number (DP ID)
✅ Trading Account Login Credentials
✅ NSDL/CDSL Account Access

Best Demat Account Apps in India (2025)

Broker Name Trading App Brokerage Best For
Zerodha Kite ₹20 per trade Low-cost investing
Upstox Upstox Pro ₹20 per trade Fast trading platform
Groww Groww App ₹0 for equity delivery Beginner investors
Angel One Angel One App ₹0 for delivery Full-service brokerage
ICICI Direct ICICI Direct App ₹20 per order Banking & stock trading
HDFC Securities HDFC Securities App ₹20 per order Integrated with HDFC Bank

Charges for Opening a Demat Account

Type of Charge Amount (Approx.)
Account Opening Charges ₹0 – ₹500 (varies by broker)
Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) ₹200 – ₹500 per year
Brokerage for Equity Delivery ₹0 – ₹20 per trade
Brokerage for Intraday & F&O ₹20 per trade
DP Charges (for Selling Stocks) ₹13.5 per transaction

📌 Note: Some brokers offer zero brokerage on equity delivery and free account opening for limited periods.

Why Open a Demat Account with a 0 Brokerage Trading App?

🚀 Save More on Investments – No fees for buying and holding stocks.
📈 Trade More Efficiently – Lower costs mean higher returns.
💰 Ideal for Long-Term Investors – Invest in stocks & mutual funds without paying commissions.

Some of the best 0 brokerage trading apps in India include:
✅ Groww – ₹0 brokerage for stock investing.
✅ Zerodha (Kite) – ₹0 for equity delivery, ₹20 for intraday.
✅ Upstox – Free account opening, ₹20 per trade.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I open a Demat Account for free?

Yes! Many brokers like Groww, Zerodha, and Upstox offer free account opening with zero annual charges for the first year.

2️⃣ How long does it take to open a Demat Account?

Online account opening takes 5–10 minutes, and verification is usually completed within 24 hours.

3️⃣ Is a Demat Account mandatory for stock trading?

Yes, a Demat Account is required to buy and hold stocks, mutual funds, and ETFs. However, for intraday trading, only a Trading Account is needed.

4️⃣ Can I open multiple Demat Accounts?

Yes! SEBI allows investors to hold multiple Demat Accounts with different brokers.

5️⃣ Which is the best Demat Account for beginners?

For beginners, Zerodha, Groww, and Upstox offer user-friendly apps with free equity delivery trading.

Conclusion: Get Started with Your Demat Account Today!

A Demat Account is the gateway to the inventory market investing in India. Whether you’re investing in stocks, IPOs, ETFs, or mutual price range, having a dependable Demat account app.