ICICIdirect and HDFC Securities are two of India’s most prominent full-service brokers, offering a comprehensive platform to retail investors for stocks, mutual funds, IPOs, bonds, and more. Their strong banking parentage, nationwide presence, and advanced trading tech make them trusted choices for investors. We take a deeper look at ICICIdirect Vs HDFC Securities in this article.
Table of Contents
ICICIdirect Vs HDFC Securities: Company Background
ICICIdirect: Part of the ICICI Group, is one of India’s largest retail stock brokers serving over 19 lakh customers. Its flagship 3-in-1 account—combining ICICI Bank, Trading, and Demat accounts—provides a seamless trading experience. ICICIdirect also features innovative tools like One Click Equity, Margin Trading Funding (MTF), Smart Trading, and the Systematic Equity Plan, making investing easier and more efficient.
HDFC Securities: A subsidiary of HDFC Bank, is one of India’s leading full-service stock brokers. With 15 lakh clients and 270+ branches across India, HDFC Securities offers over 30 investment products via multiple online and offline platforms, ensuring a seamless experience. Its 3-in-1 account integrates savings, trading, and Demat accounts for convenience.
Both firms have a robust client base and product portfolio, making them reliable options for Indian investors.
| Particular | ICICIdirect | HDFC Securities |
|---|---|---|
| Broker Type | Full Service | Full Service |
| Parent Bank | ICICI Bank | HDFC Bank |
| Founded | 1994 | 2000 |
| Branches | 200+ | 270+ |
| Active Clients | 1,958,688 | 1,574,443 |
Product Range and Investment Options
ICICIdirect: Offers equities, derivatives, mutual funds, IPOs, bonds, PMS, insurance, and government securities. Best suited for investors who want a single-window, diversified portfolio with advisory support.
HDFC Securities: Its customers to trade and invest in shares, bonds, futures, options, buybacks, mutual funds, IPOs, currency derivatives, commodities, stock portfolios, etc.
ICICIdirect Vs HDFC Securities Charges
- ICICIdirect Vs HDFC Securities Account Opening & AMC Charges
Both brokers allow free trading account opening, but HDFC Securities’ demat AMC is higher.
| Charge Type | ICICIdirect | HDFC Securities |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Account | Zero | INR 199 |
| Demat Account | Zero | Zero |
| Demat AMC Charges | INR 300 Per Year (Free for the First Year) | INR 750 Per Year |
| DP Charges (Sell) | INR 13.5 Per Scrip | INR 25 Per Scrip |
- ICICIdirect Vs HDFC Securities Brokerage Charges Plan 1
ICICIdirect’s Neo Plan offers a flat-fee model for active traders. HDFC Securities runs on a slab system—higher value, lower rates.
| Particulars | ICICIdirect (MoneySaver Plan) | HDFC Securities (Lite 199) |
| Equity Delivery | 0.29% | 0.32% |
| Equity Intraday | 0.029% | 0.032% |
| Equity Futures | 0.029% | INR 20 per order |
| Equity Options | INR 49 per lot | INR 20 per order |
| Commodity | INR 20 per order | 0.025% |
| Currency | INR 20 per order | INR 25 per lot |
| Call & Trade Charge | INR 50 per executed order | Zero |
| Minimum Brokerage | No Minimum brokerage (Moneysaver Plan) | INR 25 per order |
| P&L/CMR Charges | INR 99 + GST | Zero |
Also Read: Top Stock Brokers in India 2024
- ICICIdirect Vs HDFC Securities Brokerage Charges Plan 2
| Particulars | ICICIdirect (Prime Plan – 299) | HDFC Securities (Alpha 1,999) |
| Equity Delivery | 0.25% | 0.18% |
| Equity Intraday | 0.025% | 0.018% |
| Equity Futures | 0.025% | INR 20 per order |
| Equity Options | INR 49 per lot | INR 20 per order |
- ICICIdirect Vs HDFC Securities Brokerage Charges Plan 3
| Particulars | ICICIdirect (Prime Plan – 9,999) | HDFC Securities (Alpha 4,999) |
| Equity Delivery | 0.07% | 0.10% |
| Equity Intraday | 0.007% | 0.010% |
| Equity Futures | 0.007% | INR 20 per order |
| Equity Options | INR 9 per lot | INR 20 per order |
HDFC Securities Vs ICICIdirect: Exposure/Leverage (Margin)
Both brokers provide identical leverage policies, capped at SEBI-regulated limits.
| Segment | HDFC Securities | ICICIdirect |
| Equity Delivery | 100% of trade value (1x leverage) | 100% of trade value (1x leverage) |
| Equity Intraday | Up to 20% of trade value (5x leverage) | Upto 20% of trade value (5x leverage) |
| F&O (Equity, Currency & Commodity) | 100% of NRML margin (Span + Exposure) (1x leverage) | 100% of NRML margin (Span + Exposure) (1x leverage) |
Read Also: HDFC Securities Vs Kotak Securities
Features of HDFC Securities Vs ICICIdirect: Platforms
Both brokers offer best-in-class trading platforms—mobile apps, desktop terminals, and web tools. ICICIdirect’s Trade Racer and HDFC’s ProTerminal are favorites for heavy traders. Both provide research, market insights, and portfolio tracking.
| Platform/Feature | ICICIdirect | HDFC Securities |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Terminal | Yes (Trade Racer) | Yes (ProTerminal) |
| Web Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Algo Trading | Yes | No |
| Global Investing | No | Yes |
Research & Advisory
Both firms deliver fundamental, technical, and IPO reports, company research, and daily calls. ICICIdirect offers relationship managers—a slight edge for investors who want guided support.
ICICIdirect Vs HDFC Securities – Pros and Cons
| ICICIdirect | HDFC Securities | |
| Pros | 1. Free account opening and flat-priced Neo Plan 2. In-depth research and RM support 3. Advanced desktop and 3-in-1 banking-linked account 4. Lower DP charges for frequent traders | 1. Backed by HDFC Bank, strong reputational trust 2. Invest in international shares directly 3. Flexible pricing, strong web/app experience 4. Wide product suite (MF, Bonds, PMS, NRI) |
| Cons | 1. AMC is slightly higher than discount brokers 2. No international share investing | 1. Demat AMC and DP charges are on the higher side 2. Relationship managers are not easily accessible to all 3. Pricing in lower slabs may be higher for starters |
Conclusion
Both ICICIdirect and HDFC Securities are trusted, top-tier full-service platforms. ICICIdirect is ideal for beginners and active traders, thanks to its flat-fee plans, research, and lower DP charges. HDFC Securities suits those wanting global diversification, strong tech, and a deep product basket.
Choose your broker based on your investment habits and desired platform experience—both provide a strong, reliable gateway to Indian capital markets in 2025.
ICICIdirect Vs HDFC Securities FAQs
Which broker is better — ICICIdirect or HDFC Securities?
Both brokers are excellent full-service options. ICICIdirect is a great choice if you prioritise lower flat-fee brokerage plans, a strong online platform, and heavy trading. HDFC Securities is better suited if you want a broad product range (including global shares), strong branch presence, and full-service support.
Which broker has lower brokerage charges?
ICICIdirect offers lower brokerage charges than HDFC Securities, especially in its higher-tier plans.
What is the HDFC Securities AMC charge?
HDFC Securities AMC charges stand at INR 750 Per Year (Free for the First Year) + GST (18%).
What is the HDFC Securities market share?
HDFC Securities has a market share of 3.34%
What is the ICICIdirect market share?
ICICIdirect has a market share of 4.15%