HDFC Securities and Kotak Securities are two of India’s most prominent full-service stock brokers, both backed by major banking institutions and registered with SEBI. If you’re an investor or trader looking for seamless 3-in-1 account access, robust research, and integrated trading platforms, these brokers often top the list. But what truly separates them? Is it their pricing, their technological edge, or the special features they offer to new-age investors?
In this article, we’ll compare HDFC Securities Vs Kotak Securities, comparing their account charges, brokerage plans, platform innovations, and support, so you can decide which one matches your financial goals and trading style.
Table of Contents
HDFC Securities Vs Kotak Securities: Company Background
HDFC Securities: A subsidiary of HDFC Bank, is one of India’s leading full-service stock brokers. With 15 lakh clients and over 270 branches across India, HDFC Securities offers more than 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.
Kotak Securities: A subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank, is a full-service stockbroker offering 3-in-1 accounts (Bank, Trading, and Demat). The company operates through 150+ branches and 1,300+ franchisees in over 360 cities across India.
| Particular | HDFC Securities | Kotak Securities |
|---|---|---|
| Broker Type | Full Service | Full Service |
| Parent Bank | HDFC Bank | Kotak Mahindra Bank |
| Founded | 2000 | 1994 |
| Branches | 270+ | 153+ |
| Active Clients | 1,574,443 | 1,443,751 |
| Exchange Membership | BSE, NSE | BSE, NSE, MCX, NCDEX |
Product Range and Investment Options
HDFC Securities: Its customers to trade and invest in shares, bonds, futures, options, buybacks, mutual funds, IPOs, currency derivatives, commodities, stock portfolios, etc.
Kotak Securities: It provides investment options in equities, derivatives (equity, commodity, currency), and mutual funds, along with services like research reports, margin trading, depository facilities, insurance, and access to US markets.
HDFC Securities Vs Kotak Securities Charges
- HDFC Securities Vs Kotak Securities Account Opening & AMC Charges
Both brokers allow free demat account opening, but HDFC Securities’ demat AMC is higher.
| Charge Type | HDFC Securities | Kotak Securities |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Account | INR 199 | Zero |
| Demat Account | Zero | Zero |
| Demat AMC Charges | INR 750 Per Year | INR 300 Per Year |
| DP Charges (Sell) | INR 25 Per Scrip | INR 20 Per Scrip |
- HDFC Securities Vs Kotak Securities Brokerage Charges Plan 1
| Particulars | HDFC Securities (Lite 199) | Kotak Securities (Trade Free) |
| Equity Delivery | 0.32% | 0.20% |
| Equity Intraday | 0.032% | INR 10 per order or 0.05%, whichever is lower |
| Equity Futures | INR 20 per order | INR 10 per order |
| Equity Options | INR 20 per order | INR 10 per order |
| Commodity | 0.025% | INR 10 per order |
| Currency | INR 25 per lot | INR 10 per order |
| Call & Trade Charge | Zero | First 20 calls free, Later INR 15 per call |
| Minimum Brokerage | INR 25 per order | INR 20 per order |
| P&L/CMR Charges | Zero | Zero |
Also Read: Top Stock Brokers in India 2024
- HDFC Securities Vs Kotak Securities Brokerage Charges Plan 2
| Particulars | HDFC Securities (Alpha 1,999) | Kotak Securities (Trade Free Youth) |
| Equity Delivery | 0.18% | 0.10% |
| Equity Intraday | 0.018% | INR 10 per order or 0.05%, whichever is lower |
| Equity Futures | INR 20 per order | INR 10 per order |
| Equity Options | INR 20 per order | INR 10 per order |
- HDFC Securities Vs Kotak Securities Brokerage Charges Plan 3
| Particulars | HDFC Securities (Alpha 4,999) | Kotak Securities (Trade Free Pro) |
| Equity Delivery | 0.10% | 0.10% |
| Equity Intraday | 0.010% | INR 10 per order or 0.05%, whichever is lower |
| Equity Futures | INR 20 per order | INR 10 per order |
| Equity Options | INR 20 per order | INR 10 per order |
- HDFC Securities Vs Kotak Securities – Transaction Charges
| Particulars | HDFC Securities | Kotak Securities |
| Equity Delivery | NSE: 0.00297%, BSE: 0.00375% (Both Buy & Sell) | NSE: 0.00297%, BSE: 0.00375% (Both Buy & Sell) |
| Equity Intraday | NSE: 0.00297%, BSE: 0.00375% (Both Buy & Sell) | NSE: 0.00297%, BSE: 0.00375% (Both Buy & Sell) |
| Equity Futures | NSE: 0.00173%, BSE: Zero (Both Buy & Sell) | NSE: 0.00173% l BSE: Nil |
| Equity Options | NSE: 0.03503% | BSE: 0.0325% (on premium) | NSE: 0.03503% | BSE: 0.0325% (on premium) |
| Currency Futures | NSE: 0.00035%| BSE: 0.00045% | NSE: 0.00035%| BSE: 0.00045% |
| Currency Options | NSE: 0.0311%| BSE: 0.001% | NSE: 0.0311%| BSE: 0.001% |
| Commodity Futures | – | 0.002% |
| Commodity Options | – | 0.002% |
- HDFC Securities Vs Kotak Securities Leverage (Margin)
HDFC Securities’ margin for intraday trading is up to 20% of the trade value (5x leverage) based on the stock, whereas Kotak Securities’ margin for intraday cash is also up to 20% of the trade value (5x leverage) based on the stock.
Read Also: ICICIdirect Vs HDFC Securities: Full Service Broker Comparison
Kotak Securities Vs HDFC Securities: Trading Platforms & Features
| Features/Platforms | HDFC Securities | Kotak Securities |
|---|---|---|
| 3-in-1 Account | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop/Mobile | ProTerminal, Blink, HDFC Sec App | Kotak Neo, KEAT ProX, Fastlane |
| Basket/Algo Trading | Yes (smallcase, Blink) | Yes (StockCase, Options Builder) |
| Mutual Funds/SIP/IPO | Yes | Yes |
| Research & Reports | Comprehensive, daily/annual | Comprehensive, in-house picks |
| Margin Trading Funding | Yes | Yes |
| Insurance/Bond | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Support | Centralized desk, call/email | 24×7 for Neo, standard otherwise |
Special Offers
- Kotak Neo: INR 10 per order charges on F&O, zero brokerage for delivery for youth and new accounts, and periodic free account opening.
- HDFC Securities: Flat pricing on select segments, periodic account opening fee waivers, and digital onboarding.
HDFC Securities Vs Kotak Securities – Pros and Cons
| Kotak Securities | HDFC Securities | |
| Pros | 1. Attractive flat-fee and zero-brokerage Neo/Youth plans. 2. 3-in-1 account convenience with Kotak Mahindra Bank. 3. Fast, modern trading platforms and tools. 4. Frequent offers and youth-oriented benefits. 5. Good customer support with 24×7 online help (Neo plan). | 1. Seamless 3-in-1 account integration with HDFC Bank. 2. Strong research reports and fundamental analysis. 3. Large branch and offline support network. 4. Trusted brand backed by a leading bank. 5. Advanced trading platforms and mobile apps. 6. Multiple investment products under one roof. |
| Cons | 1. Zero brokerage is mostly limited to youth or new accounts. 2. Account plan switching fees apply. 3. Branch network smaller than HDFC. 4. Margin funding charges can surprise new users. | 1. Higher brokerage and demat AMC charges. 2. Minimum balance required in the bank account. 3. Classic tech feels outdated compared to discount brokers. 4. Delivery brokerage can be costly for casual investors. |
Conclusion
HDFC Securities and Kotak Securities both stand out for their strong banking connections, comprehensive research, and wide product range. If you prefer a time-tested bank-led experience, research support, and branch access, HDFC Securities is a solid choice. For younger, tech-savvy traders seeking lower brokerage on F&O and delivery through digital platforms—especially via the Neo Plan—Kotak Securities offers significant benefits.
HDFC Securities Vs Kotak Securities FAQs
Which broker is better — Kotak Securities or HDFC Securities?
Both brokers are excellent full-service options. HDFC Securities is ideal for investors seeking strong research and branch support, while Kotak Securities suits tech-savvy traders wanting lower brokerage and modern platforms. Choose based on your trading style and cost preference.
Which broker offers lower brokerage charges?
Kotak Securities generally offers lower brokerage through its Trade Free and Neo plans (INR 10 per order), whereas HDFC Securities charges higher percentages or flat fees, depending on the plan (Lite/Alpha).
What is the Kotak Securities AMC charge?
Kotak Securities AMC charges stand at INR 300 Per Year + GST (18%).
What is the HDFC Securities market share?
HDFC Securities has a market share of 3.34%
What is the Kotak Securities market share?
Kotak Securities has a market share of 3.06%