ICICIdirect and Kotak Securities are two of India’s leading full-service stock brokers, backed by robust banking groups, offering a wide product suite and advanced trading platforms. Their services cater to investors and traders who value 3-in-1 account integration, strong research, and personalized support.
In this article, we compare ICICIdirect Vs Kotak Securities across charges, offerings, platforms, support, and key features so you can decide which matches your financial goals and trading style.
Table of Contents
ICICIdirect Vs Kotak 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.
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 | ICICIdirect | Kotak Securities |
|---|---|---|
| Broker Type | Full Service | Full Service |
| Parent Bank | ICICI Bank | Kotak Mahindra Bank |
| Founded | 1994 | 1994 |
| Branches | 200+ | 153+ |
| Active Clients | 1,958,688 | 1,443,751 |
| Exchange Membership | BSE, NSE | BSE, NSE, MCX, NCDEX |
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.
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.
ICICIdirect Vs Kotak Securities Charges
- ICICIdirect Vs Kotak Securities Account Opening & AMC Charges
Both brokers allow free trading/demat account opening, but Kotak Securities’ DP Charge is higher.
| Charge Type | ICICIdirect | Kotak Securities |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Account | Zero | Zero |
| Demat Account | Zero | Zero |
| Demat AMC Charges | INR 300 Per Year (Free for the First Year) | INR 300 Per Year |
| DP Charges (Sell) | INR 13.5 Per Scrip | INR 20 Per Scrip |
- ICICIdirect Vs Kotak Securities Brokerage Charges Plan 1
| Particulars | ICICIdirect (MoneySaver Plan) | Kotak Securities (Trade Free) |
| Equity Delivery | 0.29% | 0.20% |
| Equity Intraday | 0.029% | INR 10 per order or 0.05%, whichever is lower |
| Equity Futures | 0.029% | INR 10 per order |
| Equity Options | INR 49 per lot | INR 10 per order |
| Commodity | INR 20 per order | INR 10 per order |
| Currency | INR 20 per order | INR 10 per order |
| Call & Trade Charge | INR 50 per executed order | First 20 calls free, Later INR 15 per call |
| Minimum Brokerage | No Minimum brokerage (Moneysaver Plan) | INR 20 per order |
| P&L/CMR Charges | INR 99 + GST | Zero |
Also Read: Top Stock Brokers in India 2024
- ICICIdirect Vs Kotak Securities Brokerage Charges Plan 2
| Particulars | ICICIdirect (Prime Plan – 299) | Kotak Securities (Trade Free Youth) |
| Equity Delivery | 0.25% | 0.10% |
| Equity Intraday | 0.025% | INR 10 per order or 0.05%, whichever is lower |
| Equity Futures | 0.025% | INR 10 per order |
| Equity Options | INR 49 per order | INR 10 per order |
- ICICIdirect Vs Kotak Securities Brokerage Charges Plan 3
| Particulars | ICICIdirect (Prime Plan – 9,999) | Kotak Securities (Trade Free Pro) |
| Equity Delivery | 0.07% | 0.10% |
| Equity Intraday | 0.007% | INR 10 per order or 0.05%, whichever is lower |
| Equity Futures | 0.007% | INR 10 per order |
| Equity Options | INR 9 per lot | INR 10 per order |
- ICICIdirect Vs Kotak Securities – Other Statutory Charges
| Statutory Charges | ICICIdirect | Kotak Securities |
| STT/CTT Equity Delivery | 0.1% (Both Buy & Sell) | 0.1% (Both Buy & Sell) |
| STT/CTT Equity Intraday | 0.025% on the sell side | 0.025% on the sell side |
| STT/CTT Equity Futures | 0.02% on the buy side | INR 20 per order |
| STT/CTT Equity Options | 0.01% on the sell side (on premium), 0.125% of the intrinsic value on bought and exercised options | 0.05% on Sell side or INR 100 per lot |
| STT/CTT Currency Futures | No STT | 0.00035% |
| STT/CTT Currency Options | No STT | 0.0311% (on premium) |
| STT/CTT Commodity Futures | MCX: 0.01% on Sell side | 0.02% intraday / 0.025% positional or INR 20 min |
| STT/CTT Commodity Options | 0.05% on Sell trade | INR 100 per lot |
| SEBI Turnover Charges | INR 10/crore | INR 10/crore |
| GST | 18% | 18% |
| Stamp Equity Delivery | 0.015% or INR 1500/crore on buy-side | 0.015% or INR 1,500/crore on buy-side |
| Stamp Equity Intraday | 0.003% or INR 300/crore on buy-side | 0.002% or INR 200/crore on buy-side |
| Stamp Equity Futures | 0.002% or INR 200/crore on buy-side | 0.003% or INR 300/crore on buy-side |
| Stamp Equity Options | 0.003% or INR 300/crore on buy-side | 0.0001% or INR 10/crore on buy-side |
| Stamp Currency Futures | Nil | 0.0001% or INR 10/crore on buy-side |
| Stamp Currency Options | Nil | 0.0001% or INR 10/crore on buy-side |
| Stamp Commodity Futures | 0.002% or INR 200/crore on buy-side | 0.0001% or INR 10/crore on buy-side |
| Stamp Commodity Options | 0.003% or INR 300/crore on buy-side | 0.0001% or INR 10/crore on buy-side |
| Pledging Charges | INR 29 per scrip (Shares as Margin) | INR 20 per scrip |
| Auto Square off Charges | INR 50 per executed order | INR 49 + GST per order |
| API Subscription Charges | Zero | Zero |
- ICICIdirect Vs Kotak Securities Leverage (Margin)
ICICIdirect’s 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 ICICIdirect: Trading Platforms & Features
| Feature/Platform | ICICIdirect | Kotak Securities |
|---|---|---|
| 3-in-1 Account | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Terminal | Yes (Trade Racer) | Yes (KEAT ProX, Neo) |
| Web Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Algo Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Global Investing | No | Yes |
| Basket Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Research & Reports | Yes | Yes |
Research & Advisory
Both brokers provide comprehensive fundamental & technical research, IPO reports, daily calls, and market insights. ICICIdirect has a relationship manager support, while Kotak offers 24×7 customer service through chat (Neo plan).
ICICIdirect Vs Kotak Securities – Pros and Cons
| Kotak Securities | ICICIdirect | |
| 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. Good customer support with 24×7 online help (Neo plan). | 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. |
| Cons | 1. Zero brokerage is mostly limited to youth or new accounts. 2. Account plan switching fees apply. 3. Branch network smaller than ICICI. 4. Margin funding charges can surprise new users. | 1. Higher brokerage fees, especially costly for small trades. 2. Currency trading is not offered. 3. Limited commodity trading options. 4. A complex brokerage structure is difficult for beginners. |
Conclusion
ICICIdirect and Kotak Securities both feature strong banking support, rich research, and an extensive product basket. ICICIdirect is suitable for active traders wanting transparency and robust technology, while Kotak Securities appeals to youth and tech-savvy investors seeking low brokerage and global investing options. Choose based on your preferred investment style, platform experience, and cost structure—both provide an excellent gateway to India’s capital markets.
ICICIdirect Vs Kotak Securities FAQs
Which broker is better — Kotak Securities or ICICIdirect?
Both are excellent full-service options. ICICIdirect stands out for trading technology, research, and lower DP charges, while Kotak Securities leads with low brokerage, modern platforms, and youth-focused features.
Which broker offers lower brokerage charges?
Kotak’s Neo/Trade Free plan offers brokerage as low as INR 10/order, while ICICIdirect’s Neo/Prime plans follow a tiered approach.
What is the Kotak Securities AMC charge?
Kotak Securities AMC charges stand at INR 300 Per Year + GST (18%).
What is the ICICIdirect market share?
ICICIdirect has a market share of 4.15%
What is the Kotak Securities market share?
Kotak Securities has a market share of 3.06%