Zerodha is one of the biggest discount brokerage firms in India. It ranks second in the country based on its active clients which holds a market share of 16.19%. This platform provides users with a good trading experience at a low cost. In a trading account, the annual maintenance charges (AMC) are a significant factor. In this article, we will explore detailed information about Zerodha AMC charges, Zerodha demat account charges, and other costs.
Table of Contents
What is Zerodha?
Zerodha is a discount brokerage firm that revolutionized trading in India by offering zero brokerage on equity delivery and low fees on other segments. Nithin and Nikhil Kamath established Zerodha in Bangalore in 2010. Zerodha provides a robust trading platform catering to beginners and experienced investors. It is well-known for its user-friendly Kite trading platform and its efficient Console dashboard for portfolio tracking.
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Zerodha Account Opening Charges
Zerodha allows customers to open both online and offline accounts through its trading platforms and website. However, NRI, Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), or Corporate accounts can only be opened through an offline process.
Zerodha offers free online account openings for both the equity segment and the equity + commodity segment. However, offline account opening incurs charges:
| Account Type | Equity | Equity + Commodity |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Account (online) | Zero | Zero |
| Individual Account (offline) | INR 400 | INR 600 |
| NRI Account (offline) | INR 500 | N/A |
| Partnership, LLP, HUF or Corporate accounts (offline) | INR 500 | INR 800 |
What is Zerodha AMC Charges 2025?
Zerodha levies AMC charges to maintain a Demat account, varying based on the type of account and holdings.
- Basic Service Demat Account (BSDA) AMC Charges
BSDA accounts have a tiered structure based on holding value:
| Holding Value | Annual Charges | Quarterly Charges |
| Up to INR 4,00,000 | Zero | Zero |
| INR 4,00,000 to INR 10,00,000 | INR 100 + 18% GST | INR 25 + 18% GST |
| Above INR 10,00,000 | Not considered a BSDA account | Not considered a BSDA account |
- Non-BSDA Account AMC Charges
For accounts that do not qualify as BSDA, AMC charges apply as follows:
| Type of Account | Annual Charges | Quarterly Charges |
| Individual, HUF, and partnership firms | INR 300 + 18% GST | INR 75 + 18% GST |
| NRI Accounts | INR 500 + 18% GST | INR 125 + 18% GST |
| Corporates, i.e. LLPs and private & public companies | INR 1,000 + 18% GST | INR 250 + 18% GST |
| IL&FS demat (accounts opened before 15th Sep 2015) | INR 400 + 18% GST | INR 100 + 18% GST |
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Zerodha Demat Account Charges
| Transaction | Charges |
|---|---|
| Demat Account Opening Charges | Zero |
| Transaction Charges (Buy) | – |
| Transaction Charges (Sell) | Market Trades: INR 13.5 + GST Off-Market Trades: 0.03% of INR 25 whichever is higher + GST |
| Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) | Individuals/Non-Individual (except Corporate) – INR 300 + GST Non-Individual – Corporate – INR 1000 |
| Demat + Courier charges | Individuals/Non-Individual (except Corporate) – INR 300 + GST Non-Individual – Corporate – INR 1000 |
| Remat | INR 150 per certificate + CDSL charges + INR 100 Courier charges |
| Pledge Creation | INR 30 per order + GST |
| Pledge Creation Confirmation | Zero |
| Pledge Invocation | INR 20 |
| Failed Transactions | INR 50 per ISIN |
| Other Charges | Cheque Bounce: INR 350 Physical Statement – INR 50 (+Courier charges at actual) Modification in CML – INR 25 per request KRA Upload / Download – INR 50 per request Note: Interest at 18% p.a is charged on the outstanding bill amount if not paid within the due date. |
Zerodha Brokerage Charges
Zerodha follows a transparent fee structure, offering zero brokerage on equity delivery and flat-rate charges on other segments.
| Segment | Brokerage Fee |
|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | Zero |
| Equity Intraday | INR 20 per order or 0.03%, whichever is lower |
| Equity Futures | INR 20 per order or 0.03%, whichever is lower |
| Equity Options | Flat INR 20 per executed order |
| Currency Futures | INR 20 per order or 0.03%, whichever is lower |
| Currency Options | INR 20 per executed order |
| Commodity Futures | INR 20 per order or 0.03%, whichever is lower |
| Commodity Options | INR 20 per executed order |
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How to Avoid AMC Charges in Zerodha
To minimize or eliminate AMC charges, consider these options:
- Close Your Demat Account: If you no longer use the account, closing it prevents unnecessary charges.
- Transfer Securities: Moving holdings to another broker eliminates AMC costs.
- Use the Referral Program: Referring new customers to Zerodha earns points that can offset AMC fees. Accumulating 1,000 points can waive AMC for a year.
- Maintain a BSDA Account: Keeping holdings under INR 4,00,000 qualifies for zero AMC.
- Opt for a Trading Account Only: If you do not require a Demat account, you can trade using only a trading account and avoid AMC charges altogether.
Conclusion
Zerodha remains a cost-effective brokerage platform with zero brokerage on delivery trades and transparent pricing. While AMC charges apply to most Demat accounts, they can be minimized through strategic account management. Understanding these charges helps investors optimize costs and improve their trading experience.