The top trading platforms for beginners in India in 2026 are Zerodha, Groww, Upstox, Angel One and ICICI Direct, with Nuvama for experienced investors who want research support. Zerodha still charges zero brokerage on equity delivery, while Groww, Upstox and Angel One charge up to Rs 20 per order.
This list was first published in January 2021, when lakhs of young Indians opened demat accounts during the pandemic. A lot has changed since then: Angel Broking is now Angel One, Edelweiss’s broking arm is now Nuvama, Groww has become the largest broker by active clients, and SEBI has tightened rules on futures and options. Here is the updated picture.
Quick facts: brokerage charges compared (October 2026)
| Platform | Equity delivery | Intraday | F&O options | Account opening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zerodha | Rs 0 | Rs 20 or 0.03%, lower | Rs 20 per order | Free |
| Groww | Rs 20 or 0.1%, lower (min Rs 5) | Rs 20 or 0.1%, lower | See app | Free |
| Upstox | Rs 20 per order | Rs 20 or 0.1%, lower | Rs 20 per order | Free |
| Angel One | Rs 20 or 0.1%, lower (free first 30 days, up to Rs 500) | Same | Rs 20 per order | Free |
Charges are from each broker’s pricing page and exclude GST, STT, exchange fees and stamp duty. Always check the latest rates before you sign up.
Top 6 trading platforms for beginners and experts
1. Zerodha
Zerodha is still the first name most beginners hear. It charges zero brokerage on equity delivery and direct mutual funds through Coin. Intraday and futures cost Rs 20 or 0.03 percent per order, whichever is lower, and options cost a flat Rs 20 per order.
Its Kite app is clean and fast, with advanced charts, GTT orders and baskets. Account opening is free, and annual maintenance is free for the first year for new resident accounts.
Best for: long-term investors who buy and hold stocks, and traders who want good tools.
2. Groww
Groww started as a mutual fund app and is now India’s largest stockbroker by active clients. It overtook Zerodha on this measure in 2023, according to Business Standard. Its simple design is the main reason first-time investors pick it.
Groww charges Rs 20 or 0.1 percent per order on stocks, whichever is lower, with a minimum of Rs 5. Account opening and maintenance are free, and direct mutual funds have no commission.
Best for: absolute beginners who start with mutual funds and small stock investments.
3. Upstox
Upstox offers equities, F&O, commodities and currency on web and mobile. It now charges Rs 20 per executed order on equity delivery, so it is no longer free for delivery trades.
Intraday costs Rs 20 or 0.1 percent, whichever is lower, futures cost Rs 20 or 0.05 percent, and options a flat Rs 20 per order. The old claim of up to 20x intraday leverage no longer applies, as SEBI’s margin rules now limit intraday leverage to about 5x on most stocks.
Best for: active traders who want a full-featured app.
4. Angel One (formerly Angel Broking)
Angel Broking was founded in 1987 and rebranded as Angel One in 2021. It has since become one of India’s largest brokers by client count.
New users pay no brokerage for the first 30 days, up to Rs 500. After that, delivery and intraday trades cost Rs 20 or 0.1 percent per order, whichever is lower, and F&O costs Rs 20 per order. Resident account opening is free.
Best for: beginners who want research tips and a mix of app and branch support.
5. ICICI Direct
ICICI Direct is the broking arm of ICICI Securities and is known for its 3-in-1 account, which links your ICICI Bank savings account, trading account and demat account. Money moves between them without separate transfers.
It costs more than discount brokers on many plans, but it suits people who already bank with ICICI and want research reports and in-person support. Check its current plans before signing up.
Best for: ICICI Bank customers who value convenience over the lowest fees.
6. Nuvama (formerly Edelweiss)
The original list had Edelweiss. Its broking and wealth business now runs as Nuvama Wealth Management, with PAG as the majority shareholder. Nuvama listed on the BSE and NSE on 26 September 2023.
It offers stocks, F&O, IPOs, mutual funds and research, and is better suited to experienced investors and high-value clients than to absolute beginners.
Key rule changes beginners should know
- F&O is riskier for small investors: SEBI studies have found that about nine in ten individual F&O traders lose money. From November 2024, SEBI raised the minimum contract size and cut weekly expiries to one index per exchange.
- Lower leverage: Intraday leverage is now capped through peak margin rules, so beginners cannot take very large positions with small capital.
- Check SEBI registration: Only use brokers registered with SEBI, and never share your OTP or login details with “tip” groups on WhatsApp or Telegram.
How to choose your first trading platform
If you plan to invest for the long term, a zero-delivery-brokerage broker like Zerodha saves money. If you want the simplest app, Groww is easy to start with. If you bank with ICICI, the 3-in-1 account is convenient. Start small, learn the basics and avoid F&O until you understand the risks.
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This article is for information only and is not investment advice.
Frequently asked questions
Which trading platform is best for beginners in India?
Groww and Zerodha are the most popular with beginners. Groww is simpler to use, while Zerodha charges zero brokerage on equity delivery.
Which broker has zero brokerage on delivery?
Zerodha charges Rs 0 brokerage on equity delivery and direct mutual funds. Upstox, Groww and Angel One now charge up to Rs 20 per order.
Is Angel Broking and Angel One the same?
Yes. Angel Broking rebranded as Angel One in 2021. It is the same company.
Which is the largest stockbroker in India?
Groww is the largest by active clients, having overtaken Zerodha in 2023.
Sources: Zerodha charges, Upstox brokerage, Business Standard, Nuvama listing release.
