How to Open a Demat Account Online – Step by Step Guide
Demat Account Complete guide (Hindi + English) — Demat account opening, compare brokers, charges, eligibility, documents and FAQs.1. Introduction
English: A Demat account (short for ‘Dematerialised account’) is necessary to hold shares and securities electronically. In India, opening a Demat account online has become quick and paper-light — thanks to eKYC and partnered Depository Participants (DPs). Whether you are a first-time investor or an experienced trader, a Demat account is the first step to buy/sell shares, mutual funds, ETFs and IPOs. This guide (2025) walks you through each step — choosing a broker/DP, documents required, charges, and tips to open your Demat account smoothly.
हिंदी: Demat अकाउंट यानी डिमेटरियलाइज़्ड अकाउंट शेयर और सिक्योरिटीज़ को इलेक्ट्रॉनिक रूप में रखने के लिए जरूरी है। आजकल ऑनलाइन Demat account खोलना आसान और तेज़ है — eKYC और डिजिटल verification इसे सरल बनाते हैं। इस गाइड में हम बताएँगे कि Demat account क्या है, किस तरह चुनें broker/DP, ऑनलाइन apply कैसे करें, fees क्या होंगी और common FAQs।
2. What is a Demat Account? (Demat Account क्या है?)
English: A Demat account holds securities — shares, bonds, government securities, mutual fund units — in electronic form. It is linked to a trading account (if you want to buy/sell immediately) and a bank account (for settlement). The two main depositories in India are NSDL and CDSL; intermediaries (banks, brokers) act as Depository Participants (DPs) to open accounts for investors.
हिंदी: Demat अकाउंट वह अकाउंट है जिसमें शेयर और अन्य सिक्योरिटीज़ इलेक्ट्रॉनिक फॉर्म में रखे जाते हैं। यह trading account और bank account से linked होता है ताकि खरीद-बिक्री और settlement smooth हो। भारत में मुख्य depositories NSDL और CDSL हैं, और बैंक/ब्रोकर DP के रूप में अकाउंट खोलते हैं।
3. Types of Demat Accounts
- Regular Demat Account — For individual resident investors.
- Repatriable Demat Account — For NRI with repatriation facility.
- Non-Repatriable Demat Account — NRI but funds non-repatriable.
- Corporate Demat Account — For companies and institutions.
- Minor Demat Account — Opened by guardian for a minor.
Choose the correct type based on your residency status and purpose.
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4. Best Demat Providers & Brokers — Quick Comparison (2025)
| Broker / DP | Account Opening Fee | Annual Maintenance Charge (AMC) | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zerodha (CDSL) | ₹0–₹200 (offer) | ₹300–₹300/yr | Low cost, Kite trading platform |
| Upstox (CDSL) | ₹0–₹199 | ₹300/yr | Discount brokerage, good mobile app |
| ICICI Direct (NSDL) | ₹0–₹800 | ₹450–₹900/yr | Full-service bank + research |
| HDFC Securities (CDSL) | ₹0–₹750 | ₹700/yr | Bank integration, trust |
| Angel One (CDSL) | ₹0–₹500 | ₹300–₹600/yr | Beginner friendly + margin offers |
Fees are indicative — always check the broker’s website for current offers (many waive account opening fee/promotions).
5. Top 10 Demat / Broker Options with Details
1) Zerodha
Why choose: Lowest brokerage for equity delivery (₹0), robust Kite platform, large user base. Ideal for: Cost-conscious investors and traders.
2) Upstox
Why choose: Competitive pricing, fast app, margin benefits. Ideal for: Active traders on budget.
3) ICICI Direct
Why choose: Full-service with research and banking integration. Ideal for: Investors preferring bank-backed services.
4) HDFC Securities
Bank-backed DP with easy fund transfers (HDFC Bank customers). Ideal for: HDFC customers.
5) Angel One
Good for beginners; decent research & margin funding options.
6) Kotak Securities
Strong research & advisory; integrated with Kotak bank accounts.
7) Sharekhan
Experienced full-service broker with educational resources.
8) 5Paisa
Discount brokerage for cost-conscious traders with simple plans.
9) Groww (CDSL)
User-friendly app, easy mutual fund + stock investing flow.
10) Motilal Oswal
Premium research & advisory for serious investors.
6. Demat Account Apply Process (Online + Offline)
Online Step-by-Step (Most common modern method)
- Choose Broker/DP: Decide based on fees, app, services and research.
- Start Application: Visit broker website/app → Open Account → Select ‘Demat + Trading’ (if needed).
- Fill KYC details: Name, PAN, DOB, address, bank account (for settlement), nominee details.
- Upload Documents: PAN, Aadhaar, canceled cheque/photocopy of bank passbook, passport photo. Many brokers do eSign using Aadhaar OTP or DigiLocker.
- eKYC & In-person Verification (IPV): Complete video KYC or OTP-based verification (most brokers support video KYC now).
- Sign Power of Attorney (POA) — Optional: Some brokers request POA for easier corporate actions/settlements. You may choose limited POA or no-POA where available.
- Activation: After verification, Demat account (DP ID + Client ID) is created — account details emailed. Link trading account to Demat if required.
Offline Process
Visit broker/DP branch → Fill physical forms → Submit KYC docs & canceled cheque → IPV at branch → Account opened in ~7–10 working days.
Pro tip: Prefer eSign / video KYC route for faster opening (usually within 24–48 hours for verified documents).
7. Demat Account Charges & Fee Structure (What to expect)
- Account Opening Fee: ₹0 – ₹1000 (many brokers offer ₹0). Promotional offers often waive this fee.
- Annual Maintenance Charge (AMC): ₹300 – ₹800 per year (charged by DP).
- Transaction/Brokerage: Delivery trading: ₹0 – per share or %; Intraday/ F&O: per trade/percentage-based.
- Dematerialisation / Rematerialisation Fees: Occasional fees for converting physical shares to electronic and vice versa.
- Misc. Charges: Pledge/Unpledge/Physical Instruction charges as per broker/DP schedule.
8. Benefits of a Demat Account
- Safe electronic holding — no physical share certificates required.
- Faster & simpler settlement for buy/sell transactions.
- Corporate actions (bonus, split) processed automatically.
- Easy transfer & pledge of securities for margin funding.
- Consolidation: multiple securities in one secure place.
9. Eligibility & Required Documents
Eligibility
- Resident Individual: Indian citizens above 18 years (minors via guardian).
- NRI: Different account types — repatriable & non-repatriable Demat.
- Corporate & HUF accounts have separate processes.
Documents
- PAN Card (mandatory)
- Aadhaar Card (identity & address – for eKYC)
- Cancelled cheque / Bank passbook copy (for linking bank account)
- Passport-sized photograph
- Proof of income (only for derivatives/F&O trading in some brokers)
10. Useful Links
11. FAQs — Common Questions
Q1: What is the difference between Demat and Trading account? / Demat और Trading अकाउंट में क्या फर्क है?
+Answer: Demat account holds securities electronically. Trading account is used to place buy/sell orders at the stock exchange. For seamless transactions you usually need both (many brokers offer combined onboarding).
Q2: How long does it take to open Demat account online? / ऑनलाइन Demat अकाउंट खोलने में कितना समय लगता है?
+Most brokers offer video KYC or eSign and can activate accounts within 24–48 hours. Traditional verification may take 3–7 working days.
Q3: Is there any minimum balance required? / क्या मिनिमम बैलेंस चाहिए?
+No, Demat accounts do not require a minimum balance. However, AMC (annual maintenance charge) may apply.
Q4: Can a minor hold a Demat account? / क्या नाबालिग का Demat अकाउंट हो सकता है?
+Yes, a guardian can open a Demat account on behalf of a minor (guardian operates until minor attains majority).
Q5: What are AMC and account opening charges? / AMC और अकाउंट ओपनिंग चार्ज क्या होते हैं?
+AMC is annual maintenance charged by the DP (₹300–₹800 typical). Account opening fee varies — many discount brokers waive it.
Q6: Can I switch my Demat account to another broker? / क्या मैं Demat अकाउंट बदल सकता हूँ?
+Yes. You can transfer your holdings using DIS slip (physical) or online inter-DP transfer (off-market) or get a ‘Client Master Report’ and request transfer. Some brokers provide assistance.
Q7: Is POA mandatory? / क्या POA अनिवार्य है?
+POA (Power of Attorney) is often requested for ease of transfer but is optional in many brokers. Limited POA is safer if you accept it.
Q8: Can NRIs open Demat accounts? / क्या NRI Demat अकाउंट खोल सकते हैं?
+Yes. NRIs can open repatriable or non-repatriable Demat accounts through designated DPs — special documentation applies.
Q9: Will corporate actions be credited automatically? / क्या corporate actions automatic होंगे?
+Yes. Bonus, splits, dividends and rights are processed automatically in your Demat account as per entitlement.
Q10: How do I link my bank account? / बैंक अकाउंट कैसे लिंक करें?
+Provide cancelled cheque or bank statement during application. Most brokers also verify via small deposit or instant bank verification.
12. Conclusion
English: Opening a Demat account online in 2025 is quick, secure and often free with many brokers. Choose a broker that matches your trading style — discount brokers for low cost, full-service brokers for research & advisory. Keep KYC documents ready, prefer eKYC / video KYC for fast activation, and compare AMC & brokerage before finalizing.
हिंदी: 2025 में ऑनलाइन Demat अकाउंट खोलना तेज़ और सुरक्षित है। अपनी trading ज़रूरत और budget के अनुसार broker चुनें — low-cost brokers active traders के लिए अच्छे हैं, वहीं full-service brokers research चाहते लोगों को सूट करते हैं। KYC documents तैयार रखें और eKYC विकल्प से तेज़ी से अकाउंट activate कराएँ।
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