Opening a Zerodha demat account in 2026 is simple, secure, and fully paperless with Aadhaar and DigiLocker. There is no minimum balance requirement, and you can start trading with any amount. It is also safe to share your PAN with Zerodha, as it is mandatory under SEBI rules.
In this guide, we will learn how to open a demat account in Zerodha online in 2026, the documents needed, Zerodha account opening charges, and the benefits of using Zerodha. This will help you start trading easily and safely.
Step-by-Step guide to opening a Zerodha demat account online
Here are 10 steps to open a demat account in Zerodha online in 2026:
- Go to Zerodha.com to sign up or download the Kite app.
- Enter your mobile number, get OTP, and verify.
- Enter your email ID and confirm with OTP.
- Provide your PAN and date of birth.
- Select from various trading segments, including Equity, F&O, Currency, Commodity, and more.
- Complete Aadhaar KYC through DigiLocker and OTP.
- Fill in personal and bank details via UPI or manual entry.
- Do In-Person Verification (IPV) by recording a short live video.
- Upload your signature and, if required, income/bank proof.
- Add a nominee if you wish and e-sign the forms with Aadhaar. Start trading.
How much time does Zerodha take to open a demat account? Zerodha takes 48 working hours to open a demat account after you complete the online application, e-sign the forms, and the login details are sent to your email.
Can NRI investors open a Zerodha demat account online? Yes, but the process is different. NRIs need to open an NRI trading and demat account linked to PIS or NRO.
Can I open more than one Zerodha demat account? No, you cannot open more than one individual demat account with Zerodha using the same PAN.
Thinking about starting your trading journey with Zerodha? Check out our detailed guide: Is Zerodha good for beginners?
Documents required for a Zerodha demat account in 2026
What are the documents required for a Zerodha demat account in 2026? To open a Zerodha demat account online in 2026, you need the following documents:
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card linked with your mobile number for OTP verification
- Cancelled cheque or bank statement to link your bank account
- Income proof only if you want to trade in Futures and Options
Can I open a Zerodha demat account without a PAN card? No, you cannot open a Zerodha demat account without a PAN card, as it is mandatory for all demat and trading accounts in India.
Can I open a Zerodha account online without a bank account? No, you cannot open a Zerodha account without a bank account, as it requires linking for fund transfers and withdrawals.
Can I open a Zerodha demat account with my mobile number only? Yes, but only if Aadhar is linked to your mobile number. This is required for OTP verification during the account opening process.
Can I use e-Sign for a Zerodha account without Aadhaar? Yes, you can. Instead of your Aadhar number, you can use a Virtual ID generated from the UIDAI portal to complete the e-Sign process.
Read More: Stock market in India: What it is, types, regulations & more
Zerodha account opening charges explained
What is the Zerodha demat account Annual Maintenance Charge (AMC)? The Zerodha demat account AMC is as follows.
| Demat AMC plans | Annual AMC | Quarterly AMC |
|---|---|---|
| BSDA – Holdings up to ₹4,00,000 | ₹0 | ₹0 |
| BSDA – ₹4,00,000 – ₹10,00,000 | ₹100 + 18% GST | ₹25 + 18% GST |
| Individual / HUF / Partnership | ₹300 + 18% GST | ₹75 + 18% GST |
| NRI | ₹500 + 18% GST | ₹125 + 18% GST |
| Corporate – LLP, Pvt., and Public Co. | ₹1,000 + 18% GST | ₹250 + 18% GST |
| IL and FS demat | ₹400 + 18% GST | ₹100 + 18% GST |
| Secondary demat account | ₹300 + 18% GST per account | ₹75 + 18% GST per account |
What is the account opening fee in Zerodha for 2026? The account opening fee in Zerodha in 2026 is given below:
- Online and offline individual account: free
- NRI account: ₹500
- Partnership, LLP, HUF, or corporate account offline only: ₹500
What are the brokerage charges for Zerodha in 2026? Zerodha brokerage charges in 2026 are simple and transparent.
- Equity delivery: ₹0
- Intraday and F&O trades: ₹20 per executed order
- Direct Mutual Funds: ₹0
- Currency Futures: 0.03% or ₹20 per executed order, whichever is lower
- Currency Options: ₹20 per executed order
- Commodity Futures: 0.03% or ₹20 per executed order, whichever is lower
- Commodity Options: ₹20 per executed order
- MTF brokerage: 0.3% or ₹20 per executed order, whichever is lower
- MTF pledge or un pledge: ₹15 + GST per ISIN per request
Compare Zerodha with other brokers to see which suits your trading style best: Zerodha vs Angel One comparison absolutely.
Benefits of choosing Zerodha for your demat account
Here are the key benefits of trading with Zerodha in 2026:
- Zero brokerage on equity delivery and direct Mutual Funds
- Flat ₹20 per order for intraday, F&O, Commodities, and Currencies
- Simple Aadhaar-based online account opening process
- Advanced Kite platform with powerful charting and tools
- Wide investment options, including Equities, F&O, Commodities, and MFs
- Transparent pricing with no hidden charges
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you want to start trading or investing with Zerodha, the first step is learning how to open a Zerodha account online. The process in 2026 is quick and paperless using Aadhaar, DigiLocker, and e-Sign.
In just a few easy steps, you can activate your account and begin trading on the Kite platform with transparent charges, zero brokerage on Equity delivery, and multiple investment options. This makes Zerodha one of the most trusted and convenient choices for traders and investors in India.
Pro Tip
Always start with small trades to understand the Kite platform better. Use our broker finder tool to compare Zerodha with other best Forex brokers and pick the one that best matches your trading goals. Join now for more updates!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the minimum balance to open a Zerodha demat account in 2026?
There is no minimum balance required to open a Zerodha demat account. You can start trading with any amount you wish.
2. Is Zerodha account opening 100% paperless in 2026?
Yes, the account opening process is completely online and paperless using Aadhaar, DigiLocker, and e-Sign.
3. Can minors open a Zerodha demat account?
Yes, minors can open a Zerodha demat account, but it will be managed entirely by their guardian.
4. Can I open a Zerodha demat account in my spouse’s name?
Yes, you can open an account in your spouse’s name as long as all documents are in their name.
5. Is it safe to share PAN details while opening a Zerodha account?
Yes, it is safe to share your PAN with Zerodha since it is mandatory for account opening under SEBI rules.

