How do you start investing with Zerodha? Open a Demat and trading account online with your PAN and Aadhaar, add funds through UPI or bank transfer, then buy stocks, mutual funds, or ETFs through the Kite platform. The whole process is online and usually takes around 48 hours to activate. This guide walks through each step.
Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Bengaluru, Zerodha is one of India’s largest retail brokers by active users, handling around 16% of total NSE client volume. It reshaped Indian retail investing with its discount model and tech-first platform, and it remains a leading name in discount broking.
Why investors choose Zerodha
- Clean, high-quality apps with no spam or push-notification gimmicks.
- A full ecosystem rather than just an app, with services built through investments in over 30 fintech startups.
- ₹0 brokerage on all equity delivery trades, and a flat ₹20 per order for intraday, F&O, and currency trades.
- Full SEBI regulation and membership of the NSE, BSE, MCX, and CDSL.
- Strong learning tools, daily market insights, and technical analysis.
- The Kite platform for fast, simple trading, and Console for portfolio tracking, P&L, and tax-ready statements.
Documents you need
Before opening an account, keep these ready:
- PAN number
- Aadhaar number linked to your mobile
- Bank account details (a personalised cancelled cheque)
- Income proof (only needed for F&O trading)
Step-by-step: opening a Zerodha account
- Install the Kite app from the App Store or Play Store, or visit signup.zerodha.com.
- Enter your mobile number and verify with OTP, then verify your email ID.
- Enter your PAN number and date of birth, and continue.
- Select the segments you want to trade and agree to the terms.
- Complete KYC with OTP and your six-digit DigiLocker PIN linked to Aadhaar.
- Enter your personal details and continue.
- Link your bank account using UPI or by entering details manually.
- Complete in-person verification, ensuring you are clearly visible.
- Draw or upload your signature and save.
- Upload the required documents (bank proof, and income proof if needed).
- Add a nominee if you wish.
- Digitally sign the account opening forms using Aadhaar OTP and your DigiLocker PIN.
Once signed, your user ID is displayed and credentials are sent to your registered email. Account opening usually takes around 48 hours.
How to start trading on Zerodha Kite
To trade, you need an active Zerodha trading and Demat account.
- Log in to Kite at kite.zerodha.com or via the app, and complete two-factor authentication.
- Go to Funds and click Add Funds. Use UPI, net banking, or IMPS/NEFT for instant credit.
- Explore the main Kite tabs: Dashboard (holdings and balance), Watchlist (live prices), Orders (placed, completed, failed), Holdings (current investments), Positions (active intraday and F&O), and Funds.
- Search for stocks, add them to your watchlist, and place buy or sell orders. Choose CNC for delivery or MIS for intraday.
- Track your portfolio and profits under Holdings.
- Use Console for tax reports, P&L statements, and trade history.
- Invest in commission-free direct mutual funds through Coin.
Investment options on Zerodha
- Stocks: over 5,000 for delivery or intraday on the NSE and BSE.
- Direct mutual funds: over 2,000, commission-free through Coin, saving up to 1.5% a year.
- Futures and options: on equities, indices, and commodities via the NSE and MCX.
- IPOs: applied for online using UPI.
- Gift stocks: stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and gold bonds you can gift.
- Fixed income: government-backed bonds and gold, with yields above typical bank FDs.
Zerodha charges overview
| Fees | Details |
|---|---|
| Account opening | Online and offline: free. NRI / partnership / LLP / HUF / corporate (offline): ₹500 |
| Demat AMC | Up to ₹4 lakh: free. ₹4-10 lakh: ₹100/year. Above ₹10 lakh: ₹300/year (charged quarterly) |
| Brokerage | Equity delivery: ₹0. Intraday: 0.03% or ₹20 per order. F&O futures: 0.03% or ₹20. F&O options: flat ₹20 |
| STT/CTT | Equity: 0.1% buy & sell. Intraday: 0.025% sell. F&O futures: 0.02% sell. F&O options: 0.1% sell |
| Transaction charges | Equity: 0.00297% NSE, 0.000375% BSE. F&O varies by segment |
| SEBI charges | ₹10 per crore |
| Stamp charges | Equity: 0.015% buy. Intraday: 0.003% buy. F&O futures: 0.002% buy. F&O options: 0.003% buy |
| Added services | Tickertape: free / ₹249 month / ₹2,399 year. Smallcase: ₹100 per transaction. Kite Connect: ₹500 per month |
Conclusion
Zerodha is a widely used, SEBI-regulated discount broker, well suited to retail traders and long-term investors who want a low-cost, DIY platform. Its strengths are strong regulation, low and transparent charges, modern platforms (Kite, Console, Coin), and a good learning ecosystem. As a discount broker it does not offer personal advisory services, so investors who want research or advice may prefer a full-service broker.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum balance needed to start with Zerodha? There is no minimum balance requirement to open or hold a Zerodha account.
Can I start investing in Zerodha with ₹500? Yes. You can start with as little as ₹500 through mutual fund SIPs on Coin.
Can I use Zerodha without a trading account? No. You need both a trading and a Demat account to invest through Zerodha.
How long does it take to open a Zerodha account? The process is online and usually takes around 48 hours to activate.
Is Zerodha safe for new investors? Yes. Zerodha is SEBI-regulated with segregated client funds and securities held at CDSL, which makes it a safe, transparent platform for new investors in India.
- This review is for informational purposes only. TradingCritique does not currently offer broker referrals for India-domiciled brokers and has no affiliate relationship with the broker discussed.
