What it does
Zerodha provides Indian stock, fund and derivatives accounts through its Kite platform and related services. A Kite demo can be explored before opening an account, and Varsity offers free market education. Equity delivery has zero brokerage, while intraday and derivatives transactions have separate fees.
Try the layout, then choose the account
Try Kite demo introduces the platform without placing a real trade. Varsity is a separate route for learning market concepts. Developers can also use Kite Connect, which has personal and paid API options.
Opening an individual account is free. The online route asks for PAN, phone-linked Aadhaar and bank details, then e-signing and verification. Income proof is needed for futures and options. NRI, minor and business accounts have separate routes.
Brokerage is only part of the cost
Indian equity delivery has zero brokerage. Intraday equity trades cost the lower of ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order, and options cost ₹20 per executed order. Taxes and other transaction charges remain separate.
Account maintenance also depends on account type. A non-BSDA account costs ₹300 a year plus GST; eligible Basic Services Demat Accounts have holdings-based rates. New resident individual accounts have a first-year maintenance waiver.
Strengths
- Kite offers a public demo for inspecting the layout
- Varsity separates market education from account activity
Watch out for
- Zero delivery brokerage does not remove taxes and depository charges
- Futures and options access needs income proof
Best for
- Indian investors choosing a self-directed securities account
- Developers considering Kite-based market and account integrations
Sources
- Zerodha products, Kite demo and Varsity (Oct 27, 2026)
- Zerodha brokerage and account charges (Oct 27, 2026)
- Zerodha account opening and verification FAQ (Oct 27, 2026)