ICICIDirect Vs HDFC Sky Vs TradeSmart: Which one is better?
Last updated August 26, 2026
This IPO News reference page covers “ICICIDirect Vs HDFC Sky Vs TradeSmart: Which one is better?”. The page is organized around compare stock brokers side-by-side, compare icicidirect vs hdfc sky vs tradesmart on service, account opening charges and amc, compare icicidirect vs hdfc sky vs tradesmart on trading & demat account opening charges, about brokerage plans. IPO News presents the structured facts and tables in its own layout and wording.
Topics Covered
- Compare Stock Brokers Side-by-Side
- Compare ICICIDirect vs HDFC Sky vs TradeSmart on Service
- Account Opening Charges and AMC
- Compare ICICIDirect vs HDFC Sky vs TradeSmart on Trading & Demat Account Opening Charges
- About Brokerage Plans
- Compare ICICIDirect vs HDFC Sky vs TradeSmart on Plan Options
- Account Opening
- Share Broker's Transaction Charges
- Compare ICICIDirect vs HDFC Sky vs TradeSmart on Transaction Charges
- Account Features
- Compare ICICIDirect vs HDFC Sky vs TradeSmart on Account Features
- Trading Platform
- Compare ICICIDirect vs HDFC Sky vs TradeSmart on Trading Platform
- Broker Ratings by Users
- Compare ICICIDirect vs HDFC Sky vs TradeSmart on User Rating
- Investment Offerings
- Compare ICICIDirect vs HDFC Sky vs TradeSmart on Investment Offerings
- Margin Trading Facility
- Compare ICICIDirect vs HDFC Sky vs TradeSmart on MTF
- API
- Compare ICICIDirect vs HDFC Sky vs TradeSmart on API Details
- Customer Service Offered
- Compare ICICIDirect vs HDFC Sky vs TradeSmart on Customer Service
- Tips/Research/Reports Published
- Compare ICICIDirect vs HDFC Sky vs TradeSmart on Research Reports, Tips
- Demat Account
- Compare ICICIDirect vs HDFC Sky vs TradeSmart on Demat Account
- Special Offers, Advantages, Disadvantages
- Compare ICICIDirect vs HDFC Sky vs TradeSmart on Special Offers and Promotion
- ✅ Pros
Key Facts
- India's trusted financial research platform since 2015. Live IPO GMP, subscription data, allotment status, Rights Issues, NCDs and unbiased stock broker reviews.
- 100% digital and paperless 3-in-1 account opening facility.
- Trade on the BSE, NSE, MCX, and invest in other products.
- Place Valid Till Cancelled (VTC) order, valid for 45 days.
- Lowest brokerage: Trade at 15 flat brokerage fees.
- Online Direct mutual fund investment at Rs.0 brokerage.
- Mutual fund investment with ICICIDirect is not free, as it charges a lower of Rs. 30 or 1.5% on SIP transaction and Rs. 100 fees on lumpsum investment.
- Commodity and Currency Trading at Rs 20/order flat brokerage
- transfer funds in just 5 minutes
- 💹 Lowest Brokerage – Flat ₹15 per Order or 0.007%
- Last Updated on Fri, May 8, 2026
Data Tables
| Segment | ICICIDirect | HDFC Sky | TradeSmart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Account Opening Fees | Free | Free | Free |
| Trading AMC | Free | Free | Free |
| Demat Account Opening Fees | Free | Free | Free |
| Demat AMC | Rs 700 p.a. [Free for 1st year] | Rs 240 PA (Free for 1st year) | Rs 300 PA (Free for 1st year) |
| Provide DP Service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plan Types | ICICIDirect | HDFC Sky | TradeSmart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Plans | Yes | No | Yes |
| Monthly Plans | No | No | No |
| Yearly Plans | No | No | No |
| ICICIDirect | HDFC Sky | TradeSmart | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account Opening Request |
| Transaction Charges Compare | ICICIDirect | HDFC Sky | TradeSmart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | NSE:297 | BSE:375 Per Cr | NSE:297 | BSE:375 Per Cr | NSE:297 | BSE:375 Per Cr |
| Equity Intraday | NSE:297 | BSE:375 Per Cr | NSE:297 | BSE:375 Per Cr | NSE:297 | BSE:375 Per Cr |
| Equity Futures | NSE:173 | BSE:0 Per Cr | NSE:173 | BSE:0 Per Cr | NSE:173 | BSE:0 Per Cr |
| Equity Options | NSE:3503 | BSE:3250 Per Cr on premium | NSE:3503 | BSE:3250 Per Cr on premium | NSE:3503 | BSE:3250 Per Cr on premium |
| Currency Futures | NSE:35 | BSE:45 Per Cr | NSE:35 | BSE:45 Per Cr | NSE:35 | BSE:45 Per Cr |
| Currency Options | NSE:3110 | BSE:100 Per Cr | NSE:3110 | BSE:100 Per Cr | NSE:3110 | BSE:100 Per Cr |
| Commodity | MCX: 4180| NSE: 100 Per Cr | MCX: 4180| NSE: 100 Per Cr | MCX: 4180| NSE: 100 Per Cr |
| Brokerage Charges | Complete Brokerage Plans for icicidirect | Complete Brokerage Plans for hdfc-sky | Complete Brokerage Plans for trade-smart-online |
| Account Features Compare | ICICIDirect | HDFC Sky | TradeSmart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 in 1 Account | Yes | Yes | No |
| Charting | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Algo Trading | No | No | Yes |
| SMS Alerts | Yes | Yes | No |
| Online Demo | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online Portfolio | Yes | Yes | No |
| Margin Trading Funding Available | Yes | Yes | No |
| Combined Ledger for Equity and Commodity | No | Yes | Yes |
| Intraday Square-off Time | 3:15PM | 3:15PM | 3:15PM |
| NRI Trading | Yes | Yes | No |
| Other Features | NIL | NIL | NIL |
| Trading Platform Compare | ICICIDirect | HDFC Sky | TradeSmart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Web Trading Detail | https://www.icicidirect.com | https://hdfcsky.com/ | https://web.tradesmartonline.in/login |
| Web Trading Demo | Web Trading Demo | Web Trading Demo | Web Trading Demo |
| Mobile Trading | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading App | ICICI direct Mobile | HDFC Sky App | TradeSmart 2.0 |
| Mobile Trading App Demo | ICICI direct Mobile | HDFC Sky App | TradeSmart 2.0 |
| Android Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Android App Download | Android ICICI direct Mobile Download | Android HDFC Sky App Download | Android TradeSmart 2.0 Download |
| iPhone Mobile App (IOS) | Yes | No | Yes |
| iOS App Download | iOS ICICI direct Mobile Download | iOS HDFC Sky App Download | iOS TradeSmart 2.0 Download |
| Android Tablet App | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| iPad App (IOS) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Software Charges | Free | Free | Free |
| Equity Brokerage Calculator | Equity Intraday and Delivery Brokerage Calculator for ICICIDirect | Equity Intraday and Delivery Brokerage Calculator for HDFC Sky | Equity Intraday and Delivery Brokerage Calculator for TradeSmart |
| Futures Brokerage Calculator | Futures Brokerage Calculator for ICICIDirect | Futures Brokerage Calculator for HDFC Sky | Futures Brokerage Calculator for TradeSmart |
| Options Brokerage Calculator | Option Brokerage Calculator for ICICIDirect | Option Brokerage Calculator for HDFC Sky | Option Brokerage Calculator for TradeSmart |
| Detail | Detail on Trading Platforms for ICICIDirect | Detail on Trading Platforms for HDFC Sky | Detail on Trading Platforms for TradeSmart |
| ICICIDirect | HDFC Sky | TradeSmart | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 267 Customer reviews Rate | 99 Customer reviews Rate | 35 Customer reviews Rate | |
| Fees Ratings | 2.4 | 2.5 | 3.8 |
| Trading Brokerage Rating | 1.8 | 2.1 | 4.3 |
| Trading Platform Usability | 3.3 | 3.0 | 3.7 |
| Customer Service Ratings | 2.9 | 2.8 | 4.0 |
| Overall Rating | 2.5 | 2.5 | 3.9 |
| Broker Rating | ICICIDirect is Rated 2.5 / 5 based on 267 customer reviews | HDFC Sky is Rated 2.5 / 5 based on 99 customer reviews | TradeSmart is Rated 3.94 / 5 based on 35 customer reviews |
| Investment Offerings Compare | ICICIDirect | HDFC Sky | TradeSmart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity Cash and F&O | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Currency Derivatives | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Commodity | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online IPO Application | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mutual Funds | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bonds / NCD | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ETF | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Banking | Yes | Yes | No |
| Insurance | Yes | No | No |
| Forex | No | No | No |
| MF SIP Investment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Equity SIP Investment | Yes | Yes | No |
| PMS Service | Yes | No | No |
| Other Investment Options | NIL | NIL |
| MTF Compare | ICICIDirect | HDFC Sky | TradeSmart |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTF Leverage | – | – | Up to 4x leverage |
| MTF Interest Rate | – | – | 0.049% per day |
| MTF Segment | – | – | Equity Delivery |
| MTF Pledge Charges | – | – | ₹12 per scrip |
| MTF Unpledged Charges | – | – | ₹12 per scrip |
| Maximum MTF Funding | – | – | ₹50 Lakh per account |
| API Compare | ICICIDirect | HDFC Sky | TradeSmart |
|---|---|---|---|
| API Type | – | – | Trading API Market Data API WebSocket API Webhook API Advanced order API |
| Customer Service Compare | ICICIDirect | HDFC Sky | TradeSmart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Customer Service | No | No | No |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online Live Chat | No | No | Yes |
| Phone Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Toll Free Number | No | No | No |
| Through Branches | Yes | Yes | No |
| Customer Care Number | 1860 123 1122 | 1800 121 2109 | 022 61208000 |
| Account Opening Process | Online | Online | Online/Paperless |
| Customer Support Email | [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected] |
| Knowledge Center/Education | https://www.icicidirect.com/knowledge-center | https://hdfcsky.com/learn | https://help.tradesmartonline.in/ |
| Head Office Address | ICICI Centre,H.T. Parekh Marg,Churchgate,Mumbai – 400020 | LODHAI-I THINK TECHNO CAMPUS BLDG-ALPHA, 8 FLR, NEAR KANJURMARG RLYSTN, KANJURMARG,MUMBAI-MH-400042 | Trade Smart Online, A-401, Mangalya, Marol Maroshi Road, Andheri East, Gamdevi, Marol, Andheri East, Mumbai, MH 400059 |
| Website | https://www.icicidirect.com | https://hdfcsky.com/ | https://tradesmartonline.in/ |
| ICICIDirect | HDFC Sky | TradeSmart | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Mutual Funds | Yes | Yes | No |
| Research Equity Reports | Yes | Yes | No |
| Research ETF | Yes | Yes | No |
| Daily Market Report | Yes | Yes | No |
| Free Tips | Yes | Yes | No |
| Quarterly Result Analysis | Yes | Yes | No |
| News Alerts | Yes | Yes | No |
| ICICIDirect | HDFC Sky | TradeSmart | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP Source | CDSL | CDSL | CDSL |
| DP ID | 14301 | 12400 | 30400 |
| Demat Account Annual Maintenance Charges(AMC) | ₹700 pa | ₹750 pa | ₹300 pa (1st Year Free) |
| Advance Deposit | Rs. 7500/- , If the client is not having ICICI BANK Account | Customer having only Depository relationship with the Bank has to pay an advance fee of Rs.7,500/- | NIL |
| Statutory charges | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Transaction Charges on Debit (Per ISIN) | 0.04% (Min ₹30 and Max ₹25,000) + ₹5.50 (CDSL Charges) | 0.04% (Min ₹20) + CDSL charges | ₹15 |
| Demat | ₹50 per set up | ₹5 per certificate + ₹35 request charges | ₹500 per certificate (Min ₹500 per request) |
| Remat | ₹25 for 100 securities upto max fee of Rs 3 lakh, MF Reconversion ₹25 per transaction | ₹30 | ₹500 per certificate (Min ₹500 per request) |
| Pledge Creation | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | Nil | ₹15 per script |
| Pledge Creation Confirmation | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | 0.04% of transaction value (Min ₹40) | Nil |
| Pledge Closure | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | Nil | ₹15 per script |
| Pledge Closure Confirmation | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | 0.04% of transaction value (Min ₹40) | Nil |
| Pledge Invocation | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | 0.04% of transaction value (Min ₹40) | Nil |
| Failed Instruction Charges | ₹30 per transaction | Nil | Nil |
| Other Charges | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| ICICIDirect | HDFC Sky | TradeSmart | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Likes | 100% digital and paperless 3-in-1 account opening facility. Trade on the BSE, NSE, MCX, and invest in other products. Multiple brokerage plans for residents and NRI trading. All kinds of trading platforms across web, app, and desktop versions. Invest in mutual funds for free with ICICIdirect Money App. Expert research calls and recommendations. Sell stocks and get cash instantly with the e-ATM facility. Advanced orders like bracket order, cover order, after market order, and basket order. Place Valid Till Cancelled (VTC) order, valid for 45 days. Informative articles, blogs, videos, learn hub, and Investonomics learning platform for beginners. Margin funding Loans on securities. Dedicated customer services. Detail Review… | ✅ Pros Free account opening Zero AMC (1st year) Flat ₹20 brokerage Invest in US stocks Free research & daily trading calls Advanced order types (BO, CO, OCO, GTT) No minimum balance Modern mobile app Detail Review… | Check out the key advantages, reasons, or benefits on Why Choose TradeSmart For Stock Trading? Trade in stocks, derivatives, currencies, and commodities. Lowest brokerage: Trade at 15 flat brokerage fees. Multiple trading platforms:TradeSmart Mobile App, Desktop and web. Super-efficient Trade Smart Box integrated back office portal. Tradetron Algo Trading with TradeSmart. No minimum balance is required. Instant UPI fund transfer. Free of cost Swing API. Apply for IPOs online using UPI. Online Direct mutual fund investment at Rs.0 brokerage. Online brokerage calculator to calculate trading cost upfront. TradeSmart blogs, newsroom, and Knowledge hub for beginners to experts. Advanced orders like bracket order (BO), cover order (CO), and after-market order (AMO). Margin against shares (MAS) in your Demat account. No Hidden charges. Detail Review… |
| Dislikes | High brokerage charges. Mutual fund investment with ICICIDirect is not free, as it charges a lower of Rs. 30 or 1.5% on SIP transaction and Rs. 100 fees on lumpsum investment. Detail Review… | ❌ Cons Delivery trades not free (Zerodha offers free delivery) No desktop trading terminal Direct mutual funds are not supported Detail Review… | There are several disadvantages or limitations as well of trading with TradeSmart such as follows; You cannot invest in SME IPOs. NRIs cannot open a Demat and Trading account at Trade smart. It does not provide trading tips, research, and portfolio management services. Detail Review… |
| Special Offers/Promo | Free Account Opening Commodity and Currency Trading at Rs 20/order flat brokerage No demat AMC for the 1st year transfer funds in just 5 minutes Open Instant Account Now | 🔴 Current Promotion from TradeSmart for InvestorGain Visitors: 🆓 Free Account Opening 📭 Zero Demat AMC for the 1st Year 💹 Lowest Brokerage – Flat ₹15 per Order or 0.007% 🚀 Open Instant TradeSmart Account | |
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