ICICIDirect Vs Kotak Securities Vs Upstox: Which one is better?
Last updated August 26, 2026
This IPO News reference page covers “ICICIDirect Vs Kotak Securities Vs Upstox: Which one is better?”. The page is organized around compare stock brokers side-by-side, compare icicidirect vs kotak securities vs upstox on service, account opening charges and amc, compare icicidirect vs kotak securities vs upstox 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 Kotak Securities vs Upstox on Service
- Account Opening Charges and AMC
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Kotak Securities vs Upstox on Trading & Demat Account Opening Charges
- About Brokerage Plans
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Kotak Securities vs Upstox on Plan Options
- Account Opening
- Share Broker's Transaction Charges
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Kotak Securities vs Upstox on Transaction Charges
- Account Features
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Kotak Securities vs Upstox on Account Features
- Trading Platform
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Kotak Securities vs Upstox on Trading Platform
- Broker Ratings by Users
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Kotak Securities vs Upstox on User Rating
- Investment Offerings
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Kotak Securities vs Upstox on Investment Offerings
- Margin Trading Facility
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Kotak Securities vs Upstox on MTF
- API
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Kotak Securities vs Upstox on API Details
- Customer Service Offered
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Kotak Securities vs Upstox on Customer Service
- Tips/Research/Reports Published
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Kotak Securities vs Upstox on Research Reports, Tips
- Demat Account
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Kotak Securities vs Upstox on Demat Account
- Special Offers, Advantages, Disadvantages
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Kotak Securities vs Upstox on Special Offers and Promotion
- Ready to start trading?
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.
- Invest across segments under one roof – Stocks (NSE/BSE), F&O, commodity, IPOs, mutual funds, NPS
- 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.
- Its Trade free youth plan is only available for upto 30 years of age and that too is valid for 2 years only.
- High brokerage in dealer-assisted plan (Delivery: 0.39%, Equity and commodity options: Rs 39 per lot)
- Delivery trading is not free as charged with 0.25% brokerage.
- High call and trade and auto-square off charges = Rs 75 per order
- Commodity and Currency Trading at Rs 20/order flat brokerage
- transfer funds in just 5 minutes
- 💹 Flat ₹10 per Trade Brokerage on Intraday & F&O
- 💹 Max ₹20 per Order Brokerage on All Trades
- Last Updated on Fri, May 8, 2026
Data Tables
| Segment | ICICIDirect | Kotak Securities | Upstox |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Account Opening Fees | Free | Free | Promotion offer: Free |
| Trading AMC | Free | Free | Free |
| Demat Account Opening Fees | Free | Free | Free |
| Demat AMC | Rs 700 p.a. [Free for 1st year] | Rs 600 PA | Rs 300 Per annum (Free for 1st year) |
| Provide DP Service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plan Types | ICICIDirect | Kotak Securities | Upstox |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Plans | Yes | Yes | No |
| Monthly Plans | No | No | No |
| Yearly Plans | No | No | No |
| ICICIDirect | Kotak Securities | Upstox | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account Opening Request | Link to open account | Link to open account |
| Transaction Charges Compare | ICICIDirect | Kotak Securities | Upstox |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 kotak-securities | Complete Brokerage Plans for upstox |
| Account Features Compare | ICICIDirect | Kotak Securities | Upstox |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 in 1 Account | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Charting | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Algo Trading | No | No | Yes |
| SMS Alerts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online Demo | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online Portfolio | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Margin Trading Funding Available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Combined Ledger for Equity and Commodity | No | No | Yes |
| Intraday Square-off Time | 3:15PM | 3:15PM | 3:15PM |
| NRI Trading | Yes | Yes | No |
| Other Features | NIL | NIL |
| Trading Platform Compare | ICICIDirect | Kotak Securities | Upstox |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Web Trading Detail | https://www.icicidirect.com | https://www.kotaksecurities.com/itrade/user/welcome.exe?action=chk_seckey_stat | https://pro.upstox.com/ |
| Web Trading Demo | Web Trading Demo | Web Trading Demo | Web Trading Demo |
| Mobile Trading | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading App | ICICI direct Mobile | Kotak Neo | Upstox |
| Mobile Trading App Demo | ICICI direct Mobile | Kotak Neo | Upstox |
| Android Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Android App Download | Android ICICI direct Mobile Download | Android Kotak Neo Download | Android Upstox Download |
| iPhone Mobile App (IOS) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App Download | iOS ICICI direct Mobile Download | iOS Kotak Neo Download | iOS Upstox 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 Kotak Securities | Equity Intraday and Delivery Brokerage Calculator for Upstox |
| Futures Brokerage Calculator | Futures Brokerage Calculator for ICICIDirect | Futures Brokerage Calculator for Kotak Securities | Futures Brokerage Calculator for Upstox |
| Options Brokerage Calculator | Option Brokerage Calculator for ICICIDirect | Option Brokerage Calculator for Kotak Securities | Option Brokerage Calculator for Upstox |
| Detail | Detail on Trading Platforms for ICICIDirect | Detail on Trading Platforms for Kotak Securities | Detail on Trading Platforms for Upstox |
| ICICIDirect | Kotak Securities | Upstox | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 267 Customer reviews Rate | 83 Customer reviews Rate | 17 Customer reviews Rate | |
| Fees Ratings | 2.4 | 2.6 | 3.6 |
| Trading Brokerage Rating | 1.8 | 2.7 | 3.5 |
| Trading Platform Usability | 3.3 | 3.2 | 3.5 |
| Customer Service Ratings | 2.9 | 3.1 | 3.3 |
| Overall Rating | 2.5 | 2.8 | 3.4 |
| Broker Rating | ICICIDirect is Rated 2.5 / 5 based on 267 customer reviews | Kotak Securities is Rated 2.8 / 5 based on 83 customer reviews | Upstox is Rated 3.35 / 5 based on 17 customer reviews |
| Investment Offerings Compare | ICICIDirect | Kotak Securities | Upstox |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No |
| ETF | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Banking | Yes | Yes | No |
| Insurance | Yes | Yes | No |
| Forex | No | No | No |
| MF SIP Investment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Equity SIP Investment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PMS Service | Yes | Yes | No |
| Other Investment Options | NIL | NIL | NPS |
| MTF Compare | ICICIDirect | Kotak Securities | Upstox |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTF Leverage | – | 4-5x leverage on 1500+ stocks | Upto 4x leverage |
| MTF Interest Rate | – | 9.69% p.a. | ₹20/day for every ₹40,000 – ₹50,000 (Varies by plan) |
| MTF Segment | – | Equity Delivery | Equity Delivery (NSE and BSE) |
| MTF Pledge Charges | – | ₹20 per ISIN | ₹20 per ISIN |
| MTF Unpledged Charges | – | ₹20 per ISIN | ₹20 per ISIN |
| Maximum MTF Funding | – | ₹20 crore per account | Maximum MTF Positions upto ₹5 crore with ₹3.75 crore MTF Funding |
| API Compare | ICICIDirect | Kotak Securities | Upstox |
|---|---|---|---|
| API Type | – | Neo Trade API (Quote, order, positions, reports, etc.) WebSocket API ( real-time data) | Market Data API (REST/WebSocket) Historical Data API Trading API (Order |
| API Charges | – | Free | Free |
| Customer Service Compare | ICICIDirect | Kotak Securities | Upstox |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Customer Service | No | No | No |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online Live Chat | No | Yes | Yes |
| Phone Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Toll Free Number | No | Yes | No |
| Through Branches | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Care Number | 1860 123 1122 | 1800 209 9191 | +91 22 6130 9999 |
| 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://www.kotaksecurities.com/ksweb/Research/Knowledge-Bank/Investment-Knowlegde-Bank | https://upstox.com/help-center/ |
| Head Office Address | ICICI Centre,H.T. Parekh Marg,Churchgate,Mumbai – 400020 | 27 BKC, C 27, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai 400051 | Upstox Corporate OfficeSunshine Tower,30th Floor,Senapati Bapat Marg,Dadar (W),Mumbai – 400 013 |
| Website | https://www.icicidirect.com | https://www.kotaksecurities.com | https://upstox.com/ |
| ICICIDirect | Kotak Securities | Upstox | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Kotak Securities | Upstox | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP Source | CDSL | CDSL | CDSL |
| DP ID | 14301 | 25100 | 81800 |
| Demat Account Annual Maintenance Charges(AMC) | ₹700 pa | ₹780 pa | ₹300 PA |
| Advance Deposit | Rs. 7500/- , If the client is not having ICICI BANK Account | NA | 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 ₹27) + CDSL charges | ₹13 + ₹5.50 CDSL charges |
| Demat | ₹50 per set up | ₹3 per certificate + ₹50 courier charges | ₹20 + ₹50 courier charges |
| Remat | ₹25 for 100 securities upto max fee of Rs 3 lakh, MF Reconversion ₹25 per transaction | ₹10 for every hundred securities (Min ₹15) | ₹100 for every hundred securities or ₹25 per certificate (whichever is higher) |
| Pledge Creation | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | 0.05% of transaction value (Min ₹30) | 0.02% of the transaction value (Min ₹50) + CDSL charges |
| Pledge Creation Confirmation | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | 0.05% of transaction value (Min ₹30) | 0.02% of the transaction value (Min ₹50) + CDSL charges |
| Pledge Closure | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | 0.05% of transaction value (Min ₹30) | 0.02% of the transaction value (Min ₹50) + CDSL charges |
| Pledge Closure Confirmation | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | 0.05% of transaction value (Min ₹30) | 0.02% of the transaction value (Min ₹50) + CDSL charges |
| Pledge Invocation | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | 0.05% of transaction value (Min ₹30) | 0.05% of the transaction value (Min ₹50) |
| Failed Instruction Charges | ₹30 per transaction | Nil | ₹50 |
| Other Charges | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| ICICIDirect | Kotak Securities | Upstox | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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… | Wide range of products from equity to F&O, IPO, debt, mutual funds, SGBs, etc. Minimal account opening charges No brokerage intraday trading Low-cost brokerage trading Multiple platforms to trade on web, app, and desktop StockCase: Experts recommended basket of stocks Tools like equity screeners, TradingView charts, and Payoff analyzer BNST: Buy Now Sell Tomorrow order Bracket order, cover order, GTT, and aftermarket order Intraday trading tips, short-term and long-term calls, derivative calls, equity investment ideas, and quarterly research reports from experts are available. Margin trading facility (MTF) with dealer assisted trading Kotak Traders Academy for beginners Detail Review… | Invest across segments under one roof – Stocks (NSE/BSE), F&O, commodity, IPOs, mutual funds, NPS Competitive and transparent brokerage charges along with free account opening services. Advanced trading platforms, suitable for both new investors and professional traders. Easy and paperless account opening with basic KYC documents required Charting, host of analytical tools, real-time market alerts, and fast order execution for speed and reliability 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… | Its Trade free youth plan is only available for upto 30 years of age and that too is valid for 2 years only. High brokerage in dealer-assisted plan (Delivery: 0.39%, Equity and commodity options: Rs 39 per lot) Delivery trading is not free as charged with 0.25% brokerage. Detail Review… | Delivery trading is not free, check free equity delivery brokers. NRI Trading not available, Check best NRI brokers. No intraday trading tips, investment recommendations, research, and advisory services. Some users reported technical glitches and bugs certain times. High call and trade and auto-square off charges = Rs 75 per order 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 | 💼 Kotak Securities Trade Free Plan 🆓 Free Account Opening 💹 Flat ₹10 per Trade Brokerage on Intraday & F&O Open Instant Account Now | 🔵 Current Offer from Upstox for InvestorGain Visitors: 🆓 Free Upstox Demat & Trading Account 📭 No AMC for the 1st Year 💹 Max ₹20 per Order Brokerage on All Trades 🌱 Free Mutual Funds & IPO Investment 🚀 Open Instant Free Upstox Account Now! |
| Open Kotak Securities Account Now | Open Upstox Account Now |
Source record: View original public source ↗