Kotak Securities Vs Zerodha Vs TradeSmart: Which one is better?
Last updated August 22, 2026
This IPO News reference page covers “Kotak Securities Vs Zerodha Vs TradeSmart: Which one is better?”. The page is organized around compare stock brokers side-by-side, compare kotak securities vs zerodha vs tradesmart on service, account opening charges and amc, compare kotak securities vs zerodha 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 Kotak Securities vs Zerodha vs TradeSmart on Service
- Account Opening Charges and AMC
- Compare Kotak Securities vs Zerodha vs TradeSmart on Trading & Demat Account Opening Charges
- About Brokerage Plans
- Compare Kotak Securities vs Zerodha vs TradeSmart on Plan Options
- Account Opening
- Share Broker's Transaction Charges
- Compare Kotak Securities vs Zerodha vs TradeSmart on Transaction Charges
- Account Features
- Compare Kotak Securities vs Zerodha vs TradeSmart on Account Features
- Trading Platform
- Compare Kotak Securities vs Zerodha vs TradeSmart on Trading Platform
- Broker Ratings by Users
- Compare Kotak Securities vs Zerodha vs TradeSmart on User Rating
- Investment Offerings
- Compare Kotak Securities vs Zerodha vs TradeSmart on Investment Offerings
- Margin Trading Facility
- Compare Kotak Securities vs Zerodha vs TradeSmart on MTF
- API
- Compare Kotak Securities vs Zerodha vs TradeSmart on API Details
- Customer Service Offered
- Compare Kotak Securities vs Zerodha vs TradeSmart on Customer Service
- Tips/Research/Reports Published
- Compare Kotak Securities vs Zerodha vs TradeSmart on Research Reports, Tips
- Demat Account
- Compare Kotak Securities vs Zerodha vs TradeSmart on Demat Account
- Special Offers, Advantages, Disadvantages
- Compare Kotak Securities vs Zerodha vs TradeSmart 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.
- Lowest brokerage: Trade at 15 flat brokerage fees.
- Online Direct mutual fund investment at Rs.0 brokerage.
- 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.
- 💹 Flat ₹10 per Trade Brokerage on Intraday & F&O
- 💹 Max ₹20 per Order Brokerage on Intraday, F&O, Commodities & Currency
- 📱 Kite & Coin – #1 Trading Platform & Mobile App
- 💹 Lowest Brokerage – Flat ₹15 per Order or 0.007%
- Last Updated on Wed, May 20, 2026
Data Tables
| Segment | Kotak Securities | Zerodha | TradeSmart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Account Opening Fees | Free | Free | Free |
| Trading AMC | Free | Free | Free |
| Demat Account Opening Fees | Free | Free | Free |
| Demat AMC | Rs 600 PA | Rs 300 PA (Free for 1st year) | Rs 300 PA (Free for 1st year) |
| Provide DP Service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plan Types | Kotak Securities | Zerodha | TradeSmart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Plans | Yes | No | Yes |
| Monthly Plans | No | No | No |
| Yearly Plans | No | No | No |
| Kotak Securities | Zerodha | TradeSmart | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account Opening Request | Link to open account | Link to open account |
| Transaction Charges Compare | Kotak Securities | Zerodha | 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 kotak-securities | Complete Brokerage Plans for zerodha | Complete Brokerage Plans for trade-smart-online |
| Account Features Compare | Kotak Securities | Zerodha | TradeSmart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 in 1 Account | Yes | No | No |
| Charting | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Algo Trading | No | Yes | Yes |
| SMS Alerts | Yes | No | 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 | 3:20 PM | 3:15PM |
| NRI Trading | Yes | Yes | No |
| Other Features | NIL | NIL |
| Trading Platform Compare | Kotak Securities | Zerodha | TradeSmart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Web Trading Detail | https://www.kotaksecurities.com/itrade/user/welcome.exe?action=chk_seckey_stat | Zerodha Kite Web | 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 | Kotak Neo | Zerodha Kite App | TradeSmart 2.0 |
| Mobile Trading App Demo | Kotak Neo | Zerodha Kite App | TradeSmart 2.0 |
| Android Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Android App Download | Android Kotak Neo Download | Android Zerodha Kite App Download | Android TradeSmart 2.0 Download |
| iPhone Mobile App (IOS) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App Download | iOS Kotak Neo Download | iOS Zerodha Kite 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 Kotak Securities | Equity Intraday and Delivery Brokerage Calculator for Zerodha | Equity Intraday and Delivery Brokerage Calculator for TradeSmart |
| Futures Brokerage Calculator | Futures Brokerage Calculator for Kotak Securities | Futures Brokerage Calculator for Zerodha | Futures Brokerage Calculator for TradeSmart |
| Options Brokerage Calculator | Option Brokerage Calculator for Kotak Securities | Option Brokerage Calculator for Zerodha | Option Brokerage Calculator for TradeSmart |
| Detail | Detail on Trading Platforms for Kotak Securities | Detail on Trading Platforms for Zerodha | Detail on Trading Platforms for TradeSmart |
| Kotak Securities | Zerodha | TradeSmart | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 83 Customer reviews Rate | 162 Customer reviews Rate | 35 Customer reviews Rate | |
| Fees Ratings | 2.6 | 4.0 | 3.8 |
| Trading Brokerage Rating | 2.7 | 4.4 | 4.3 |
| Trading Platform Usability | 3.2 | 3.7 | 3.7 |
| Customer Service Ratings | 3.1 | 3.8 | 4.0 |
| Overall Rating | 2.8 | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Broker Rating | Kotak Securities is Rated 2.8 / 5 based on 83 customer reviews | Zerodha is Rated 3.9 / 5 based on 162 customer reviews | TradeSmart is Rated 3.94 / 5 based on 35 customer reviews |
| Investment Offerings Compare | Kotak Securities | Zerodha | 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 | No | 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 | NIL |
| MTF Compare | Kotak Securities | Zerodha | TradeSmart |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTF Leverage | 4-5x leverage on 1500+ stocks | Upto 5x leverage on 1300+ stocks | Up to 4x leverage |
| MTF Interest Rate | 9.69% p.a. | 0.04% per day (14.6% per annum) | 0.049% per day |
| MTF Segment | Equity Delivery | Equity Delivery (NSE) | Equity Delivery |
| MTF Pledge Charges | ₹20 per ISIN | ₹15 per ISIN | ₹12 per scrip |
| MTF Unpledged Charges | ₹20 per ISIN | ₹15 per ISIN | ₹12 per scrip |
| Maximum MTF Funding | ₹20 crore per account | ₹50 crore per account | ₹50 Lakh per account |
| API Compare | Kotak Securities | Zerodha | TradeSmart |
|---|---|---|---|
| API Type | Neo Trade API (Quote, order, positions, reports, etc.) WebSocket API ( real-time data) | Trading API Market Data API (Websocket API) Historical Data API Publisher API | Trading API Market Data API WebSocket API Webhook API Advanced order API |
| API Charges | Free | Kite Connect API: Rs 500 per month Personal: Free | Free |
| Customer Service Compare | Kotak Securities | Zerodha | TradeSmart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Customer Service | No | No | No |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online Live Chat | Yes | No | Yes |
| Phone Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Toll Free Number | Yes | No | No |
| Through Branches | Yes | Yes | No |
| Customer Care Number | 1800 209 9191 | "+ 91 80 4040 2020" | 022 61208000 |
| Account Opening Process | Online | Online/Paperless | Online/Paperless |
| Customer Support Email | [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected] |
| Knowledge Center/Education | https://www.kotaksecurities.com/ksweb/Research/Knowledge-Bank/Investment-Knowlegde-Bank | https://zerodha.com/varsity/ | https://help.tradesmartonline.in/ |
| Head Office Address | 27 BKC, C 27, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai 400051 | Zerodha Headquater#153/154 4th Cross Dollars Colony,Opp. Clarence Public School,J.P Nagar 4th Phase,Bangalore – 560078 | Trade Smart Online, A-401, Mangalya, Marol Maroshi Road, Andheri East, Gamdevi, Marol, Andheri East, Mumbai, MH 400059 |
| Website | https://www.kotaksecurities.com | https://zerodha.com/ | https://tradesmartonline.in/ |
| Kotak Securities | Zerodha | TradeSmart | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Mutual Funds | Yes | No | No |
| Research Equity Reports | Yes | No | No |
| Research ETF | Yes | No | No |
| Daily Market Report | Yes | No | No |
| Free Tips | Yes | No | No |
| Quarterly Result Analysis | Yes | No | No |
| News Alerts | Yes | No | No |
| Kotak Securities | Zerodha | TradeSmart | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP Source | CDSL | CDSL | CDSL |
| DP ID | 25100 | 81600 | 30400 |
| Demat Account Annual Maintenance Charges(AMC) | ₹780 pa | ₹300 pa | ₹300 pa (1st Year Free) |
| Advance Deposit | NA | Nil | NIL |
| Statutory charges | Nil | ₹50 | Nil |
| Transaction Charges on Debit (Per ISIN) | 0.04% (Min ₹27) + CDSL charges | ₹8 + ₹5.50 (CDSL Charges) per transaction | ₹15 |
| Demat | ₹3 per certificate + ₹50 courier charges | ₹150 per certificate + ₹100 courier charges | ₹500 per certificate (Min ₹500 per request) |
| Remat | ₹10 for every hundred securities (Min ₹15) | ₹150 per certificate + ₹100 courier charges + CDSL Charges | ₹500 per certificate (Min ₹500 per request) |
| Pledge Creation | 0.05% of transaction value (Min ₹30) | ₹20 + ₹12 CDSL charges | ₹15 per script |
| Pledge Creation Confirmation | 0.05% of transaction value (Min ₹30) | Nil | Nil |
| Pledge Closure | 0.05% of transaction value (Min ₹30) | ₹20 + ₹12 CDSL charges | ₹15 per script |
| Pledge Closure Confirmation | 0.05% of transaction value (Min ₹30) | Nil | Nil |
| Pledge Invocation | 0.05% of transaction value (Min ₹30) | ₹20 | Nil |
| Failed Instruction Charges | Nil | ₹50 per instraction | Nil |
| Other Charges | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Kotak Securities | Zerodha | TradeSmart | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Likes | 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… | Enjoys a credible brand reputation Multiple products: Equity, F&O, IPO, MF, Bonds, G-secs, Cost-effective trading with flat fee and free investment in stocks, IPO, and mutual funds Hassle-free account opening Single margin account to trade in equity and commodity Zero minimum balance required in the Zerodha trading account Technologically advanced trading platforms and tools at no additional cost Add-on features like GTT order, alert trigger order, trade from charts, etc. Margin Trading Facility (MTF) Debt-free company 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 | 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… | Zerodha does not offer trading tips, research and advisory services. Software glitches in kite happen certain times. Zero brokerage unlimited trading plan is not offered. 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 | 💼 Kotak Securities Trade Free Plan 🆓 Free Account Opening 💹 Flat ₹10 per Trade Brokerage on Intraday & F&O Open Instant Account Now | 🎯 Current Promotion Offer from Zerodha for InvestorGain Visitors: 🆓 Free Account Opening 📈 Free Delivery Trading 💹 Max ₹20 per Order Brokerage on Intraday, F&O, Commodities & Currency 💰 Free Direct Mutual Funds & IPO Investment 📱 Kite & Coin – #1 Trading Platform & Mobile App 🚀 Open Instant Zerodha Account | 🔴 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 |
| Open Kotak Securities Account Now | Open Zerodha Account Now |
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