ICICIDirect Vs TradeSmart Vs Paytm Money: Which one is better?
Last updated August 26, 2026
This IPO News reference page covers “ICICIDirect Vs TradeSmart Vs Paytm Money: Which one is better?”. The page is organized around compare stock brokers side-by-side, compare icicidirect vs tradesmart vs paytm money on service, account opening charges and amc, compare icicidirect vs tradesmart vs paytm money 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 TradeSmart vs Paytm Money on Service
- Account Opening Charges and AMC
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Paytm Money on Trading & Demat Account Opening Charges
- About Brokerage Plans
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Paytm Money on Plan Options
- Account Opening
- Share Broker's Transaction Charges
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Paytm Money on Transaction Charges
- Account Features
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Paytm Money on Account Features
- Trading Platform
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Paytm Money on Trading Platform
- Broker Ratings by Users
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Paytm Money on User Rating
- Investment Offerings
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Paytm Money on Investment Offerings
- Margin Trading Facility
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Paytm Money on MTF
- API
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Paytm Money on API Details
- Customer Service Offered
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Paytm Money on Customer Service
- Tips/Research/Reports Published
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Paytm Money on Research Reports, Tips
- Demat Account
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Paytm Money on Demat Account
- Special Offers, Advantages, Disadvantages
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Paytm Money 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.
- Lowest brokerage: Trade at 15 flat brokerage fees.
- Online Direct mutual fund investment at Rs.0 brokerage.
- 100% paperless KYC process
- Transparent pricing model of Rs 20 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.
- No 3-in-1 account opening facility.
- Does not offer Rs 0 brokerage unlimited monthly trading plans.
- 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%
- Max Rs. 20 per order brokerage on intraday, delivery, and equity derivatives trading
- Last Updated on Fri, May 8, 2026
Data Tables
| Segment | ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | Paytm Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 300 PA (Free for 1st year) | Free |
| Provide DP Service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plan Types | ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | Paytm Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Plans | Yes | Yes | No |
| Monthly Plans | No | No | No |
| Yearly Plans | No | No | No |
| ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | Paytm Money | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account Opening Request |
| Transaction Charges Compare | ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | Paytm Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 trade-smart-online | Complete Brokerage Plans for paytm-money |
| Account Features Compare | ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | Paytm Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 in 1 Account | Yes | No | No |
| Charting | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Algo Trading | No | Yes | No |
| SMS Alerts | Yes | No | No |
| Online Demo | Yes | Yes | No |
| Online Portfolio | Yes | No | Yes |
| Margin Trading Funding Available | Yes | No | No |
| Combined Ledger for Equity and Commodity | No | Yes | No |
| Intraday Square-off Time | 3:15PM | 3:15PM | 3:10 PM |
| NRI Trading | Yes | No | No |
| Other Features | NIL | NIL | NIL |
| Trading Platform Compare | ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | Paytm Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Web Trading Detail | https://www.icicidirect.com | https://web.tradesmartonline.in/login | Paytm Money Web |
| Web Trading Demo | Web Trading Demo | Web Trading Demo | Web Trading Demo |
| Mobile Trading | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading App | ICICI direct Mobile | TradeSmart 2.0 | Paytm Money App |
| Mobile Trading App Demo | ICICI direct Mobile | TradeSmart 2.0 | Paytm Money App |
| Android Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Android App Download | Android ICICI direct Mobile Download | Android TradeSmart 2.0 Download | Android Paytm Money App Download |
| iPhone Mobile App (IOS) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App Download | iOS ICICI direct Mobile Download | iOS TradeSmart 2.0 Download | iOS Paytm Money App Download |
| Android Tablet App | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| iPad App (IOS) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Software Charges | Free | Free | Rs. 30 per month |
| Equity Brokerage Calculator | Equity Intraday and Delivery Brokerage Calculator for ICICIDirect | Equity Intraday and Delivery Brokerage Calculator for TradeSmart | Equity Intraday and Delivery Brokerage Calculator for Paytm Money |
| Futures Brokerage Calculator | Futures Brokerage Calculator for ICICIDirect | Futures Brokerage Calculator for TradeSmart | Futures Brokerage Calculator for Paytm Money |
| Options Brokerage Calculator | Option Brokerage Calculator for ICICIDirect | Option Brokerage Calculator for TradeSmart | Option Brokerage Calculator for Paytm Money |
| Detail | Detail on Trading Platforms for ICICIDirect | Detail on Trading Platforms for TradeSmart | Detail on Trading Platforms for Paytm Money |
| ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | Paytm Money | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 267 Customer reviews Rate | 35 Customer reviews Rate | 20 Customer reviews Rate | |
| Fees Ratings | 2.4 | 3.8 | 1.0 |
| Trading Brokerage Rating | 1.8 | 4.3 | 1.3 |
| Trading Platform Usability | 3.3 | 3.7 | 1.0 |
| Customer Service Ratings | 2.9 | 4.0 | 0.8 |
| Overall Rating | 2.5 | 3.9 | 0.9 |
| Broker Rating | ICICIDirect is Rated 2.5 / 5 based on 267 customer reviews | TradeSmart is Rated 3.9 / 5 based on 35 customer reviews | Paytm Money is Rated 0.95 / 5 based on 20 customer reviews |
| Investment Offerings Compare | ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | Paytm Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity Cash and F&O | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Currency Derivatives | Yes | Yes | No |
| Commodity | Yes | Yes | No |
| Online IPO Application | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mutual Funds | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bonds / NCD | Yes | Yes | No |
| ETF | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Banking | Yes | No | No |
| Insurance | Yes | No | Yes |
| Forex | No | No | No |
| MF SIP Investment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Equity SIP Investment | Yes | No | Yes |
| PMS Service | Yes | No | No |
| Other Investment Options | NIL | NIL |
| MTF Compare | ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | Paytm Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTF Leverage | – | Up to 4x leverage | Up to 4X buying power on 1200+ stocks |
| MTF Interest Rate | – | 0.049% per day | 7.99% – 9.99% per annum |
| MTF Segment | – | Equity Delivery | Equity Delivery |
| MTF Pledge Charges | – | ₹12 per scrip | ₹20 per ISIN |
| MTF Unpledged Charges | – | ₹12 per scrip | ₹20 per ISIN |
| Maximum MTF Funding | – | ₹50 Lakh per account | Up to ₹5 crore |
| API Compare | ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | Paytm Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| API Type | – | Trading API Market Data API WebSocket API Webhook API Advanced order API | Trading API Live Market Data API |
| API Charges | – | Free | Free |
| Customer Service Compare | ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | Paytm Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Customer Service | No | No | No |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online Live Chat | No | Yes | No |
| Phone Support | Yes | Yes | No |
| Toll Free Number | No | No | No |
| Through Branches | Yes | No | No |
| Customer Care Number | 1860 123 1122 | 022 61208000 | NA |
| Account Opening Process | Online | Online/Paperless | Online/Paperless |
| Customer Support Email | [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected] |
| Knowledge Center/Education | https://www.icicidirect.com/knowledge-center | https://help.tradesmartonline.in/ | https://www.paytmmoney.com/care |
| Head Office Address | ICICI Centre,H.T. Parekh Marg,Churchgate,Mumbai – 400020 | Trade Smart Online, A-401, Mangalya, Marol Maroshi Road, Andheri East, Gamdevi, Marol, Andheri East, Mumbai, MH 400059 | Paytm Money Stock Broking Essae Vaishnavi Summit Ground Floor, Koramangla, 80 Feet Road, Bengaluru – 560034 |
| Website | https://www.icicidirect.com | https://tradesmartonline.in/ | https://www.paytmmoney.com/ |
| ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | Paytm Money | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | Paytm Money | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP Source | CDSL | CDSL | CDSL |
| DP ID | 14301 | 30400 | 88800 |
| Demat Account Annual Maintenance Charges(AMC) | ₹700 pa | ₹300 pa (1st Year Free) | Zero |
| Advance Deposit | Rs. 7500/- , If the client is not having ICICI BANK Account | NIL | Nil |
| Statutory charges | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Transaction Charges on Debit (Per ISIN) | 0.04% (Min ₹30 and Max ₹25,000) + ₹5.50 (CDSL Charges) | ₹15 | ₹10 per ISIN |
| Demat | ₹50 per set up | ₹500 per certificate (Min ₹500 per request) | ₹250 per 100 shares |
| Remat | ₹25 for 100 securities upto max fee of Rs 3 lakh, MF Reconversion ₹25 per transaction | ₹500 per certificate (Min ₹500 per request) | ₹250 per 100 shares |
| Pledge Creation | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | ₹15 per script | ₹32 per ISIN |
| Pledge Creation Confirmation | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | Nil | Nil |
| Pledge Closure | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | ₹15 per script | ₹32 per ISIN |
| Pledge Closure Confirmation | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | Nil | Nil |
| Pledge Invocation | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | Nil | ₹32 per ISIN |
| Failed Instruction Charges | ₹30 per transaction | Nil | Nil |
| Other Charges | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | Paytm Money | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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… | 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… | 100% paperless KYC process No annual maintenance charges on Demat Account Free account opening at no cost Brokerage-free investment in direct mutual funds Transparent pricing model of Rs 20 brokerage One-tap investment in IPO User-friendly platforms with ease of investment Swift and secure UPI payment Bracket order, cover order, GTT order, and OCO order 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… | 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… | No commodity and currency trading Does not offer NRI trading No 3-in-1 account opening facility. Does not offer Rs 0 brokerage unlimited monthly trading plans. Delivery trading is not free No trading terminal offered No branch or customer support High call & trade charge 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 | Max Rs. 20 per order brokerage on intraday, delivery, and equity derivatives trading Lifetime Zero Demat AMC A/c Free direct mutual fund investment Open Instant Paytm Money Account Now! |
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