ICICIDirect Vs TradeSmart Vs Upstox: Which one is better?
Last updated August 26, 2026
This IPO News reference page covers “ICICIDirect Vs TradeSmart Vs Upstox: Which one is better?”. The page is organized around compare stock brokers side-by-side, compare icicidirect vs tradesmart vs upstox on service, account opening charges and amc, compare icicidirect vs tradesmart 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 TradeSmart vs Upstox on Service
- Account Opening Charges and AMC
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Upstox on Trading & Demat Account Opening Charges
- About Brokerage Plans
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Upstox on Plan Options
- Account Opening
- Share Broker's Transaction Charges
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Upstox on Transaction Charges
- Account Features
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Upstox on Account Features
- Trading Platform
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Upstox on Trading Platform
- Broker Ratings by Users
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Upstox on User Rating
- Investment Offerings
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Upstox on Investment Offerings
- Margin Trading Facility
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Upstox on MTF
- API
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Upstox on API Details
- Customer Service Offered
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Upstox on Customer Service
- Tips/Research/Reports Published
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Upstox on Research Reports, Tips
- Demat Account
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart vs Upstox on Demat Account
- Special Offers, Advantages, Disadvantages
- Compare ICICIDirect vs TradeSmart 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.
- Lowest brokerage: Trade at 15 flat brokerage fees.
- Online Direct mutual fund investment at Rs.0 brokerage.
- 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.
- 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
- 💹 Lowest Brokerage – Flat ₹15 per Order or 0.007%
- 💹 Max ₹20 per Order Brokerage on All Trades
- Last Updated on Fri, May 8, 2026
Data Tables
| Segment | ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | 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 300 PA (Free for 1st year) | Rs 300 Per annum (Free for 1st year) |
| Provide DP Service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plan Types | ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | Upstox |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Plans | Yes | Yes | No |
| Monthly Plans | No | No | No |
| Yearly Plans | No | No | No |
| ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | Upstox | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account Opening Request | Link to open account |
| Transaction Charges Compare | ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | 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 trade-smart-online | Complete Brokerage Plans for upstox |
| Account Features Compare | ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | Upstox |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 in 1 Account | Yes | No | Yes |
| Charting | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Algo Trading | No | Yes | Yes |
| SMS Alerts | Yes | No | Yes |
| Online Demo | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online Portfolio | Yes | No | Yes |
| Margin Trading Funding Available | Yes | No | Yes |
| Combined Ledger for Equity and Commodity | No | Yes | Yes |
| Intraday Square-off Time | 3:15PM | 3:15PM | 3:15PM |
| NRI Trading | Yes | No | No |
| Other Features | NIL | NIL | NIL |
| Trading Platform Compare | ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | Upstox |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Web Trading Detail | https://www.icicidirect.com | https://web.tradesmartonline.in/login | 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 | TradeSmart 2.0 | Upstox |
| Mobile Trading App Demo | ICICI direct Mobile | TradeSmart 2.0 | Upstox |
| Android Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Android App Download | Android ICICI direct Mobile Download | Android TradeSmart 2.0 Download | Android Upstox Download |
| iPhone Mobile App (IOS) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App Download | iOS ICICI direct Mobile Download | iOS TradeSmart 2.0 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 TradeSmart | Equity Intraday and Delivery Brokerage Calculator for Upstox |
| Futures Brokerage Calculator | Futures Brokerage Calculator for ICICIDirect | Futures Brokerage Calculator for TradeSmart | Futures Brokerage Calculator for Upstox |
| Options Brokerage Calculator | Option Brokerage Calculator for ICICIDirect | Option Brokerage Calculator for TradeSmart | Option Brokerage Calculator for Upstox |
| Detail | Detail on Trading Platforms for ICICIDirect | Detail on Trading Platforms for TradeSmart | Detail on Trading Platforms for Upstox |
| ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | Upstox | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 267 Customer reviews Rate | 35 Customer reviews Rate | 17 Customer reviews Rate | |
| Fees Ratings | 2.4 | 3.8 | 3.6 |
| Trading Brokerage Rating | 1.8 | 4.3 | 3.5 |
| Trading Platform Usability | 3.3 | 3.7 | 3.5 |
| Customer Service Ratings | 2.9 | 4.0 | 3.3 |
| Overall Rating | 2.5 | 3.9 | 3.4 |
| Broker Rating | ICICIDirect is Rated 2.5 / 5 based on 267 customer reviews | TradeSmart is Rated 3.9 / 5 based on 35 customer reviews | Upstox is Rated 3.35 / 5 based on 17 customer reviews |
| Investment Offerings Compare | ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | 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 | No | No |
| Insurance | Yes | No | No |
| 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 | NPS |
| MTF Compare | ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | Upstox |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTF Leverage | – | Up to 4x leverage | Upto 4x leverage |
| MTF Interest Rate | – | 0.049% per day | ₹20/day for every ₹40,000 – ₹50,000 (Varies by plan) |
| MTF Segment | – | Equity Delivery | Equity Delivery (NSE and BSE) |
| 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 | Maximum MTF Positions upto ₹5 crore with ₹3.75 crore MTF Funding |
| API Compare | ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | Upstox |
|---|---|---|---|
| API Type | – | Trading API Market Data API WebSocket API Webhook API Advanced order API | Market Data API (REST/WebSocket) Historical Data API Trading API (Order |
| API Charges | – | Free | Free |
| Customer Service Compare | ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | 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 | No | No |
| Through Branches | Yes | No | Yes |
| Customer Care Number | 1860 123 1122 | 022 61208000 | +91 22 6130 9999 |
| 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://upstox.com/help-center/ |
| 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 | Upstox Corporate OfficeSunshine Tower,30th Floor,Senapati Bapat Marg,Dadar (W),Mumbai – 400 013 |
| Website | https://www.icicidirect.com | https://tradesmartonline.in/ | https://upstox.com/ |
| ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | Upstox | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Upstox | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP Source | CDSL | CDSL | CDSL |
| DP ID | 14301 | 30400 | 81800 |
| Demat Account Annual Maintenance Charges(AMC) | ₹700 pa | ₹300 pa (1st Year Free) | ₹300 PA |
| 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 | ₹13 + ₹5.50 CDSL charges |
| Demat | ₹50 per set up | ₹500 per certificate (Min ₹500 per request) | ₹20 + ₹50 courier charges |
| Remat | ₹25 for 100 securities upto max fee of Rs 3 lakh, MF Reconversion ₹25 per transaction | ₹500 per certificate (Min ₹500 per request) | ₹100 for every hundred securities or ₹25 per certificate (whichever is higher) |
| Pledge Creation | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | ₹15 per script | 0.02% of the transaction value (Min ₹50) + CDSL charges |
| Pledge Creation Confirmation | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | Nil | 0.02% of the transaction value (Min ₹50) + CDSL charges |
| Pledge Closure | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | ₹15 per script | 0.02% of the transaction value (Min ₹50) + CDSL charges |
| Pledge Closure Confirmation | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | Nil | 0.02% of the transaction value (Min ₹50) + CDSL charges |
| Pledge Invocation | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | Nil | 0.05% of the transaction value (Min ₹50) |
| Failed Instruction Charges | ₹30 per transaction | Nil | ₹50 |
| Other Charges | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| ICICIDirect | TradeSmart | 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… | 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… | 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… | 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… | 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 | 🔴 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 | 🔵 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 Upstox Account Now |
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