Zerodha vs Kotak Securities
A side-by-side comparison of charges, brokerage, segments and ratings — with a free calculator to see which broker is cheaper on a trade of your size.
Bottom line
Both offer free equity delivery, and both charge ₹20 / order (flat) on F&O. Kotak Securities has zero AMC (Zerodha: ₹300 / year). Choose Zerodha for long-term investors & serious traders who want a dependable platform. Choose Kotak Securities for kotak bank customers and young investors wanting a bank-backed broker.
Charges are compiled from each broker's official published rate card and the prevailing NSE / SEBI statutory rates. Figures are indicative and reviewed periodically — always confirm current charges on the broker's own website before opening an account.
Est. 2010 · BengaluruIndia's largest broker by volume — free delivery, rock-solid Kite platform.
Est. 1994 · MumbaiBank-backed broker with the Kotak Neo app — free delivery and zero brokerage for under-30s.
Zerodha vs Kotak Securities — Charges & Features
| Parameter | | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.9/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
| Account opening | ₹200 | ₹0 (free) |
| Maintenance (AMC) | ₹300 / year | ₹0 (Trade Free plan) |
| Equity delivery | ₹0 (free) | ₹0 (free) |
| Equity intraday | ₹20 or 0.03% (lower) | ₹20 or 0.05% (lower) |
| Futures | ₹20 or 0.03% (lower) | ₹20 / order (flat) |
| Options | ₹20 / order (flat) | ₹20 / order (flat) |
| DP charges | ₹13.5 + GST per scrip (sell) | ₹15 + GST per scrip (sell) |
| Margin (intraday) | Up to 5× intraday (MIS) | Up to 5× intraday (MIS) |
| Active clients | ~80 lakh | ~14 lakh |
| Founded | 2010 | 1994 |
| Headquarters | Bengaluru | Mumbai |
| Segments | Equity, F&O, Currency, Commodity, Mutual Funds, IPO | Equity, F&O, Currency, Commodity, Mutual Funds, IPO |
| Platforms | Kite, Console, Coin | Kotak Neo App, Kotak Neo Web, Neo API |
Charges are indicative, compiled from each broker's published rate card (reviewed June 2026), and exclude statutory taxes. Verify current rates on the broker's website.
Brokerage Cost Calculator
Lower cost- Brokerage
- ₹0.00
- STT
- ₹201.00
- Exchange txn
- ₹5.97
- GST
- ₹3.54
- SEBI
- ₹0.20
- Stamp duty
- ₹15.00
- DP charges
- ₹13.50
- Brokerage
- ₹0.00
- STT
- ₹201.00
- Exchange txn
- ₹5.97
- GST
- ₹3.81
- SEBI
- ₹0.20
- Stamp duty
- ₹15.00
- DP charges
- ₹15.00
On this delivery trade, Zerodha is cheaper by ₹1.77 in total charges.
Estimate based on NSE statutory rates (STT, exchange, SEBI, stamp duty & 18% GST) plus each broker's published brokerage. DP charges apply on delivery sells. Actual contract-note charges may vary slightly.
Pros & Cons
- Free equity delivery investing
- Reliable, fast Kite web & mobile platform
- Largest broker — deep liquidity & trust
- Free education via Varsity
- ₹200 account opening charge
- Occasional load during peak volatility
- Support is largely ticket/email based
- Free equity delivery & zero AMC
- Zero brokerage for under-30s (Trade Free Youth)
- Backed by Kotak Mahindra Bank
- Seamless bank + broking integration
- ₹10/order pricing needs the Trade Free Max plan
- App heavier than a pure discount broker
- Cross-selling of bank products
FAQs
Zerodha vs Kotak Securities — FAQs
For information only — not investment advice or a recommendation of any broker. OptionX is broker-neutral. Charges are indicative; confirm current rates with the broker before opening an account.
Broker-neutral · Free terminal
Whichever Broker You Choose, Trade Smarter on OptionX
Keep your existing broker — OptionX plugs into Zerodha, Upstox, Dhan, Angel One and 20+ others, adding a live options chain with OI heatmaps, single-click execution and ₹5 Cr of paper-trading funds. All free.