Complete brokerage, STT, stamp duty, exchange charges, and MTF margin rates for every stock. Click any stock to see the full charge breakdown across Upstox, Zerodha, Groww & Dhan.
Every stock trade in India involves multiple charges beyond just brokerage: Securities Transaction Tax (STT), exchange transaction charges, GST, SEBI turnover fee, stamp duty, and DP charges. While brokerage is the same for all stocks with discount brokers (₹0 delivery, ₹20 intraday/F&O), MTF margin rates vary significantly per stock - some stocks require only 25% margin while others need 75% or more.
Click on any stock above to see the complete charge breakdown including exact MTF margins across Upstox, Zerodha, Groww & Dhan, real cost examples for ₹1 lakh trades, and which broker is cheapest for that specific stock. Use this alongside our Brokerage Calculator and the MTF Comparison Tool to minimize your trading costs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Brokerage Charges India
Which broker has the lowest brokerage charges in India?
For equity delivery: Zerodha and Dhan still charge ₹0 (free). Upstox charges ₹20/order or 2.5% (whichever lower) on its default plan, and Groww charges ₹20/order or 0.1% (whichever lower) - both moved off free delivery in 2023. Intraday and F&O are ₹20 flat at most discount brokers. MTF interest rates vary: Kotak Neo, Pocketful and Fyers start near ~9.75-10% p.a., Zerodha and Dhan ~12% p.a., Upstox and Groww ~15% p.a. Use Downstox to compare real-time rates across 12 brokers.
What are the hidden charges in stock trading in India?
Beyond brokerage, you pay: STT (Securities Transaction Tax), exchange transaction charges (NSE/BSE), GST (18% on brokerage + transaction charges), SEBI turnover fee (₹10 per crore), stamp duty (state-wise), and DP charges (~₹15.93-₹18.50 per sell transaction depending on broker). These regulatory charges apply equally regardless of which broker you use.
Is zero brokerage really free? What's the catch?
Zero brokerage on equity delivery is genuinely free at Zerodha and Dhan - they earn from other sources like F&O trading, MTF interest, and float income. Upstox and Groww moved away from free delivery in 2023 and now charge ₹20/order on delivery too. Regardless of broker, regulatory charges (STT, GST, exchange fees, stamp duty) still apply. For a ₹1 lakh delivery trade, expect ~₹240-₹340 in total charges depending on broker.
What is STT and how much is it?
Securities Transaction Tax (STT) is a government tax on stock market transactions. Rates: Equity Delivery - 0.1% on both buy and sell sides. Equity Intraday - 0.025% on sell side only. F&O Futures - 0.0125% on sell side. F&O Options - 0.0625% on sell side (on premium). STT is the same across all brokers as it's a government charge.
How do MTF (Margin Trading Facility) charges work?
MTF lets you buy stocks by paying only a fraction (margin) while the broker funds the rest. Charges: interest rate (~12% p.a. on Zerodha and Dhan, ~15% p.a. on Upstox and Groww), pledge charges (₹10-₹30 per scrip), and auto square-off fees if margin drops below minimum. Use Downstox MTF comparison to find the cheapest margin rates for any stock across 12 brokers.
What are DP charges and why do I see them on selling?
Depository Participant (DP) charges are levied when you sell shares from your demat account. CDSL/NSDL charges ₹5.50 per scrip per day, and your broker adds their markup - Zerodha and Dhan charge ~₹15.93 total, Upstox and Groww ~₹18.50. This charge applies per scrip regardless of quantity. Buy-side transactions never attract DP charges.
Upstox vs Zerodha vs Groww vs Dhan - which is cheapest?
For equity delivery: Zerodha and Dhan are cheapest at ₹0 brokerage. Upstox (₹20/order or 2.5%) and Groww (₹20/order or 0.1%) charge for delivery on their default plans. For intraday/F&O: all four charge ₹20/order. MTF rates: Zerodha and Dhan tied at ~12% p.a., Upstox and Groww at ~15% p.a. Account opening is free across all four. Compare stock-by-stock on Downstox for the final answer specific to your trade.
How much tax do I pay on stock market profits?
Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG, <1 year holding): 15% tax. Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG, >1 year): 10% on gains exceeding ₹1 lakh. F&O profits: Taxed as business income at your income tax slab rate. Intraday profits: Taxed as speculative business income. Dividends: Taxed at your slab rate. TDS of 10% on dividends exceeding ₹5,000.