The comparison between Anand Rathi, Axis Direct, and ICICI Direct highlights the major differences in their services and features, including overall ratings, brokerage charges, trading platforms, investment offerings, and customer service quality. Anand Rathi is known for its user-friendly trading experience and reliability, while Axis Direct stands out for offering competitive brokerage rates and an advanced mobile trading platform. Icici Direct provides an excellent balance of technology, research tools, and responsive customer support. In terms of active clients, the brokers report approximately 149,849, 4.4 lakh, and 99 Lakhs users respectively, reflecting their popularity among investors. Overall, this comparison of Anand Rathi, Axis Direct, and ICICI Direct helps traders and investors choose the most suitable broker based on features, pricing, and platform performance.
Services / Features
The services/features comparison between Anand Rathi, Axis Direct, and ICICI Direct reveals significant differences in their offerings. Anand Rathi provides 4 for Overall Rating, while Axis Direct offers 4 and ICICI Direct features 4.
| Services / Features | Anand Rathi | Axis Direct | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Brokerage Charges | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Trading Platform | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Investments Offering | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Customer Service | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Broker Type | Full Service Broker | Full Service Broker | Full Service Broker |
| Exchanges Supported | NSE, BSE, MCX | NSE, BSE, MCX | NSE, BSE |
| Active Clients | 149,849 | 4.4 lakh | 99 Lakhs |
| Broker Overview | Anand Rathi Review | Axis Direct Review | ICICI Direct Review |
Account Opening Charges and AMC
The account opening charges and AMC comparison between Anand Rathi, Axis Direct, and ICICI Direct reveal significant differences in their offerings. Anand Rathi provides N/A trading and demat account opening, while Axis Direct offers Free and ICICI Direct features N/A.
| Account Opening Charges and AMC | Anand Rathi | Axis Direct | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Account Opening | — | Free | — |
| Trading AMC | — | ₹ 790 | ₹300 per year |
| Demat Account Opening | — | Zero | — |
| Demat AMC | — | ₹ 790 | ₹300 per year |
| Provide DP Service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Brokerage Plans
The brokerage plans comparison between Anand Rathi, Axis Direct, and ICICI Direct reveals significant differences in their offerings. Anand Rathi provides - plans, while Axis Direct offers - and ICICI Direct features N/A.
| Brokerage Plans | Anand Rathi | Axis Direct | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Plans | - | - | — |
| Monthly Plans | - | - | — |
| Yearly Plans | - | - | — |
Brokerage Charges
This comparison between Anand Rathi, Axis Direct, and ICICI Direct reveals significant differences in their brokerage charges. Anand Rathi charges 0.20% brokerage on equity delivery and intraday, 0.02% for futures, and Rs 50 per lot for options. Axis Direct charges N/A brokerage on equity delivery and intraday, N/A for futures, and N/A for options. ICICI Direct charges 0.29% brokerage on equity delivery and intraday, 0.022%/0.007% for Prime plans for futures, and ₹49 per lot or ₹9 per lot for the Prime 9,999 plan for options.
| Brokerage Charges | Anand Rathi | Axis Direct | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan Name | - | - | |
| Equity Delivery | 0.20% | 0.29% | |
| Equity Intraday | 0.02% | 0.022% or 0.007% | |
| Equity Futures | 0.02% | 0.022%/0.007% for Prime plans | |
| Equity Options | Rs 50 per lot | ₹49 per lot or ₹9 per lot for the Prime 9,999 plan | |
| Currency Futures | 0.02% | ₹20 per order | |
| Currency Options | Rs 20 per lot | ₹20 per order | |
| Commodity Futures | 0.02% | ||
| Commodity Options | Rs 100 per lot | ||
| Hidden Charges | No | No | Zero |
| Call & Trade Charges | 50 + GST | ₹20 | ₹50 per order |
| Auto Square Off Charges | 50 + GST | ₹20 per lot | ₹50 per order |
| Brokerage Calculator |
Transactions Charges
This comparison between Anand Rathi, Axis Direct, and ICICI Direct reveals significant differences in their transactions. Anand Rathi provides NSE Rs 297 per Cr (0.00297%) | BSE Rs 375 per Cr (0.00375%) (sell side) for Transaction Charges Equity Delivery, while Axis Direct offers NSE Rs 297 per Cr (0.00297%) | BSE Rs 375 per Cr (0.00375%) (sell side) and ICICI Direct features NSE: 0.00307% | BSE: 0.00375%.
| Transactions Charges | Anand Rathi | Axis Direct | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | NSE Rs 297 per Cr (0.00297%) | BSE Rs 375 per Cr (0.00375%) (sell side) | NSE Rs 297 per Cr (0.00297%) | BSE Rs 375 per Cr (0.00375%) (sell side) | NSE: 0.00307% | BSE: 0.00375% |
| Equity Intraday | NSE Rs 297 per Cr (0.00297%) | BSE Rs 375 per Cr (0.00375%) (sell side) | NSE Rs 297 per Cr (0.00297%) | BSE Rs 375 per Cr (0.00375%) (sell side) | NSE: 0.00307% | BSE: 0.00375% |
| Equity Futures | NSE Rs 173 per Cr (0.00173%) | BSE Rs 0 | NSE Rs 173 per Cr (0.00173%) | BSE Rs 0 | NSE: 0.00183% | BSE: 0 |
| Equity Options | NSE Rs 3503 per Cr (0.03503%) | BSE Rs 325 per Cr (0.00325%) | NSE Rs 3503 per Cr (0.03503%) | BSE Rs 325 per Cr (0.00325%) (on premium) | NSE: 0.03553% (on premium) | BSE: 0.0325% (on premium) |
| Currency Futures | NSE Rs 35 per Cr (0.00035%) | BSE Rs 45 per Cr (0.00045%) | NSE Rs 35 per Cr (0.00035%) | BSE Rs 45 per Cr (0.00045%) | — |
| Currency Options | NSE Rs 3110 per Cr (0.0311%) | BSE Rs 100 per Cr (0.001%) (on premium) | NSE Rs 3110 per Cr (0.0311%) | BSE Rs 100 per Cr (0.001%) (on premium) | — |
| Commodity | — | — | 0.0418% on Premium |
Account Features
These are the notable distinctions in the account features of Anand Rathi, Axis Direct, and ICICI Direct when compared.
| Account Features | Anand Rathi | Axis Direct | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-in-1 Account | No | Yes | Yes |
| Charting | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Algo Trading | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SMS Alerts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online Demo | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online Portfolio | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Margin Trading Funding Available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Combined Ledger for Equity and Commodity | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Intraday Square-off Time | 3:20 PM | 3:20 PM | 3:20 PM |
| NRI Trading | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Trading Platforms
The trading platforms comparison between Anand Rathi, Axis Direct, and ICICI Direct reveals significant differences in their offerings. Anand Rathi, Axis Direct and ICICI Direct provide web trading platforms and mobile trading platforms.
| Trading Platforms | Anand Rathi | Axis Direct | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Web Trading Detail | Anand Rathi | Axis Direct | ICICI Direct |
| Mobile Trading | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading App | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Android Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Android App Download | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone Mobile App (iOS) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App Download | Download | Download | |
| Android Tablet App | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| iPad App (iOS) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Software Charges | Nil | Nil | Nil |
Broker Ratings
The broker ratings comparison between Anand Rathi, Axis Direct, and ICICI Direct reveals significant differences in their offerings. Anand Rathi provides 4.2 for Fees Ratings, while Axis Direct offers 4.2 and ICICI Direct features 4.3.
| Broker Ratings | Anand Rathi | Axis Direct | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fees Ratings | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.3 |
| Trading Brokerage Rating | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.4 |
| Trading Platform Usability | 4 | 4.2 | 4.4 |
| Customer Service Ratings | 3.9 | 4.1 | 4.3 |
| Overall Ratings | 4 | 4.2 | 4.3 |
Investment Offerings
This comparison between Anand Rathi, Axis Direct, and ICICI Direct reveals significant differences in their investment offerings. Anand Rathi provides investment offerings in Yes, mutual funds and offers trades in currency and commodities, while Axis Direct provides investment offerings in Yes, mutual funds and offers trades in currency and commodities and ICICI Direct provides investment offerings in Yes, mutual funds and offers trades in currency and commodities.
| Investment Offerings | Anand Rathi | Axis Direct | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Bond / NCD | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ETF | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Banking | No | Yes | Yes |
| Insurance | No | Yes | Yes |
| Forex | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MF SIP Investment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Equity SIP Investment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PMS Service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Other Investment Options | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Customer Support
The comparison between Anand Rathi, Axis Direct, and ICICI Direct reveals significant differences in their Customer Support. Anand Rathi provides No, while Axis Direct offers Yes and ICICI Direct features Yes.
| Customer Support | Anand Rathi | Axis Direct | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Customer Service | No | Yes | Yes |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online Live Chat | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Phone Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Toll Free Number | 1800 420 1004 | Yes | — |
| Through Branches | Yes | Yes | — |
| Customer Care Number | 0291 666 1001 | 022-40508080 | 022 3355 1122 |
| Account Opening Process | Online/Offline | Online/Offline | Online/Offline |
| Customer Support Email | [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected] |
| Knowledge Center / Education | — | https://simplehai.axisdirect.in/learn/overview | — |
| Head Office Address | Express Zone A Wing 10th Floor, Western Express Highway, Goregaon East, Mumbai – 400063 | Unit 002 A, Building – A, Agastya Corporate Park, Piramal Realty, Kamani Junction, Kurla West, Mumbai – 400 070 | ICICI Venture House, |
| Website | https://anandrathi.com/ | https://simplehai.axisdirect.in/ | https://www.icicidirect.com/ |
Research and Reports
The research and reports comparison between Anand Rathi, Axis Direct, and ICICI Direct reveals significant differences in their offerings.
| Research and Reports | Anand Rathi | Axis Direct | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Mutual Funds | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Research Equity Reports | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Research ETF | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Daily Market Report | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free Tips | No | No | No |
| Quarterly Result Analysis | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| News Alerts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Demat Account Charges
This comparison between Anand Rathi, Axis Direct, and ICICI Direct reveals significant differences in their demat account charges. Anand Rathi provides CDSL & NSDL for DP Source, while Axis Direct offers CDSL & NSDL and ICICI Direct features NSDL & CDSL.
| Demat Account Charges | Anand Rathi | Axis Direct | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP Source | CDSL & NSDL | CDSL & NSDL | NSDL & CDSL |
| DP ID | 437-2019 | NSDL - 300484 | CDSL - 12049200 | — |
| Demat Account Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) | — | Rs 750 per year | Rs 700 |
| Advance Deposit | No | No | No |
| Transaction Charges on Debit (Per ISIN) | Rs 15 Per ISIN [For POA clients]; Rs 25 Per ISIN [For Non POA clients] | — | — |
| Demat | Rs 3 per certificate + Rs 35 per request | Rs 5 per certificate subject to minimum of Rs 50 per request, whichever is higher | ₹50 |
| Remat | Rs 15 for every 100 securities or a Flat fee of Rs 15 per certificate | Rs 20 for every 100 securities or part thereof or Rs 50 per request whichever is higher | ₹25 + CDSL charges |
| Pledge Creation | 0.01% of value or min Rs 50 per request | Rs 50 per instruction | ₹25 + GST |
| Pledge Creation Confirmation | Nil | Nil | ₹25 + GST |
| Pledge Closure | 0.01% of value or min Rs 50 per request | Rs 50 per instruction | ₹25 + GST |
| Pledge Closure Confirmation | Nil | Nil | ₹25 + GST |
| Pledge Invocation | 0.01% of value or min Rs 50 per request | Rs 50 per instruction | ₹25 + GST |
| Failed Instruction Charges | Rs 25 per Instruction | Rs 10 per Instruction | NA |
| Other Charges | — | — | NA |
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Broker | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Anand Rathi |
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| Axis Direct |
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| ICICI Direct |
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User Experience: Buying Stocks
Anand Rathi – User Trading Experience
Account Opening Experience: Account opening is fully online with digital KYC, typically activated within 1–3 working days.
Platform & Order Execution: The platform rating is 4/5. Mobile trading app ensures real-time order execution and portfolio tracking.
Brokerage Transparency: Intraday brokerage is 0.02%, and charges are shown before order confirmation.
Advanced Features: Supports algorithmic trading for strategy-based investors. Margin trading facility increases buying power.
Research & IPO: Provides equity research reports. Supports online IPO applications.
Customer Support: Customer service rating is 3.9/5.
Market Presence: Around 149,849 active clients use this broker.
Axis Direct – User Trading Experience
Account Opening Experience: Users benefit from a 3-in-1 integrated banking setup, making fund transfers seamless.
Platform & Order Execution: The platform rating is 4/5. Mobile trading app ensures real-time order execution and portfolio tracking.
Brokerage Transparency: Intraday brokerage is competitive, and charges are shown before order confirmation.
Advanced Features: Supports algorithmic trading for strategy-based investors. Margin trading facility increases buying power.
Research & IPO: Provides equity research reports. Supports online IPO applications.
Customer Support: Customer service rating is 4.1/5.
Market Presence: Around 4.4 lakh active clients use this broker.
ICICI Direct – User Trading Experience
Account Opening Experience: Users benefit from a 3-in-1 integrated banking setup, making fund transfers seamless.
Platform & Order Execution: The platform rating is 4/5. Mobile trading app ensures real-time order execution and portfolio tracking.
Brokerage Transparency: Intraday brokerage is 0.022% or 0.007%, and charges are shown before order confirmation.
Advanced Features: Supports algorithmic trading for strategy-based investors. Margin trading facility increases buying power.
Research & IPO: Provides equity research reports. Supports online IPO applications.
Customer Support: Customer service rating is 4.3/5.
Market Presence: Around 99 Lakhs active clients use this broker.
Frequently Asked Questions
The account opening charges vary significantly: Anand Rathi charges Not specified, Axis Direct charges Free, and ICICI Direct charges Not specified. When considering AMC, investors should evaluate the overall cost structure along with the features and services provided by each broker.
Brokerage charges differ across platforms: Anand Rathi offers 0.02% for equity intraday, Axis Direct provides Not specified, and ICICI Direct charges 0.022% or 0.007%. The actual costs may vary based on trading volume, account type, and specific plans offered by each broker.
All three brokers provide diverse investment opportunities: Anand Rathi offers 4, Axis Direct provides 4, and ICICI Direct features 4. The platforms support equity trading, derivatives, mutual funds, and other financial instruments suitable for different investor profiles.
Customer support quality varies: Anand Rathi has 4 support, Axis Direct offers 4, and ICICI Direct provides 4. Support channels typically include phone, email, live chat, and branch services, with response times and availability differing between brokers.
Platform usability ratings show: Anand Rathi with 4, Axis Direct with 4.2, and ICICI Direct with 4.4. The best interface depends on individual preferences - some users prefer simplicity while others need advanced features and customization options.
Yes, mutual fund and stock investing is available across all platforms: Anand Rathi (Yes), Axis Direct (Yes), and ICICI Direct (Yes). All three brokers provide comprehensive access to equity markets and mutual fund investments through their respective platforms.
For beginners, the choice depends on specific needs: Anand Rathi offers user-friendly platforms with educational resources, Axis Direct provides competitive pricing with intuitive interfaces, and ICICI Direct combines ease of use with comprehensive investment options. Beginners should consider factors like ease of account opening, customer support quality, educational content, and platform simplicity when making their decision.
All three brokers offer robust mobile trading apps with different strengths: Anand Rathi focuses on intuitive design and quick execution, Axis Direct emphasizes advanced charting and analysis tools, while ICICI Direct balances simplicity with comprehensive features. The mobile apps are available for both iOS and Android devices with regular updates and feature enhancements.
Stock Broker Review
Anand Rathi
Axis Direct
