The comparison between Dhan, 5paisa, 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. Dhan is known for its user-friendly trading experience and reliability, while 5paisa 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 982,814, N/A, and 99 Lakhs users respectively, reflecting their popularity among investors. Overall, this comparison of Dhan, 5paisa, 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 Dhan, 5paisa, and ICICI Direct reveals significant differences in their offerings. Dhan provides 4.4 for Overall Rating, while 5paisa offers 4 and ICICI Direct features 4.
| Services / Features | Dhan | 5paisa | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Brokerage Charges | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Trading Platform | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Investments Offering | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Customer Service | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Broker Type | Discount Broker | Full Service Broker | Full Service Broker |
| Exchanges Supported | NSE, BSE, MCX | NSE, BSE | NSE, BSE |
| Active Clients | 982,814 | — | 99 Lakhs |
| Broker Overview | Dhan Review | 5Paisa Review | ICICI Direct Review |
Account Opening Charges and AMC
The account opening charges and AMC comparison between Dhan, 5paisa, and ICICI Direct reveal significant differences in their offerings. Dhan provides Free trading and demat account opening, while 5paisa offers Zero and ICICI Direct features N/A.
| Account Opening Charges and AMC | Dhan | 5paisa | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Account Opening | Free | Zero | — |
| Trading AMC | Zero | ₹300 per year | ₹300 per year |
| Demat Account Opening | Free | Zero | — |
| Demat AMC | Zero | ₹25 + GST per month | ₹300 per year |
| Provide DP Service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Brokerage Plans
The brokerage plans comparison between Dhan, 5paisa, and ICICI Direct reveals significant differences in their offerings. Dhan provides No plans, while 5paisa offers - and ICICI Direct features N/A.
| Brokerage Plans | Dhan | 5paisa | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Plans | No | - | — |
| Monthly Plans | No | - | — |
| Yearly Plans | No | - | — |
Brokerage Charges
This comparison between Dhan, 5paisa, and ICICI Direct reveals significant differences in their brokerage charges. Dhan charges Zero brokerage on equity delivery and intraday, ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order for futures, and ₹20 per executed order for options. 5paisa charges ₹20/order brokerage on equity delivery and intraday, ₹20/order for futures, and ₹20/order 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 | Dhan | 5paisa | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan Name | - | ||
| Equity Delivery | Zero | ₹20/order | 0.29% |
| Equity Intraday | ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order | ₹20/order | 0.022% or 0.007% |
| Equity Futures | ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order | ₹20/order | 0.022%/0.007% for Prime plans |
| Equity Options | ₹20 per executed order | ₹20/order | ₹49 per lot or ₹9 per lot for the Prime 9,999 plan |
| Currency Futures | NA | ₹20/order | ₹20 per order |
| Currency Options | NA | ₹20/order | ₹20 per order |
| Commodity Futures | |||
| Commodity Options | |||
| Hidden Charges | Zero | No | Zero |
| Call & Trade Charges | ₹50 + GST | ₹20 | ₹50 per order |
| Auto Square Off Charges | ₹20 + GST | ₹20 | ₹50 per order |
| Brokerage Calculator | Dhan Brokerage Calculator |
Transactions Charges
This comparison between Dhan, 5paisa, and ICICI Direct reveals significant differences in their transactions. Dhan provides BSE: 0.00375% NSE: 0.00297% for Transaction Charges Equity Delivery, while 5paisa offers NSE: 0.00297% BSE: 0.00375% and ICICI Direct features NSE: 0.00307% | BSE: 0.00375%.
| Transactions Charges | Dhan | 5paisa | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | BSE: 0.00375% NSE: 0.00297% | NSE: 0.00297% BSE: 0.00375% | NSE: 0.00307% | BSE: 0.00375% |
| Equity Intraday | BSE: 0.00375% NSE: 0.00297% | NSE: 0.00297% BSE: 0.00375% | NSE: 0.00307% | BSE: 0.00375% |
| Equity Futures | NSE: 0.00173% BSE: 0 (Zero) | NSE: 0.00173% BSE: 0 | NSE: 0.00183% | BSE: 0 |
| Equity Options | NSE: 0.03503% (on premium) BSE (Index): 0.0325% (on premium) | NSE: 0.03503% BSE: Sensex 50/Stock options 0.0050% Sensex/Bankex options 0.0325% | NSE: 0.03553% (on premium) | BSE: 0.0325% (on premium) |
| Currency Futures | NA | NSE: 0.00035% BSE: 0.00045% | — |
| Currency Options | NA | NSE: 0.0311% BSE: 0.001% | — |
| Commodity | NSE: 0.0001% MCX: 0.0021% | 0.0418% | 0.0418% on Premium |
Account Features
These are the notable distinctions in the account features of Dhan, 5paisa, and ICICI Direct when compared.
| Account Features | Dhan | 5paisa | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-in-1 Account | No | No | 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 | No | No | Yes |
Trading Platforms
The trading platforms comparison between Dhan, 5paisa, and ICICI Direct reveals significant differences in their offerings. Dhan, 5paisa and ICICI Direct provide web trading platforms and mobile trading platforms.
| Trading Platforms | Dhan | 5paisa | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Web Trading Detail | Dhan | 5paisa | 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 | App Download | |
| Android Tablet App | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| iPad App (iOS) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Software Charges | Zero | Zero | Nil |
Broker Ratings
The broker ratings comparison between Dhan, 5paisa, and ICICI Direct reveals significant differences in their offerings. Dhan provides 4.5 for Fees Ratings, while 5paisa offers 4.3 and ICICI Direct features 4.3.
| Broker Ratings | Dhan | 5paisa | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fees Ratings | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
| Trading Brokerage Rating | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.4 |
| Trading Platform Usability | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.4 |
| Customer Service Ratings | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.3 |
| Overall Ratings | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
Investment Offerings
This comparison between Dhan, 5paisa, and ICICI Direct reveals significant differences in their investment offerings. Dhan provides investment offerings in Yes, mutual funds and does not offer trades in currency and commodities, while 5paisa 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 | Dhan | 5paisa | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity Cash and F&O | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Currency Derivatives | No | 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 | No | Yes |
| Insurance | No | No | Yes |
| Forex | No | Yes | Yes |
| MF SIP Investment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Equity SIP Investment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PMS Service | No | No | Yes |
| Other Investment Options | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Customer Support
The comparison between Dhan, 5paisa, and ICICI Direct reveals significant differences in their Customer Support. Dhan provides Yes, while 5paisa offers N/A and ICICI Direct features Yes.
| Customer Support | Dhan | 5paisa | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Customer Service | Yes | — | Yes |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online Live Chat | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Phone Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Toll Free Number | Yes | — | — |
| Through Branches | Yes | — | — |
| Customer Care Number | (+91) 9987761000 | 8976689766 | 022 3355 1122 |
| Account Opening Process | Online/Paperless | Online/Paperless | Online/Offline |
| Customer Support Email | [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected] |
| Knowledge Center / Education | https://dhan.co/blog/ | — | — |
| Head Office Address | Unit No. 2201, 22nd Floor, Gold Medal Avenue, S.V. Road, Beside Patel Petrol Pump, Piramal Nagar, Goregaon West, Mumbai – 400104 | IIFL House, Sun Infotech Park, Road No. 16V, Plot no. B-23, MIDC, Thane Industrial Area, Waghle Estate, Thane, Maharashtra – 400604 | ICICI Venture House, |
| Website | https://dhan.co/ | https://www.5paisa.com/ | https://www.icicidirect.com/ |
Research and Reports
The research and reports comparison between Dhan, 5paisa, and ICICI Direct reveals significant differences in their offerings.
| Research and Reports | Dhan | 5paisa | 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 Dhan, 5paisa, and ICICI Direct reveals significant differences in their demat account charges. Dhan provides CDSL for DP Source, while 5paisa offers CDSL and ICICI Direct features NSDL & CDSL.
| Demat Account Charges | Dhan | 5paisa | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP Source | CDSL | CDSL | NSDL & CDSL |
| DP ID | 289-2016 | 192-2016 | — |
| Demat Account Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) | Zero | ₹300 per year | Rs 700 |
| Advance Deposit | Zero | No | No |
| Transaction Charges on Debit (Per ISIN) | — | ₹20 + GST per scrip | — |
| Demat | ₹12.50 per instruction + GST | ₹15 | ₹50 |
| Remat | ₹12.50 per instruction + GST | ₹15 + CDSL charges | ₹25 + CDSL charges |
| Pledge Creation | ₹15 per instruction + GST | ₹20 + GST | ₹25 + GST |
| Pledge Creation Confirmation | Yes | ₹20 + GST | ₹25 + GST |
| Pledge Closure | ₹15 per instruction + GST | ₹20 + GST | ₹25 + GST |
| Pledge Closure Confirmation | Yes | ₹20 + GST | ₹25 + GST |
| Pledge Invocation | ₹15 per instruction + GST | ₹20 + GST | ₹25 + GST |
| Failed Instruction Charges | ₹100 + GST | ₹20 + GST | NA |
| Other Charges | Zero | — | NA |
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Broker | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Dhan |
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| 5paisa |
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| ICICI Direct |
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User Experience: Buying Stocks
Dhan – 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 4.4/5. Mobile trading app ensures real-time order execution and portfolio tracking.
Brokerage Transparency: Intraday brokerage is ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order, 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 982,814 active clients use this broker.
5paisa – 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 ₹20/order, 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 4.2/5.
Market Presence: Around many 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: Dhan charges Free, 5paisa charges Zero, 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: Dhan offers ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order for equity intraday, 5paisa provides ₹20/order, 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: Dhan offers 4.6, 5paisa 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: Dhan has 4.3 support, 5paisa 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: Dhan with 4.4, 5paisa with 4.3, 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: Dhan (Yes), 5paisa (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: Dhan offers user-friendly platforms with educational resources, 5paisa 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: Dhan focuses on intuitive design and quick execution, 5paisa 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
5paisa
