The comparison between Dhan, Axis Direct, and Motilal Oswal 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 Axis Direct stands out for offering competitive brokerage rates and an advanced mobile trading platform. Motilal Oswal provides an excellent balance of technology, research tools, and responsive customer support. In terms of active clients, the brokers report approximately 982,814, 4.4 lakh, and 10.2 Lakhs users respectively, reflecting their popularity among investors. Overall, this comparison of Dhan, Axis Direct, and Motilal Oswal helps traders and investors choose the most suitable broker based on features, pricing, and platform performance.
Services / Features
The services/features comparison between Dhan, Axis Direct, and Motilal Oswal reveals significant differences in their offerings. Dhan provides 4.4 for Overall Rating, while Axis Direct offers 4 and Motilal Oswal features 4.
| Services / Features | Dhan | Axis Direct | Motilal Oswal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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, MCX | NSE, BSE, MCX |
| Active Clients | 982,814 | 4.4 lakh | 10.2 Lakhs |
| Broker Overview | Dhan Review | Axis Direct Review | Motilal Oswal Review |
Account Opening Charges and AMC
The account opening charges and AMC comparison between Dhan, Axis Direct, and Motilal Oswal reveal significant differences in their offerings. Dhan provides Free trading and demat account opening, while Axis Direct offers Free and Motilal Oswal features N/A.
| Account Opening Charges and AMC | Dhan | Axis Direct | Motilal Oswal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Account Opening | Free | Free | — |
| Trading AMC | Zero | ₹ 790 | — |
| Demat Account Opening | Free | Zero | — |
| Demat AMC | Zero | ₹ 790 | ₹199 per year |
| Provide DP Service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Brokerage Plans
The brokerage plans comparison between Dhan, Axis Direct, and Motilal Oswal reveals significant differences in their offerings. Dhan provides No plans, while Axis Direct offers - and Motilal Oswal features -.
| Brokerage Plans | Dhan | Axis Direct | Motilal Oswal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Plans | No | - | - |
| Monthly Plans | No | - | - |
| Yearly Plans | No | - | - |
Brokerage Charges
This comparison between Dhan, Axis Direct, and Motilal Oswal 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. Axis Direct charges N/A brokerage on equity delivery and intraday, N/A for futures, and N/A for options. Motilal Oswal charges 0.20% brokerage on equity delivery and intraday, 0.02% for futures, and ₹20 per lot for options.
| Brokerage Charges | Dhan | Axis Direct | Motilal Oswal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan Name | - | - | |
| Equity Delivery | Zero | 0.20% | |
| Equity Intraday | ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order | Rs 0 (Free for lifetime) | |
| Equity Futures | ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order | 0.02% | |
| Equity Options | ₹20 per executed order | ₹20 per lot | |
| Currency Futures | NA | ₹20 per lot | |
| Currency Options | NA | ₹20 per lot | |
| Commodity Futures | 0.02% | ||
| Commodity Options | Rs 200 Per Lot | ||
| Hidden Charges | Zero | No | No |
| Call & Trade Charges | ₹50 + GST | ₹20 | ₹25 + GST |
| Auto Square Off Charges | ₹20 + GST | ₹20 per lot | ₹25 + GST |
| Brokerage Calculator | Dhan Brokerage Calculator |
Transactions Charges
This comparison between Dhan, Axis Direct, and Motilal Oswal reveals significant differences in their transactions. Dhan provides BSE: 0.00375% NSE: 0.00297% 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 Motilal Oswal features NSE Rs 297 per Cr (0.00297%) | BSE Rs 375 per Cr (0.00375%) (sell side).
| Transactions Charges | Dhan | Axis Direct | Motilal Oswal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | BSE: 0.00375% NSE: 0.00297% | 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) |
| Equity Intraday | BSE: 0.00375% NSE: 0.00297% | 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) |
| Equity Futures | NSE: 0.00173% BSE: 0 (Zero) | NSE Rs 173 per Cr (0.00173%) | BSE Rs 0 | NSE Rs 173 per Cr (0.00173%) | BSE Rs 0 |
| Equity Options | NSE: 0.03503% (on premium) BSE (Index): 0.0325% (on premium) | NSE Rs 3503 per Cr (0.03503%) | BSE Rs 325 per Cr (0.00325%) (on premium) | NSE Rs 3503 per Cr (0.03503%) | BSE Rs 325 per Cr (0.00325%) (on premium) |
| Currency Futures | NA | 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 | NA | 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 | NSE: 0.0001% MCX: 0.0021% | — | — |
Account Features
These are the notable distinctions in the account features of Dhan, Axis Direct, and Motilal Oswal when compared.
| Account Features | Dhan | Axis Direct | Motilal Oswal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-in-1 Account | No | Yes | No |
| 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 | Yes | Yes |
Trading Platforms
The trading platforms comparison between Dhan, Axis Direct, and Motilal Oswal reveals significant differences in their offerings. Dhan, Axis Direct and Motilal Oswal provide web trading platforms and mobile trading platforms.
| Trading Platforms | Dhan | Axis Direct | Motilal Oswal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Web Trading Detail | Dhan | Axis Direct | Motilal Oswal |
| 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 | Download |
| Android Tablet App | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| iPad App (iOS) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Software Charges | Zero | Nil | Zero |
Broker Ratings
The broker ratings comparison between Dhan, Axis Direct, and Motilal Oswal reveals significant differences in their offerings. Dhan provides 4.5 for Fees Ratings, while Axis Direct offers 4.2 and Motilal Oswal features 4.3.
| Broker Ratings | Dhan | Axis Direct | Motilal Oswal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fees Ratings | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.3 |
| Trading Brokerage Rating | 4.6 | 4.0 | 4.3 |
| Trading Platform Usability | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.3 |
| Customer Service Ratings | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.3 |
| Overall Ratings | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.3 |
Investment Offerings
This comparison between Dhan, Axis Direct, and Motilal Oswal 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 Axis Direct provides investment offerings in Yes, mutual funds and offers trades in currency and commodities and Motilal Oswal provides investment offerings in Yes, mutual funds and offers trades in currency and commodities.
| Investment Offerings | Dhan | Axis Direct | Motilal Oswal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | No |
| Insurance | No | Yes | No |
| Forex | No | Yes | Yes |
| MF SIP Investment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Equity SIP Investment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PMS Service | No | Yes | Yes |
| Other Investment Options | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Customer Support
The comparison between Dhan, Axis Direct, and Motilal Oswal reveals significant differences in their Customer Support. Dhan provides Yes, while Axis Direct offers Yes and Motilal Oswal features Yes.
| Customer Support | Dhan | Axis Direct | Motilal Oswal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Customer Service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online Live Chat | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Phone Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Toll Free Number | Yes | Yes | 022 40548383 |
| Through Branches | Yes | Yes | — |
| Customer Care Number | (+91) 9987761000 | 022-40508080 | +91 9769972825 |
| Account Opening Process | Online/Paperless | Online/Offline | Online/Paperless |
| Customer Support Email | [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected] |
| Knowledge Center / Education | https://dhan.co/blog/ | https://simplehai.axisdirect.in/learn/overview | https://www.motilaloswal.com/news |
| Head Office Address | Unit No. 2201, 22nd Floor, Gold Medal Avenue, S.V. Road, Beside Patel Petrol Pump, Piramal Nagar, Goregaon West, Mumbai – 400104 | Unit 002 A, Building – A, Agastya Corporate Park, Piramal Realty, Kamani Junction, Kurla West, Mumbai – 400 070 | Motilal Oswal Tower, Rahimtullah Sayani Road, Opposite Parel ST Depot, Prabhadevi, Mumbai – 400025 |
| Website | https://dhan.co/ | https://simplehai.axisdirect.in/ | https://www.motilaloswal.com/ |
Research and Reports
The research and reports comparison between Dhan, Axis Direct, and Motilal Oswal reveals significant differences in their offerings.
| Research and Reports | Dhan | Axis Direct | Motilal Oswal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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, Axis Direct, and Motilal Oswal reveals significant differences in their demat account charges. Dhan provides CDSL for DP Source, while Axis Direct offers CDSL & NSDL and Motilal Oswal features CDSL & NSDL.
| Demat Account Charges | Dhan | Axis Direct | Motilal Oswal |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP Source | CDSL | CDSL & NSDL | CDSL & NSDL |
| DP ID | 289-2016 | NSDL - 300484 | CDSL - 12049200 | 16-2015 |
| Demat Account Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) | Zero | Rs 750 per year | Rs 199 |
| Advance Deposit | Zero | No | No |
| Transaction Charges on Debit (Per ISIN) | — | — | 0.025% or Rs 30 |
| Demat | ₹12.50 per instruction + GST | Rs 5 per certificate subject to minimum of Rs 50 per request, whichever is higher | Rs 100 per certificate + Rs 50 per certificate |
| Remat | ₹12.50 per instruction + GST | Rs 20 for every 100 securities or part thereof or Rs 50 per request whichever is higher | Rs 35 per certificate + 25 courier charges |
| Pledge Creation | ₹15 per instruction + GST | Rs 50 per instruction | Rs 35 or 0.02% |
| Pledge Creation Confirmation | Yes | Nil | Nil |
| Pledge Closure | ₹15 per instruction + GST | Rs 50 per instruction | Rs 35 or 0.02% |
| Pledge Closure Confirmation | Yes | Nil | Nil |
| Pledge Invocation | ₹15 per instruction + GST | Rs 50 per instruction | Rs 35 or 0.02% |
| Failed Instruction Charges | ₹100 + GST | Rs 10 per Instruction | Nil |
| Other Charges | Zero | — | Demat Rejection: Rs 50 per request |
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Broker | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Dhan |
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| Axis Direct |
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| Motilal Oswal |
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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.
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.
Motilal Oswal – 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 Rs 0 (Free for lifetime), 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 10.2 Lakhs active clients use this broker.
Frequently Asked Questions
The account opening charges vary significantly: Dhan charges Free, Axis Direct charges Free, and Motilal Oswal 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, Axis Direct provides Not specified, and Motilal Oswal charges Rs 0 (Free for lifetime). 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, Axis Direct provides 4, and Motilal Oswal 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, Axis Direct offers 4, and Motilal Oswal 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, Axis Direct with 4.2, and Motilal Oswal with 4.3. 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), Axis Direct (Yes), and Motilal Oswal (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, Axis Direct provides competitive pricing with intuitive interfaces, and Motilal Oswal 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, Axis Direct emphasizes advanced charting and analysis tools, while Motilal Oswal 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
Axis Direct
