The comparison between Groww, ICICI Direct, and Axis Direct highlights the major differences in their services and features, including overall ratings, brokerage charges, trading platforms, investment offerings, and customer service quality. Groww is known for its user-friendly trading experience and reliability, while Icici Direct stands out for offering competitive brokerage rates and an advanced mobile trading platform. Axis Direct provides an excellent balance of technology, research tools, and responsive customer support. In terms of active clients, the brokers report approximately 1.2 Cr, 99 Lakhs, and 4.4 lakh users respectively, reflecting their popularity among investors. Overall, this comparison of Groww, ICICI Direct, and Axis Direct helps traders and investors choose the most suitable broker based on features, pricing, and platform performance.
Services / Features
The services/features comparison between Groww, ICICI Direct, and Axis Direct reveals significant differences in their offerings. Groww provides 4 for Overall Rating, while ICICI Direct offers 4 and Axis Direct features 4.
| Services / Features | Groww | ICICI Direct | Axis 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, MCX |
| Active Clients | 1.2 Cr | 99 Lakhs | 4.4 lakh |
| Broker Overview | Groww Review | ICICI Direct Review | Axis Direct Review |
Account Opening Charges and AMC
The account opening charges and AMC comparison between Groww, ICICI Direct, and Axis Direct reveal significant differences in their offerings. Groww provides Free trading and demat account opening, while ICICI Direct offers N/A and Axis Direct features Free.
| Account Opening Charges and AMC | Groww | ICICI Direct | Axis Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Account Opening | Free | — | Free |
| Trading AMC | Free | ₹300 per year | ₹ 790 |
| Demat Account Opening | Free | — | Zero |
| Demat AMC | Free | ₹300 per year | ₹ 790 |
| Provide DP Service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Brokerage Plans
The brokerage plans comparison between Groww, ICICI Direct, and Axis Direct reveals significant differences in their offerings. Groww provides No plans, while ICICI Direct offers N/A and Axis Direct features -.
| Brokerage Plans | Groww | ICICI Direct | Axis Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Plans | No | — | - |
| Monthly Plans | No | — | - |
| Yearly Plans | No | — | - |
Brokerage Charges
This comparison between Groww, ICICI Direct, and Axis Direct reveals significant differences in their brokerage charges. Groww charges 20 or 0.1% brokerage on equity delivery and intraday, 20 for futures, and 20 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. Axis Direct charges N/A brokerage on equity delivery and intraday, N/A for futures, and N/A for options.
| Brokerage Charges | Groww | ICICI Direct | Axis Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan Name | Max Rs 20 per order Trading Plan | - | |
| Equity Delivery | 20 or 0.1% | 0.29% | |
| Equity Intraday | 20 or 0.1% | 0.022% or 0.007% | |
| Equity Futures | 20 | 0.022%/0.007% for Prime plans | |
| Equity Options | 20 | ₹49 per lot or ₹9 per lot for the Prime 9,999 plan | |
| Currency Futures | NA | ₹20 per order | |
| Currency Options | NA | ₹20 per order | |
| Commodity Futures | |||
| Commodity Options | |||
| Hidden Charges | Zero | Zero | No |
| Call & Trade Charges | Rs 16.5 per scrip on Sell | ₹50 per order | ₹20 |
| Auto Square Off Charges | Rs 50 Per Executable Order | ₹50 per order | ₹20 per lot |
| Brokerage Calculator | Groww Brokerage Calculator |
Transactions Charges
This comparison between Groww, ICICI Direct, and Axis Direct reveals significant differences in their transactions. Groww provides 20 for Transaction Charges Equity Delivery, while ICICI Direct offers NSE: 0.00307% | BSE: 0.00375% and Axis Direct features NSE Rs 297 per Cr (0.00297%) | BSE Rs 375 per Cr (0.00375%) (sell side).
| Transactions Charges | Groww | ICICI Direct | Axis Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | 20 | NSE: 0.00307% | BSE: 0.00375% | NSE Rs 297 per Cr (0.00297%) | BSE Rs 375 per Cr (0.00375%) (sell side) |
| Equity Intraday | 20 | NSE: 0.00307% | BSE: 0.00375% | NSE Rs 297 per Cr (0.00297%) | BSE Rs 375 per Cr (0.00375%) (sell side) |
| Equity Futures | 20 | NSE: 0.00183% | BSE: 0 | NSE Rs 173 per Cr (0.00173%) | BSE Rs 0 |
| Equity Options | 20 | NSE: 0.03553% (on premium) | BSE: 0.0325% (on premium) | NSE Rs 3503 per Cr (0.03503%) | BSE Rs 325 per Cr (0.00325%) (on premium) |
| Currency Futures | 20 | — | NSE Rs 35 per Cr (0.00035%) | BSE Rs 45 per Cr (0.00045%) |
| Currency Options | 20 | — | NSE Rs 3110 per Cr (0.0311%) | BSE Rs 100 per Cr (0.001%) (on premium) |
| Commodity | 20 | 0.0418% on Premium | — |
Account Features
These are the notable distinctions in the account features of Groww, ICICI Direct, and Axis Direct when compared.
| Account Features | Groww | ICICI Direct | Axis Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-in-1 Account | No | Yes | Yes |
| Charting | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Algo Trading | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SMS Alerts | No | 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 | No | 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 Groww, ICICI Direct, and Axis Direct reveals significant differences in their offerings. Groww, ICICI Direct and Axis Direct provide web trading platforms and mobile trading platforms.
| Trading Platforms | Groww | ICICI Direct | Axis Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Web Trading Detail | Groww | ICICI Direct | Axis Direct |
| Mobile Trading | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading App | Groww | Yes | Yes |
| Android Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Android App Download | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone Mobile App (iOS) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App Download | Groww | Download | |
| Android Tablet App | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| iPad App (iOS) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Software Charges | Free | Nil | Nil |
Broker Ratings
The broker ratings comparison between Groww, ICICI Direct, and Axis Direct reveals significant differences in their offerings. Groww provides 4.0 for Fees Ratings, while ICICI Direct offers 4.3 and Axis Direct features 4.2.
| Broker Ratings | Groww | ICICI Direct | Axis Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fees Ratings | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.2 |
| Trading Brokerage Rating | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.0 |
| Trading Platform Usability | 4.8 | 4.4 | 4.2 |
| Customer Service Ratings | 3.8 | 4.3 | 4.1 |
| Overall Ratings | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.2 |
Investment Offerings
This comparison between Groww, ICICI Direct, and Axis Direct reveals significant differences in their investment offerings. Groww provides investment offerings in Yes, mutual funds and does not offer trades in currency and commodities, while ICICI Direct provides investment offerings in Yes, mutual funds and offers trades in currency and commodities and Axis Direct provides investment offerings in Yes, mutual funds and offers trades in currency and commodities.
| Investment Offerings | Groww | ICICI Direct | Axis Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity Cash and F&O | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Currency Derivatives | No | Yes | Yes |
| Commodity | No | 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 | No | Yes | Yes |
| MF SIP Investment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Equity SIP Investment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PMS Service | No | Yes | Yes |
| Other Investment Options | No | Yes | Yes |
Customer Support
The comparison between Groww, ICICI Direct, and Axis Direct reveals significant differences in their Customer Support. Groww provides Yes, while ICICI Direct offers Yes and Axis Direct features Yes.
| Customer Support | Groww | ICICI Direct | Axis Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Customer Service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online Live Chat | No | Yes | Yes |
| Phone Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Toll Free Number | No | — | Yes |
| Through Branches | Yes | — | Yes |
| Customer Care Number | +91-9108800000 | 022 3355 1122 | 022-40508080 |
| Account Opening Process | Online/Paperless | Online/Offline | Online/Offline |
| Customer Support Email | [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected] |
| Knowledge Center / Education | https://groww.in/blog | — | https://simplehai.axisdirect.in/learn/overview |
| Head Office Address |
Vaishnavi Tech Park, South Tower, 3rd Floor |
ICICI Venture House, |
Unit 002 A, Building – A, Agastya Corporate Park, Piramal Realty, Kamani Junction, Kurla West, Mumbai – 400 070 |
| Website | https://groww.in/ | https://www.icicidirect.com/ | https://simplehai.axisdirect.in/ |
Research and Reports
The research and reports comparison between Groww, ICICI Direct, and Axis Direct reveals significant differences in their offerings.
| Research and Reports | Groww | ICICI Direct | Axis Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Mutual Funds | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Research Equity Reports | No | 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 Groww, ICICI Direct, and Axis Direct reveals significant differences in their demat account charges. Groww provides CDSL for DP Source, while ICICI Direct offers NSDL & CDSL and Axis Direct features CDSL & NSDL.
| Demat Account Charges | Groww | ICICI Direct | Axis Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP Source | CDSL | NSDL & CDSL | CDSL & NSDL |
| DP ID | 88700/88701/88702 | — | NSDL - 300484 | CDSL - 12049200 |
| Demat Account Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) | Zero | Rs 700 | Rs 750 per year |
| Advance Deposit | Nil | No | No |
| Transaction Charges on Debit (Per ISIN) | ₹8 + ₹5.50 (CDSL Charges) per transaction | — | — |
| Demat | ₹150 per certificate + ₹100 courier charges | ₹50 | Rs 5 per certificate subject to minimum of Rs 50 per request, whichever is higher |
| Remat | ₹150 per certificate + ₹100 courier charges + CDSL Charges | ₹25 + CDSL charges | Rs 20 for every 100 securities or part thereof or Rs 50 per request whichever is higher |
| Pledge Creation | ₹20 + GST | ₹25 + GST | Rs 50 per instruction |
| Pledge Creation Confirmation | Yes | ₹25 + GST | Nil |
| Pledge Closure | ₹20 + GST | ₹25 + GST | Rs 50 per instruction |
| Pledge Closure Confirmation | Yes | ₹25 + GST | Nil |
| Pledge Invocation | ₹20 | ₹25 + GST | Rs 50 per instruction |
| Failed Instruction Charges | ₹50 per instruction | NA | Rs 10 per Instruction |
| Other Charges | Nil | NA | — |
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Broker | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Groww |
|
|
| ICICI Direct |
|
|
| Axis Direct |
|
|
User Experience: Buying Stocks
Groww – 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.
Brokerage Transparency: Intraday brokerage is 20 or 0.1%, and charges are shown before order confirmation.
Advanced Features: Supports algorithmic trading for strategy-based investors. Margin trading facility increases buying power.
Research & IPO: Supports online IPO applications.
Customer Support: Customer service rating is 3.8/5.
Market Presence: Around 1.2 Cr 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The account opening charges vary significantly: Groww charges Free, ICICI Direct charges Not specified, and Axis Direct charges Free. 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: Groww offers 20 or 0.1% for equity intraday, ICICI Direct provides 0.022% or 0.007%, and Axis Direct charges Not specified. 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: Groww offers 4, ICICI Direct provides 4, and Axis Direct features 4. The platforms support equity trading, derivatives, mutual funds, and other financial instruments suitable for different investor profiles.
Customer support quality varies: Groww has 4 support, ICICI Direct offers 4, and Axis 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: Groww with 4.8, ICICI Direct with 4.4, and Axis Direct with 4.2. 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: Groww (Yes), ICICI Direct (Yes), and Axis 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: Groww offers user-friendly platforms with educational resources, ICICI Direct provides competitive pricing with intuitive interfaces, and Axis 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: Groww focuses on intuitive design and quick execution, ICICI Direct emphasizes advanced charting and analysis tools, while Axis 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
Groww
ICICI Direct
