The comparison between HDFC Securities, Motilal Oswal, and Dhan highlights the major differences in their services and features, including overall ratings, brokerage charges, trading platforms, investment offerings, and customer service quality. Hdfc Securities is known for its user-friendly trading experience and reliability, while Motilal Oswal stands out for offering competitive brokerage rates and an advanced mobile trading platform. Dhan provides an excellent balance of technology, research tools, and responsive customer support. In terms of active clients, the brokers report approximately 15 Lakhs, 10.2 Lakhs, and 982,814 users respectively, reflecting their popularity among investors. Overall, this comparison of HDFC Securities, Motilal Oswal, and Dhan helps traders and investors choose the most suitable broker based on features, pricing, and platform performance.
Services / Features
The services/features comparison between HDFC Securities, Motilal Oswal, and Dhan reveals significant differences in their offerings. HDFC Securities provides 4 for Overall Rating, while Motilal Oswal offers 4 and Dhan features 4.4.
| Services / Features | HDFC Securities | Motilal Oswal | Dhan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Brokerage Charges | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Trading Platform | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Investments Offering | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Customer Service | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Broker Type | Full Service Broker | Full Service Broker | Discount Broker |
| Exchanges Supported | NSE, BSE, MCX | NSE, BSE, MCX | NSE, BSE, MCX |
| Active Clients | 15 Lakhs | 10.2 Lakhs | 982,814 |
| Broker Overview | HDFC Securities Review | Motilal Oswal Review | Dhan Review |
Account Opening Charges and AMC
The account opening charges and AMC comparison between HDFC Securities, Motilal Oswal, and Dhan reveal significant differences in their offerings. HDFC Securities provides Rs 999 trading and demat account opening, while Motilal Oswal offers N/A and Dhan features Free.
| Account Opening Charges and AMC | HDFC Securities | Motilal Oswal | Dhan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Account Opening | Rs 999 | — | Free |
| Trading AMC | — | — | Zero |
| Demat Account Opening | Rs 999 | — | Free |
| Demat AMC | Rs 750 | ₹199 per year | Zero |
| Provide DP Service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Brokerage Plans
The brokerage plans comparison between HDFC Securities, Motilal Oswal, and Dhan reveals significant differences in their offerings. HDFC Securities provides - plans, while Motilal Oswal offers - and Dhan features No.
| Brokerage Plans | HDFC Securities | Motilal Oswal | Dhan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Plans | - | - | No |
| Monthly Plans | - | - | No |
| Yearly Plans | - | - | No |
Brokerage Charges
This comparison between HDFC Securities, Motilal Oswal, and Dhan reveals significant differences in their brokerage charges. HDFC Securities 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. 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.
| Brokerage Charges | HDFC Securities | Motilal Oswal | Dhan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan Name | - | - | |
| Equity Delivery | 0.20% | Zero | |
| Equity Intraday | Rs 0 (Free for lifetime) | ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order | |
| Equity Futures | 0.02% | ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order | |
| Equity Options | ₹20 per lot | ₹20 per executed order | |
| Currency Futures | ₹20 per lot | NA | |
| Currency Options | ₹20 per lot | NA | |
| Commodity Futures | 0.02% | ||
| Commodity Options | Rs 200 Per Lot | ||
| Hidden Charges | No | No | Zero |
| Call & Trade Charges | 0.025% or min Rs 25 or ceiling of 2.5% of transaction value (Both Buy & Sell) | ₹25 + GST | ₹50 + GST |
| Auto Square Off Charges | 0.025% or min Rs 25 or ceiling of 2.5% of transaction value (Both Buy & Sell) | ₹25 + GST | ₹20 + GST |
| Brokerage Calculator | Dhan Brokerage Calculator |
Transactions Charges
This comparison between HDFC Securities, Motilal Oswal, and Dhan reveals significant differences in their transactions. HDFC Securities provides NSE Rs 297 per Cr (0.00297%) | BSE Rs 375 per Cr (0.00375%) (sell side) for Transaction Charges Equity Delivery, while Motilal Oswal offers NSE Rs 297 per Cr (0.00297%) | BSE Rs 375 per Cr (0.00375%) (sell side) and Dhan features BSE: 0.00375% NSE: 0.00297%.
| Transactions Charges | HDFC Securities | Motilal Oswal | Dhan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | BSE: 0.00375% NSE: 0.00297% |
| Equity Intraday | NSE Rs 297 per Cr (0.00297%) | BSE Rs 375 per Cr (0.00375%) (each side) | NSE Rs 297 per Cr (0.00297%) | BSE Rs 375 per Cr (0.00375%) (sell side) | BSE: 0.00375% NSE: 0.00297% |
| Equity Futures | NSE Rs 173 per Cr (0.00173%) | BSE Rs 0 | NSE Rs 173 per Cr (0.00173%) | BSE Rs 0 | NSE: 0.00173% BSE: 0 (Zero) |
| Equity Options | 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) | NSE: 0.03503% (on premium) BSE (Index): 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%) | NA |
| 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) | NA |
| Commodity | — | — | NSE: 0.0001% MCX: 0.0021% |
Account Features
These are the notable distinctions in the account features of HDFC Securities, Motilal Oswal, and Dhan when compared.
| Account Features | HDFC Securities | Motilal Oswal | Dhan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-in-1 Account | Yes | No | 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 | Yes | Yes | No |
Trading Platforms
The trading platforms comparison between HDFC Securities, Motilal Oswal, and Dhan reveals significant differences in their offerings. HDFC Securities, Motilal Oswal and Dhan provide web trading platforms and mobile trading platforms.
| Trading Platforms | HDFC Securities | Motilal Oswal | Dhan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Web Trading Detail | HDFC Securities | Motilal Oswal | Dhan |
| 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 | Nil | Zero | Zero |
Broker Ratings
The broker ratings comparison between HDFC Securities, Motilal Oswal, and Dhan reveals significant differences in their offerings. HDFC Securities provides 4.3 for Fees Ratings, while Motilal Oswal offers 4.3 and Dhan features 4.5.
| Broker Ratings | HDFC Securities | Motilal Oswal | Dhan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fees Ratings | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.5 |
| Trading Brokerage Rating | 3.9 | 4.3 | 4.6 |
| Trading Platform Usability | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.4 |
| Customer Service Ratings | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
| Overall Ratings | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.4 |
Investment Offerings
This comparison between HDFC Securities, Motilal Oswal, and Dhan reveals significant differences in their investment offerings. HDFC Securities provides investment offerings in Yes, mutual funds and offers trades in currency and commodities, while Motilal Oswal provides investment offerings in Yes, mutual funds and offers trades in currency and commodities and Dhan provides investment offerings in Yes, mutual funds and does not offer trades in currency and commodities.
| Investment Offerings | HDFC Securities | Motilal Oswal | Dhan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity Cash and F&O | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Currency Derivatives | Yes | Yes | No |
| 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 | Yes | No | No |
| Insurance | Yes | No | No |
| Forex | Yes | Yes | No |
| MF SIP Investment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Equity SIP Investment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PMS Service | Yes | Yes | No |
| Other Investment Options | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Customer Support
The comparison between HDFC Securities, Motilal Oswal, and Dhan reveals significant differences in their Customer Support. HDFC Securities provides Yes, while Motilal Oswal offers Yes and Dhan features Yes.
| Customer Support | HDFC Securities | Motilal Oswal | Dhan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 022 40548383 | Yes |
| Through Branches | Yes | — | Yes |
| Customer Care Number | 022-6246 5555 | +91 9769972825 | (+91) 9987761000 |
| Account Opening Process | Online/Offline | Online/Paperless | Online/Paperless |
| Customer Support Email | [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected] |
| Knowledge Center / Education | — | https://www.motilaloswal.com/news | https://dhan.co/blog/ |
| Head Office Address |
HDFC Securities Limited, |
Motilal Oswal Tower, Rahimtullah Sayani Road, Opposite Parel ST Depot, Prabhadevi, Mumbai – 400025 |
Unit No. 2201, 22nd Floor, Gold Medal Avenue, S.V. Road, Beside Patel Petrol Pump, Piramal Nagar, Goregaon West, Mumbai – 400104 |
| Website | https://www.hdfcsec.com/ | https://www.motilaloswal.com/ | https://dhan.co/ |
Research and Reports
The research and reports comparison between HDFC Securities, Motilal Oswal, and Dhan reveals significant differences in their offerings.
| Research and Reports | HDFC Securities | Motilal Oswal | Dhan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 HDFC Securities, Motilal Oswal, and Dhan reveals significant differences in their demat account charges. HDFC Securities provides CDSL & NSDL for DP Source, while Motilal Oswal offers CDSL & NSDL and Dhan features CDSL.
| Demat Account Charges | HDFC Securities | Motilal Oswal | Dhan |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP Source | CDSL & NSDL | CDSL & NSDL | CDSL |
| DP ID | CDSL DP ID: 12086700 | NSDL DP ID: IN304279 | 16-2015 | 289-2016 |
| Demat Account Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) | Rs 750 | Rs 199 | Zero |
| Advance Deposit | No | No | Zero |
| Transaction Charges on Debit (Per ISIN) | — | 0.025% or Rs 30 | — |
| Demat | Rs 5 per certificate + Rs 35 per Dematerialisation request submitted | Rs 100 per certificate + Rs 50 per certificate | ₹12.50 per instruction + GST |
| Remat | Rs 30 per request + CDSL actuals | Rs 35 per certificate + 25 courier charges | ₹12.50 per instruction + GST |
| Pledge Creation | Nil | Rs 35 or 0.02% | ₹15 per instruction + GST |
| Pledge Creation Confirmation | — | Nil | Yes |
| Pledge Closure | — | Rs 35 or 0.02% | ₹15 per instruction + GST |
| Pledge Closure Confirmation | — | Nil | Yes |
| Pledge Invocation | — | Rs 35 or 0.02% | ₹15 per instruction + GST |
| Failed Instruction Charges | Nil | Nil | ₹100 + GST |
| Other Charges | — | Demat Rejection: Rs 50 per request | Zero |
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Broker | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| HDFC Securities |
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| Motilal Oswal |
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| Dhan |
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User Experience: Buying Stocks
HDFC Securities – 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 4.3/5.
Market Presence: Around 15 Lakhs 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The account opening charges vary significantly: HDFC Securities charges Rs 999, Motilal Oswal charges Not specified, and Dhan 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: HDFC Securities offers Not specified for equity intraday, Motilal Oswal provides Rs 0 (Free for lifetime), and Dhan charges ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order. 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: HDFC Securities offers 4, Motilal Oswal provides 4, and Dhan features 4.6. The platforms support equity trading, derivatives, mutual funds, and other financial instruments suitable for different investor profiles.
Customer support quality varies: HDFC Securities has 4 support, Motilal Oswal offers 4, and Dhan provides 4.3. Support channels typically include phone, email, live chat, and branch services, with response times and availability differing between brokers.
Platform usability ratings show: HDFC Securities with 4.0, Motilal Oswal with 4.3, and Dhan 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: HDFC Securities (Yes), Motilal Oswal (Yes), and Dhan (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: HDFC Securities offers user-friendly platforms with educational resources, Motilal Oswal provides competitive pricing with intuitive interfaces, and Dhan 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: HDFC Securities focuses on intuitive design and quick execution, Motilal Oswal emphasizes advanced charting and analysis tools, while Dhan 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
HDFC Securities
