The comparison between Kotak Securities, Upstox, and Dhan highlights the major differences in their services and features, including overall ratings, brokerage charges, trading platforms, investment offerings, and customer service quality. Kotak Securities is known for its user-friendly trading experience and reliability, while Upstox 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 14,56,772, 23.78 lakh, and 982,814 users respectively, reflecting their popularity among investors. Overall, this comparison of Kotak Securities, Upstox, 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 Kotak Securities, Upstox, and Dhan reveals significant differences in their offerings. Kotak Securities provides 4 for Overall Rating, while Upstox offers 4.5 and Dhan features 4.4.
| Services / Features | Kotak Securities | Upstox | Dhan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Brokerage Charges | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Trading Platform | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Investments Offering | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Customer Service | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Broker Type | Full Service Broker | Discount Broker | Discount Broker |
| Exchanges Supported | NSE, BSE | NSE, BSE | NSE, BSE, MCX |
| Active Clients | 14,56,772 | 23.78 lakh | 982,814 |
| Broker Overview | Kotak Securities Review | Upstox Review | Dhan Review |
Account Opening Charges and AMC
The account opening charges and AMC comparison between Kotak Securities, Upstox, and Dhan reveal significant differences in their offerings. Kotak Securities provides Zero trading and demat account opening, while Upstox offers Free and Dhan features Free.
| Account Opening Charges and AMC | Kotak Securities | Upstox | Dhan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Account Opening | Zero | Free | Free |
| Trading AMC | ₹500 per year | ₹300 | Zero |
| Demat Account Opening | Zero | Free | Free |
| Demat AMC | ₹300 per year | ₹300 | Zero |
| Provide DP Service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Brokerage Plans
The brokerage plans comparison between Kotak Securities, Upstox, and Dhan reveals significant differences in their offerings. Kotak Securities provides - plans, while Upstox offers - and Dhan features No.
| Brokerage Plans | Kotak Securities | Upstox | Dhan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Plans | - | - | No |
| Monthly Plans | - | - | No |
| Yearly Plans | - | - | No |
Brokerage Charges
This comparison between Kotak Securities, Upstox, and Dhan reveals significant differences in their brokerage charges. Kotak Securities charges Rs 10 per order brokerage on equity delivery and intraday, Rs 10 per order for futures, and Rs 10 per order for options. Upstox charges ₹20 brokerage on equity delivery and intraday, ₹20 or 0.1% for futures, and ₹20 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 | Kotak Securities | Upstox | Dhan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan Name | - | - | |
| Equity Delivery | Rs 10 per order | ₹20 | Zero |
| Equity Intraday | Rs 10 per order | ₹20 or 0.1% | ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order |
| Equity Futures | Rs 10 per order | ₹20 or 0.1% | ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order |
| Equity Options | Rs 10 per order | ₹20 | ₹20 per executed order |
| Currency Futures | Rs 10 per order | ₹20 or 0.5% | NA |
| Currency Options | Rs 10 per order | ₹20 | NA |
| Commodity Futures | |||
| Commodity Options | |||
| Hidden Charges | No | No | Zero |
| Call & Trade Charges | ₹75 + GST | ₹50 + GST | |
| Auto Square Off Charges | ₹75 + GST | ₹20 + GST | |
| Brokerage Calculator | Dhan Brokerage Calculator |
Transactions Charges
This comparison between Kotak Securities, Upstox, and Dhan reveals significant differences in their transactions. Kotak Securities provides NSE Rs 297 per Cr (0.00297%) | BSE Rs 375 per Cr (0.00375%) (each side) for Transaction Charges Equity Delivery, while Upstox offers NSE: 0.00297% per trade and Dhan features BSE: 0.00375% NSE: 0.00297%.
| Transactions Charges | Kotak Securities | Upstox | Dhan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | NSE Rs 297 per Cr (0.00297%) | BSE Rs 375 per Cr (0.00375%) (each side) | NSE: 0.00297% per trade | BSE: 0.00375% NSE: 0.00297% |
| Equity Intraday | NSE Rs 297 per Cr (0.00297%) | BSE Rs 375 per Cr (0.00375%) (sell side) | NSE: 0.00297% per trade | BSE: 0.00375% NSE: 0.00297% |
| Equity Futures | NSE Rs 173 per Cr (0.00173%) | BSE Rs 0 | NSE: 0.00188% | 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: 0.0495% (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: 0.00035% BSE: 0.00045% | NA |
| Currency Options | NSE Rs 3110 per Cr (0.0311%) | BSE Rs 100 per Cr (0.001%) (on premium) | NSE: 0.0311% BSE: 0.001% | NA |
| Commodity | — | 0.05% | NSE: 0.0001% MCX: 0.0021% |
Account Features
These are the notable distinctions in the account features of Kotak Securities, Upstox, and Dhan when compared.
| Account Features | Kotak Securities | Upstox | 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 | No | No |
Trading Platforms
The trading platforms comparison between Kotak Securities, Upstox, and Dhan reveals significant differences in their offerings. Kotak Securities, Upstox and Dhan provide web trading platforms and mobile trading platforms.
| Trading Platforms | Kotak Securities | Upstox | Dhan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Web Trading Detail | Nest Trading Terminal | Upstox | 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 | Zero | Free | Zero |
Broker Ratings
The broker ratings comparison between Kotak Securities, Upstox, and Dhan reveals significant differences in their offerings. Kotak Securities provides 4.3 for Fees Ratings, while Upstox offers 4.3 and Dhan features 4.5.
| Broker Ratings | Kotak Securities | Upstox | Dhan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fees Ratings | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.5 |
| Trading Brokerage Rating | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.6 |
| Trading Platform Usability | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.4 |
| Customer Service Ratings | 5.4 | 4.2 | 4.3 |
| Overall Ratings | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.4 |
Investment Offerings
This comparison between Kotak Securities, Upstox, and Dhan reveals significant differences in their investment offerings. Kotak Securities provides investment offerings in Yes, mutual funds and offers trades in currency and commodities, while Upstox 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 | Kotak Securities | Upstox | 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 Kotak Securities, Upstox, and Dhan reveals significant differences in their Customer Support. Kotak Securities provides Yes, while Upstox offers No and Dhan features Yes.
| Customer Support | Kotak Securities | Upstox | Dhan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Customer Service | Yes | No | Yes |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online Live Chat | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Phone Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Toll Free Number | 1800 209 9191 | No | Yes |
| Through Branches | — | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Care Number | 1800 209 9191 | 022-41792999 | (+91) 9987761000 |
| Account Opening Process | Online/Paperless | Online/Paperless | Online/Paperless |
| Customer Support Email | [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected] |
| Knowledge Center / Education | — | https://upstox.com/uplearn/ | https://dhan.co/blog/ |
| Head Office Address | 27 BKC, C 27, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai 400051 | 30th Floor, Sunshine Tower, Senapati Bapat Marg, Dadar (W), Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013 | Unit No. 2201, 22nd Floor, Gold Medal Avenue, S.V. Road, Beside Patel Petrol Pump, Piramal Nagar, Goregaon West, Mumbai – 400104 |
| Website | https://www.kotaksecurities.com/ | https://upstox.com/ | https://dhan.co/ |
Research and Reports
The research and reports comparison between Kotak Securities, Upstox, and Dhan reveals significant differences in their offerings.
| Research and Reports | Kotak Securities | Upstox | 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 Kotak Securities, Upstox, and Dhan reveals significant differences in their demat account charges. Kotak Securities provides CDSL for DP Source, while Upstox offers CDSL and Dhan features CDSL.
| Demat Account Charges | Kotak Securities | Upstox | Dhan |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP Source | CDSL | CDSL | CDSL |
| DP ID | 629-2021 | 81800 | 289-2016 |
| Demat Account Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) | Rs 600 | Rs 300 | Zero |
| Advance Deposit | No | No | Zero |
| Transaction Charges on Debit (Per ISIN) | — | — | — |
| Demat | Rs. 150 per certificate | — | ₹12.50 per instruction + GST |
| Remat | Rs.10 for 100 securities | — | ₹12.50 per instruction + GST |
| Pledge Creation | Rs 20 per ISIN | ₹20 + GST per scrip | ₹15 per instruction + GST |
| Pledge Creation Confirmation | Rs 20 per ISIN | Yes | Yes |
| Pledge Closure | Rs 20 per ISIN | ₹20 + GST per scrip | ₹15 per instruction + GST |
| Pledge Closure Confirmation | Rs 20 per ISIN | Yes | Yes |
| Pledge Invocation | Rs 20 per ISIN | ₹20 + GST per scrip | ₹15 per instruction + GST |
| Failed Instruction Charges | NA | ₹50 per transaction | ₹100 + GST |
| Other Charges | NA | No | Zero |
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Broker | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Kotak Securities |
|
|
| Upstox |
|
|
| Dhan |
|
|
User Experience: Buying Stocks
Kotak 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 Rs 10 per 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 5.4/5.
Market Presence: Around 14,56,772 active clients use this broker.
Upstox – 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 4.5/5. Mobile trading app ensures real-time order execution and portfolio tracking.
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: Provides equity research reports. Supports online IPO applications.
Customer Support: Customer service rating is 4.2/5.
Market Presence: Around 23.78 lakh 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: Kotak Securities charges Zero, Upstox charges Free, 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: Kotak Securities offers Rs 10 per order for equity intraday, Upstox provides ₹20 or 0.1%, 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: Kotak Securities offers 4, Upstox provides 4.5, 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: Kotak Securities has 4 support, Upstox offers 4.4, 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: Kotak Securities with 4.3, Upstox with 4.4, 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: Kotak Securities (Yes), Upstox (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: Kotak Securities offers user-friendly platforms with educational resources, Upstox 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: Kotak Securities focuses on intuitive design and quick execution, Upstox 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
Kotak Securities
