Brokers · Dhan vs Zerodha
Dhan vs Zerodha: which demat account is better in 2026
Zero-AMC trader tooling versus proven ecosystem. Cost-first, disclosed, and informational, not a recommendation to open any specific account.
The verdict
Dhan and Zerodha both charge zero delivery brokerage and a flat 20 rupees per order on F&O, so the deciding factor is zero AMC and trader tooling versus a proven ecosystem: Dhan suits the active options trader who wants a zero-AMC, derivatives-first platform, while Zerodha suits the investor who values the largest, longest-running ecosystem despite a 300 rupees yearly AMC.
BazaarBaaziSource & method
Which suits whomDhan 81 · Zerodha 80
The fast read on who each account fits. The cost-fit score is a BazaarBaazi 0 to 100 number for the lens of this matchup (zero-amc trader tooling versus proven ecosystem); the factor breakdown below shows exactly how it is built.
Best for
Dhan
Active options and intraday traders who want a zero-AMC, derivatives-first platform.
Cost-fit score
81 / 100
Strengths
- Zero AMC and a derivatives-first interface built for active options traders.
- Fast order placement, options chain analytics, and TradingView charting.
- No clutter or heavy cross-sell, a lean platform aimed at serious traders.
Trade-offs
- Newer and smaller than the incumbents, with a shorter public track record.
- Best suited to traders; a pure long-term investor gains less from the trader tooling.
Best for
Zerodha
Investors who want the largest, most proven ecosystem and the widest tooling.
Cost-fit score
80 / 100
Strengths
- Free equity delivery and a mature, stable platform (Kite) trusted at scale.
- Deepest ecosystem: Console reporting, Coin for direct mutual funds, Sentinel alerts, Varsity learning.
- Largest active client base in India, which signals long-run reliability and liquidity of support.
Trade-offs
- Charges a 300 per year AMC, where some newer rivals advertise a lower or zero maintenance plan.
- Onboarding and support can feel slower at peak times given the sheer client volume.
The comparison, side by sideIndicative 2026
Charges are the published flat-fee structures of Dhan and Zerodha as of 2026. Statutory charges (STT, exchange transaction, GST, SEBI and stamp) are the same across brokers and sit on top of the brokerage below.
| Dhan | Zerodha | |
|---|---|---|
| Account opening | Free | Free (online equity) |
| Annual maintenance (AMC)The recurring cost of simply holding the demat account. | Zero AMC | 300 per year |
| Equity deliveryBrokerage on buy-and-hold equity. Statutory charges still apply. | Zero brokerage | Zero brokerage |
| Equity intraday | 20 per order or 0.03 percent, whichever is lower | 20 per order or 0.03 percent, whichever is lower |
| Futures and optionsPer executed order. Statutory charges (STT, exchange, GST) are the same across brokers. | 20 per executed order | 20 per executed order |
Verify the live rate card on each broker site before opening an account. How BazaarBaazi sources this.
How the cost-fit score is builtBase 50, clamped 0 to 100
The score is deterministic: base 50, adjusted by the factors below and clamped to 0 to 100. It is a transparent cost-and-fit signal for this matchup, not a SEBI-registered rating.
Dhan · 81 / 100
Zerodha · 80 / 100
Both accounts charge zero delivery brokerage and a flat 20 rupees per executed order on F&O, so the score turns on holding cost, tooling and fit rather than on trade brokerage.
Prefer Zerodha?
If the Zerodha side of this matchup fits you better, here is the disclosed sign-up. The cost-first comparison above does not change either way.
FAQ3 reader questions · AEO-eligible
The Dhan versus Zerodha call, distilled and schema-marked for AI Overview, Perplexity, and reader search.
Is Dhan or Zerodha better for options trading?
Both charge a flat 20 rupees per executed order on F&O, so the cost is the same. Dhan is built derivatives-first with an options chain and TradingView charts, which many active options traders prefer. Zerodha offers deep, proven tooling through Kite and Console. The choice is platform feel and track record, not brokerage.
Does Dhan charge an AMC like Zerodha?
No. Dhan advertises zero annual maintenance, while Zerodha charges 300 rupees per year. For a trader who wants the lowest cost of simply holding the account, Dhan has the edge on AMC; Zerodha counters with a larger, longer-running ecosystem.
Is Dhan safe compared to Zerodha?
Dhan is a SEBI-registered broker and a depository participant, so client securities are held with the depository just as they are at Zerodha. Zerodha has the longer public track record and larger base. Both are legitimate; weigh the longer history against Dhan's zero-AMC trader tooling.
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