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Groww vs Upstox: which demat account is better in 2026

Beginner simplicity versus trading speed. Cost-first, disclosed, and informational, not a recommendation to open any specific account.

The verdict

Groww and Upstox both charge zero delivery brokerage and a flat 20 rupees per order on F&O, so the call comes down to simplicity versus execution: Groww suits the beginner with its zero AMC and clean app, while Upstox suits the more active trader with its faster order flow and deeper charts.
Moat Score
80/ 100
High conviction
Deciding factorBeginner simplicity versus trading speed
Moat Score (Groww)80/100
Groww cost-fit80/100
Upstox cost-fit79/100

BazaarBaaziSource & method

Which suits whomGroww 80 · Upstox 79

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 (beginner simplicity versus trading speed); the factor breakdown below shows exactly how it is built.

Best for

Groww

Beginners who want the simplest app and zero cost to hold a small portfolio.

Cost-fit score

80 / 100

Strengths

  • Zero annual maintenance charge, so simply holding a few shares costs nothing.
  • The simplest app for a first-time investor, with mutual funds and stocks in one clean flow.
  • Fast, fully paperless Aadhaar onboarding.

Trade-offs

  • Lighter advanced charting and derivatives tooling than the trader-focused platforms.
  • Fewer deep reporting and automation features for high-frequency or professional setups.

Best for

Upstox

Active and intraday traders who want fast execution and stronger charts.

Cost-fit score

79 / 100

Strengths

  • Fast, responsive mobile and web order flow that holds up in volatile sessions.
  • Low annual maintenance with promotional first-year waivers common through the year.
  • Solid charting for an app-first trader, plus options tooling.

Trade-offs

  • Ecosystem and learning resources are narrower than the market leader's.
  • Promotional pricing means the headline AMC can change, so verify the current rate card.

The comparison, side by sideIndicative 2026

Charges are the published flat-fee structures of Groww and Upstox 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.

 GrowwUpstox
Account openingFreeFree
Annual maintenance (AMC)The recurring cost of simply holding the demat account.Zero AMCLow AMC (often waived first year)
Equity deliveryBrokerage on buy-and-hold equity. Statutory charges still apply.Zero brokerageZero brokerage
Equity intraday20 per order or 0.1 percent, whichever is lower20 per order or 0.05 percent, whichever is lower
Futures and optionsPer executed order. Statutory charges (STT, exchange, GST) are the same across brokers.20 per executed order20 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.

Groww · 80 / 100

SimplicityThe cleanest first-time flow in the market.+16
Holding costZero AMC keeps a small portfolio free to hold.+14
Execution depthLighter advanced order and charting tools.-8
Delivery costZero delivery brokerage.+8

Upstox · 79 / 100

Execution speedFast, responsive order flow in volatile sessions.+16
ChartingStronger charts and options tooling than a pure beginner app.+12
Holding costLow AMC, often waived the first year, but not always zero.-8
F&O costFlat 20 per order on derivatives.+9

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 Upstox?

If the Upstox 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 Groww versus Upstox call, distilled and schema-marked for AI Overview, Perplexity, and reader search.

Is Groww or Upstox better for intraday trading?

Upstox is generally preferred for intraday because of its fast, responsive order flow and stronger charting. Both charge a flat 20 rupees per order on intraday, so the brokerage is the same; the edge is execution and tooling rather than cost.

Which has lower charges, Groww or Upstox?

On trades they match: zero delivery brokerage and a flat 20 rupees per executed order on intraday and F&O. On holding cost Groww has a clear zero AMC, while Upstox charges a low AMC that is often waived in the first year, so verify the current Upstox rate card.

Which is safer, Groww or Upstox?

Both are SEBI-registered brokers and depository participants, so client securities sit with CDSL or NSDL either way. Both are well-funded and widely used. Safety is comparable; pick on app fit and cost rather than on safety alone.

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