A Demat account is the mandatory prerequisite for investing in stocks, ETFs, IPOs, bonds, and mutual funds in India. Opening one is now easier than ever – the entire process can be completed online in under 30 minutes.
What is a Demat Account?
Demat (Dematerialized) account is an electronic account that holds your financial securities in digital form. Just as a bank account holds your money, a Demat account holds your shares, bonds, ETF units, and other securities.
Documents Required
- PAN Card (mandatory)
- Aadhaar Card (for e-KYC)
- Cancelled cheque or bank statement (for bank account linking)
- Signature scan (for some brokers)
Step-by-Step: Opening a Demat Account Online
- Choose a SEBI-registered broker (Zerodha, Groww, Upstox, Angel One, etc.)
- Visit the broker’s website or download their app
- Click “Open Account” and enter your mobile number
- Enter PAN number and complete Aadhaar e-KYC with OTP
- Enter bank account details and upload a cancelled cheque
- Complete an in-person verification (IPV) via a short video call or selfie
- Sign the account opening form digitally with Aadhaar e-Sign
- Receive your Demat account number (DP ID + Client ID) via email within 24-48 hours
Which Broker Should You Choose?
- Zerodha: Best for active traders. ₹200 one-time charge, ₹20 flat per trade.
- Groww: Best for beginners. Clean UI, free for delivery trades.
- Upstox: Zero account opening fee, good for both beginners and traders.
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