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Dhan vs Zerodha Brokerage Charges & Review

Dhan and Zerodha are two well-known names that you may have seen if you are looking for a trustworthy and cheap broker to trade on the Indian stock market. They are both discount brokers that let you trade online and charge low brokerage fees. Which one is better for you? Let’s find out by comparing Dhan vs Zerodha in a number of areas, including Brokerage Charges, User Reviews, features, customer service, and more.

Quick Answer: Both Dhan and Zerodha offer identical brokerage charges, but Dhan wins on overall cost with lifetime zero demat AMC (vs Zerodha’s ₹300/year), while Zerodha leads in experience and ecosystem with 14+ years of proven track record and comprehensive educational resources.

Comprehensive comparison table: Dhan vs Zerodha key features and charges for 2025

Dhan Referral Code

DETA06
Investment in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.
With this Dhan code you will get a free Demat account, 0 charges on equity delivery, Free SIP in Mutual funds and IPOs. This code is tested and working in 2025.

🏆 Winner Summary: When to Choose Which Broker

Choose Dhan if you want:

  • Zero lifetime costs (no demat AMC ever)
  • Modern trading interface with advanced features
  • Free algo trading APIs (DhanHQ)
  • Built-in TradingView integration
  • Advanced options trading tools

Choose Zerodha if you want:

  • Established, trusted platform (14+ years experience)
  • Comprehensive ecosystem (Kite, Coin, Varsity, Console)
  • Extensive educational resources
  • Large community support
  • Proven stability with 4+ million active users

📊 Account Opening & Charges Comparison 2025

Charge TypeDhanZerodhaWinner
Account Opening₹0 (Free)₹0 (Free)Tie
Demat AMC (Annual)₹0 (Lifetime Free)₹300/yearDhan
Trading AMC₹0 (Free)₹0 (Free)Tie
DP Charges₹12.5/scrip₹13.5/scripDhan
Call & Trade₹20/order₹50/orderDhan
Pros and cons comparison: Dhan vs Zerodha for 2025

💰 Cost Analysis: Dhan Saves ₹300+ Annually

Based on my analysis of the latest 2025 pricing:

  • Dhan’s lifetime zero AMC saves you ₹300 every year compared to Zerodha
  • Lower DP charges (₹12.5 vs ₹13.5) save additional costs on selling stocks
  • Cheaper call & trade (₹20 vs ₹50) benefits phone traders

Real-life scenario: If you trade for 10 years, Dhan saves you ₹3000+ just in AMC charges alone.

🎯 Brokerage Charges: Identical Across Both Platforms

Key Finding: No Difference in Trading Costs

Both brokers charge identical brokerage fees across all segments:

SegmentBoth Dhan & Zerodha
Equity Delivery₹0 (Free)
Equity Intraday₹20 or 0.03% (whichever lower)
Equity Futures₹20 or 0.03% (whichever lower)
Equity Options₹20 per executed order
Currency Futures₹20 or 0.03% (whichever lower)
Currency Options₹20 per executed order
Commodity Futures₹20 or 0.03% (whichever lower)
Commodity Options₹20 per executed order

📈 Trading Example: ₹1 Lakh Intraday Trade

  • Brokerage: ₹20 (both platforms)
  • STT: ₹25 (government tax)
  • Total cost: Approximately ₹70-80 including all charges

🖥️ Trading Platforms & Technology Comparison

Dhan Platform Features (2025)

Strengths:

  • Modern, intuitive interface designed for next-gen traders
  • Free TradingView integration built-in (tv.dhan.co)
  • Advanced Options Trader – separate app for F&O specialists
  • DhanHQ APIs – free algo trading APIs with <50ms latency
  • Strategy Builder for options trading
  • ScanX Stock Screener with 50+ readymade filters

Zerodha Platform Features (2025)

Latest Updates:

  • Redesigned MarketWatch – up to 25 watchlists with 250 instruments each
  • Trade from Charts – direct order placement from TradingView charts
  • New Option Chain with Greeks (Delta, Gamma, Theta, Vega)
  • AI Integration using Model Context Protocol
  • Portfolio Performance Curve tracking
  • Order Slicing for large trades

Platform Comparison Table

FeatureDhanZerodha
Main InterfaceModern, cleanTraditional, reliable
TradingView IntegrationFree, built-inAvailable
Algo Trading APIsFree (DhanHQ)₹500/month
Options ToolsAdvanced strategy builderBasic option chain
Mobile App Rating4.2/54.1/5
Web PlatformResponsive, fastFeature-rich

🎓 Educational Resources & Learning

Zerodha’s Educational Ecosystem

  • Zerodha Varsity – comprehensive trading education
  • Z-Connect blog – regular market insights
  • Educational videos and tutorials
  • Paper trading for practice

Dhan’s Learning Resources

  • Dhan Blog – market analysis and strategies
  • Indicator by Dhan – bi-monthly market deep-dive
  • MadeForTrade Community – active trader community
  • Trading tutorials and guides

WinnerZerodha leads significantly in educational content depth.

👥 User Experience & Reviews Analysis

What Users Say About Dhan (2025)

Positive Reviews:

  • “UI is much more modern and intuitive than traditional brokers”
  • “Free APIs for algo trading is a game-changer”
  • “Zero AMC policy saves me ₹300 annually”
  • “TradingView integration works seamlessly”
  • “Options trading tools are superior”

Common Complaints:

  • “Newer platform, sometimes faces minor technical issues”
  • “Customer support response could be faster”
  • “Limited educational content compared to established players”

What Users Say About Zerodha (2025)

Positive Reviews:

  • “Most reliable platform, never faced major outages”
  • “Excellent educational resources through Varsity”
  • “Strong customer support and community”
  • “Regular feature updates keep the platform fresh”
  • “Trusted name with proven track record”

Common Complaints:

  • “₹300 AMC feels unnecessary when competitors offer free”
  • “Interface looks dated compared to newer platforms”
  • “API charges are expensive for retail traders”

🔧 Advanced Features Comparison

Margin Trading Facility (MTF)

Dhan MTF:

  • 4X leverage on 1700+ stocks
  • Instant pledge facility
  • Competitive interest rates (0.045% per day)

Zerodha MTF:

  • Up to ₹5 crore per stock limit
  • ₹25 crore per account
  • Enhanced tracking on Console platform
  • Interest rates: 0.05% per day

API & Automation

Dhan DhanHQ:

  • Free trading APIs with comprehensive market data
  • Real-time order execution (<50ms latency)
  • Integrated sandbox for testing
  • Developer-friendly documentation

Zerodha Kite Connect:

  • ₹500/month for data APIs (reduced from ₹2000)
  • Free order placement APIs since March 2025
  • Extensive third-party integrations
  • Mature ecosystem with community support

🏢 Company Background & Stability

Dhan (Founded 2021)

  • Founder: Pravin Jadhav (Ex-Zerodha team member)
  • Headquarters: Mumbai
  • Focus: Next-generation trading technology
  • Branches: 1 (mainly digital-first approach)
  • SEBI Registration: Stock broker, registered with NSE, BSE, MCX

Zerodha (Founded 2010)

  • Founders: Nithin & Nikhil Kamath
  • Headquarters: Bangalore
  • Market Position: India’s largest retail broker
  • Branches: 22+ across India
  • Customer Base: 4+ million active users
  • Market Share: ~20% of India’s retail trading volume

🎯 Who Should Choose Which Platform?

📱 Choose Dhan if You Are:

Active Options Traders:

  • Advanced strategy builder and analysis tools
  • Separate Options Trader app for focused trading
  • Real-time Greeks and volatility analysis

Algo Traders & Developers:

  • Free DhanHQ APIs save ₹6000/year vs Zerodha
  • Low-latency execution for systematic strategies
  • Developer-friendly platform

Cost-Conscious Long-term Investors:

  • Lifetime zero AMC saves ₹300/year
  • Lower overall charges across multiple categories
  • Modern interface for occasional trading

Tech-Savvy Traders:

  • Built-in TradingView integration
  • Modern, intuitive interface
  • Advanced charting and analysis tools

🏛️ Choose Zerodha if You Are:

Beginner Investors:

  • Comprehensive Varsity education platform
  • Large community for guidance and support
  • Proven platform stability and reliability

Risk-Averse Investors:

  • 14+ years of proven track record
  • Largest customer base indicates trust
  • Multiple specialized apps for different needs

Educational Content Seekers:

  • Extensive learning resources (Varsity, Z-Connect)
  • Regular webinars and market analysis
  • Paper trading for practice

Ecosystem Users:

  • Integrated Coin app for mutual funds
  • Console for portfolio analysis
  • Sentinel for market alerts

📈 Real Trading Scenarios: Cost Analysis

Scenario 1: Conservative Long-term Investor

  • Profile: Invests ₹10,000/month in delivery stocks
  • Annual trades: ~24 transactions
  • Dhan total cost: ₹0 (free delivery + zero AMC)
  • Zerodha total cost: ₹300 (AMC only)
  • Winner: Dhan saves ₹300/year

Scenario 2: Active Intraday Trader

  • Profile: 100 intraday trades/month
  • Monthly trades: ₹50,000 average trade size
  • Brokerage: ₹20 × 100 = ₹2000/month (both platforms)
  • Additional costs: Dhan ₹0 AMC vs Zerodha ₹300 AMC
  • Winner: Dhan saves ₹300/year

Scenario 3: Options Trader

  • Profile: 200 options trades/month
  • Monthly brokerage: ₹20 × 200 = ₹4000 (both platforms)
  • Additional benefits: Dhan’s advanced options tools vs Zerodha’s basic chain
  • Winner: Dhan for advanced tools, tie for costs

🔮 Future Outlook 2025-2026

Dhan’s Growth Trajectory

  • Rapid feature development and modern technology adoption
  • Growing user base attracted by cost benefits
  • Expansion of algo trading and API offerings
  • Focus on advanced trading tools and analytics

Zerodha’s Evolution

  • Continued platform enhancements (AI integration, new features)
  • Expansion of ecosystem with new products
  • Maintain market leadership through reliability
  • Enhanced educational content and community building

🏁 Final Verdict: The Winner for 2025

Overall Winner: Dhan (By a narrow margin)

Why Dhan Wins:

  1. ₹300+ annual savings with lifetime zero AMC
  2. Modern technology and user experience
  3. Free algo trading APIs (saves ₹6000/year)
  4. Advanced options trading tools
  5. Lower overall charges across multiple categories

When Zerodha Still Makes Sense:

  • If you prioritize brand trust and proven stability
  • Need extensive educational resources for learning
  • Want comprehensive ecosystem with multiple specialized apps
  • Prefer larger community support and established forums

💡 My Personal Recommendation

After using both platforms extensively, here’s my take:

For New Traders: Start with Zerodha for education and reliability, then consider switching to Dhan once you’re comfortable.

For Experienced TradersDhan offers better value with modern tools and cost savings.

For Options SpecialistsDhan is clearly superior with advanced strategy tools.

For Long-term InvestorsDhan saves significant money over time with zero AMC.

The ₹300 annual savings with Dhan might seem small, but over 10 years, that’s ₹3000+ saved. Combined with better technology and features, Dhan emerges as the winner for 2025, though Zerodha remains excellent for beginners and those who value established reliability.

Both are excellent choices – your decision should align with your trading style, experience level, and priorities. Remember, the best broker is the one that matches your specific needs and helps you execute your investment strategy effectively.

🤔 Frequently Asked Questions

Which broker has better customer support?

Answer: Zerodha generally receives higher ratings for customer support due to its established infrastructure and larger support team. Dhan’s support is improving but still developing.

Is Dhan safe compared to Zerodha?

Both are SEBI-registered and equally safe. Your securities are held in your name with CDSL/NSDL. However, Zerodha has a longer track record of stability.

Which platform is better for beginners?

Zerodha is better for beginners due to extensive educational resources (Varsity), large community support, and proven reliability.

Can I transfer my portfolio from Zerodha to Dhan?

Yes, you can transfer your demat holdings through the CDSL/NSDL transfer process. Most brokers facilitate this transfer.

Which has better mobile app experience?

Dhan has a more modern interface, while Zerodha offers more comprehensive features. Both have good app ratings (4.1-4.2/5).

Post Disclaimer

For informational purposes only:

The information presented on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Any opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author or individual contributor and do not necessarily reflect the views of any company, organization, or other entity.

 

Do your own research:

Readers are encouraged to conduct their due diligence and consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the information presented on this website. Trading, investing, and other financial activities involve inherent risks, and you could lose all or a portion of your capital. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Product Name

Dhan app review & charges

Zerodha Trading App Review 2024

Product Image Dhan app review & charges Zerodha Trading App Review 2024
Price
Our Rating 9.0 8.4
Brand Dhan Zerodha
Category Stock brokers Stock brokers

Company Overview

Dhan app review & chargesZerodha Trading App Review 2024
Company name Dhan Zerodha
Headquarters Mumbai Bengaluru
Founder Mr Pravin Jadhav Nithin Kamath
Establishment Year 2021 15 August 2010

Account opening & AMC

Dhan app review & chargesZerodha Trading App Review 2024
Account Opening Fee The account opening fee, also known as account setup charges, refers to the one-time charge levied by a brokerage firm when you open a new Demat and trading account to invest in securities like stocks, bonds, or ETFs. These fees can vary depending on the type of account, the brokerage firm, and any current promotions or offers. ₹0 ₹200
Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) This is a yearly fee levied by the depository participant (DP) to maintain your Demat account, where your shares are held electronically. ₹0 ₹0

Pledge Charges

Dhan app review & chargesZerodha Trading App Review 2024
Pledge Creation Charges ₹ 12.5 / transaction / ISIN + GST ₹30 + GST per pledge request
Pledge Invocation Charges ₹ 12.5 / transaction / ISIN + GST ₹0
Interest on Margin Trading 0.0438% per day on outstanding MTF and non MTF debit and non maintenance of 50:50 margin 0.035% per day (equivalent to 12.775% p.a.)
Margin Re-Pledge ₹ 12.5 / transaction / ISIN + GST ₹0

Brokerage charges & Fees

Dhan app review & chargesZerodha Trading App Review 2024
Brokerage Plan Standard Standard
Equity Delivery Charges ₹0 ₹0
Equity Intraday Charges ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order whichever is lower ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order, whichever is lower
Equity Futures charges ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order whichever is lower ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order, whichever is lower
Equity Options charges ₹20 per executed order Flat ₹20 per executed order
Currency Futures charges ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order whichever is lower ₹20 per executed order or 0.03% of the transaction value, whichever is lower
Currency Options charges ₹20 per executed order Flat ₹20 per executed order
Commodity Futures charges ₹20 or 0.03% per executed order whichever is lower ₹20 per executed order or 0.03% of the transaction value, whichever is lower
Commodity Options charges ₹20 per executed order ₹20 per executed order

Customer services offered

Dhan app review & chargesZerodha Trading App Review 2024
Demat Services ✅Yes ✅Yes
Trading Services ✅Yes ✅Yes
Intraday Services ✅Yes ✅Yes
F&O Services ✅Yes ✅Yes
IPO Services ✅Yes ✅Yes
Share Pledging ✅Yes ✅Yes
NRI Services ✅Yes ✅Yes
Referral Program ✅Yes ✅Yes

Customer Support

Dhan app review & chargesZerodha Trading App Review 2024
Call Support +91 9987761000 (9:00 am to 6:00 pm on Market Trading days) 080 47181888
Email Support help@dhan.co (24x7) renu.pd@zerodha.com (10AM - 5PM)
Whatsapp Support ⛔No ⛔No
Website Support ✅Yes, 8 AM to 12 AM (Monday to Friday), 8 AM to 10 PM (Saturday & Sunday) ✅Yes, create ticket

Leverage (Margin) Offered

Dhan app review & chargesZerodha Trading App Review 2024
Equity Delivery Margin Leverage Upto 1.39x depending on the stock (lower leverage for volatile stocks) No leverage available; you need the full purchase value in your account.
Equity Intraday Margin Leverage Upto 4x depending on the stock (lower leverage for volatile stocks) Upto 5x depending on the stock (lower leverage for volatile stocks)
Equity F&O Intraday Margin Leverage No leverage available; requires full margin upfront No leverage available; requires full margin upfront
Equity F&O Carry Forward Margin Leverage No leverage available; requires full margin upfront No leverage available; requires full margin upfront
Currency F&O Margin Leverage No leverage available; requires full margin upfront No leverage available; requires full margin upfront
Commodity F&O Intraday Margin Leverage No leverage available; requires full margin upfront No leverage available; requires full margin upfront
Commodity F&O Carry Forward Margin Leverage No leverage available; requires full margin upfront No leverage available; requires full margin upfront

Unique Offerings

Dhan app review & chargesZerodha Trading App Review 2024
Free Account Opening ✅Yes ⛔No
Free Brokerage ✅Yes, On Equity Delivery, ETFs, IPO & Mutual Funds only On Stock delivery, Mutual Funds and IPOs only
Free AMC ✅Yes ✅Yes
Free Equity Delivery ✅Yes ✅Yes
Free F&O Trading ⛔No ⛔No
Free Intraday Trading ⛔No ⛔No
Free Trading calls ⛔No ⛔No
Happy Trading Hours ⛔No ⛔No
Flexible Brokerage Plans ✅Yes ⛔No
Referral Offers ✅Yes ✅Yes
Margin Funding (MTF)/ Pledging ✅Yes ✅Yes
Brokerage Cashback ⛔No ⛔No
Zero Brokerage for Loss Making Trades ⛔No ⛔No
Relationship Manager ⛔No ⛔No

Services Provided

Dhan app review & chargesZerodha Trading App Review 2024
Equity Delivery ✅Yes ✅Yes
Equity Intraday ✅Yes ✅Yes
Equity Futures ✅Yes ✅Yes
Equity Options ✅Yes ✅Yes
Currency Futures ✅Yes ✅Yes
Currency Options ✅Yes ✅Yes
Commodity Futures ✅Yes ✅Yes
Commodity Options ✅Yes ✅Yes
Foreign Stocks ⛔No ⛔No
Mutual Funds ✅Yes ✅Yes
Banking ⛔No ⛔No
Insurance ⛔No ⛔No
Corporate Bonds ⛔No ⛔No
Govt. Bonds ⛔No ⛔No
Digital Gold ⛔No ⛔No

Order Types

Dhan app review & chargesZerodha Trading App Review 2024
Market Order ✅Yes ✅Yes
Limit Order ✅Yes ✅Yes
Bracket Order ✅Yes ✅Yes
Cover Order ✅Yes ✅Yes
After Market Order (AMO) ✅Yes ✅Yes
Good Till Cancelled (GTC) ✅Yes ✅Yes
Buy Today Sell Tomorrow (BTST) ✅Yes ⛔No
Sell Today Buy Tomorrow (STBT) ⛔No ⛔No

Research & Reports

Dhan app review & chargesZerodha Trading App Review 2024
Annual Reports ✅Yes ✅Yes, powered by Tickertape
Company Reports ✅Yes ✅Yes, powered by Tickertape
Research Reports ⛔No ✅Yes, powered by Tickertape
Fundamental Reports ⛔No ✅Yes, powered by Tickertape
IPO Reports ✅Yes ✅Yes
Technical Reports ✅Yes ✅Yes, powered by Streak
Stock tips ⛔No ⛔No
Daily Market Review ⛔No ⛔No
Monthly Review ✅Yes ⛔No
Weekly Review ⛔No ⛔No
Robo Advisory ⛔No ⛔No

STT & CTT Charges

Dhan app review & chargesZerodha Trading App Review 2024
Equity Delivery STT & CTT 0.1% on buy & sell 0.1% on buy & sell
Equity Intraday STT & CTT 0.025% on sell transactions 0.025% on the sell side
Equity Futures STT & CTT 0.0125% on sell side 0.0125% on the sell side
Equity Options STT & CTT 0.0625% on sell side (on premium), 0.125% on exercised options (on intrinsic value) 0.0625% on sell side (on premium)
Currency Futures STT & CTT No STT No STT
Currency Options STT & CTT No STT No STT
Commodity Futures STT & CTT 0.01% on sell side 0.01% on sell side (Non-Agri)
Commodity Options STT & CTT 0.05% on sell side 0.05% on sell side

Trading Features

Dhan app review & chargesZerodha Trading App Review 2024
Watchlist ✅Yes ✅Yes
Real Time Updates ✅Yes ✅Yes
Portfolio Details ✅Yes ✅Yes
Price Alert ✅Yes ✅Yes
Online Mutual Fund Buy ✅Yes ✅Yes
Global indices ⛔No ⛔No
Customized Recommendations ⛔No ⛔No
Advanced charting ✅Yes ✅Yes
Live market ✅Yes ✅Yes
Multiple Profile Management ⛔No ⛔No
Secure Platform ✅Yes ✅Yes

Trading Platforms

Dhan app review & chargesZerodha Trading App Review 2024
Android App ✅Yes ✅Yes
iOS App ✅Yes ✅Yes
Web Trading Platform ✅Yes ✅Yes
Trading Terminal ✅Yes ✅Yes
Algo Trading Platform ✅Yes ✅Yes
Foreign Stocks Trading Platform ⛔No ⛔No
Basket Trading Platform ✅Yes ✅Yes
Mutual Fund Investment Platform ✅Yes ✅Yes
Digital Gold Investment Platform ⛔No ⛔No
Bonds Investment Platform ⛔No ⛔No

Transaction Charges

Dhan app review & chargesZerodha Trading App Review 2024
Equity Delivery Transaction Charges BSE: 0.00375%, NSE: 0.00325% NSE: 0.00325% | BSE: 0.00375%
Equity Intraday Transaction Charges BSE: 0.00375%, NSE: 0.00325% NSE: 0.00325% | BSE: 0.00375%
Equity Futures Transaction Charges NSE: 0.0019%, BSE: 0 (Zero) NSE: 0.0019% | BSE: 0
Equity Options Transaction Charges NSE: 0.05% (on premium), BSE: 0.005% (on premium) NSE: 0.05% (on premium) | BSE: 0.005% (on premium)
Currency Futures Transaction Charges NSE: 0.0009%, BSE: 0.0009%, Interest Rate Derivatives: 0.00015% 0.0009%
Currency Options Transaction Charges NSE: 0.035%, BSE: 0.001% NSE: Exchange txn charge: 0.035% | BSE: Exchange txn charge: 0.001%
Commodity Futures Transaction Charges Group A, B : 0.0026% Exchange txn charge: 0.0026%
Commodity Options Transaction Charges 0.05% Exchange txn charge: 0.05%

Stamp Duty charges

Dhan app review & chargesZerodha Trading App Review 2024
Equity Delivery Stamp Duty 0.015% on turnover of buy orders 0.015% or ₹1500 / crore on buy side
Equity Intraday Stamp Duty 0.003% on turnover of buy orders 0.003% or ₹300 / crore on buy side
Equity Futures Stamp Duty 0.0125% on sell side 0.002% or ₹200 / crore on buy side
Equity Options Stamp Duty 0.0625% on sell side (on premium), 0.125% on exercised options (on intrinsic value) 0.003% or ₹300 / crore on buy side
Currency Futures Stamp Duty 0.0001% on turnover of buy orders 0.0001% or ₹10 / crore on buy side
Currency Options Stamp Duty 0.0001% on turnover of buy orders 0.0001% or ₹10 / crore on buy side
Commodity Futures Stamp Duty 0.002% on turnover of buy orders 0.002% or ₹200 / crore on buy side
Commodity Options Stamp Duty 0.003% on turnover of buy orders 0.003% or ₹300 / crore on buy side

Other Charges

Dhan app review & chargesZerodha Trading App Review 2024
SEBI Turnover Charges ₹10/Crore (For all segments) ₹10 / crore
DP Charges ₹ 12.50 / instruction / ISIN + GST. ₹13.5 + GST per scrip (irrespective of quantity)
GST charges 18% of (brokerage + transaction charges + Demat) 18% of (Brokerage + Transaction charges + Demat)
Account Closure Charges Free Free
Reactivation Charges Free Free
Dematerialization Charges ₹150 per certificate + ₹100 courier charges ₹150 per share certificate, ₹100 courier charges, + 18% GST
Call and Trade charges ₹ 50 / order + GST ₹50 per order
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