When investors switched to online platforms from traditional investment methods, discount brokers emerged as clear winners. These brokers focus on low-cost trading services, allowing investors to act independently through mobile or online platforms without relying on advisory services.

A discount broker is a type of stockbroker that provides trade services at low costs by cutting several facilities such as thorough research, investment advice, or support. They offer you access to sharp, technically capable platforms where you can buy and sell shares, mutual funds, and derivatives at flat or zero brokerage costs.

Important features of discount brokers:

• Zero or flat Brokerage Charges: Most discount brokers provide the lowest brokerage charges in India, offering ₹0 for equity delivery and a flat ₹20 or less per trade for intraday and F&O.
• Online-Only Model: Fully digital onboarding, trading, and customer assistance.
• Advanced platforms: Powerful tools, real-time charts, and mobile apps.
• Self-directed investment: Suitable for investors who want control without advisory services.
• Low price structure: Budget-conscious and ideal for frequent traders.

Top 5 Discount Brokers in India – 2025

1. Zerodha

Zerodha is still the largest and most reliable best discount broker in India. With ₹0 brokerage on delivery and ₹20 per intraday/F&O trade, it has set a target for online trade. The platforms like Kite and Console Zerodha are known for reliability, smooth user interfaces, and rich features.

2. Shoonya (by Finvasia)

Shoonya stands out by offering truly ₹0 brokerage across all segments — equity, F&O, commodities, and currency — without any conditions or hidden fees. Shoonya supports seamless trading with integration across app and web platforms.

3. Upstox

Upstox is backed by industry leaders and offers zero brokerage on delivery trades and a flat ₹20 per trade for other segments. It is known for its modern interface, Upstox fast execution, and charting tools, making it popular with intraday traders and young investors.

4. Angel One

Angel One blends traditional broking experience with modern features. It provides ₹0 delivery brokerage and ₹20 per trade in other segments. Features such as ARQ Prime for AI-driven recommendations and detailed research reports make it a strong choice for smart investors.

How to Choose the Right Discount Broker?

While all discount brokers aim to offer low-cost trading, not every platform fits every trader’s needs. It’s important to evaluate brokers based on a few key criteria:

• Platform Stability: A reliable trading platform that doesn’t lag during market hours is crucial.
• Ease of Use: For beginners, a clean and intuitive user interface can make a big difference.
• Customer Support: Look for brokers with responsive support, even if they operate online-only.
• Additional Tools: Access to real-time data, charting tools, watchlists, and advanced order types adds value to your trading experience.
• Hidden Charges: Always check for annual maintenance charges (AMC), call & trade fees, or platform usage fees before signing up.

Conclusion

Discount brokers form the future of trading in India. Their low prices, advanced technology, and digital-first approach have made investments accessible to everyone — from students to full-time traders. If you are searching for the 5 best discount brokers in India, the above names stand out for their performance, trustworthiness, and user experience in 2025.