Espresso vs First Demat – Compare Charges, Trading Features, Offers & More

Overview — Espresso vs. First Demat

Espresso is listed as a Private Discount Broker established in 2020 with headquarters in Mumbai and founded by Jaideep Arora. The broker highlights access to equity delivery, equity intraday, equity futures, equity options, commodity futures, commodity options and currency futures through mobile app access, web trading and desktop terminal access and promotes features such as watchlists, real-time updates, portfolio tracking, online mutual fund access, interactive charts and live market tracking. It follows a Standard Plan brokerage structure.

First Demat is listed as a Private Discount Broker established in 2026 with headquarters in Ranchi, Jharkhand and founded by Sandhya Kumari. It offers equity delivery, equity intraday, equity futures, equity options, commodity futures, commodity options and mutual funds using mobile app access, web trading and algo trading support and supports traders with features such as watchlists, real-time updates, portfolio tracking, online mutual fund access, research reports and customised recommendations. Its brokerage model is structured as Single flat plan on site; file says 'multiple brokerage packs'.

Both brokers use technology-driven platforms to attract active traders and investors, but the better option depends on the combination of pricing, products, services, and support that matters most to you.

Brokerage charges comparison — Espresso vs. First Demat

Brokerage is the primary cost to compare when choosing a broker. Below is a segment-by-segment breakdown for Espresso and First Demat.

Equity delivery: This charge applies to buy-and-hold stock positions held beyond one trading session. Espresso charges Free while First Demat charges 0.1% or ₹20 per executed order, whichever is lower.

Equity intraday: This charge applies to buy-sell positions closed within the same trading day. Espresso charges Rs.20 per Trade or 0.03% (Whichever is Low) while First Demat charges 0.1% or ₹20 per executed order, whichever is lower.

Equity futures: This charge applies to futures contracts on stocks and indices. Espresso charges Rs.20 per Trade or 0.03% (whichever is low) while First Demat charges Flat ₹20 per executed order.

Equity options: This charge applies to equity option contracts. Espresso charges Rs.20 per Trade while First Demat charges Flat ₹20 per executed order.

Commodity futures: This charge covers commodities such as gold, silver, and crude oil. Espresso charges Rs.20 per Trade or 0.03% (whichever is low) while First Demat charges Starting ₹20 per order (not on pricing page).

Commodity options: This charge applies to option contracts on commodity instruments. Espresso charges Rs.20 per Trade while First Demat charges Starting ₹20 per order (not on pricing page).

Currency futures: This charge allows participation in forex price movements on the exchange. Espresso charges Rs.20 per Trade or 0.03% (whichever is low) while First Demat charges Not offered.

Currency options: This charge enables traders to hedge or speculate on currency fluctuations. Espresso charges Rs.20 per Trade while First Demat charges Not offered.

Trading platforms comparison — Espresso vs. First Demat

Espresso provides mobile app access, web trading and desktop terminal access for order placement, portfolio tracking, and market monitoring. First Demat provides mobile app access, web trading and algo trading support for its users.

• Android app: Espresso and First Demat both list an Android trading app.

• iOS app: Espresso and First Demat both list an iOS trading app.

• Web trading platform: Espresso and First Demat both list a web trading platform.

• Desktop trading terminal: Espresso lists a desktop trading terminal, while First Demat does not currently mention it.

• Algo trading: First Demat lists algo trading support, while Espresso does not currently mention it.

• Basket trading: First Demat lists basket trading, while Espresso does not currently mention it.

• Foreign stocks platform: Neither broker currently highlights foreign stocks access.

• Mutual fund platform: Espresso and First Demat both list a mutual fund investment platform.

• Digital gold platform: First Demat lists digital gold investing, while Espresso does not currently mention it.

• Bonds platform: Neither broker currently highlights a bonds investment platform.

Espresso vs. First Demat — Comparison of trading features

Espresso highlights trading features including watchlists, real-time updates, portfolio tracking, online mutual fund access, interactive charts and live market tracking, while First Demat promotes watchlists, real-time updates, portfolio tracking, online mutual fund access, research reports and customised recommendations. The table below shows the full feature set for both brokers side by side.

• Wishlist: Monitor specific stocks or assets by adding them to a watchlist for close tracking. Both Espresso and First Demat offer this feature.

• Real time updates: Get timely updates on market trends, stock prices, and other market data. Both Espresso and First Demat offer this feature.

• Portfolio details: A detailed snapshot of all investments — stocks, bonds, and commodities — in one place. Both Espresso and First Demat offer this feature.

• Online mf buy: Buy or sell mutual funds directly from the trading platform or mobile application. Both Espresso and First Demat offer this feature.

• Research reports: A comprehensive overview of different stocks and sectors in the stock market. First Demat offers this; Espresso does not currently highlight it.

• Customised recommendations: Personalised investment suggestions based on your objectives and behaviour patterns. First Demat offers this; Espresso does not currently highlight it.

• Interactive charts: Visual price movement charts to help analyse when to buy or sell. Both Espresso and First Demat offer this feature.

• Live market: Live updates on market movements and trends. Both Espresso and First Demat offer this feature.

• Secure platform: A secure trading environment with next-generation security controls. Both Espresso and First Demat offer this feature.

Espresso vs. First Demat — Comparison of offers

Stockbrokers use promotional offers to attract and retain clients. Below is a side-by-side comparison of the offers currently listed by Espresso and First Demat.

• Free account opening: First Demat lists free account opening, while Espresso does not currently mention it.

• Free AMC: First Demat lists free Demat AMC, while Espresso does not currently mention it.

• Free brokerage: Espresso lists free brokerage, while First Demat does not currently mention it.

• Flat brokerage: Espresso and First Demat both list flat brokerage pricing.

• Flexible brokerage plans: Neither broker currently highlights flexible brokerage plans.

• Happy trading hours: Neither broker currently highlights happy trading hours.

• Free delivery trading: Espresso lists free delivery trading, while First Demat does not currently mention it.

• Free intraday trading: Neither broker currently highlights free intraday trading.

• Free F&O trading: Neither broker currently highlights free F&O trading.

• Free research reports: First Demat lists free research reports, while Espresso does not currently mention it.

• Free trading calls: Neither broker currently highlights free trading calls.

• Zero brokerage for loss trades: Espresso lists zero brokerage for loss-making trades, while First Demat does not currently mention it.

• Referral offers: Espresso offers Rs.300 per Client for referrals; First Demat does not currently list a referral offer.

Offered products comparison — First Demat vs. Espresso

Product availability determines whether a broker can support your preferred markets. Espresso highlights equity delivery, equity intraday, equity futures, equity options, commodity futures, commodity options and currency futures, while First Demat highlights equity delivery, equity intraday, equity futures, equity options, commodity futures, commodity options and mutual funds.

The table below compares the full product lineup side by side across equity delivery, equity intraday, equity futures, equity options, commodity futures, commodity options, currency futures, currency options, mutual funds and digital gold.

• Demat services: Espresso and First Demat both list Demat services.

• Trading services: Espresso and First Demat both list trading services.

• Intraday services: Espresso and First Demat both list intraday trading services.

• F&O services: Espresso and First Demat both list F&O services.

• IPO services: Espresso and First Demat both list IPO services.

• 3-in-1 account: Neither broker currently highlights 3-in-1 account support.

• Stock research: First Demat lists stock research, while Espresso does not currently mention it.

• Stock recommendations: First Demat lists stock recommendations, while Espresso does not currently mention it.

• Trading education: Espresso lists trading education, while First Demat does not currently mention it.

• Share pledging: Espresso and First Demat both list share pledging.

• PMS or PCG: Neither broker currently highlights PMS or PCG support.

• NRI services: Neither broker currently highlights NRI services.

Offered services comparison — Espresso vs. First Demat

Espresso provides Demat services, trading services, intraday trading, F&O trading, IPO access and trading education, while First Demat offers Demat services, trading services, intraday trading, F&O trading, IPO access and stock research.

Stock advisory service comparison — Espresso vs. First Demat

Stock advisory helps investors choose appropriate stocks through research reports, tips, and market reviews. The table below shows which advisory products are available from Espresso and First Demat.

Exposure comparison — Espresso vs. First Demat

Margin exposure allows traders to manage larger positions with less capital. Below is a comparison of the margin available from Espresso and First Demat across different segments.

Comparison of programs — Espresso vs. First Demat

Espresso lists a sub-broker program, while First Demat does not currently mention it. Espresso lists a partner program, while First Demat does not currently mention it. Espresso lists a referral program, while First Demat does not currently mention it.

Customer support comparison — Espresso vs. First Demat

Espresso provides support through trading desk support, dedicated dealer assistance, call support, email support and website support. First Demat provides support through trading desk support, call support, email support and website support. First Demat operates Only Ranchi head office listed branches.

Ratings — Espresso vs. First Demat

Both brokers have been evaluated across key parameters to help investors make an informed comparison. Espresso carries an overall rating of 7.85 / 10, while First Demat carries an overall rating of 5/5.

Complaints — Espresso vs. First Demat

SEBI, BSE, and NSE regularly publish broker complaint data as part of investor protection oversight. The table below shows the complaint records for both brokers.

Transaction charges comparison — Espresso vs. First Demat

Transaction charges are levied by the stockbroker for executing each trade. Below is a segment-wise comparison for Espresso and First Demat.

Pledge charges comparison — Espresso vs. First Demat

Pledge creation charges apply when traders borrow against their held securities. Pledge invocation charges apply if the pledged shares are sold due to a shortfall. Margin trading interest is the rate charged on borrowed funds.

Hidden charges comparison — Espresso vs. First Demat

Beyond brokerage, several statutory and operational charges apply. These include SEBI turnover fees, DP charges, GST, account closure, reactivation, dematerialisation, and call & trade charges.

Compare Demat charges — Espresso vs First Demat

Espresso lists account opening charges of Rs.350 and Demat AMC of Rs.400 per Year. First Demat lists account opening charges of Online ₹0; offline ₹500 and Demat AMC of ₹0 for first year; later years not disclosed.

Espresso vs First Demat — Compare STT & CTT

Securities Transaction Tax (STT) and Commodity Transaction Tax (CTT) are government levies — the same for all brokers in India. These are shown below for reference.

Compare stamp duty — Espresso and First Demat

Stamp duty is a government tax charged when the broker issues, sells, or transfers a security. It is collected at the end of each trading day.

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