Espresso vs HDFC SKY – Compare Charges, Trading Features, Offers & more

Espresso vs HDFC SKY – Company Overview

Let us start with the introduction of the brokers –

• Espresso – Jaideep Arora founded Espresso, a Private company headquartered in Mumbai, in 2020.
• HDFC SKY - In 2023, Dhiraj Relli founded HDFC SKY, a Private company. The company's headquarters is in Mumbai.

Espresso is a Discount Broker broker and HDFC SKY is a Discount Broker broker. In the past, traditional brokers in the investing world catered only to the wealthy. These stockbrokers provide a wide range of services, including personalized investment advice. They would help you in financial planning for a bright future.

But the tide has changed with the advent of technology. Now, all the facilities available with a traditional broker are also available with a discount broker, plus they charge a fixed rate or lower transaction fees. The bonus point is that you can start investing with just a minimal amount.

Compare the Brokerage of Espresso and HDFC SKY

Every broker offers several brokerage plans, each with different benefits. Hence, the subscription charges also differ accordingly. The Standard or Regular brokerage plan is the default version given to all the users who open an account with the brokerage company.

The additional subscription charges for the standard or regular brokerage plan are usually zero, the same as Espresso and HDFC SKY.

Equity — Equity is the unit of ownership in a company such as Infosys or HDFC Bank that you can buy through a brokerage company.

• Equity delivery: If you hold your share (equity) for more than two days in your Demat account and sell it after that, a percentage of the gain will go to the broker. While Espresso charges Free based on whichever is of the lower value, HDFC SKY charges Rs.20 per Order or 0.01% (whichever is low) per order equity delivery.

• Equity Intraday: If you buy and sell your share (equity) during the same business day, generally from 9:15 a.m. in the morning to 3:30 p.m. in the noon, it is considered an intraday trade. While Espresso charges Rs.20 per Trade or 0.03% (Whichever is Low) based on whichever is of the lower value, Espresso charges Rs.20 per Order or 0.01% (whichever is low) for equity intraday.

• Equity Futures: Buying or selling shares (equity) at a specified date, amount, and price on a future date. While Espresso charges Rs.20 per Trade or 0.03% (whichever is low) based on whichever is of the lower value, HDFC SKY charges Rs.20 per Order or 0.01% (whichever is low) for equity futures.

• Equity Options: Involve buying or selling a specific number of shares (equity) at a specified date at an already set (pre-determined) price, strike price, within a specified period. While Espresso charges Rs.20 per Trade per order, HDFC SKY charges Rs.20 per Order per order for equity options.

Currency – Buying, selling, or exchanging foreign exchange, such as US dollars (USD) or Euros, in the forex market (foreign exchange market) through a brokerage company.

• Currency future: These are like equity futures, but security is currency instead of equity. Buying or selling currency at a specified date, amount, and price on a future date. While Espresso charges Rs.20 per Trade or 0.03% (whichever is low) based on whichever is of the lower value, HDFC SKY charges Rs.20 per Order or 0.01% (whichever is low) for currency futures.

• Currency Options: These are like equity futures, but security is currency instead of equity. Currency options involve buying or selling a specific number of units on a specified date at an already set (pre-determined) price, strike price, within a specified period. While Espresso charges Rs.20 per Trade for currency options, HDFC SKY charges Rs.20 per order.

Commodity – If you buy or sell digital commodities (raw material or primary products, such as sugar, gold, or oil) on regulated commodity exchanges through a brokerage company.

• Commodity future: These are like equity futures, but security is a digital commodity instead of equity. Buying or selling digital commodity at a specified date, amount, and price on a future date. While Espresso charges Rs.20 per Trade or 0.03% (whichever is low) based on whichever is of the lower value, HDFC SKY charges Rs.20 per Order or 0.01% (whichever is low) for commodity futures.

• Commodity Options: These are like equity futures, but security is a digital commodity instead of equity. Commodity options involve buying or selling a specific number of units on a specified date at an already set (pre-determined) price, the strike price, within a specified period. While Espresso charges Rs.20 per Trade for commodity options, HDFC SKY charges Rs.20 per Order.

Espresso vs HDFC SKY – Trading Platforms

Brokerage companies offer various ways to access your account, including a Web Trading Platform and software for desktops and smartphones. These make trading convenient.

The platforms help you analyze multiple stocks, personalized advisory services, currency pairs, and commodities, facilitate chart analysis, execute buy or sell orders, and have many more built-in functions.

Desktop platforms include MetaTrader 4 (MT4), compatible with Windows and Android devices, and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), designed for Mac computers and Apple iOS devices. Another standard software is the widely used TradingView.

Whether your smartphone runs iOS or Android software, there are apps you may download to help you access your account on the go. Additionally, you can enable notifications to receive real-time updates. You can also enable SMS alerts to receive messages.

Comparison of Espresso and HDFC SKY – Trading Features

Just like we discussed above, the various platforms help you with the following functions that facilitate trading:

• Wishlist: For instance, if you want to track a company's stock or a digital commodity, you can add it to your Wishlist to govern it closely.

• Real-Time Updates: You will receive regular updates on market trends, stock prices, and other information by choosing the above option.

• Portfolio Details What is a portfolio? A portfolio is a comprehensive overview of your investments, including stocks, bonds, commodities, and more, all in a single place. Hence, this feature offers you details on your portfolio.

• Online MF Buy: The above feature lets you buy or sell mutual funds (MF) directly from the platform.

• Research Reports: The above feature offers you a detailed analysis of various stocks and sectors in the financial markets.

• Global indices: The above feature offers real-time data on major global stock market indices such as Sensex and Nifty.

• Customized Recommendations: Based on your goals, trading behavioral patterns, and other factors, this feature offers you personalized investment suggestions.

• Stock tips: The above feature provides hints or advice on which stocks to buy, hold, or sell centered on market trends to yield profit.

• Interactive charts: The charts allow you to see the change in price movements of any individual stock or digital commodity, which helps you better analyze when to buy or sell.

• Live market: The above feature gives you live updates on market movements and trends. Just like your live TV news but related to the financial markets.

• Multi Profile Management: The above feature allows you to manage various trading profiles from a single account.

• Robust & Secure Platform: The above feature guarantees a secure trading environment with advanced security features that will not compromise your money, security, or data.

Compare Espresso vs HDFC SKY Offers

Many stockbrokers provide additional offers to increase their market size and user base. The offers are as follows:

• Free Account Opening and AMC: A Demat (dematerialization account) helps you hold your securities in digital form by ditching the old paper method. The government of India governs the NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) and CDSL (Central Depository Services Limited), where depositors (brokers) place the securities.

  The formation of depository types like the CDSL and the NSDL allows them to hold securities, including stocks, commodities, bonds, and ETFs, in electronic form. The brokers Espresso and HDFC SKY are CDSL depository Participants (DPs). The demat charges while opening an account are free with the brokers.

  But after opening your demat account, other charges are also levied, such as AMC (account maintenance charges), broker charges on every trade, government charges, stamp duty, and various others. Fortunately, the AMC doesn't charge fees. The section 'Compare the Brokerage of Espresso and HDFC SKY' covers the other brokerage charges.

• Free Brokerage: The above option allows you to make a few trades without brokerage charges. Both brokerage companies, Espresso and HDFC SKY, offer this option, but it is limited to specific trades.

• Flat Brokerage: Unlike the free brokerage charge, the flat brokerage charge charges a fixed amount regardless of the trade volume. Both brokerage companies, Espresso and Espresso, offer this option.

• Flexible Brokerage Plans: Every broker offers several brokerage plans, each with different benefits. You can choose one based on your individual trading needs. While Espresso does not provide this option, HDFC SKY does.

• Happy Trading Hours: Like "Happy Hours" in various venues, the trading companies also offer "Happy Trading Hours" based on the same concept. Happy Trading Hours is where you can trade at reduced or zero trading fees at particular hours during the day. Both brokerage companies, Espresso and HDFC SKY, do not offer this option.

• Free Delivery Trading: The above option lets you buy and hold your security without paying brokerage charges. While Espresso does provide this option, HDFC SKY does not.

• Free Intraday Trading: Buying and selling your security during the same business day, generally from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., is considered an intraday trade. Both brokerage companies, Espresso and Espresso, do not offer this option.

• Free F&O Trading: The above option allows you to participate in future and option trades without paying brokerage charges. However, neither the brokerage company Espresso nor HDFC SKY offers this option.

• Free Research Reports: The above option offers you a detailed analysis of various stocks and sectors in the financial markets at no additional cost. However, neither the brokerage company Espresso nor HDFC SKY provides this option.

• Free Trading Calls: The above option offers you trading signals or suggestions at no additional cost. However, neither the brokerage company Espresso nor HDFC SKY provides this option.

• Referral Offers: As the name suggests, referring your friend or family to the platform would benefit you. While Espresso gives Rs.300 per Client, HDFC SKY gives Rs.200 per Client.

• Margin Funding / Pledging: The above option allows you to borrow funds from the broker to trade larger volumes and pledge your securities as collateral. Both brokerage companies, Espresso and HDFC SKY, offer this option.

• Brokerage Cashback: The above option returns a percentage of your brokerage fees as cashback. Both brokerage companies, Espresso and HDFC SKY, do not offer this option.

• Zero Brokerage For Loss-Making Trades: Based on this option, you won't be charged any brokerage if you decide to sell a loss-making security. Both brokerage companies, Espresso and HDFC SKY, do not offer this option.

Espresso vs HDFC SKY – Products Provided

Diversification is the key to lowering risk in your stock investment. Always choose a broker who provides you with different security options under one umbrella. The following are the security options offered by Espresso and HDFC SKY:

• Equity Delivery: If you hold your share (equity) for more than two days in your Demat account and sell it after that, this term is equity delivery. As the stock is delivered to your Demat account and sits there for months or years till you want to sell it, it is a delivery trade. Both brokerage companies, Espresso and HDFC SKY, offer this option.

• Equity Intraday: Suppose you buy and sell your share (equity) during the same business day, generally from 9:15 a.m. in the morning to 3:30 p.m. in the noon. In that case, it is considered an intraday trade. Both brokerage companies, Espresso and HDFC SKY, offer this option.

• Equity Option: Involve buying or selling a specific number of shares (equity) at a specified date at an already set (pre-determined) price, the strike price, within a specified period. Both brokerage companies, Espresso and HDFC SKY, offer this option.

• Equity Future: Buying or selling shares (equity) at a specified date, amount, and price on a future date. Both brokerage companies, Espresso and HDFC SKY, offer this option.

• Commodity Option: Commodity options (raw material or primary agricultural products such as gold, silver, or oil) involve buying or selling a specific number of units on a specified date at an already set (pre-determined) price, the strike price, within a specified period. Both brokerage companies, Espresso and HDFC SKY, offer this option.

• Commodity Future: Buying or selling digital commodities (raw material or primary agricultural products such as gold, silver, or oil) at a specified date, amount, and price on a future date. Both brokerage companies, Espresso and HDFC SKY, offer this option.

• Currency Option: As the name suggests, this involves buying or selling currency (foreign exchange) at a specified date, amount, and price on a future date. Both brokerage companies, Espresso and HDFC SKY, offer this option.

• Currency Future: As the name suggests, currency options (foreign exchange) involve buying or selling several units on a specified date at an already set (pre-determined) price, the strike price, within a specified period. Both brokerage companies, Espresso and HDFC SKY, offer this option.

• Foreign Stocks: As the name suggests, trading stocks of a foreign country sitting in India. For instance, you could trade stocks from the USA, which allows you to trade stocks such as Apple, Google, and more in India. While Espresso does not allow you to trade foreign stocks, HDFC SKY does.

• Mutual Funds: Mutual Funds (MF) pool your money and several other investors just like you to purchase various securities such as stocks, bonds, and others. The mutual fund intends to diversify your investments and reduce risk. Both brokerage companies, Espresso and HDFC SKY, offer this option.

• Banking: A full-service broker such as ICICI helps you even with a savings account and other banking needs. These brokers are usually in the banking sector, too. However, Espresso and HDFC SKY do not offer this option.

• Insurance: Some brokers even offer insurance to safeguard investors' securities against potential losses during trading. However, Espresso and HDFC SKY do not provide this option.

• Corporate Bonds: As the name suggests, debt securities issued by corporations to raise the corporation's funds are known as corporate bonds. A few brokers issue these securities, but while Espresso does not allow you to purchase these bonds, HDFC SKY does.

• Govt. Bonds: As the name suggests, debt securities issued by the government to raise funds are known as corporate bonds. A few brokers issue these securities, but while Espresso does not allow you to purchase these bonds, HDFC SKY does.

• Digital Gold: Just like we have physical gold at home stored in our lockers in the same way, we can buy digital forms of gold sold by a few agents such as brokers. While Espresso does not allow you to purchase these bonds, HDFC SKY does.

Espresso vs HDFC SKY – Services Provided

• Demat Services: If the broker provides a Demat account to buy, hold and sell securities. Both brokerage companies, Espresso and HDFC SKY, offer this option.

• Trading Services: If the broker offers a Trading account, you can purchase securities and monitor your trades. Both brokerage companies, Espresso and HDFC SKY, offer this option.

• Intraday Services: Suppose the broker enables you to perform intraday transactions. Both brokerage companies, Espresso and HDFC SKY, offer this option.

• F&O Services: Suppose the broker lets you perform F&O (future and options) transactions. Both brokerage companies, Espresso and HDFC SKY, offer this option.

• IPO Services: For a private company to go public to increase its funding, it must perform an initial public offering (IPO.) Brokers allow you to participate in these IPOs. Both brokerage companies, Espresso and HDFC SKY, offer this option.

• 3-in-1 account: If your banking, demat, and trading accounts are all in one place, Espresso and HDFC SKY do not offer this option.

• Stock Research: The research helps you to analyze the financial assets, markets, and economic trends to make sound investment choices. However, Espresso and HDFC SKY do not offer this option.

• Stock Recommendations: Suppose you want suggestions from financial experts in Espresso or HDFC SKY on stocks that could potentially profit you. However, Espresso and HDFC SKY do not offer this option.

• Trading Institution: We go to school to master a subject related to the stock market. Trading institutions tutor us to become masters of the stock market. Both brokerage companies, Espresso and HDFC SKY, offer this option.

• Share Pledging: If you want to buy shares but do not want to invest extra money, you could pledge your previously bought shares to buy the new shares. Both brokerage companies, Espresso and HDFC SKY, offer this option.

• PMS or PCG: As the name suggests, Portfolio Management Services (PMS) or Private Client Group (PCG) offer personalized investment suggestions based on your needs. However, Espresso and HDFC SKY do not provide this option.

• NRI Services: Some brokers offer services to help Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) trade in the Indian market. However, Espresso and HDFC SKY do not provide this option.

Compare Espresso and HDFC SKY Advisory

• Fundamental Reports: The above reports analyze the company's health, industry position, and market economy. However, Espresso and HDFC SKY do not offer this option.

• Research Reports: Reports that analyze various stocks and sectors to help you make sound decisions. While Espresso provides this option and charges accordingly, HDFC SKY does not offer this option.

• Company Reports: The above reports analyze the company's performance: financial statements, products, and market standing. However, Espresso and HDFC SKY do not offer this option.

• Annual Reports: Yearly reports analyze the company's activities in the previous financial year, including their cost and positive or negative impact. However, Espresso and HDFC SKY do not offer this option.

• IPO Reports: Detailed reports that analyze the company's financials, business model, and market potential before they go into an IPO. However, Espresso and HDFC SKY do not offer this option.

• Technical Reports: The above reports analyze the company's historical market data, including price and volume. They use charts and statistical measures to help you make sound decisions. While Espresso provides this option and charges accordingly, HDFC SKY does not offer it.

• Stock Tips: The above option gives you suggestions from financial experts on which stock you need to buy, hold, or sell at the current moment. While Espresso provides this option and charges accordingly, HDFC SKY does not offer this option.

• Daily Top Stock Picks: The above option offers suggestions from financial experts on the stocks you should pick for the day to make a possible profit. While Espresso provides this option and charges accordingly, HDFC SKY does not offer it.

• Daily Market Review: The above option gives you a daily review of the markets: trends, economic events, and sector performance. However, Espresso and HDFC SKY do not offer this option.

• Monthly Review: The above option gives you a monthly review of the markets: trends, economic events, and sector performance. However, Espresso and HDFC SKY do not offer this option.

• Weekly Review: The above option gives you a weekly review of the markets: trends, economic events, and sector performance. However, Espresso and HDFC SKY do not offer this option.

• Relationship Manager: The above gives you an assigned person who understands your financial goals and is your go-to person for support and personalized service. While Espresso provides this option and charges accordingly, HDFC SKY does not offer this option.

• Robo Advisory: Like Robots, a Robo advisory is an all-automated, algorithm-driven financial planning service. While Alice Espresso this option, HDFC SKY does not.

Comparison of Espresso and HDFC SKY Exposure

As investors, we all have a certain amount of money invested in a security known as our exposure. In the worst case, it is the amount of money we are ready to lose if all hell breaks loose. But if you are positive that it will give you outstanding returns, you can increase your exposure.

But if you do not want to buy more shares with your money, you can leverage it to amplify your position. Think of it like a seesaw—for instance, a leverage of 1:500 means that for every Rs. 1 of your money (your share capital), the broker adds Rs. 500 to your side of the seesaw. You are finally swinging a much more giant bat in the trading game!

1:500 is just an example; brokers can place bigger or smaller leverage all to lieu in customers. Traders commonly use this strategy in stocks and forex trading. If you apply this strategy perfectly, it can yield substantial profits!

Compare Programs of Espresso & HDFC SKY

Just like we compared the Referral program in the initial parts of this page, there are other ways you can benefit from talking/promoting Espresso & HDFC SKY. Such as:

• Sub-broker Program: You or your company can become an agent of and operate (assisting clients in trading) under the supervision and registration of the broker, which is Espresso or HDFC SKY here.

• Partner Program: You could become a partner and provide marketing support and leads by getting commissions.

• Referral Program: As the name suggests, you would benefit from referring your friend or family to the platform.

Espresso vs HDFC SKY – Ratings

Thoroughly analyze and compare the various parameters, such as the products and services offered by Espresso & HDFC SKY and other brokers. We have rated them as follows:

Compare Customer Support of Espresso and HDFC SKY

If there are no clients, no one will use the extensive features, rendering them useless. After all, the client is king. Customer support is the key to any business. It can convert any customer into a loyal and long-term customer.

Customer support also has the power to attract new customers through word of mouth or existing customer testimonials. For the broker to provide you with smooth trading opportunities, you should be able to reach them more easily via the form you want, such as call support or Facebook.

Comparison of Espresso & HDFC SKY Complaints

As regulators, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), BSE, and NSE always ensure investors' safety by inspecting all brokers' activities. Brokers will lose their licenses if they engage in malpractice or do not listen to customers. Here is a breakdown of all the complaints lodged and resolved.

Compare Demat Charges of Espresso vs HDFC SKY

When finalizing a broker, the key is to compare their Demat charges. Here is a breakdown of the competitive rate charged by Espresso and HDFC SKY:

Espresso vs HDFC SKY – Compare STT & CTT

Securities Transaction Tax (STT) and Commodity Transaction Tax (CTT) are transaction fees charged by the government of India irrespective of the broker. Hence, the cost is the same for all brokers in India, and the government sets it.

Compare Stamp Duty of Espresso and HDFC SKY

Stamp duty is a form of government tax in India. You incur a stamp duty when the broker issues, sells, or transfers security (like stocks, currency derivatives, and commodities). The government collects stamp duty on all securities at the end of the day.

Espresso vs HDFC SKY – Transaction Charges

When finalizing a broker, the key is to compare their Transaction charges. Here is a breakdown of the competitive rates charged by Espresso and HDFC SKY:

Compare Pledge Charges of Espresso & HDFC SKY

• Pledge Creation Charges: When you borrow funds from the broker to trade larger volumes and pledge your securities as collateral, the broker charges pledge creation fees.

• Pledge Invocation Charges: When you sell the pledged shares, the broker charges pledge invocation fees if the borrower fails to provide additional securities within a limited period.

• Interest on Margin Trading: When trading on margin, the interest charged is due on the loan or the margin amount.

Comparison of Espresso and HDFC SKY – Hidden Charge

• SEBI Turnover Charges: All fees on the buy or sell transactions made through a stock exchange (BSE or NSE), known as the SEBI Turnover Charges, are paid to SEBI by you.

• DP Charges: The fees for maintaining, administering, and handling securities in your Demat account, known as the DP Charges, are paid to DP.

• GST: Brokerage and transaction charges attract a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 18%.

• Account Closure Charges: The fees charged for closing any account, such as the checking, savings, or investment accounts

• Reactivation Charges: The standard fees and charges schedule specifies the fees for reactivating your services.

• Dematerialization Charges: The fees charged for converting your physical shares and securities into digital or electronic format

• Call & Trade Charges: The fees charged for making transactions made on the client's behalf over the phone