Espresso vs IDBI Direct – Compare Charges, Trading Features, Offers & more

In the world of discount broking, two prominent names are Espresso and IDBI Direct. For brokerage-conscious investors, discount brokers are the best resort as they offer reliable stock trading services at reduced brokerage.

Espresso and IDBI Direct, both discount brokers, are registered with SEBI and are quite popular among stock traders and investors. If you don't want to splurge on heavy brokerage, you can choose from these two discount brokers. However, many times traders and investors get confused between Espresso and IDBI Direct. So, here is a post that does a thorough comparison of both the discount brokers and helps you choose the best between them.

 
 

Overview – Espresso vs. IDBI Direct

Espresso – Started its journey in 2020, Espresso has come a long way in the discount broking space. It allows traders and investors to invest in stocks, currency, and derivatives (F&O). It is a member of BSE and NSE. The broker was set up by IIFL founders.

IDBI Direct – Started in 1993, IDBI Direct is a registered discount broker based out of Bangalore. It offers stock and commodity trading services at NSE, BSE, and MCX. It also offers Demat services through its CDSL membership.

Espresso and IDBI Direct, both stockbrokers, rely heavily on the latest technology to offer best-in-class trading services to their clients.

Espresso vs IDBI Direct – A Comprehensive Company Overview and Comparison

Company Overview Espresso IDBI Direct
Company Type Private Public
Broker Type Discount Broker Discount Broker
Headquarters Mumbai Mumbai
Founder Jaideep Arora Nagaraj Garla
Establishment Year 2020 1993

Brokerage Charges Comparison of Espresso vs. IDBI Direct

Brokerage is an intrinsic part of any stock broker and it is the first thing traders and investors look at while investing. Below are the brokerage details of Espresso and IDBI Direct the stockbrokers. The following brokerage comparison would help you look at the both brokers side by side.

Espresso vs IDBI Direct - A Detailed Brokerage Comparison

Brokerage Espresso IDBI Direct
Brokerage Plan Standard Plan Standard Plan
Subscription Charges Zero Zero
Equity Delivery Free 0.50% of Transaction Value
Equity Intraday Rs.20 per Trade or 0.03% (Whichever is Low) 0.50% of Transaction Value
Equity Future Rs.20 per Trade or 0.03% (whichever is low) 0.50% of Transaction Value
Equity Option Rs.20 per Trade Rs.50 per Lot
Commodity Future Rs.20 per Trade or 0.03% (whichever is low) 0.05% of Transaction Value
Commodity Option Rs.20 per Trade Rs.50 per Lot
Currency Future Rs.20 per Trade or 0.03% (whichever is low) 0.05% of Transaction Value
Currency Option Rs.20 per Trade Rs.50 per Lot

Equity

Equity refers to the ownership in a business that one can buy through a broker.

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 per Trade based on whichever is of the lower value, IDBI Direct charges 0.50% of Transaction Value per Trade equity delivery.

Equity Intraday: Espresso charges Rs.20 per Trade or 0.03% (Whichever is Low) per trade.

Equity Futures: IDBI Direct charges 0.50% of Transaction Value, whereas Espresso charges Rs.20 per Trade or 0.03% (whichever is low) per trade.

Equity Options: IDBI Direct charges Rs.50 per Lot per trade, whereas Espresso charges Rs.20 per Trade per trade each order.

Currency

Currency Future: IDBI Direct charges 0.05% of Transaction Value per trade for currency futures, whereas Espresso charges Rs.20 per Trade or 0.03% (whichever is low) per trade, depending on which is the lower value.

Currency Options: IDBI Direct charges Rs.50 per Lot each trade for currency options, compared to Rs.20 per Trade per trade for Espresso.

Commodity

Commodity Future: IDBI Direct costs 0.05% of Transaction Value per trade for commodity futures, whereas Espresso charges Rs.20 per Trade or 0.03% (whichever is low) per trade, depending on which is the lower value.

Commodity Options: IDBI Direct charges Rs.50 per Lot each trade, whereas Espresso charges Rs.20 per Trade per trade for commodity options.

Trading Platforms Comparison of Espresso vs. IDBI Direct

A trading platform lets traders and investors trade in stocks easily and effectively. Most stockbrokers offer trading platforms for desktop computers and smartphones. Both Espresso and IDBI Direct offer advanced trading platforms for Android and iOS systems. Also, one can access their account on web browsers through a web trading link.

Espresso vs IDBI Direct - A Complete Comparison of Trading Platforms

Trading Platforms Espresso IDBI Direct
Android App Espresso Android App Link IDBI Direct Android App Link
iOS App Espresso iOS App Link IDBI Direct iOS App Link
Web Trading Platform Espresso Web Trading Link IDBI Direct Web Trading Link
Trading Terminal Available Available
Algo Trading Platform NA Available
Foreign Stocks Trading Platform NA NA
Basket Trading Platform NA NA
Mutual Fund Investment Platform Available Available
Digital Gold Investment Platform NA NA
Bonds Investment Platform NA NA

IDBI Direct used an advanced technology named ANT, meaning Analysis & Trade. It comes with three basic features that are needed to invest in stocks and commodities. The backend technology behind ANY is Omnesys NEST. Some of the major features of ANT are customized trading strategies, advanced charts, superior speed, historical data, technical indicators, and enhanced accessibility etc. The application's mobile version, ANT Mobi, enables users to analyze and trade different financial instruments at NSE, BSE, and MCX. The app features easy-to-use tools, real-time market information, market analysis, quick order placement, etc.

On the other hand, Espresso also offers a wide range of trading platforms to its users including desktop application, web portal, and mobile application. The desktop application, Trade Station EXE, has features like quick funds transfer, advanced charting, customized watchlists, order slicing, shortcut keys, etc. It also provides algo trading tool that utilizes advanced technologies to enable automatic trading. Espresso mobile trading app has various features like robo advisory, advanced charting, mutual funds investment, SIP investments, real-time quote streaming, currency trading, etc.

Espresso vs. IDBI Direct – Comparison of Trading Features

Now, let's look at some of the major trading features offered by Espresso and IDBI Direct.

  • Wishlist: If you wish to monitor a company's stock or a digital commodity, you just need to it to your Wishlist for close monitoring.

  • Real-Time Updates: Get timely updates on market trends, stock prices, and other details with this feature.

  • Portfolio Details A portfolio refers to a detailed snapshot of your investments, including stocks, bonds, commodities, and more, all in one place.

  • Online MF Buy: This facility allows you to buy or sell mutual funds (MF) right from the trading platform or mobile application.

  • Research Reports: The above feature offers you a comprehensive overview of different stocks and sectors in the stock market.

  • Global indices: It provides real-time data on all leading global stock market indices such as Sensex and Nifty.

  • Customized Recommendations: Given your investment objectives, trading behavioral patterns, and other factors, this feature let you get personalized investment suggestions.

  • Stock tips: Get valuable tips on which stocks to buy, hold, or sell centered on market trends to generate profit.

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

  • Live market: Get live updates on market movements and trends.

  • Multi Profile Management: Manage multiple trading profiles from a single account.

  • Robust & Secure Platform: This feature ensures a secure trading environment with next-gen security features that would not put your money, security, or data at risk.

Espresso vs IDBI Direct - A Comprehensive Comparison of Trading Features

Trading Features Espresso IDBI Direct
Wishlist Yes Yes
Real Time Updates Yes Yes
Portfolio Details Yes Yes
Online MF Buy Yes Yes
Research Reports No Yes
Global indices No No
Customised Recommendations No No
Stock tips No No
Interactive charts Yes Yes
Live market Yes Yes
Multi Profile Management No Yes
Robust & Secure Platform Yes Yes

Espresso vs. IDBI Direct – Comparison of offer

A majority of stockbrokers offer several types of discounts and additional offers to both existing and potential clients. Let’s look at them.

Free Account Opening and Maintenance (AMC) - By doing away with the outdated paper method, a Demat (dematerialization account) enables you to retain your shares in digital form. The National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) and Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL), where depositors (brokers) place the securities, are governed by the Indian government.

They can now hold securities in electronic form, such as stocks, commodities, bonds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), thanks to the establishment of depository types like the CDSL and the NSDL. CDSL depository participants (DPs) include the brokers Espresso and IDBI Direct. When opening an account with the brokers, there are no demat fees.

However, once your demat account is opened, additional fees are assessed, including stamp duty, government fees, broker fees for each trade, and AMC (account maintenance fees), among others. Thankfully, there are no fees associated with the AMC. For the other brokerage fees, see 'Compare the Brokerage of Espresso with IDBI Direct'.

  • Free Brokerage: You can make a few trades using the aforementioned option without paying brokerage fees. This option is available through both Espresso and IDBI Direct brokerages, however it is restricted to particular trades.

  • Flat Brokerage: In contrast to the free brokerage charge, the flat brokerage charge levies a set fee irrespective of the volume of trades. This option is available through both brokerage firms, Espresso and IDBI Direct.

  • Flexible Brokerage Plans: Each broker provides a variety of brokerage plans, each with unique advantages. Depending on your unique trading requirements, you can select one. IDBI Direct offers this option, while Espresso does not.

  • Happy Trading Hours: 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 IDBI Direct, 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, IDBI Direct 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 IDBI Direct, 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 IDBI Direct 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 IDBI Direct provides this option.

  • Free Trading Calls: It offers you trading signals or suggestions at no additional cost. However, neither the brokerage company Espresso nor IDBI Direct provides this option.

  • Referral Offers: Going by its name, referring your friend or family to the platform would benefit you. While Espresso gives Rs.300 per Client, IDBI Direct gives Upto Rs.500 per Client.

Espresso vs IDBI Direct - A Comparison of Latest Offers

Offers Espresso IDBI Direct
Free Account Opening No Yes
Free AMC No No
Free Brokerage Yes, Limited No
Flat Brokerage Yes No
Flexible Brokerage Plans No Yes
Happy Trading Hours No No
Free Delivery Trading Yes No
Free Intraday Trading No No
Free F&O Trading No No
Free Research Reports No Yes
Free Trading calls No Yes
Referral Offers Rs.300 per Client Upto Rs.500 per Client
Margin Funding / Pledging Yes Yes
Brokerage Cashback No No
Zero Brokerage for Loss Making Trades Yes No

Offered Products Comparison of IDBI Direct vs. Espresso

When it comes to choosing a discount broker, it is necessary to look at different types of products offered by the Espresso and IDBI Direct.

Below is a table that highlights the products offered by the stockbrokers.

Espresso vs IDBI Direct – A Complete Comparison of Products

Products Provided Espresso IDBI Direct
Equity Delivery Yes Yes
Equity Intraday Yes Yes
Equity Option Yes Yes
Equity Future Yes Yes
Commodity Option Yes Yes
Commodity Future Yes Yes
Currency Option Yes Yes
Currency Future Yes Yes
Foreign Stocks No No
Mutual Funds Yes Yes
Banking No Yes
Insurance No Yes
Corporate Bonds No Yes
Govt. Bonds No Yes
Digital Gold No No
  • Equity Delivery: When the stock is allotted to your Demat account and it resides there for months or years before you choose to sell, it is called a delivery trade.

  • Equity Intraday: If you buy and sell your share (equity) within same business day, typically between 9:15 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Then, it is called an intraday trade. Both discount brokers offer this product.

  • Equity Option: It refers to buying or selling a particular no. of shares (equity) at a particular date at pre-set price, it is called the strike price.

  • Equity Future: Purchasing or disposing of stock at a predetermined time, price, and quantity.

  • Commodity Option: Commodity options, which include raw materials or primary agricultural goods like gold, silver, or oil, entail the purchase or sale of a predetermined quantity of units on a predetermined date at a predetermined price, known as the strike price, within a predetermined time frame.

  • Commodity Future: Buying or disposing of digital commodities (such as agricultural goods or raw materials like gold, silver, or oil) at a predetermined time, price, and quantity in the future.

  • Currency Option: As the name implies, this option entails purchasing or disposing of currency (foreign exchange) at a given time, price, and quantity in the future.

  • Currency Future: Currency options (foreign exchange) entail the purchase or sale of multiple units on a given date at a predetermined price, known as the strike price, within a given time frame.

  • Foreign Stocks: Trading international equities while seated in India. To trade equities like Apple, Google, and others in India, for example, you could trade stocks from the USA.

  • Mutual Funds: Mutual funds (MF) combine your money with that of a number of other investors who share your interests in order to buy stocks, bonds, and other securities. The mutual fund aims to lower risk and diversify your investments.

Offered Services Comparison of Espresso vs. IDBI Direct

Now, let’s look at some of the major services offered by Espresso and IDBI Direct.

Espresso vs IDBI Direct – An In-Depth Comparison of Services Offered

Services Provided Espresso IDBI Direct
Demat Services Yes Yes
Trading Services Yes Yes
Intraday Services Yes Yes
F&O Services Yes Yes
IPO Services Yes Yes
3 in 1 Account No Yes
Stock Research No Yes
Stock Recommendations No Yes
Trading Institution Yes, Bootcamp No
Share Pledging Yes Yes
PMS or PCG No No
NRI Services No No
  • Demat Services: A Demat account is used to buy, hold and sell securities. Both brokerage companies, Espresso and IDBI Direct, offer Demat services.

  • Trading Services: Both brokerage companies, Espresso and IDBI Direct, provide this service.

  • Intraday Services: Both discount brokers, Espresso and Espresso, offer intraday trading services.

  • F&O Services: This option is available from both Espresso and IDBI Direct brokerages.

  • IPO Services: This option is available from both Espresso and IDBI Direct brokerages.

  • 3-in-1 account: This type of account is inclusive of a banking, demat, and trading account. Both Espresso and Espresso don't have this service.

  • Stock Research: Espresso and IDBI Direct do not provide this service.

  • Stock Recommendations: Both, Espresso and IDBI Direct do not offer this option.

  • Trading Institution: This option is available from both Espresso and IDBI Direct brokerage companies.

  • Share Pledging: You can pledge your previously purchased shares to purchase the new shares if you wish to purchase shares but do not want to make an additional financial commitment. This option is available from both IDBI Direct and Espresso brokerages.

  • PMS or PCG: Portfolio Management Services (PMS) or Private Client Group (PCG) provide tailored investment recommendations according to your requirements.

  • NRI Services: Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can trade in the Indian market with the assistance of certain brokers. Nevertheless, Espresso and IDBI Direct do not offer this choice.

Stock Advisory Service Comparison of Espresso vs. IDBI Direct

Stock advisory is one of the prominent services offered by different stockbrokers. One major objective behind offering these services to help traders and investors in selecting the most appropriate stocks for trading or investment.

In the world of investing, stock advisory is provided by offering several other elements related to different stocks. These include company reports, research reports, fundamental reports, stock tips, IPO reports, annual reports, technical reports, daily top stock picks, daily market review, monthly review, weekly review. You can refer to the following table to determine what advisory product is provided by Espresso and IDBI Direct.

Espresso and IDBI Direct - A Detailed Comparison of Advisory Services

Advisory Espresso IDBI Direct
Fundamental Reports No Yes
Research Reports No Yes
Company Reports No Yes
Annual Reports No Yes
IPO Reports No Yes
Technical Reports Yes, chargeable No
Stock Tips Yes, chargeable No
Daily Top Stock Picks No No
Daily Market Review No Yes
Monthly Review No Yes
Weekly Review No Yes
Relationship Manager Yes, chargeable Yes
Robo Advisory Yes No

Exposure Comparison of Espresso vs. Espresso

Exposure can be stated as a proportion of an investment portfolio or in monetary terms. Regular exposure monitoring is crucial.

Let's find out the exposure provided by Espresso and IDBI Direct below.

Espresso and IDBI Direct - A Comprehensive Comparison of Trading Exposure

Exposure Espresso IDBI Direct
Equity Delivery 1x 1x
Equity Intraday Upto 5x (Depends on Stocks) Upto 5x (Depends on Stocks)
Equity F&O Carry Forward 1x 1X
Equity F&O Intraday 1.3x 1.3x
Commodity F&O Carry Forward 1x 1x
Commodity F&O Intraday 1.3x 1.3x
Currency F&O 1x 1x

Comparison of Programs by Espresso vs. IDBI Direct

There are more opportunities to profit from discussing and promoting Espresso & IDBI Direct, just like we did when we compared the Referral scheme in the first sections of this article. For example:

  • Sub-broker Program: You or your business may register as an agent of the broker, in this case Espresso or IDBI Direct, and conduct business (helping clients trade) under their supervision and registration.

  • Partner Program: By becoming a partner, you can earn commissions for generating leads and helping with marketing.

  • Referral Program: As the name implies, you would gain from introducing your loved ones to the website.

Espresso vs IDBI Direct - A Comparative Analysis of Programs

Programs Espresso IDBI Direct
Sub Broker Program Yes, Limited Yes
Partner Program Yes Yes
Referral Program Yes Yes

Customer Support Comparison of Espresso vs. IDBI Direct

Customer service is the foundation of any company. Any customer can become a devoted, long-term client thanks to it.

Below is a table highlighting the customer services offered by Espresso and IDBI Direct.

Espresso and IDBI Direct - A Comprehensive Comparison of Customer Support Services

Customer Support Espresso IDBI Direct
Trading Support Available, Chargeable Available, Free
Dedicated Dealer Available, Chargeable Available, Free
Call Support 022-67670700 022-67719100
Email Support igc@mAvailablepresso.com customercare@idbi.co.in
Whatsapp Support NA
Website Support Website Link Website Link
Facebook Support Facebook Support Link Facebook Support Link
Twitter Support Twitter Support Link Twitter Support Link
Telegram Support NA Telegram Support Link
Branches / Offices NA Available

Ratings – Espresso vs. IDBI Direct

Examine and contrast all of the factors in detail, including the goods and services provided by Espresso & IDBI Direct and other brokers.

Here is how we have evaluated them:

Espresso vs IDBI Direct – Ratings Comparison and Insights

Ratings Espresso IDBI Direct
Overall Rating 7.85 / 10 7.60 / 10
Customer Support 7.82 / 10 7.57 / 10
Technology 7.94 / 10 7.70 / 10
Charges 7.88 / 10 7.63 / 10
Products & Service 7.80 / 10 7.56 / 10
Experience 7.79 / 10 7.54 / 10

Complaints – Espresso vs. IDBI Direct

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), BSE, and NSE, in their capacity as regulators, constantly guarantee the security of investors by examining the operations of all brokers. Brokers that commit misconduct or ignore client’s risk having their licenses revoked. This is a summary of every complaint that has been filed and settled.

Espresso & IDBI Direct - A Comparison of Customer Complaints

Complaints Espresso IDBI Direct
Total Complaints Lodged 4 35
Total Complaints Resolved 3 28
% of Resolved Complaints 75.00% 80.00%
Non Actionable Complaints 0 3
% of Non Actionable Complaints 0.00% 8.57%

Transaction Charges Comparison of Espresso vs. IDBI Direct

As its name implies, transaction charges are levied by the stockbroker for carrying out each transaction.

The following table highlights the transaction charges levied by Espresso and IDBI Direct.

Espresso vs IDBI Direct – A Detailed Comparison of Transaction Charges

Transaction Charges Espresso IDBI Direct
Equity Delivery
Equity Intraday
Equity Future
Equity Option
Commodity Future
Commodity Option
Currency Future
Currency Option

Pledge Charges Comparison of Espresso vs. IDBI Direct

  • Pledge Creation Fees: The broker charges pledge creation charges when a trader borrows money to trade bigger volumes and pledge your stocks as security.

  • Pledge Invocation Fees: If the borrower does not supply further securities within a certain time frame, the broker will charge pledge invocation fees when pledge shared are sold.

  • Interest on Margin Trading: Interest on the loan or the margin amount is owed while trading on margin.

Espresso & IDBI Direct - A Comprehensive Comparison of Pledge Charges

Pledge Charges Espresso IDBI Direct
Pledge Creation Charges
Pledge Invocation Charges
Interest on Margin Trading

Hidden Charges Comparison of Espresso vs. IDBI Direct

Apart from the regular charges, different types of hidden charges may be levied by stockbrokers. They are:

  • SEBI Turnover Charges: All charges levied on the purchase or sale of stocks made through a stock exchange (BSE or NSE).

  • DP Charges: It refers to charges against the maintenance, administration and management of securities in your Demat account.

  • GST:The stockbroker transactions levy 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 highlights the fees for reinstating your services.

  • Dematerialization Charges: This amount is charged for transforming your physical shares and securities into digital or electronic versions.

  • Call & Trade Charges: The amount is charged for making transactions done on the client's behalf over the phone.

Espresso and IDBI Direct – A Detailed Comparison of Hidden Charges

Hidden Charge Espresso IDBI Direct
SEBI Turnover Charges
DP Charges
GST
Account Closure Charges
Reactivation Charges
Dematerialisation Charges
Call & Trade Charges

Compare Demat Charges of Espresso vs IDBI Direct

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

Espresso vs IDBI Direct - A Detailed Comparison of Demat Charges

Demat Charges Espresso IDBI Direct
Account Opening Charges Rs.350 Free
Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) Rs.400 per Year Rs.350 per Year

Espresso vs IDBI Direct – 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.

Espresso vs IDBI Direct – A Comparative Analysis of STT and CTT Charges

STT & CTT Espresso IDBI Direct
Equity Delivery
Equity Intraday
Equity Future
Equity Option
Commodity Future
Commodity Option
Currency Future
Currency Option

Compare Stamp Duty of Espresso and IDBI Direct

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 and IDBI Direct - A Comparison of Stamp Duty Charges

Stamp Duty Espresso IDBI Direct
Equity Delivery
Equity Intraday
Equity Future
Equity Option
Commodity Future
Commodity Option
Currency Future
Currency Option

Frequently Asked Questions


Is Espresso better than IDBI Direct?
Like shoes, the same size does not fit all. Even if we consider brokerage charges, account opening fees, trading platforms, and more, your trading needs are your own, and you are the best person to decide on the best platform for you.

Is IDBI Direct better than Espresso?
Like shoes, the same size does not fit all. Even if we consider brokerage charges, account opening fees, trading platforms, and more, your trading needs are your own, and you are the best person to decide on the best platform for you.

Is Espresso cheaper than IDBI Direct?
As the name suggests, discount brokers already do charge the fees on the lower side. Go to the specific security you want to trade in the list above, and you will know the cheapest between the brokers, Espresso and IDBI Direct

Is IDBI Direct cheaper than Espresso?
As the name suggests, discount brokers already do charge the fees on the lower side. Go to the specific security you want to trade in the list above, and you will know the cheapest between the brokers, Espresso and IDBI Direct.

Which is better, IDBI Direct vs. Espresso?
Compare the brokers Espresso and IDBI Direct based on brokerage charges, trading platforms, Demat account opening fees, research, advisory services, and other parameters to find the best broker.

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