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

Overview — First Demat vs. HDFC SKY

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

HDFC SKY is listed as a Private Discount Broker established in 2023 with headquarters in Mumbai and founded by Dhiraj Relli. It offers equity delivery, equity intraday, equity futures, equity options, commodity futures, commodity options and currency futures using mobile app access and web trading and supports traders with features such as watchlists, real-time updates, portfolio tracking, online mutual fund access, research reports and global indices tracking. Its brokerage model is structured as Standard.

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 — First Demat vs. HDFC SKY

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

Equity delivery: This charge applies to buy-and-hold stock positions held beyond one trading session. First Demat charges 0.1% or ₹20 per executed order, whichever is lower while HDFC SKY charges Rs.20 per Order or 0.01% (whichever is low).

Equity intraday: This charge applies to buy-sell positions closed within the same trading day. First Demat charges 0.1% or ₹20 per executed order, whichever is lower while HDFC SKY charges Rs.20 per Order or 0.01% (whichever is low).

Equity futures: This charge applies to futures contracts on stocks and indices. First Demat charges Flat ₹20 per executed order while HDFC SKY charges Rs.20 per Order or 0.01% (whichever is low).

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

Commodity futures: This charge covers commodities such as gold, silver, and crude oil. First Demat charges Starting ₹20 per order (not on pricing page) while HDFC SKY charges Rs.20 per Order or 0.01% (whichever is low).

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

Currency futures: This charge allows participation in forex price movements on the exchange. First Demat charges Not offered while HDFC SKY charges Rs.20 per Order or 0.01% (whichever is low).

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

Trading platforms comparison — First Demat vs. HDFC SKY

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

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

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

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

• Desktop trading terminal: Neither broker currently highlights a desktop trading terminal.

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

• Basket trading: First Demat and HDFC SKY both list basket trading.

• Foreign stocks platform: HDFC SKY lists foreign stocks access, while First Demat does not currently mention it.

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

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

• Bonds platform: HDFC SKY lists a bonds investment platform, while First Demat does not currently mention it.

First Demat vs. HDFC SKY — Comparison of trading features

First Demat highlights trading features including watchlists, real-time updates, portfolio tracking, online mutual fund access, research reports and customised recommendations, while HDFC SKY promotes watchlists, real-time updates, portfolio tracking, online mutual fund access, research reports and global indices tracking. 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 First Demat and HDFC SKY offer this feature.

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

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

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

• Research reports: A comprehensive overview of different stocks and sectors in the stock market. Both First Demat and HDFC SKY offer this feature.

• Global indices: Real-time data on leading global stock market indices. HDFC SKY offers this; First Demat does not currently highlight it.

• Customised recommendations: Personalised investment suggestions based on your objectives and behaviour patterns. Both First Demat and HDFC SKY offer this feature.

• Stock tips: Valuable tips on stocks to buy, hold, or sell based on market trends. HDFC SKY offers this; First Demat does not currently highlight it.

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

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

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

First Demat vs. HDFC SKY — 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 First Demat and HDFC SKY.

• Free account opening: First Demat and HDFC SKY both list free account opening.

• Free AMC: First Demat and HDFC SKY both list free Demat AMC.

• Free brokerage: Neither broker currently highlights free brokerage.

• Flat brokerage: First Demat and HDFC SKY 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: Neither broker currently highlights free delivery trading.

• 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 and HDFC SKY both list free research reports.

• Free trading calls: HDFC SKY lists free trading calls, while First Demat does not currently mention it.

• Zero brokerage for loss trades: Neither broker currently highlights zero brokerage for loss-making trades.

• Referral offers: HDFC SKY offers Rs.200 per Client for referrals; First Demat does not currently list a referral offer.

Offered products comparison — HDFC SKY vs. First Demat

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

The table below compares the full product lineup side by side across equity delivery, equity intraday, equity futures, equity options, commodity futures, commodity options, mutual funds, digital gold, currency futures, currency options, foreign stocks, banking services, insurance, corporate bonds, government bonds and bonds.

• Demat services: First Demat and HDFC SKY both list Demat services.

• Trading services: First Demat and HDFC SKY both list trading services.

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

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

• IPO services: First Demat and HDFC SKY both list IPO services.

• 3-in-1 account: HDFC SKY lists 3-in-1 account support, while First Demat does not currently mention it.

• Stock research: First Demat and HDFC SKY both list stock research.

• Stock recommendations: First Demat and HDFC SKY both list stock recommendations.

• Trading education: Neither broker currently highlights trading education.

• Share pledging: First Demat and HDFC SKY both list share pledging.

• PMS or PCG: HDFC SKY lists PMS or PCG support, while First Demat does not currently mention it.

• NRI services: HDFC SKY lists NRI services, while First Demat does not currently mention it.

Offered services comparison — First Demat vs. HDFC SKY

First Demat provides Demat services, trading services, intraday trading, F&O trading, IPO access and stock research, while HDFC SKY offers Demat services, trading services, intraday trading, F&O trading, IPO access and 3-in-1 account support.

Stock advisory service comparison — First Demat vs. HDFC SKY

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

Exposure comparison — First Demat vs. HDFC SKY

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

Comparison of programs — First Demat vs. HDFC SKY

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

Customer support comparison — First Demat vs. HDFC SKY

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

Ratings — First Demat vs. HDFC SKY

Both brokers have been evaluated across key parameters to help investors make an informed comparison. First Demat carries an overall rating of 5/5, while HDFC SKY carries an overall rating of 9.10 / 10.

Complaints — First Demat vs. HDFC SKY

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 — First Demat vs. HDFC SKY

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

Pledge charges comparison — First Demat vs. HDFC SKY

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 — First Demat vs. HDFC SKY

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 — First Demat vs HDFC SKY

First Demat lists account opening charges of Online ₹0; offline ₹500 and Demat AMC of ₹0 for first year; later years not disclosed. HDFC SKY lists account opening charges of Free and Demat AMC of Rs.300 per Year (1st Year Free).

First Demat vs HDFC SKY — 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 — First Demat and HDFC SKY

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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