First Demat and Punch Trade are two stockbrokers that investors often compare for brokerage charges, products, trading platforms, and account costs. First Demat is listed as a Private Discount Broker , established in 2026 and headquartered in Ranchi, Jharkhand, while Punch Trade is listed as a Private Discount Broker , established in 2021 and headquartered in Mumbai, India.
This comparison reviews brokerage, Demat charges, product availability, platforms, features, support, ratings, and complaints. Use the side-by-side tables below to see whether First Demat or Punch Trade is a better fit for your investment style, platform preference, and budget.
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.
Punch Trade is listed as a Private Discount Broker established in 2021 with headquarters in Mumbai, India and founded by Amit Dhakad, Hiral Jain, Arshad Fahoum, Ajit Dandekar. It offers equity delivery, equity intraday, equity futures, equity options, commodity futures, commodity options and mutual funds using mobile app access and web trading and supports traders with features such as watchlists, real-time updates, portfolio tracking, research reports, interactive charts and live market tracking.
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.
First Demat vs Punch Trade — A Comprehensive Company Overview
| Company Overview | First Demat | Punch Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Company Type | Private | Private |
| Broker Type | Discount Broker | Discount Broker |
| Headquarters | Ranchi, Jharkhand | Mumbai, India |
| Founder | Sandhya Kumari | Amit Dhakad, Hiral Jain, Arshad Fahoum, Ajit Dandekar |
| Establishment Year | 2026 | 2021 |
| Brokerage Plan | Single flat plan on site; file says 'multiple brokerage packs' | — |
Brokerage is the primary cost to compare when choosing a broker. Below is a segment-by-segment breakdown for First Demat and Punch Trade.
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 Punch Trade charges ₹1/order or 0.10%.
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 Punch Trade charges ₹1/order or 0.10%.
Equity futures: This charge applies to futures contracts on stocks and indices. First Demat charges Flat ₹20 per executed order while Punch Trade charges ₹1/order or 0.10%.
Equity options: This charge applies to equity option contracts. First Demat charges Flat ₹20 per executed order while Punch Trade charges ₹1/order or 0.10%.
Commodity futures: This charge covers commodities such as gold, silver, and crude oil. First Demat charges Starting ₹20 per order (not on pricing page) . Punch Trade does not currently list a charge for this segment.
Commodity options: This charge applies to option contracts on commodity instruments. First Demat charges Starting ₹20 per order (not on pricing page) . Punch Trade does not currently list a charge for this segment.
Currency futures: This charge allows participation in forex price movements on the exchange. First Demat charges Not offered . Punch Trade does not currently list a charge for this segment.
Currency options: This charge enables traders to hedge or speculate on currency fluctuations. First Demat charges Not offered . Punch Trade does not currently list a charge for this segment.
First Demat vs Punch Trade — Detailed Brokerage Comparison
| Brokerage | First Demat | Punch Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Brokerage Plan | Single flat plan on site; file says 'multiple brokerage packs' | |
| Subscription Charges | None listed; file says no monthly or yearly plans | |
| Equity Delivery | 0.1% or ₹20 per executed order, whichever is lower | ₹1/order or 0.10% |
| Equity Intraday | 0.1% or ₹20 per executed order, whichever is lower | ₹1/order or 0.10% |
| Equity Future | Flat ₹20 per executed order | ₹1/order or 0.10% |
| Equity Option | Flat ₹20 per executed order | ₹1/order or 0.10% |
| Commodity Future | Starting ₹20 per order (not on pricing page) | Not available |
| Commodity Option | Starting ₹20 per order (not on pricing page) | Not available |
| Currency Future | Not offered | Not available |
| Currency Option | Not offered | Not available |
First Demat provides mobile app access, web trading and algo trading support for order placement, portfolio tracking, and market monitoring. Punch Trade provides mobile app access and web trading for its users.
Android app: First Demat and Punch Trade both list an Android trading app.
iOS app: First Demat and Punch Trade both list an iOS trading app.
Web trading platform: First Demat and Punch Trade 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 Punch Trade does not currently mention it.
Basket trading: First Demat and Punch Trade both list basket trading.
Foreign stocks platform: Neither broker currently highlights foreign stocks access.
Mutual fund platform: First Demat lists a mutual fund investment platform, while Punch Trade does not currently mention it.
Digital gold platform: First Demat lists digital gold investing, while Punch Trade does not currently mention it.
Bonds platform: Neither broker currently highlights a bonds investment platform.
First Demat vs Punch Trade — Complete Comparison of Trading Platforms
| Trading Platform | First Demat | Punch Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Download |
| iOS App | Yes | The iOS app is in development |
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes (punch.trade) |
| Trading Terminal | N/A | Not available |
| Algo Trading Platform | Yes | Not available |
| Foreign Stocks Platform | No | Not available |
| Basket Trading Platform | Yes (Baskets and basket orders) | Yes — add to Trading Platforms |
| Mutual Fund Platform | Yes | Not available |
| Digital Gold Platform | Not offered | Not available |
| Bonds Platform | No | Not available |
First Demat highlights trading features including watchlists, real-time updates, portfolio tracking, online mutual fund access, research reports and customised recommendations, while Punch Trade promotes watchlists, real-time updates, portfolio tracking, research reports, interactive charts and live market 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 Punch Trade offer this feature.
Real time updates: Get timely updates on market trends, stock prices, and other market data. Both First Demat and Punch Trade offer this feature.
Portfolio details: A detailed snapshot of all investments — stocks, bonds, and commodities — in one place. Both First Demat and Punch Trade offer this feature.
Online mf buy: Buy or sell mutual funds directly from the trading platform or mobile application. First Demat offers this; Punch Trade does not currently highlight it.
Research reports: A comprehensive overview of different stocks and sectors in the stock market. Both First Demat and Punch Trade offer this feature.
Customised recommendations: Personalised investment suggestions based on your objectives and behaviour patterns. First Demat offers this; Punch Trade does not currently highlight it.
Interactive charts: Visual price movement charts to help analyse when to buy or sell. Both First Demat and Punch Trade offer this feature.
Live market: Live updates on market movements and trends. Both First Demat and Punch Trade offer this feature.
Secure platform: A secure trading environment with next-generation security controls. Both First Demat and Punch Trade offer this feature.
First Demat vs Punch Trade — Comprehensive Comparison of Trading Features
| Trading Feature | First Demat | Punch Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Wishlist | Yes (multiple watchlists) | Yes |
| Real-Time Updates | Yes | Yes |
| Portfolio Details | Yes (holdings and P&L reports) | Yes |
| Online MF Buy | Yes | No |
| Research Reports | Yes (AI research summaries) | Yes |
| Global Indices | N/A | No |
| Customised Recommendations | 'Personalised advisory' claimed on site | No |
| Stock Tips | N/A | No |
| Interactive Charts | Yes (TradingView integration, indicators) | Yes |
| Live Market | Yes | Yes |
| Multi Profile Management | N/A | No |
| Robust & Secure Platform | Yes ('Bank-grade security' claim) | Yes |
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 Punch Trade.
Free account opening: First Demat and Punch Trade both list free account opening.
Free AMC: First Demat and Punch Trade both list free Demat AMC.
Free brokerage: Neither broker currently highlights free brokerage.
Flat brokerage: First Demat and Punch Trade 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 lists free research reports, while Punch Trade does not currently mention it.
Free trading calls: Neither broker currently highlights free trading calls.
Zero brokerage for loss trades: Neither broker currently highlights zero brokerage for loss-making trades.
First Demat vs Punch Trade — Comparison of Latest Offers
| Offer | First Demat | Punch Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Free Account Opening | Yes (online); offline costs ₹500 | Yes |
| Free AMC | First year only | Yes |
| Free Brokerage | No | No |
| Flat Brokerage | Yes, ₹20 per order | Yes (₹1/order) |
| Flexible Brokerage Plans | N/A | No |
| Happy Trading Hours | N/A | |
| Free Delivery Trading | No | No |
| Free Intraday Trading | No | No |
| Free F&O Trading | No | No |
| Free Research Reports | Yes | No |
| Free Trading Calls | N/A | No |
| Referral Offers | N/A | No |
| Margin Funding / Pledging | MTF: No. Pledging available. | No |
| Brokerage Cashback | N/A | No |
| Zero Brokerage for Loss-Making Trades | No | No |
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 Punch Trade 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, mutual funds and digital gold.
First Demat vs Punch Trade — Complete Comparison of Products
| Product | First Demat | Punch Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | Yes | Yes |
| Equity Intraday | Yes | Yes |
| Equity Option | Yes | Yes |
| Equity Future | Yes | Yes |
| Commodity Option | Yes (file; MCX member). Not in site FAQ. | No commodity options yet — Research and Reports coming soon. |
| Commodity Future | Yes (file; MCX member). Not in site FAQ. | Commodity future coming soon; Stock Research and Reports on the way. |
| Currency Option | No | No |
| Currency Future | No | No |
| Foreign Stocks | No | Not available |
| Mutual Funds | Yes (SIP too) | Mutual funds aren't supported yet; Stock Research and Reports are launching soon. |
| Banking | No | Not available |
| Insurance | No | Not available |
| Corporate Bonds | No | Not available |
| Government Bonds | No | Not available |
| Digital Gold | No | Not available |
Demat services: First Demat and Punch Trade both list Demat services.
Trading services: First Demat and Punch Trade both list trading services.
Intraday services: First Demat and Punch Trade both list intraday trading services.
F&O services: First Demat and Punch Trade both list F&O services.
IPO services: First Demat and Punch Trade both list IPO services.
3-in-1 account: Neither broker currently highlights 3-in-1 account support.
Stock research: First Demat and Punch Trade both list stock research.
Stock recommendations: First Demat lists stock recommendations, while Punch Trade does not currently mention it.
Trading education: Neither broker currently highlights trading education.
Share pledging: First Demat lists share pledging, while Punch Trade does not currently mention it.
PMS or PCG: Neither broker currently highlights PMS or PCG support.
NRI services: Neither broker currently highlights NRI services.
First Demat provides Demat services, trading services, intraday trading, F&O trading, IPO access and stock research, while Punch Trade offers Demat services, trading services, intraday trading, F&O trading, IPO access and stock research.
First Demat vs Punch Trade — In-Depth Comparison of Services
| Service | First Demat | Punch Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Demat Services | Yes (NSDL, DP ID IN303921 via Ashlar Securities Pvt Ltd) | Yes |
| Trading Services | Yes | Yes |
| Intraday Services | Yes | Yes |
| F&O Services | Yes | Yes |
| IPO Services | Yes (UPI application) | No IPOs for now — Stock Research and Reports are coming soon. |
| 3-in-1 Account | No | No |
| Stock Research | Yes (AI summaries) | Yes |
| Stock Recommendations | Not provided (T&C disclaimer) | No |
| Trading Education | N/A | No |
| Share Pledging | Yes | No |
| PMS or PCG | No | No |
| NRI Services | No | No |
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 Punch Trade.
First Demat and Punch Trade — Detailed Comparison of Advisory Services
| Advisory | First Demat | Punch Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Fundamental Reports | AI fundamental insights | Yes |
| Research Reports | Yes | Yes |
| Company Reports | N/A | No |
| Annual Reports | N/A | No |
| IPO Reports | IPO insights on site | No |
| Technical Reports | N/A | No |
| Stock Tips | N/A | No |
| Daily Top Stock Picks | N/A | No |
| Daily Market Review | Yes | No |
| Monthly Review | N/A | No |
| Weekly Review | N/A | No |
| Relationship Manager | N/A | No |
| Robo Advisory | N/A | No |
Margin exposure allows traders to manage larger positions with less capital. Below is a comparison of the margin available from First Demat and Punch Trade across different segments.
First Demat and Punch Trade — Comprehensive Comparison of Trading Exposure
| Exposure | First Demat | Punch Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | N/A | 1x |
| Equity Intraday | N/A | Up to 5x |
| Equity F&O Carry Forward | N/A | 1x (exchange margin only) |
| Equity F&O Intraday | N/A | 1x (exchange margin only) |
| Commodity F&O Carry Forward | N/A | Not applicable |
| Commodity F&O Intraday | N/A | Not applicable |
| Currency F&O | N/A | Not applicable |
Neither broker currently highlights a sub-broker program. Neither broker currently highlights a partner program. Punch Trade lists a referral program, while First Demat does not currently mention it.
First Demat vs Punch Trade — Comparative Analysis of Programs
| Program | First Demat | Punch Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-Broker Program | N/A | |
| Partner Program | N/A | |
| Referral Program | N/A | Yes (Punch Champions) |
First Demat provides support through trading desk support, call support, email support and website support. Punch Trade provides support through trading desk support, call support, email support, website support and Facebook support. First Demat operates Only Ranchi head office listed branches.
First Demat and Punch Trade — Comprehensive Comparison of Customer Support
| Support Channel | First Demat | Punch Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Support | Yes | +91 79482 22271 |
| Dedicated Dealer | N/A | |
| Call Support | +91 9240256357 | +91 79410 57311 |
| Email Support | [email protected] | [email protected] |
| WhatsApp Support | N/A | |
| Website Support | Yes | Punch Trade |
| Facebook Support | — | Facebook Support Link |
| Twitter / X Support | — | — |
| Telegram Support | — | — |
| Branches / Offices | Only Ranchi head office listed |
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 Punch Trade carries an overall rating of 7.5/10.
First Demat vs Punch Trade — Ratings Comparison
| Rating Parameter | First Demat | Punch Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 5/5 | 7.5/10 |
| Customer Support | 5 / 5 | 6.5/10 |
| Technology | 4.5 / 5 | 8.5/10 |
| Charges | 4.5 / 5 | 9.5/10 |
| Products & Services | 4.0 / 5 | 6.5/10 |
| Experience | 5 / 5 | 8.0/10 |
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.
First Demat & Punch Trade — Comparison of Customer Complaints
| Complaint Metric | First Demat | Punch Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Total Complaints Lodged | N/A | |
| Total Complaints Resolved | N/A | |
| % of Resolved Complaints | N/A | |
| Non-Actionable Complaints | N/A | |
| % of Non-Actionable Complaints | N/A |
Transaction charges are levied by the stockbroker for executing each trade. Below is a segment-wise comparison for First Demat and Punch Trade.
First Demat vs Punch Trade — Detailed Comparison of Transaction Charges
| Transaction Charges | First Demat | Punch Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | NSE: 0.00307%; BSE: 0.00375% | NSE: 0.00297% | BSE: 0.00375% |
| Equity Intraday | NSE: 0.00307%; BSE: 0.00375% | NSE: 0.00297% | BSE: 0.00375% |
| Equity Future | NSE: 0.00183%; BSE: 0 | NSE: 0.03503% (on premium) | BSE: 0.0325% (on premium) |
| Equity Option | NSE: 0.03553% (on premium); BSE: 0.0325% (on premium) | NSE: 0.00173% | BSE: 0 |
| Commodity Future | N/A | |
| Commodity Option | N/A | |
| Currency Future | N/A | |
| Currency Option | N/A |
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.
First Demat & Punch Trade — Comprehensive Comparison of Pledge Charges
| Pledge Charge | First Demat | Punch Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Pledge Creation Charges | ₹3 + GST (margin pledge); site demat tariff table is empty | |
| Pledge Invocation Charges | ₹25 + GST per transaction (pledge/unpledge) | |
| Margin Trading Interest | N/A (no MTF) |
Beyond brokerage, several statutory and operational charges apply. These include SEBI turnover fees, DP charges, GST, account closure, reactivation, dematerialisation, and call & trade charges.
First Demat and Punch Trade — Detailed Comparison of Hidden / Other Charges
| Charge | First Demat | Punch Trade |
|---|---|---|
| SEBI Turnover Charges | ₹10 per crore | ₹10/crore |
| DP Charges | ₹20 + GST per ISIN debit | ₹3.50 + 18% GST per order |
| GST | 18% on brokerage + SEBI charges + transaction charges | 18% on (brokerage + SEBI charges + transaction charges) |
| Account Closure Charges | N/A | |
| Reactivation Charges | N/A | |
| Dematerialisation Charges | ₹20 per DRF + ₹3 per certificate | |
| Call & Trade Charges | ₹50 per trade (site); file says ₹50 + GST | ₹50 (incl. GST) |
First Demat lists account opening charges of Online ₹0; offline ₹500 and Demat AMC of ₹0 for first year; later years not disclosed. Punch Trade lists account opening charges of ₹0 (Free) and Demat AMC of ₹0 (Free).
First Demat vs Punch Trade — Detailed Comparison of Demat Charges
| Demat Charges | First Demat | Punch Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening Charges | Online ₹0; offline ₹500 | ₹0 (Free) |
| Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) | ₹0 for first year; later years not disclosed | ₹0 (Free) |
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.
First Demat vs Punch Trade — Comparative Analysis of STT and CTT Charges
| STT & CTT | First Demat | Punch Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | 0.1% on buy and sell | 0.1% on buy & sell |
| Equity Intraday | 0.025% on sell | 0.025% on the sell side |
| Equity Future | 0.05% on sell | 0.05% on sell side |
| Equity Option | 0.15% on sell (premium); 0.15% of intrinsic value on exercise | 0.1% on sell side (on premium) |
| Commodity Future | N/A | |
| Commodity Option | N/A | |
| Currency Future | N/A | |
| Currency Option | N/A |
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.
First Demat and Punch Trade — Comparison of Stamp Duty Charges
| Stamp Duty | First Demat | Punch Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | 0.015% or ₹1500/crore | 0.015% buy side only (government-mandated rate) |
| Equity Intraday | 0.003% or ₹300/crore | 0.025% on the sell side |
| Equity Future | 0.002% or ₹200/crore | 0.1% on sell side (on premium) |
| Equity Option | 0.003% or ₹300/crore | 0.15% on sell side (on premium) |
| Commodity Future | N/A | |
| Commodity Option | N/A | |
| Currency Future | N/A | |
| Currency Option | N/A |