First Demat and Shoonya 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 Shoonya is listed as a Private Discount Broker , established in 2020 and headquartered in Punjab.
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 Shoonya 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.
Shoonya is listed as a Private Discount Broker established in 2020 with headquarters in Punjab and founded by Sarvjeet Singh Virk and Tajinder Virk. It offers equity delivery, equity intraday, equity futures, equity options, commodity futures, commodity options and currency futures using mobile app access, web trading, desktop terminal access 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 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.
First Demat vs Shoonya — A Comprehensive Company Overview
| Company Overview | First Demat | Shoonya |
|---|---|---|
| Company Type | Private | Private |
| Broker Type | Discount Broker | Discount Broker |
| Headquarters | Ranchi, Jharkhand | Punjab |
| Founder | Sandhya Kumari | Sarvjeet Singh Virk and Tajinder Virk |
| Establishment Year | 2026 | 2020 |
| Brokerage Plan | Single flat plan on site; file says 'multiple brokerage packs' | Standard |
Brokerage is the primary cost to compare when choosing a broker. Below is a segment-by-segment breakdown for First Demat and Shoonya.
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 Shoonya charges Zero.
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 Shoonya charges 0.03% or Rs. 5.00 whichever is low.
Equity futures: This charge applies to futures contracts on stocks and indices. First Demat charges Flat ₹20 per executed order while Shoonya charges 0.03% or Rs. 5.00 whichever is low.
Equity options: This charge applies to equity option contracts. First Demat charges Flat ₹20 per executed order while Shoonya charges Flat ₹5 plus GST on per executed 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 Shoonya charges 0.03% or Rs. 5.00 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 Shoonya charges Flat ₹5 plus GST on per executed order.
Currency futures: This charge allows participation in forex price movements on the exchange. First Demat charges Not offered while Shoonya charges 0.03% or Rs. 5.00 whichever is low.
Currency options: This charge enables traders to hedge or speculate on currency fluctuations. First Demat charges Not offered while Shoonya charges Flat ₹5 plus GST on per executed order.
First Demat vs Shoonya — Detailed Brokerage Comparison
| Brokerage | First Demat | Shoonya |
|---|---|---|
| Brokerage Plan | Single flat plan on site; file says 'multiple brokerage packs' | Standard |
| Subscription Charges | None listed; file says no monthly or yearly plans | Zero |
| Equity Delivery | 0.1% or ₹20 per executed order, whichever is lower | Zero |
| Equity Intraday | 0.1% or ₹20 per executed order, whichever is lower | 0.03% or Rs. 5.00 whichever is low |
| Equity Future | Flat ₹20 per executed order | 0.03% or Rs. 5.00 whichever is low |
| Equity Option | Flat ₹20 per executed order | Flat ₹5 plus GST on per executed order |
| Commodity Future | Starting ₹20 per order (not on pricing page) | 0.03% or Rs. 5.00 whichever is low |
| Commodity Option | Starting ₹20 per order (not on pricing page) | Flat ₹5 plus GST on per executed order |
| Currency Future | Not offered | 0.03% or Rs. 5.00 whichever is low |
| Currency Option | Not offered | Flat ₹5 plus GST on per executed order |
First Demat provides mobile app access, web trading and algo trading support for order placement, portfolio tracking, and market monitoring. Shoonya provides mobile app access, web trading, desktop terminal access and algo trading support for its users.
Android app: First Demat and Shoonya both list an Android trading app.
iOS app: First Demat and Shoonya both list an iOS trading app.
Web trading platform: First Demat and Shoonya both list a web trading platform.
Desktop trading terminal: Shoonya lists a desktop trading terminal, while First Demat does not currently mention it.
Algo trading: First Demat and Shoonya both list algo trading support.
Basket trading: First Demat and Shoonya both list basket trading.
Foreign stocks platform: Neither broker currently highlights foreign stocks access.
Mutual fund platform: First Demat and Shoonya both list a mutual fund investment platform.
Digital gold platform: First Demat lists digital gold investing, while Shoonya does not currently mention it.
Bonds platform: Neither broker currently highlights a bonds investment platform.
First Demat vs Shoonya — Complete Comparison of Trading Platforms
| Trading Platform | First Demat | Shoonya |
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Download |
| iOS App | Yes | Download |
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Shoonya Trade |
| Trading Terminal | N/A | Available |
| Algo Trading Platform | Yes | Available |
| Foreign Stocks Platform | No | No |
| Basket Trading Platform | Yes (Baskets and basket orders) | Available |
| Mutual Fund Platform | Yes | Available |
| Digital Gold Platform | Not offered | No |
| Bonds Platform | No | No |
First Demat highlights trading features including watchlists, real-time updates, portfolio tracking, online mutual fund access, research reports and customised recommendations, while Shoonya 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 First Demat and Shoonya offer this feature.
Real time updates: Get timely updates on market trends, stock prices, and other market data. Both First Demat and Shoonya offer this feature.
Portfolio details: A detailed snapshot of all investments — stocks, bonds, and commodities — in one place. Both First Demat and Shoonya offer this feature.
Online mf buy: Buy or sell mutual funds directly from the trading platform or mobile application. Both First Demat and Shoonya offer this feature.
Research reports: A comprehensive overview of different stocks and sectors in the stock market. Both First Demat and Shoonya offer this feature.
Customised recommendations: Personalised investment suggestions based on your objectives and behaviour patterns. Both First Demat and Shoonya offer this feature.
Stock tips: Valuable tips on stocks to buy, hold, or sell based on market trends. Shoonya 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 Shoonya offer this feature.
Live market: Live updates on market movements and trends. Both First Demat and Shoonya offer this feature.
Multi profile management: Manage multiple trading profiles from a single account. Shoonya offers this; First Demat does not currently highlight it.
Secure platform: A secure trading environment with next-generation security controls. Both First Demat and Shoonya offer this feature.
First Demat vs Shoonya — Comprehensive Comparison of Trading Features
| Trading Feature | First Demat | Shoonya |
|---|---|---|
| Wishlist | Yes (multiple watchlists) | Yes |
| Real-Time Updates | Yes | Yes |
| Portfolio Details | Yes (holdings and P&L reports) | Yes |
| Online MF Buy | Yes | Yes |
| Research Reports | Yes (AI research summaries) | Yes |
| Global Indices | N/A | |
| Customised Recommendations | 'Personalised advisory' claimed on site | Yes |
| Stock Tips | N/A | Yes |
| Interactive Charts | Yes (TradingView integration, indicators) | Yes |
| Live Market | Yes | Yes |
| Multi Profile Management | N/A | Yes |
| 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 Shoonya.
Free account opening: First Demat and Shoonya both list free account opening.
Free AMC: First Demat lists free Demat AMC, while Shoonya does not currently mention it.
Free brokerage: Neither broker currently highlights free brokerage.
Flat brokerage: First Demat lists flat brokerage pricing, while Shoonya does not currently mention it.
Flexible brokerage plans: Shoonya lists flexible brokerage plans, while First Demat does not currently mention it.
Happy trading hours: Neither broker currently highlights happy trading hours.
Free delivery trading: Shoonya 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 and Shoonya both list free research reports.
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 Shoonya — Comparison of Latest Offers
| Offer | First Demat | Shoonya |
|---|---|---|
| Free Account Opening | Yes (online); offline costs ₹500 | Yes |
| Free AMC | First year only | |
| Free Brokerage | No | No |
| Flat Brokerage | Yes, ₹20 per order | No |
| Flexible Brokerage Plans | N/A | Yes |
| Happy Trading Hours | N/A | |
| Free Delivery Trading | No | Yes |
| Free Intraday Trading | No | No |
| Free F&O Trading | No | No |
| Free Research Reports | Yes | Yes |
| Free Trading Calls | N/A | |
| Referral Offers | N/A | |
| Margin Funding / Pledging | MTF: No. Pledging available. | Yes |
| Brokerage Cashback | N/A | |
| Zero Brokerage for Loss-Making Trades | 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 Shoonya 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 and foreign stocks.
First Demat vs Shoonya — Complete Comparison of Products
| Product | First Demat | Shoonya |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Yes |
| Commodity Future | Yes (file; MCX member). Not in site FAQ. | Yes |
| Currency Option | No | Yes |
| Currency Future | No | Yes |
| Foreign Stocks | No | Yes |
| Mutual Funds | Yes (SIP too) | Yes |
| Banking | No | No |
| Insurance | No | No |
| Corporate Bonds | No | No |
| Government Bonds | No | No |
| Digital Gold | No | No |
Demat services: First Demat and Shoonya both list Demat services.
Trading services: First Demat and Shoonya both list trading services.
Intraday services: First Demat and Shoonya both list intraday trading services.
F&O services: First Demat and Shoonya both list F&O services.
IPO services: First Demat and Shoonya both list IPO services.
3-in-1 account: Neither broker currently highlights 3-in-1 account support.
Stock research: First Demat and Shoonya both list stock research.
Stock recommendations: First Demat and Shoonya both list stock recommendations.
Trading education: Neither broker currently highlights trading education.
Share pledging: First Demat and Shoonya both list share pledging.
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 Shoonya offers Demat services, trading services, intraday trading, F&O trading, IPO access and stock research.
First Demat vs Shoonya — In-Depth Comparison of Services
| Service | First Demat | Shoonya |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | Yes |
| 3-in-1 Account | No | |
| Stock Research | Yes (AI summaries) | Yes |
| Stock Recommendations | Not provided (T&C disclaimer) | Yes |
| Trading Education | N/A | |
| Share Pledging | Yes | Yes |
| PMS or PCG | No | |
| NRI Services | 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 Shoonya.
First Demat and Shoonya — Detailed Comparison of Advisory Services
| Advisory | First Demat | Shoonya |
|---|---|---|
| Fundamental Reports | AI fundamental insights | Yes |
| Research Reports | Yes | Yes |
| Company Reports | N/A | Yes |
| Annual Reports | N/A | Yes |
| IPO Reports | IPO insights on site | Yes |
| Technical Reports | N/A | Yes |
| Stock Tips | N/A | Yes |
| Daily Top Stock Picks | N/A | Yes |
| Daily Market Review | Yes | Yes |
| Monthly Review | N/A | |
| Weekly Review | N/A | |
| Relationship Manager | N/A | |
| Robo Advisory | N/A |
Margin exposure allows traders to manage larger positions with less capital. Below is a comparison of the margin available from First Demat and Shoonya across different segments.
First Demat and Shoonya — Comprehensive Comparison of Trading Exposure
| Exposure | First Demat | Shoonya |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | N/A | 1x |
| Equity Intraday | N/A | 2x |
| Equity F&O Carry Forward | N/A | 1x |
| Equity F&O Intraday | N/A | 2x |
| Commodity F&O Carry Forward | N/A | 1.5x |
| Commodity F&O Intraday | N/A | 1.5x |
| Currency F&O | N/A | 1.5x |
First Demat provides support through trading desk support, call support, email support and website support. Shoonya provides support through trading desk support, call support, email support, website support and Facebook support. First Demat operates Only Ranchi head office listed branches. Shoonya operates Mumbai branches.
First Demat and Shoonya — Comprehensive Comparison of Customer Support
| Support Channel | First Demat | Shoonya |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Support | Yes | +91 9779 902 002 |
| Dedicated Dealer | N/A | |
| Call Support | +91 9240256357 | +91 1726 670 000 |
| Email Support | [email protected] | [email protected] |
| WhatsApp Support | N/A | |
| Website Support | Yes | https://shoonya.com/ |
| Facebook Support | — | https://www.facebook.com/ShoonyaApp/ |
| Twitter / X Support | — | https://twitter.com/shoonyaapp |
| Telegram Support | — | https://t.me/Shoonya_App |
| Branches / Offices | Only Ranchi head office listed | Mumbai |
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 Shoonya carries an overall rating of 4/5.
First Demat vs Shoonya — Ratings Comparison
| Rating Parameter | First Demat | Shoonya |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Customer Support | 5 / 5 | 4/5 |
| Technology | 4.5 / 5 | 4/5 |
| Charges | 4.5 / 5 | 4/5 |
| Products & Services | 4.0 / 5 | 4/5 |
| Experience | 5 / 5 | 4/5 |
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 & Shoonya — Comparison of Customer Complaints
| Complaint Metric | First Demat | Shoonya |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Shoonya.
First Demat vs Shoonya — Detailed Comparison of Transaction Charges
| Transaction Charges | First Demat | Shoonya |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | NSE: 0.00307%; BSE: 0.00375% | 0.00297% |
| Equity Intraday | NSE: 0.00307%; BSE: 0.00375% | 0.00297% |
| Equity Future | NSE: 0.00183%; BSE: 0 | Exchange txn charge: 0.00173% |
| Equity Option | NSE: 0.03553% (on premium); BSE: 0.0325% (on premium) | txn charge: 0.03503% (on premium) |
| Commodity Future | N/A | MCX: 0.0021% |
| Commodity Option | N/A | MCX: 0.0418% |
| Currency Future | N/A | Exchange txn charge: 0.00035% |
| Currency Option | N/A | Exchange txn charge: 0.0311% |
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 & Shoonya — Comprehensive Comparison of Pledge Charges
| Pledge Charge | First Demat | Shoonya |
|---|---|---|
| Pledge Creation Charges | ₹3 + GST (margin pledge); site demat tariff table is empty | Rs 20 + GST per ISIN |
| 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 Shoonya — Detailed Comparison of Hidden / Other Charges
| Charge | First Demat | Shoonya |
|---|---|---|
| SEBI Turnover Charges | ₹10 per crore | ₹10/crore |
| DP Charges | ₹20 + GST per ISIN debit | Rs 9 + Gst |
| GST | 18% on brokerage + SEBI charges + transaction charges | 18% on ( 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 | Zero |
First Demat lists account opening charges of Online ₹0; offline ₹500 and Demat AMC of ₹0 for first year; later years not disclosed. Shoonya lists account opening charges of Free and Demat AMC of Zero.
First Demat vs Shoonya — Detailed Comparison of Demat Charges
| Demat Charges | First Demat | Shoonya |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening Charges | Online ₹0; offline ₹500 | Free |
| Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) | ₹0 for first year; later years not disclosed | Zero |
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 Shoonya — Comparative Analysis of STT and CTT Charges
| STT & CTT | First Demat | Shoonya |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 0.02% on the sell side |
| Equity Option | 0.15% on sell (premium); 0.15% of intrinsic value on exercise | 0.1% on sell side |
| Commodity Future | N/A | 0.01% on sell side |
| Commodity Option | N/A | 0.05% (of Selling Value) |
| Currency Future | N/A | Zero |
| Currency Option | N/A | Zero |
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 Shoonya — Comparison of Stamp Duty Charges
| Stamp Duty | First Demat | Shoonya |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | 0.015% or ₹1500/crore | 0.1% on buy & sell |
| Equity Intraday | 0.003% or ₹300/crore | 0.025% on the sell side |
| Equity Future | 0.002% or ₹200/crore | 0.02% on the sell side |
| Equity Option | 0.003% or ₹300/crore | 0.1% on sell side |
| Commodity Future | N/A | 0.002% or ₹200 / crore on buy side |
| Commodity Option | N/A | 0.003% or ₹300 / crore on buy side |
| Currency Future | N/A | 0.0001% or ₹10 / crore on buy side |
| Currency Option | N/A | 0.0001% or ₹10 / crore on buy side |