ICICI Direct vs Groww – Compare Charges, Trading Features, Offers & more

The government and the stockbroker take a percentage of the fee for every trading transaction, typically known as transaction fees. There are several classes of transaction fees based on the stockbroker, your state, and other reasons. These fees impact your overall profitability.

For investors, the value of money is of utmost importance. Hence, selecting the ideal broker with the best features at a reasonable cost is crucial to optimizing your return on the given security.

Here, we will analyze brokerage charges, trading platforms, customer support, and customer testimonials on two renowned stockbrokers: ICICI Direct Vs. Groww

 
 

ICICI Direct vs Groww – Company Overview

Let us start with the introduction of the brokers –

  • ICICI Direct – Vjay Chandok founded ICICI Direct, a Public company headquartered in Mumbai, in 1994.
  • Groww - In 2016, Lalit Keshre founded Groww, a Private company. The company's headquarters is in Bangalore.

ICICI Direct is a Discount Broker broker and Groww 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.

ICICI Direct vs Groww – A Comprehensive Company Overview and Comparison

Company Overview ICICI Direct Groww
Company Type Public Private
Broker Type Discount Broker Discount Broker
Headquarters Mumbai Bangalore
Founder Vjay Chandok Lalit Keshre
Establishment Year 1994 2016

Compare the Brokerage of ICICI Direct and Groww

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 ICICI Direct and Groww.

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 ICICI Direct charges 0.27% of Total Transaction based on whichever is of the lower value, Groww charges Rs.20 per Order or 0.05% (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 ICICI Direct charges Rs.20 per Trade based on whichever is of the lower value, ICICI Direct charges Rs.20 per Order or 0.05% (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 ICICI Direct charges Free based on whichever is of the lower value, Groww charges Rs.20 per Order or 0.05% (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 ICICI Direct charges Rs.20 per Trade per order, Groww 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 ICICI Direct charges Rs.20 per Trade based on whichever is of the lower value, Groww charges Rs.20 per Order 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 ICICI Direct charges Rs.20 per Trade for currency options, Groww 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 ICICI Direct charges Rs.20 per Trade based on whichever is of the lower value, Groww charges Rs.20 per Order 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 ICICI Direct charges Rs.20 per Trade for commodity options, Groww charges Rs.20 per Order.

ICICI Direct vs Groww - A Detailed Brokerage Comparison

Brokerage ICICI Direct Groww
Brokerage Plan Neo Plan Standard Plan
Subscription Charges Zero Zero
Equity Delivery 0.27% of Total Transaction Rs.20 per Order or 0.05% (whichever is low)
Equity Intraday Rs.20 per Trade Rs.20 per Order or 0.05% (whichever is low)
Equity Future Free Rs.20 per Order or 0.05% (whichever is low)
Equity Option Rs.20 per Trade Rs.20 per Order
Commodity Future Rs.20 per Trade Rs.20 per Order
Commodity Option Rs.20 per Trade Rs.20 per Order
Currency Future Rs.20 per Trade Rs.20 per Order
Currency Option Rs.20 per Trade Rs.20 per Order

ICICI Direct vs Groww – 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.

ICICI Direct vs Groww - A Complete Comparison of Trading Platforms

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

Comparison of ICICI Direct and Groww – 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.

ICICI Direct vs Groww - A Comprehensive Comparison of Trading Features

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

Compare ICICI Direct vs Groww 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 ICICI Direct and Groww 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 ICICI Direct and Groww' covers the other brokerage charges.

  • Free Brokerage: The above option allows you to make a few trades without brokerage charges. Both brokerage companies, ICICI Direct and Groww, 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, ICICI Direct and ICICI Direct, 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 ICICI Direct does not provide this option, Groww 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, ICICI Direct and Groww, do not offer this option.

  • Free Delivery Trading: The above option lets you buy and hold your security without paying brokerage charges. While ICICI Direct does provide this option, Groww 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, ICICI Direct and ICICI 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 ICICI Direct nor Groww 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 ICICI Direct nor Groww provides this option.

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

  • Referral Offers: As the name suggests, referring your friend or family to the platform would benefit you. While ICICI Direct gives Rs.500 per Client, Groww gives Rs.300 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, ICICI Direct and Groww, offer this option.

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

ICICI Direct vs Groww - A Comparison of Latest Offers

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

ICICI Direct vs Groww – 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 ICICI Direct and Groww:

  • 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, ICICI Direct and Groww, 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, ICICI Direct and Groww, 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, ICICI Direct and Groww, offer this option.

  • Equity Future: Buying or selling shares (equity) at a specified date, amount, and price on a future date. Both brokerage companies, ICICI Direct and Groww, 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, ICICI Direct and Groww, 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, ICICI Direct and Groww, 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, ICICI Direct and Groww, 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, ICICI Direct and Groww, 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 ICICI Direct does not allow you to trade foreign stocks, Groww 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, ICICI Direct and Groww, 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, ICICI Direct and Groww do not offer this option.

  • Insurance: Some brokers even offer insurance to safeguard investors' securities against potential losses during trading. However, ICICI Direct and Groww 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 ICICI Direct does not allow you to purchase these bonds, Groww 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 ICICI Direct does not allow you to purchase these bonds, Groww 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 ICICI Direct does not allow you to purchase these bonds, Groww does.

ICICI Direct vs Groww – A Complete Comparison of Products

Products Provided ICICI Direct Groww
Equity Delivery Yes Yes
Equity Intraday Yes Yes
Equity Option Yes Yes
Equity Future Yes Yes
Commodity Option Yes No
Commodity Future Yes No
Currency Option Yes No
Currency Future Yes No
Foreign Stocks No No
Mutual Funds Yes Yes
Banking Yes No
Insurance Yes No
Corporate Bonds Yes No
Govt. Bonds Yes No
Digital Gold No No

ICICI Direct vs Groww – Services Provided

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

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

  • Intraday Services: Suppose the broker enables you to perform intraday transactions. Both brokerage companies, ICICI Direct and Groww, offer this option.

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

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

  • Stock Recommendations: Suppose you want suggestions from financial experts in ICICI Direct or Groww on stocks that could potentially profit you. However, ICICI Direct and Groww 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, ICICI Direct and Groww, 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, ICICI Direct and Groww, 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, ICICI Direct and Groww do not provide this option.

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

ICICI Direct vs Groww – An In-Depth Comparison of Services Offered

Services Provided ICICI Direct Groww
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 Yes No
Stock Research Yes No
Stock Recommendations Yes No
Trading Institution Yes, iLearn No
Share Pledging Yes Yes
PMS or PCG Yes No
NRI Services Yes No

Compare ICICI Direct and Groww Advisory

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

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

  • Company Reports: The above reports analyze the company's performance: financial statements, products, and market standing. However, ICICI Direct and Groww 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, ICICI Direct and Groww 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, ICICI Direct and Groww 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 ICICI Direct provides this option and charges accordingly, Groww 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 ICICI Direct provides this option and charges accordingly, Groww 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 ICICI Direct provides this option and charges accordingly, Groww 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, ICICI Direct and Groww 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, ICICI Direct and Groww 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, ICICI Direct and Groww 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 ICICI Direct provides this option and charges accordingly, Groww does not offer this option.

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

ICICI Direct and Groww - A Detailed Comparison of Advisory Services

Advisory ICICI Direct Groww
Fundamental Reports Yes No
Research Reports Yes No
Company Reports Yes No
Annual Reports Yes No
IPO Reports Yes No
Technical Reports Yes No
Stock Tips Yes No
Daily Top Stock Picks Yes No
Daily Market Review Yes No
Monthly Review Yes No
Weekly Review Yes No
Relationship Manager Yes No
Robo Advisory No No

Comparison of ICICI Direct and Groww 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!

ICICI Direct and Groww - A Comprehensive Comparison of Trading Exposure

Exposure ICICI Direct Groww
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

Compare Programs of ICICI Direct & Groww

Just like we compared the Referral program in the initial parts of this page, there are other ways you can benefit from talking/promoting ICICI Direct & Groww. 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 ICICI Direct or Groww 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.

ICICI Direct vs Groww - A Comparative Analysis of Programs

Programs ICICI Direct Groww
Sub Broker Program Yes Yes, Limited
Partner Program Yes Yes
Referral Program Yes Yes

ICICI Direct vs Groww – Ratings

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

ICICI Direct vs Groww – Ratings Comparison and Insights

Ratings ICICI Direct Groww
Overall Rating 9.65 / 10 9.75 / 10
Customer Support 9.61 / 10 9.71 / 10
Technology 9.77 / 10 9.87 / 10
Charges 9.69 / 10 9.79 / 10
Products & Service 9.60 / 10 9.69 / 10
Experience 9.58 / 10 9.67 / 10

Compare Customer Support of ICICI Direct and Groww

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.

ICICI Direct and Groww - A Comprehensive Comparison of Customer Support Services

Customer Support ICICI Direct Groww
Trading Support Available, Free NA
Dedicated Dealer Available, Free NA
Call Support 1860-123-1122 9108800604
Email Support helpdesk@icicidirect.com support@groww.in
Whatsapp Support NA 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 Telegram Support Link Telegram Support Link
Branches / Offices Available NA

Comparison of ICICI Direct & Groww 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.

ICICI Direct & Groww - A Comparison of Customer Complaints

Complaints ICICI Direct Groww
Total Complaints Lodged 402 181
Total Complaints Resolved 337 163
% of Resolved Complaints 83.83% 90.06%
Non Actionable Complaints 16 9
% of Non Actionable Complaints 3.98% 4.97%

Compare Demat Charges of ICICI Direct vs Groww

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

ICICI Direct vs Groww - A Detailed Comparison of Demat Charges

Demat Charges ICICI Direct Groww
Account Opening Charges Free Free
Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) Rs.300 per Year Free

ICICI Direct vs Groww – 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.

ICICI Direct vs Groww – A Comparative Analysis of STT and CTT Charges

STT & CTT ICICI Direct Groww
Equity Delivery 0.1% on buy & sell 0.1% on buy & sell
Equity Intraday 0.025% on sell 0.025% on sell
Equity Future 0.0125% on sell 0.0125% on sell
Equity Option 0.0625% on sell (on premium) 0.0625% on sell (on premium)
Commodity Future 0.01% on sell (Non-Agri) NA
Commodity Option 0.05% on sell NA
Currency Future Nil NA
Currency Option Nil NA

Compare Stamp Duty of ICICI Direct and Groww

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.

ICICI Direct and Groww - A Comparison of Stamp Duty Charges

Stamp Duty ICICI Direct Groww
Equity Delivery 0.015% on buy 0.015% on buy
Equity Intraday 0.003% on buy 0.003% on buy
Equity Future 0.002% on buy 0.002% on buy
Equity Option 0.003% on buy 0.003% on buy
Commodity Future 0.002% on buy NA
Commodity Option 0.003% on buy NA
Currency Future 0.0001% on buy NA
Currency Option 0.0001% on buy NA

ICICI Direct vs Groww – Transaction Charges

When finalizing a broker, the key is to compare their Transaction charges. Here is a breakdown of the competitive rates charged by ICICI Direct and Groww:

ICICI Direct vs Groww – A Detailed Comparison of Transaction Charges

Transaction Charges ICICI Direct Groww
Equity Delivery 0.00325% (NSE) & As per Stock (BSE) 0.00325% (NSE) & 0.00375% (BSE)
Equity Intraday 0.00325% (NSE) & As per Stock (BSE) 0.00325% (NSE) & 0.00375% (BSE)
Equity Future 0.0019% (NSE & BSE) 0.0019% (NSE & BSE)
Equity Option 0.053% (on premium) 0.05% (on premium)
Commodity Future 0.0021% (Non-Agri) / 0.006% (Agri) / 0.0005% (Special) NA
Commodity Option 0.05% (Non Agri) NA
Currency Future 0.0009% (NSE) & 0.00022% (BSE) NA
Currency Option 0.035% (NSE) & 0.001% (BSE) NA

Compare Pledge Charges of ICICI Direct & Groww

  • 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.

ICICI Direct & Groww - A Comprehensive Comparison of Pledge Charges

Pledge Charges ICICI Direct Groww
Pledge Creation Charges 0.02% of Value Free
Pledge Invocation Charges 0.02% of Value Rs.20 per Request
Interest on Margin Trading 0.07% per day 0.045% per day

Comparison of ICICI Direct and Groww – 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

ICICI Direct and Groww – A Detailed Comparison of Hidden Charges

Hidden Charge ICICI Direct Groww
SEBI Turnover Charges Rs.10/ Crore (All Segment) Rs.10/ Crore (All Segment)
DP Charges Rs.13.5 per Scrip only on Sell Rs.13.5 per Scrip only on Sell
GST 18% on (Brokerage + SEBI + Transaction charges) 18% on (Brokerage + SEBI + Transaction charges)
Account Closure Charges Free Free
Reactivation Charges Free Free
Dematerialisation Charges Rs.50 per Certificate Not Available
Call & Trade Charges Free – 1st 20 Calls per Month Not Available

Frequently Asked Questions


Is ICICI Direct better than Groww?
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 Groww better than ICICI 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 ICICI Direct cheaper than Groww?
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, ICICI Direct and Groww

Is Groww cheaper than ICICI 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, ICICI Direct and Groww.

Which is better, Groww vs. ICICI Direct?
Compare the brokers ICICI Direct and Groww 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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