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

Overview – ICICI Direct vs. Upstox

ICICI Direct – Started its journey in 1994, ICICI Direct has come a long way in the discount broking space. It allows traders and investors to invest in stocks, currency, and derivatives (F&O). It is a member of BSE and NSE. The broker was set up by IIFL founders.

Upstox – Started in 2011, Upstox is a registered discount broker based out of Bangalore. It offers stock and commodity trading services at NSE, BSE, and MCX. It also offers Demat services through its CDSL membership.

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

Brokerage Charges Comparison of ICICI Direct vs. Upstox

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

Equity

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

Equity delivery: If you hold your share (equity) for more than two days in your Demat account and sell it after that, a percentage of the gain will go to the broker. While ICICI Direct charges 0.27% of Total Transaction per Trade based on whichever is of the lower value, Upstox charges Rs.20 per Trade or 2.5%, whichever is low per Trade equity delivery.

Equity Intraday: ICICI Direct charges Rs.20 per Trade per trade.

Equity Futures: Upstox charges Rs.20 per Trade or 0.05% (whichever is low), whereas ICICI Direct charges Free per trade.

Equity Options: Upstox charges Rs.20 per Trade per trade, whereas ICICI Direct charges Rs.20 per Trade per trade each order.

Currency

Currency Future: Upstox charges Rs.20 per Trade or 0.05% (whichever is low) per trade for currency futures, whereas ICICI Direct charges Rs.20 per Trade per trade, depending on which is the lower value.

Currency Options: Upstox charges Rs.20 per Trade each trade for currency options, compared to Rs.20 per Trade per trade for ICICI Direct.

Commodity

Commodity Future: Upstox costs Rs.20 per Trade or 0.05% (whichever is low) per trade for commodity futures, whereas ICICI Direct charges Rs.20 per Trade per trade, depending on which is the lower value.

Commodity Options: Upstox charges Rs.20 per Trade each trade, whereas ICICI Direct charges Rs.20 per Trade per trade for commodity options.

Trading Platforms Comparison of ICICI Direct vs. Upstox

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

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

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

ICICI Direct vs. Upstox – Comparison of Trading Features

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ICICI Direct vs. Upstox – Comparison of offer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Happy Trading Hours: Happy Trading Hours is where you can trade at reduced or zero trading fees at particular hours during the day. Both brokerage companies, ICICI Direct and Upstox, 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, Upstox 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 Upstox, 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 Upstox 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 Upstox provides this option.

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

• Referral Offers: Going by its name, referring your friend or family to the platform would benefit you. While ICICI Direct gives Rs.500 per Client, Upstox gives Upto Rs.700 per Client.

Offered Products Comparison of Upstox vs. ICICI Direct

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

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

• Equity Delivery: When the stock is allotted to your Demat account and it resides there for months or years before you choose to sell, it is called a delivery trade.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Offered Services Comparison of ICICI Direct vs. Upstox

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

• Demat Services: A Demat account is used to buy, hold and sell securities. Both brokerage companies, ICICI Direct and Upstox, offer Demat services.

• Trading Services: Both brokerage companies, ICICI Direct and Upstox, provide this service.

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

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

• IPO Services: This option is available from both ICICI Direct and Upstox brokerages.

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

• Stock Research: ICICI Direct and Upstox do not provide this service.

• Stock Recommendations: Both, ICICI Direct and Upstox do not offer this option.

• Trading Institution: This option is available from both ICICI Direct and Upstox brokerage companies.

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

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

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

Stock Advisory Service Comparison of ICICI Direct vs. Upstox

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

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

Exposure Comparison of ICICI Direct vs. ICICI Direct

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

Let's find out the exposure provided by ICICI Direct and Upstox below.

Comparison of Programs by ICICI Direct vs. Upstox

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

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

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

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

Customer Support Comparison of ICICI Direct vs. Upstox

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

Below is a table highlighting the customer services offered by ICICI Direct and Upstox.

Ratings – ICICI Direct vs. Upstox

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

Here is how we have evaluated them:

Complaints – ICICI Direct vs. Upstox

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

Transaction Charges Comparison of ICICI Direct vs. Upstox

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

The following table highlights the transaction charges levied by ICICI Direct and Upstox.

Pledge Charges Comparison of ICICI Direct vs. Upstox

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

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

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

Hidden Charges Comparison of ICICI Direct vs. Upstox

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

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

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

• GST:The stockbroker transactions levy a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 18%.

• Account Closure Charges: The fees charged for closing any account, such as the checking, savings, or investment accounts.

• Reactivation Charges: The standard fees and charges schedule highlights the fees for reinstating your services.

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

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

Compare Demat Charges of ICICI Direct vs Upstox

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 Upstox:

ICICI Direct vs Upstox – 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.

Compare Stamp Duty of ICICI Direct and Upstox

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.