Shoonya and First Demat are two stockbrokers that investors often compare for brokerage charges, products, trading platforms, and account costs. Shoonya is listed as a Private Discount Broker , established in 2020 and headquartered in Punjab, while First Demat is listed as a Private Discount Broker , established in 2026 and headquartered in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
This comparison reviews brokerage, Demat charges, product availability, platforms, features, support, ratings, and complaints. Use the side-by-side tables below to see whether Shoonya or First Demat is a better fit for your investment style, platform preference, and budget.
Shoonya is listed as a Private Discount Broker established in 2020 with headquarters in Punjab and founded by Sarvjeet Singh Virk and Tajinder Virk. The broker highlights access to equity delivery, equity intraday, equity futures, equity options, commodity futures, commodity options and currency futures through mobile app access, web trading, desktop terminal access 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 Standard brokerage structure.
First Demat is listed as a Private Discount Broker established in 2026 with headquarters in Ranchi, Jharkhand and founded by Sandhya Kumari. It offers equity delivery, equity intraday, equity futures, equity options, commodity futures, commodity options and mutual funds using mobile app access, web trading 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 Single flat plan on site; file says 'multiple brokerage packs'.
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.
Shoonya vs First Demat — A Comprehensive Company Overview
| Company Overview | Shoonya | First Demat |
|---|---|---|
| Company Type | Private | Private |
| Broker Type | Discount Broker | Discount Broker |
| Headquarters | Punjab | Ranchi, Jharkhand |
| Founder | Sarvjeet Singh Virk and Tajinder Virk | Sandhya Kumari |
| Establishment Year | 2020 | 2026 |
| Brokerage Plan | Standard | 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 Shoonya and First Demat.
Equity delivery: This charge applies to buy-and-hold stock positions held beyond one trading session. Shoonya charges Zero while First Demat charges 0.1% or ₹20 per executed order, whichever is lower.
Equity intraday: This charge applies to buy-sell positions closed within the same trading day. Shoonya charges 0.03% or Rs. 5.00 whichever is low while First Demat charges 0.1% or ₹20 per executed order, whichever is lower.
Equity futures: This charge applies to futures contracts on stocks and indices. Shoonya charges 0.03% or Rs. 5.00 whichever is low while First Demat charges Flat ₹20 per executed order.
Equity options: This charge applies to equity option contracts. Shoonya charges Flat ₹5 plus GST on per executed order while First Demat charges Flat ₹20 per executed order.
Commodity futures: This charge covers commodities such as gold, silver, and crude oil. Shoonya charges 0.03% or Rs. 5.00 whichever is low while First Demat charges Starting ₹20 per order (not on pricing page).
Commodity options: This charge applies to option contracts on commodity instruments. Shoonya charges Flat ₹5 plus GST on per executed order while First Demat charges Starting ₹20 per order (not on pricing page).
Currency futures: This charge allows participation in forex price movements on the exchange. Shoonya charges 0.03% or Rs. 5.00 whichever is low while First Demat charges Not offered.
Currency options: This charge enables traders to hedge or speculate on currency fluctuations. Shoonya charges Flat ₹5 plus GST on per executed order while First Demat charges Not offered.
Shoonya vs First Demat — Detailed Brokerage Comparison
| Brokerage | Shoonya | First Demat |
|---|---|---|
| Brokerage Plan | Standard | Single flat plan on site; file says 'multiple brokerage packs' |
| Subscription Charges | Zero | None listed; file says no monthly or yearly plans |
| Equity Delivery | Zero | 0.1% or ₹20 per executed order, whichever is lower |
| Equity Intraday | 0.03% or Rs. 5.00 whichever is low | 0.1% or ₹20 per executed order, whichever is lower |
| Equity Future | 0.03% or Rs. 5.00 whichever is low | Flat ₹20 per executed order |
| Equity Option | Flat ₹5 plus GST on per executed order | Flat ₹20 per executed order |
| Commodity Future | 0.03% or Rs. 5.00 whichever is low | Starting ₹20 per order (not on pricing page) |
| Commodity Option | Flat ₹5 plus GST on per executed order | Starting ₹20 per order (not on pricing page) |
| Currency Future | 0.03% or Rs. 5.00 whichever is low | Not offered |
| Currency Option | Flat ₹5 plus GST on per executed order | Not offered |
Shoonya provides mobile app access, web trading, desktop terminal access and algo trading support for order placement, portfolio tracking, and market monitoring. First Demat provides mobile app access, web trading and algo trading support for its users.
Android app: Shoonya and First Demat both list an Android trading app.
iOS app: Shoonya and First Demat both list an iOS trading app.
Web trading platform: Shoonya and First Demat 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: Shoonya and First Demat both list algo trading support.
Basket trading: Shoonya and First Demat both list basket trading.
Foreign stocks platform: Neither broker currently highlights foreign stocks access.
Mutual fund platform: Shoonya and First Demat 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.
Shoonya vs First Demat — Complete Comparison of Trading Platforms
| Trading Platform | Shoonya | First Demat |
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Download | Yes |
| iOS App | Download | Yes |
| Web Trading Platform | Shoonya Trade | Yes |
| Trading Terminal | Available | N/A |
| Algo Trading Platform | Available | Yes |
| Foreign Stocks Platform | No | No |
| Basket Trading Platform | Available | Yes (Baskets and basket orders) |
| Mutual Fund Platform | Available | Yes |
| Digital Gold Platform | No | Not offered |
| Bonds Platform | No | No |
Shoonya highlights trading features including watchlists, real-time updates, portfolio tracking, online mutual fund access, research reports and customised recommendations, while First Demat 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 Shoonya and First Demat offer this feature.
Real time updates: Get timely updates on market trends, stock prices, and other market data. Both Shoonya and First Demat offer this feature.
Portfolio details: A detailed snapshot of all investments — stocks, bonds, and commodities — in one place. Both Shoonya and First Demat offer this feature.
Online mf buy: Buy or sell mutual funds directly from the trading platform or mobile application. Both Shoonya and First Demat offer this feature.
Research reports: A comprehensive overview of different stocks and sectors in the stock market. Both Shoonya and First Demat offer this feature.
Customised recommendations: Personalised investment suggestions based on your objectives and behaviour patterns. Both Shoonya and First Demat 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 Shoonya and First Demat offer this feature.
Live market: Live updates on market movements and trends. Both Shoonya and First Demat 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 Shoonya and First Demat offer this feature.
Shoonya vs First Demat — Comprehensive Comparison of Trading Features
| Trading Feature | Shoonya | First Demat |
|---|---|---|
| Wishlist | Yes | Yes (multiple watchlists) |
| Real-Time Updates | Yes | Yes |
| Portfolio Details | Yes | Yes (holdings and P&L reports) |
| Online MF Buy | Yes | Yes |
| Research Reports | Yes | Yes (AI research summaries) |
| Global Indices | N/A | |
| Customised Recommendations | Yes | 'Personalised advisory' claimed on site |
| Stock Tips | Yes | N/A |
| Interactive Charts | Yes | Yes (TradingView integration, indicators) |
| Live Market | Yes | Yes |
| Multi Profile Management | Yes | N/A |
| Robust & Secure Platform | Yes | Yes ('Bank-grade security' claim) |
Stockbrokers use promotional offers to attract and retain clients. Below is a side-by-side comparison of the offers currently listed by Shoonya and First Demat.
Free account opening: Shoonya and First Demat 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: Shoonya and First Demat 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.
Shoonya vs First Demat — Comparison of Latest Offers
| Offer | Shoonya | First Demat |
|---|---|---|
| Free Account Opening | Yes | Yes (online); offline costs ₹500 |
| Free AMC | First year only | |
| Free Brokerage | No | No |
| Flat Brokerage | No | Yes, ₹20 per order |
| Flexible Brokerage Plans | Yes | N/A |
| Happy Trading Hours | N/A | |
| Free Delivery Trading | Yes | No |
| 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 | Yes | MTF: No. Pledging available. |
| Brokerage Cashback | N/A | |
| Zero Brokerage for Loss-Making Trades | No |
Product availability determines whether a broker can support your preferred markets. Shoonya highlights equity delivery, equity intraday, equity futures, equity options, commodity futures, commodity options and currency futures, while First Demat 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, currency futures, currency options, foreign stocks, mutual funds and digital gold.
Shoonya vs First Demat — Complete Comparison of Products
| Product | Shoonya | First Demat |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | Yes | Yes |
| Equity Intraday | Yes | Yes |
| Equity Option | Yes | Yes |
| Equity Future | Yes | Yes |
| Commodity Option | Yes | Yes (file; MCX member). Not in site FAQ. |
| Commodity Future | Yes | Yes (file; MCX member). Not in site FAQ. |
| Currency Option | Yes | No |
| Currency Future | Yes | No |
| Foreign Stocks | Yes | No |
| Mutual Funds | Yes | Yes (SIP too) |
| Banking | No | No |
| Insurance | No | No |
| Corporate Bonds | No | No |
| Government Bonds | No | No |
| Digital Gold | No | No |
Demat services: Shoonya and First Demat both list Demat services.
Trading services: Shoonya and First Demat both list trading services.
Intraday services: Shoonya and First Demat both list intraday trading services.
F&O services: Shoonya and First Demat both list F&O services.
IPO services: Shoonya and First Demat both list IPO services.
3-in-1 account: Neither broker currently highlights 3-in-1 account support.
Stock research: Shoonya and First Demat both list stock research.
Stock recommendations: Shoonya and First Demat both list stock recommendations.
Trading education: Neither broker currently highlights trading education.
Share pledging: Shoonya and First Demat both list share pledging.
PMS or PCG: Neither broker currently highlights PMS or PCG support.
NRI services: Neither broker currently highlights NRI services.
Shoonya provides Demat services, trading services, intraday trading, F&O trading, IPO access and stock research, while First Demat offers Demat services, trading services, intraday trading, F&O trading, IPO access and stock research.
Shoonya vs First Demat — In-Depth Comparison of Services
| Service | Shoonya | First Demat |
|---|---|---|
| Demat Services | Yes | Yes (NSDL, DP ID IN303921 via Ashlar Securities Pvt Ltd) |
| Trading Services | Yes | Yes |
| Intraday Services | Yes | Yes |
| F&O Services | Yes | Yes |
| IPO Services | Yes | Yes (UPI application) |
| 3-in-1 Account | No | |
| Stock Research | Yes | Yes (AI summaries) |
| Stock Recommendations | Yes | Not provided (T&C disclaimer) |
| 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 Shoonya and First Demat.
Shoonya and First Demat — Detailed Comparison of Advisory Services
| Advisory | Shoonya | First Demat |
|---|---|---|
| Fundamental Reports | Yes | AI fundamental insights |
| Research Reports | Yes | Yes |
| Company Reports | Yes | N/A |
| Annual Reports | Yes | N/A |
| IPO Reports | Yes | IPO insights on site |
| Technical Reports | Yes | N/A |
| Stock Tips | Yes | N/A |
| Daily Top Stock Picks | Yes | N/A |
| 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 Shoonya and First Demat across different segments.
Shoonya and First Demat — Comprehensive Comparison of Trading Exposure
| Exposure | Shoonya | First Demat |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | 1x | N/A |
| Equity Intraday | 2x | N/A |
| Equity F&O Carry Forward | 1x | N/A |
| Equity F&O Intraday | 2x | N/A |
| Commodity F&O Carry Forward | 1.5x | N/A |
| Commodity F&O Intraday | 1.5x | N/A |
| Currency F&O | 1.5x | N/A |
Shoonya provides support through trading desk support, call support, email support, website support and Facebook support. First Demat provides support through trading desk support, call support, email support and website support. Shoonya operates Mumbai branches. First Demat operates Only Ranchi head office listed branches.
Shoonya and First Demat — Comprehensive Comparison of Customer Support
| Support Channel | Shoonya | First Demat |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Support | +91 9779 902 002 | Yes |
| Dedicated Dealer | N/A | |
| Call Support | +91 1726 670 000 | +91 9240256357 |
| Email Support | [email protected] | [email protected] |
| WhatsApp Support | N/A | |
| Website Support | https://shoonya.com/ | Yes |
| Facebook Support | https://www.facebook.com/ShoonyaApp/ | — |
| Twitter / X Support | https://twitter.com/shoonyaapp | — |
| Telegram Support | https://t.me/Shoonya_App | — |
| Branches / Offices | Mumbai | Only Ranchi head office listed |
Both brokers have been evaluated across key parameters to help investors make an informed comparison. Shoonya carries an overall rating of 4/5, while First Demat carries an overall rating of 5/5.
Shoonya vs First Demat — Ratings Comparison
| Rating Parameter | Shoonya | First Demat |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Customer Support | 4/5 | 5 / 5 |
| Technology | 4/5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Charges | 4/5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Products & Services | 4/5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Experience | 4/5 | 5 / 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.
Shoonya & First Demat — Comparison of Customer Complaints
| Complaint Metric | Shoonya | First Demat |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Shoonya and First Demat.
Shoonya vs First Demat — Detailed Comparison of Transaction Charges
| Transaction Charges | Shoonya | First Demat |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | 0.00297% | NSE: 0.00307%; BSE: 0.00375% |
| Equity Intraday | 0.00297% | NSE: 0.00307%; BSE: 0.00375% |
| Equity Future | Exchange txn charge: 0.00173% | NSE: 0.00183%; BSE: 0 |
| Equity Option | txn charge: 0.03503% (on premium) | NSE: 0.03553% (on premium); BSE: 0.0325% (on premium) |
| Commodity Future | MCX: 0.0021% | N/A |
| Commodity Option | MCX: 0.0418% | N/A |
| Currency Future | Exchange txn charge: 0.00035% | N/A |
| Currency Option | Exchange txn charge: 0.0311% | 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.
Shoonya & First Demat — Comprehensive Comparison of Pledge Charges
| Pledge Charge | Shoonya | First Demat |
|---|---|---|
| Pledge Creation Charges | Rs 20 + GST per ISIN | ₹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.
Shoonya and First Demat — Detailed Comparison of Hidden / Other Charges
| Charge | Shoonya | First Demat |
|---|---|---|
| SEBI Turnover Charges | ₹10/crore | ₹10 per crore |
| DP Charges | Rs 9 + Gst | ₹20 + GST per ISIN debit |
| GST | 18% on ( 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 | Zero | ₹50 per trade (site); file says ₹50 + GST |
Shoonya lists account opening charges of Free and Demat AMC of 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 vs First Demat — Detailed Comparison of Demat Charges
| Demat Charges | Shoonya | First Demat |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening Charges | Free | Online ₹0; offline ₹500 |
| Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) | Zero | ₹0 for first year; later years not disclosed |
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.
Shoonya vs First Demat — Comparative Analysis of STT and CTT Charges
| STT & CTT | Shoonya | First Demat |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | 0.1% on buy & sell | 0.1% on buy and sell |
| Equity Intraday | 0.025% on the sell side | 0.025% on sell |
| Equity Future | 0.02% on the sell side | 0.05% on sell |
| Equity Option | 0.1% on sell side | 0.15% on sell (premium); 0.15% of intrinsic value on exercise |
| Commodity Future | 0.01% on sell side | N/A |
| Commodity Option | 0.05% (of Selling Value) | N/A |
| Currency Future | Zero | N/A |
| Currency Option | Zero | 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.
Shoonya and First Demat — Comparison of Stamp Duty Charges
| Stamp Duty | Shoonya | First Demat |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | 0.1% on buy & sell | 0.015% or ₹1500/crore |
| Equity Intraday | 0.025% on the sell side | 0.003% or ₹300/crore |
| Equity Future | 0.02% on the sell side | 0.002% or ₹200/crore |
| Equity Option | 0.1% on sell side | 0.003% or ₹300/crore |
| Commodity Future | 0.002% or ₹200 / crore on buy side | N/A |
| Commodity Option | 0.003% or ₹300 / crore on buy side | N/A |
| Currency Future | 0.0001% or ₹10 / crore on buy side | N/A |
| Currency Option | 0.0001% or ₹10 / crore on buy side | N/A |