ICICI Direct Review 2025: Stock Trading, Demat, and Brokerage

ICICI Direct is a leading discount broker in India and offers Discount Broker to traders and investors across the country. The discount stockbroker enables investors to trade in equity, commodity, currency, futures, and options across BSE and NSE.

Here is a detailed ICICI Direct review that encompasses all the details of the stockbroker like brokerage charges, account opening charges, features, exposure, other charges, trading platforms, products, etc. So, let's go through this review below.

ICICI Direct Overview

ICICI Direct stock broker is backed by ICICI Direct Capital Limited, a reputed public company promoted by the founders of none other than IIFL. The broker started its operations in 1994. The stockbroker reached new heights of success quickly which is an example for others.

ICICI Direct has headquarters in Mumbai. The stockbroking company was founded by Vjay Chandok. The stockbroker offers different subscription plans – Regular, Power Investor, and Ultra Trader.

Since its inception, the stockbroker has established itself as a competitive Discount Broker by providing a user-centric trading platform, reasonable brokerage, and high-end research tools. Along with this, ICICI Direct offers steadfast customer support and educational support, making it a great choice for investors and traders.

ICICI Direct A Comprehensive Company Overview

Company Overview ICICI Direct
Company Type Public
Broker Type Discount Broker
Headquarters Mumbai
Founder Vjay Chandok
Establishment Year 1994

Account opening and demat charges

ICICI Direct has Free account opening charges for both trading and Demat accounts. For trading account, the AMT charges are Free but the AMC for the Demat Account is Rs. Rs.300 per Year.

If you are looking to invest in stock through ICICI Direct, you would have to open a 2-in-1 account which includes a Demat account and a trading account.

Account Opening and Demat Charges

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

ICICI Direct brokerage charges 2025

The brokerage refers to an amount that is charged by a stockbroker against the services offered.

  • Equity delivery: You need to pay these charges when you buy and hold stocks in your trading account for a longer period. This type of trading generally charges lower brokerage charges as compared to others.
  • Equity intraday: When you buy and sell stocks on the same day, you need to pay equity delivery brokerage charges. Intraday trading mainly focuses on short-term price movements.
  • Equity futures: You have to pay equity future brokerage charges when you trade futures contracts on stocks. Equity futures are agreements to buy or sell a stock at a predetermined price on a future date. The charges for trading equity futures include brokerage fees and may also include transaction charges based on the contract value.
  • Equity options: When you trade options contracts based on stocks, you have to pay brokerage charges determined for equity options. An equity option gives the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a stock at a specified price before or at the expiration date. The brokerage charges for options trading often include a flat fee per contract or a fee based on the option’s premium.
  • Commodity futures: These are charges for trading futures contracts on commodities such as gold, oil, or agricultural products. Commodity futures contracts are agreements to buy or sell a specific quantity of a commodity at a predetermined price on a future date.
  • Currency futures: These are charges for trading futures contracts on currencies. Currency futures involve agreements to exchange one currency for another at a set price on a future date. The charges for currency futures usually include a flat fee per contract and may vary depending on the currency pair and contract size.
  • Currency options: Charges for trading options contracts on currencies. A currency option provides the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a currency pair at a specified price before or at the expiration date. The charges for currency options typically include a fee per option contract and may be based on the option's premium.

Brokerage of ICICI Direct

Brokerage ICICI Direct
Brokerage Plan Neo Plan
Subscription Charges Zero
Equity Delivery 0.27% of Total Transaction
Equity Intraday Rs.20 per Trade
Equity Future Free
Equity Option Rs.20 per Trade
Commodity Future Rs.20 per Trade
Commodity Option Rs.20 per Trade
Currency Future Rs.20 per Trade
Currency Option Rs.20 per Trade

ICICI Direct margin exposure

To provide assistance to traders and investors in the utilization of margin money for trading, ICICI Direct offers margin exposure. You may manage bigger holdings with lesser sums of money when you use margin money. You can increase your trading potential and seize market opportunities with this product.

ICICI Direct Exposure

Exposure ICICI Direct
Equity Delivery 1x
Equity Intraday Upto 5x (Depends on Stocks)
Equity F&O Carry Forward 1x
Equity F&O Intraday 1.3x
Commodity F&O Carry Forward 1x
Commodity F&O Intraday 1.3x
Currency F&O 1x

ICICI Direct other charge

Apart from charging brokerage charges, there are several other charges levied by ICICI Direct. These charges come under the purview of other charges. These include stamp duty, STT, SEBI turnover charges, GST, transaction charges, and others. As an investor or trader, you must need to be aware of these charges before going ahead.

Other charges of ICICI Direct

Charges ICICI Direct
STT Equity Delivery 0.1% on buy & sell
Stamp Duty Equity Delivery 0.015% on buy
Transaction Charges Equity Intraday 0.00325% (NSE) & As per Stock (BSE)
STT Equity Intraday 0.025% on sell
Stamp Duty Equity Intraday 0.003% on buy
Transaction Charges Equity Futures 0.0019% (NSE & BSE)
STT Equity Future 0.0125% on sell
Stamp Duty Equity Future 0.002% on buy
Transaction Charges Equity Options 0.053% (on premium)
STT Equity Options 0.0625% on sell (on premium)
Stamp Duty Equity Options 0.003% on buy
SEBI Turnover Charges Rs.10/ Crore (All Segment)
GST 18% on (Brokerage + SEBI + Transaction charges)

ICICI Direct trading platforms

ICICI Direct offers different trading platforms for both mobile and desktop users. All these trading platforms are high on user-friendliness and advanced features. Whether you are new to stock trading or a seasoned trader, these trading platforms offer exemplary trading experience. Some of the features offered by ICICI Direct trading platforms are:

  • Single-click order placement
  • Multiple watchlists
  • Smart mobile application
  • Research and advisory
  • UPI-based fund transfer
  • Auto investor
  • Live quotes on markets and stocks
  • Tracking investments and trades

ICICI Direct – Trading Platforms

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

ICICI Direct offers

In order to entice investors, a lot of stockbrokers make alluring offers. For instance, some might provide a free account opening procedure, while others might provide free trading and delivery. Brokers utilize these offerings to set themselves apart from the competition and to draw in new business while keeping hold of their current clientele. Brokers increase the desirability of their services in comparison to rivals by emphasizing these advantages.

ICICI Direct Offers

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

ICICI Direct features

Additionally, ICICI Direct provides sophisticated trading tools for both novice and seasoned traders. From fundamental elements like portfolio tracking and real-time market data to more sophisticated choices like investment research, tailored recommendations, and charting tools, these features cover the gamut. Additionally, Angel One provides stock tips, research reports, and personalized stock recommendations.

Comparison of ICICI Direct – Trading Features

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

Services

The platform offers numerous financial services. Core services include trading in stocks, derivatives, and IPOs. The platform also offers in-depth market research, investment recommendations, and tools to help traders make informed decisions. For those seeking more hands-on management, Angel One provides portfolio management services as well. While it doesn't offer a traditional 3-in-1 account, it covers most other essential financial services.

ICICI Direct – Services Provided

Services Provided ICICI Direct
Demat Services Yes
Trading Services Yes
Intraday Services Yes
F&O Services Yes
IPO Services Yes
3 in 1 Account Yes
Stock Research Yes
Stock Recommendations Yes
Trading Institution Yes, iLearn
Share Pledging Yes
PMS or PCG Yes
NRI Services Yes

Products

For traders and investors, ICICI Direct provides a full range of financial solutions. Based on your interests, you can trade in stocks, options, and futures. It also provides currency and commodity trading. ICICI Direct also lets you trade foreign equities if you're interested in international markets. Additionally, investing in mutual funds allows you to diversify your portfolio. It will assist you in protecting your money from erratic market fluctuations. ICICI Direct can efficiently cater to a variety of investment plans and tastes thanks to its wide range of product offerings.

ICICI Direct – Products Provided

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

Customer support

ICICI Direct provides strong customer service to guarantee a seamless and trouble-free experience for its customers. For assistance with any questions or problems, their committed support staff is accessible via phone, email, and live chat.

Customer Support of ICICI Direct

Customer Support ICICI Direct
Trading Support Available, Free
Dedicated Dealer Available, Free
Call Support 1860-123-1122
Email Support helpdesk@icicidirect.com
Whatsapp Support NA
Website Support Website Link
Facebook Support Facebook Support Link
Twitter Support Twitter Support Link
Telegram Support Telegram Support Link
Branches / Offices Available

Customer complaints

The BSE and NSE regularly receive and address complaints in order to maintain a rigorous check and balance on fair-trade opportunities for all traders and investors. Investors have the option to file complaints regarding brokers, trading members, and index-listed businesses. In order to address them, the BSE and NSE give them a deadline to correct their error; if they don't, harsh action is taken against them. The total number of complaints filed with the BSE or NSE is listed below. You may also see the percentage of those complaints that were settled. Another helpful indicator to evaluate a stock broker is the proportion of lodged vs resolved cases.

ICICI Direct Complaints

Complaints ICICI Direct
Total Complaints Lodged 402
Total Complaints Resolved 337
% of Resolved Complaints 83.83%
Non Actionable Complaints 16
% of Non Actionable Complaints 3.98%

Frequently Asked Questions


Who is the founder of ICICI Direct?
ICICI Direct is founded by Vjay Chandok.

What type of broker is ICICI Direct?
ICICI Direct is a Discount Broker broker and it offers a complete range of financial services such as stock trading, mutual funds, and advisory services. Plus, it offers both online and offline trading facilities for various investor needs.

Is ICICI Direct free?
ICICI Direct account opening process is free but you have to pay the annual maintenance charges of Rs.300 per Year.

Is ICICI Direct reliable?
Yes, ICICI Direct is a trusted and regulated broker in India with over two decades of experience in the financial industry. It is a member of major exchanges like NSE, BSE, and MCX.

How to open a demat account with ICICI Direct?
You can open an ICICI Direct demat account by visiting the official website of ICICI Direct. You need to submit the basic personal details, and KYC documents, and complete an e-sign process. The account is usually activated within 24-48 hours.

What trading platforms does ICICI Direct offer?
ICICI Direct offers multiple trading platforms, including a web-based platform, a mobile app, and a desktop application. These platforms are equipped with advanced tools and features for seamless trading.

Lamfindia specializes in offering innovative financial solutions, including stock broker services, mutual fund investments, and IPO guidance.