HDFC Securities Charges & Brokerage Review 2026
HDFC Securities Charges & Brokerage Review 2025
Complete breakdown of all joining fees, brokerage fees, hidden charges, and transaction costs
HDFC Securities offers a transparent fee structure, combining competitive brokerage rates with a focus on customer-centric services. Their approach emphasizes clarity in charges, making trading costs predictable for investors across India. The company’s fee philosophy aims to balance affordability with quality service, standing out in a crowded brokerage industry by providing detailed disclosures and flexible plans designed for different trader profiles.
Charges Overview
HDFC Securities adopts a flexible brokerage fee approach, blending discount and full-service features. They focus on offering competitive charges, especially for delivery trades, with transparent cap limits to prevent excessive costs. Their brokerage philosophy is centered around affordability without compromising on service quality. Their charges are aligned with the industry standards, providing a good balance for traders seeking value. The company’s emphasis on transparency ensures clients are well-informed about all applicable fees, promoting trust and long-term relationships.
For active traders, their plans like Value 20 and Value 25 offer low brokerage rates with high free volume limits, making high-frequency trading more cost-effective. Beginners benefit from low account opening charges and clear fee disclosures, making it easier to start trading without hidden costs. Overall, HDFC Securities stands out for its straightforward fee structure and emphasis on transparency, which are crucial for building investor confidence in India’s diverse trading environment.
Account Opening
One-time account opening fee for individual investors
Annual Maintenance
Annual maintenance charges for trading account
Equity Delivery
Brokerage charges for equity delivery trades
Brokerage Plans & Subscriptions
HDFC Securities offers a variety of brokerage plans tailored to different trading needs. Their subscription-based plans like Value 20 and Value 25 provide low brokerage rates with high free volume limits, ideal for high-volume traders. These plans are designed to cater to traders who want predictable costs and minimal surprises. The Alpha plans, such as Alpha 4,999 and Alpha 2,999, are suited for investors who trade frequently and prefer a fixed fee per trade, providing clarity on costs upfront. The Starter Packs, Lite 999, 299, and 199, are suitable for beginners or those with lower trading volumes, offering affordable entry points with limited free volume and manageable per-order charges.
| Plan | Category | Value Plan Charges (₹) | Free Equity Delivery Volume | Validity | Equity Delivery % | Intraday % | Options (per order ₹) | Futures (per order ₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value 20 | Traders Delight | 50,000 | 4 Crs | 360 days | 0.2 | 0.02 | 20 | 20 |
| Value 25 | Traders Delight | 25,000 | 1.5 Crs | 360 days | 0.25 | 0.025 | 20 | 20 |
| Alpha 4,999 | Investors Choice | 4,999 | 2 Lacs | 30 days | 0.1 | 0.01 | 20 | 20 |
| Alpha 2,999 | Investors Choice | 2,999 | 1.5 Lacs | 30 days | 0.15 | 0.015 | 20 | 20 |
| Lite 999 | Starter Pack | 999 | 75,000 | 30 days | 0.22 | 0.022 | 20 | 20 |
| Lite 299 | Starter Pack | 299 | 50,000 | 30 days | 0.27 | 0.027 | 20 | 20 |
| Lite 199 | Starter Pack | 199 | 25,000 | 30 days | 0.32 | 0.032 | 20 | 20 |
The brokerage plans from HDFC Securities are quite comprehensive, offering options for different trading volumes and preferences. The subscription-based models are especially attractive for active traders seeking predictable costs. Overall, these plans are competitive and provide good value for varied investor needs.
Account Opening Charges
HDFC Securities allows free account opening, making it easy for new traders and investors to start their journey without initial costs. The process is straightforward and quick, with no hidden charges involved. Their transparent approach means clients can open accounts online or at any of their 250 branches across India, often with promotional offers that further reduce barriers to entry. Compared to other brokers, their fee-free opening process is an attractive feature, especially for beginners who want to avoid upfront costs.
| Charge Type | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Account | ₹0 | One-time fee for individual investors |
| Corporate Account | ₹0 | Account opening for corporate entities |
| NRI Account | ₹0 | Specialized NRI trading account |
| Demat Account | ₹0 | Demat account opening charges |
Brokerage Structure
HDFC Securities follows a mixed brokerage model, combining fixed percentage charges with cap limits to ensure transparency and affordability. Their brokerage rates for delivery trades are 0.50% or a minimum of ₹25 per trade, with a maximum cap of 2.5%, which helps traders manage costs effectively. For intraday trading, the rates are similar, making it competitive within the discount broker segment. The company also charges higher rates for options, typically the higher of 1% of the premium or a capped amount of ₹100 per lot. Futures and currency derivatives are charged at 0.025% or a minimum of ₹20 per order, with caps where applicable. Overall, their fee structure is designed to accommodate traders of all sizes, balancing low costs with comprehensive service.
Equity Trading Charges
| Segment | Brokerage | Max Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | 0.50% or min ₹25 | 0.025 |
| Equity Intraday | 0.50% or min ₹25 | 0.025 |
HDFC Securities offers competitive equity trading charges suitable for both retail and active traders, with caps to ensure costs remain controlled.
Derivatives Trading Charges
| Segment | Brokerage | Max Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Futures | 0.50% or min ₹25 | 0.025 |
| Equity Options | Higher of 1% of premium or ₹100 per lot | ₹100 per lot |
Derivatives charges are competitive, with caps on options and futures to help traders keep costs predictable.
Commodities Trading Charges
| Segment | Brokerage | Max Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Commodity Futures | 0.025% or min ₹20 | NA |
| Commodity Options | ₹100 per lot | NA |
Charges for commodities are transparent, with minimal caps, suitable for traders focusing on commodities markets.
Currency Trading Charges
| Segment | Brokerage | Max Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Currency Futures | Rs. 23 per contract | NA |
| Currency Options | Rs. 20 per contract | NA |
Currency derivatives charges are straightforward, with per-contract rates that are transparent and competitive.
Complete Breakdown: Government & Regulatory Charges
Investors should be aware of various government and exchange charges when trading through HDFC Securities. Exchange transaction charges vary depending on the trade volume and exchange slabs, generally around a small percentage of the traded value. Securities Transaction Tax (STT) is levied at 0.00001%, applicable on all eligible trades, including delivery and intraday. Stamp duty is applicable as per state regulations, often around 0.015% to 0.1% depending on the state. SEBI charges are minimal, but mandatory for regulatory compliance. GST at 18% applies on brokerage, further adding to the overall cost structure. DP charges are generally waived for account holders, but it’s best to confirm during account setup.
Understanding these charges helps investors plan their trades better, avoiding surprises. Transparency in fee structure is key, and HDFC Securities clearly discloses all applicable government and exchange levies, making it easier for clients to estimate their total costs accurately.
📋 Transaction Charges
- Exchange Transaction Charges: As per slab
- STT (Securities Transaction Tax): 0.00001
- Stamp Duty: Varies by state, approx 0.015%-0.1%
🏛️ Regulatory Charges
- SEBI Charges: Minimal
- GST on Brokerage: 18%
- DP Charges: Milled in some cases, generally waived
Sample Cost Calculation
For a Rs. 10,00,000 trade, brokerage at 0.50% would be Rs. 5,000. STT at 0.00001% adds negligible cost. Exchange transaction charges depend on volume but are usually a small percentage. Stamp duty varies by state, approximately Rs. 1,500. GST at 18% on brokerage adds Rs. 900. Total costs including all fees could approximate Rs. 7,400, providing a realistic view of total trading expenses.
Additional Services & Charges
HDFC Securities offers value-added services such as research reports, API trading, and margin funding. Research services are provided free of charge, helping investors make informed decisions. API access is also free, enabling algorithmic traders to automate their strategies. Margin funding is available at an interest rate of 0.12, supporting traders who want leverage for larger positions. These services enhance trading efficiency and are priced competitively, making HDFC Securities a comprehensive platform for traders seeking both cost-effective trading and advanced tools.
💰 Margin Funding
Interest Rate: 0.12
Margin funding facilities are robust, allowing traders to leverage their positions with competitive interest rates, helping optimize returns.
📊 Research Services
Charges: Rs. 0 (Free)
Research reports and market insights are provided free of cost, supporting informed trading decisions.
🔌 API Access
Charges: Rs. 0 (Free)
API trading capabilities are available at no extra cost, suitable for algorithmic and systematic traders.
NRI Services & Charges
HDFC Securities provides specialized account opening options for NRIs, with zero account opening charges and Rs. 750 annual maintenance fee. Repatriation services are available, allowing NRIs to transfer funds abroad smoothly, with applicable charges depending on the transfer amount and method. They also facilitate NRI-specific trading accounts, ensuring compliance with Indian regulations while offering seamless access to Indian markets. The process is straightforward, and charges are transparent, making HDFC Securities a preferred choice for NRI investors looking for reliable and cost-effective trading solutions.
| Service | Charges | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | ₹0 | One-time NRI account setup |
| Annual Maintenance | ₹750 | Annual NRI account maintenance |
| Repatriation Charges | As applicable | Fund transfer fees for repatriation |
Funds Transfer & Withdrawal
Fund transfers are simple with multiple options such as NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS, all at minimal charges of ₹0.002 per transaction. The process is quick, with most withdrawals processed within the same day. Instant withdrawal facilities are not supported, but regular transfers are seamless and reliable. Payment gateways support various digital payment methods, with charges generally negligible. Daily deposit limits are flexible, catering to different trader needs. Overall, HDFC Securities ensures smooth, transparent, and cost-effective fund management for traders and investors.
🏦 Bank Transfers
- NEFT Charges: 0.002
- RTGS Charges: 0.002
- IMPS Charges: 0.002
⚡ Instant Withdrawal
Charges: Not supported
Processing Time: Not supported
💳 Payment Gateway
Charges: 0.002
Daily Limit: Based on bank limits
Trading Platforms & Technology
HDFC Securities offers a robust trading platform suite, including a web-based platform, a mobile app, and a desktop terminal. The mobile app provides real-time updates, advanced charting, and quick order execution, rated high for user experience. The desktop terminal is feature-rich, supporting advanced order types, analytics, and customization options. The web platform enables easy access from any browser, with intuitive navigation and seamless integration with other tools. Their technology stack ensures fast, reliable, and secure trading experiences, catering to both novice traders and professional investors looking for sophisticated trading solutions.
📱 Mobile App
The mobile app offers a user-friendly interface, quick order execution, and real-time alerts, making trading on the go convenient and efficient.
💻 Desktop Terminal
The desktop terminal supports complex trading strategies, detailed charts, and high-speed execution for professional traders.
🌐 Web Platform
The web platform is accessible from any device, offering a comprehensive trading environment with minimal setup.
Customer Support & Service
HDFC Securities maintains high standards in customer support, offering multiple channels for assistance. Their phone support is available at 022-6246 5555, with prompt response times. Live chat support is instant, powered by bots, providing quick resolutions. Email support is also available, with responses typically within a few hours. Additionally, their extensive branch network across India enables face-to-face support and personalized advisory services. The company’s support infrastructure emphasizes accessibility, responsiveness, and professionalism, ensuring traders and investors receive reliable assistance whenever needed.
📞 Phone Support
Available: Yes
Response Time: Fast
💬 Live Chat
Available: Yes
Response Time: Instant (Bot)
📧 Email Support
Available: Yes
Response Time: Few hours
🏢 Branch Support
Office Locations: 250 across India
Personal Advisory: Available
Pros & Cons
✅ Advantages
- Transparent fee structure with clear caps and charges
- Competitive brokerage rates suitable for all trader types
- Free research and API services enhance value
- No hidden charges, ensuring trust
- Wide branch network for personalized support
❌ Disadvantages
- Higher charges for premium services and some optional features
- Repatriation charges are applicable for NRIs
- Some advanced tools may attract additional fees
- Minimum deposit requirements for certain plans
- Instant withdrawal not supported
Editor’s Take
My experience with HDFC Securities’ charge structure reveals a strong focus on transparency and fairness. Their plans are designed to suit different trading styles, from casual investors to high-frequency traders. The absence of hidden fees and clear caps on brokerage charges give traders confidence. Compared to other brokers, their fee transparency and comprehensive service offerings make them a competitive choice. While their rates are slightly higher in some segments, the added value through free research, API access, and widespread support justifies the cost. Overall, they strike a good balance between affordability and quality, making them a reliable option for Indian traders seeking transparent charges and good service.
The Verdict
HDFC Securities’ charge structure is well-suited for a broad range of investors. Beginners can benefit from their zero account opening fee and transparent charges, while active traders will appreciate their competitive brokerage plans like Value 20 and Alpha. For long-term investors, their low delivery charges and clear caps make costs predictable. The platform’s reliability, extensive support network, and free research services add to its appeal. Although some premium services incur extra costs, overall, HDFC Securities offers good value for money, especially for those who prioritize transparency and comprehensive support. If you’re looking for a trusted broker with clear charges, they are worth considering. For more options, check our detailed comparison of top brokers in India.
How HDFC Securities Compares
Compared to industry averages, HDFC Securities’ account opening charges are zero, which is highly competitive. Their equity delivery charges at 0.50% or minimum ₹25 are in line with other full-service brokers but slightly higher than discount brokers like Zerodha. The brokerage plans such as Value 20 and Value 25 offer attractive free volumes and caps, making them suitable for high-volume traders. In terms of overall costs, they remain competitive but are marginally more expensive in some segments than pure discount brokers. However, their extensive support, research offerings, and reliable platform balance the higher fees, making them a strong option for traders valuing service and transparency over the lowest costs.
