Zero brokerage sounds simple, but in India, it depends on the segment (delivery, intraday, or derivatives), the plan you choose, and whether the benefit is time-bound or subscription-based. Also, brokerage fees are only one part of your total trading costs. Statutory charges and exchange levies still apply, no matter which trading platform you pick.
In this article, you will explore five well-known trading options that advertise zero brokerage benefits in specific cases, along with what to check before you open an account.
1. Kotak Neo
This platform is often considered by investors who want a full-service ecosystem with app-first execution and structured pricing plans. Its zero-brokerage positioning is typically tied to specific offers or plan rules, so it’s worth reading the plan terms carefully before assuming every trade is brokerage-free.
What many traders like here is the breadth of market access and the focus on tooling that supports both beginners and active traders.
Where zero brokerage may apply: Commonly linked to limited period offers, plan benefits, or specific order routes
Platform strengths: Research-led experience, learning resources, and a feature-rich mobile and web interface
Best suited for: Investors who want one platform for investing and trading, and are comfortable choosing a plan based on usage style
2. Pocketful
Pocketful positions itself around transparent pricing and aims to reduce friction for long-term equity investors, especially for delivery-style investing. While it highlights a zero-brokerage angle for delivery, intraday and other segments can follow a different pricing structure, so check the tariff for your preferred products.
It’s also helpful that the platform clearly separates account-related charges from trading charges, which makes comparisons easier.
Where zero brokerage may apply: Typically promoted for equity delivery investing, subject to stated terms
Platform strengths: Clear pricing page, broad market coverage, and a straightforward onboarding flow
Best suited for: Delivery-focused investors who want a modern interface and want to keep recurring fees low
3. Shoonya by Finvasia
Shoonya is one of the most recognisable zero brokerage names in the market, mainly because its messaging focuses on eliminating multiple fee types that traders often overlook. It also positions itself as a multi-asset platform with modern charting and analytics, which matters if you prefer to do most of your decision-making within the trading platform.
If you trade across segments, the biggest value is clarity: you can map your trading style to what is and isn’t subject to charges.
Where zero brokerage may apply: Highlighted prominently for equity cash delivery, along with select platform-level fees
Platform strengths: Multi-asset coverage, screeners, analytics, and advanced charting integrations
Best suited for: Cost-sensitive traders who want wide market access and a feature-heavy interface
4. Alice Blue
Alice Blue is better described as a low-brokerage option rather than a pure zero-brokerage platform. It does, however, promote brokerage-free investing for certain investment products, while charging brokerage for many trading segments. If your main goal is to reduce costs for specific activities (for example, investing in mutual funds or applying for IPOs through the same interface), this model can still be a good fit.
The real deciding factor here is your mix of delivery investing vs frequent trading.
Where zero brokerage may apply: Commonly promoted for mutual funds and IPO participation
Platform strengths: The ANT suite across mobile and web, plus a strong tools-and-calculators layer
Best suited for: Traders who want a recognised discount-broker setup and also invest via IPOs or mutual funds
5. Lemonn
Lemonn takes a plan-led approach, where zero brokerage benefits are associated with specific subscription options rather than being universal by default. This can work well if your trading frequency is predictable and you prefer to pay on a plan to reduce per-order friction. It also markets an app experience designed for speed and simplicity, with optional add-ons such as advanced charting and market insights.
As always, the key is matching the plan to how you actually trade, not how you hope to trade.
Where zero brokerage may apply: Often linked to subscription benefits for a defined period or plan type
Platform strengths: App-first flow, plan-based pricing, and add-on features for active traders
Best suited for: High-frequency traders who want predictable costs via a subscription model
Conclusion
The best way to shortlist zero brokerage trading platforms is to start with your behaviour: are you mainly an equity delivery investor, an intraday trader, or someone who trades derivatives regularly? Then review the pricing page and tariff sheet for your exact segment, as zero brokerage is rarely a blanket promise. Also, pay attention to non-brokerage costs, such as platform rules, account charges, and service fees. If a platform’s pricing matches your real usage and the interface feels reliable during market hours, you’ve likely found a strong fit.
