Upstox Demat Account 2026: Brokerage, Charges & How to Open

An Upstox Demat Account is a digital securities account that allows investors to hold shares and other marketable assets electronically for investing and trading in Indian financial markets. As of 2026, Upstox offers zero charges for account opening and a free first-year Annual Maintenance Charge (AMC) for most users; thereafter, AMC applies according to your holdings category. The official Upstox pricing and account opening details are available from the company’s pricing page on the Upstox official site.

Key Highlights

• Upstox Demat account opening charges are zero, and the first year AMC is complimentary for most users.
• Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) apply from FY 2025-26 onwards, with rates depending on holdings and BSDA eligibility.
• Brokerage fees are capped at ₹20 per executed order or a fixed percentage (whichever is lower) across major trading segments.
• Additional trade-related and statutory charges include pledge fees, delayed payment interest, STT, GST, and regulatory fees.
• The Upstox Demat account opening process is entirely online, requiring Aadhaar, PAN, and bank-linking for e-KYC verification.

At-a-Glance: Essential Upstox Demat Account Details (2026)

Feature / Charge Category	Amount / Detail	Notes
Account Opening Fee	₹0	Free for a Demat + Trading account.
Annual Maintenance Charge (AMC)	Free first year; thereafter applicable	Charges apply from FY 2025-26.
Equity Delivery Brokerage	₹20 per order or lower %	Cap per order.
Intraday & F&O Brokerage	₹20 per order or lower %	Applies to intraday, futures & options.
Trade-Related Charges	Pledge/Unpledge: ₹20; Delayed payment interest: 0.05%/day	STT/CTT, GST 18%, SEBI, and Stamp duty
Statutory Taxes & Fees	STT/CTT, GST 18%, SEBI and Stamp duty	Levied by regulators and exchanges.

What Is an Upstox Demat Account?

An Upstox Demat Account is an electronic account that stores your investments — such as equity shares, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), bonds, and more — in digital format, eliminating the need for physical certificates. This account is linked to the Upstox trading platform, enabling you to buy, sell, and hold securities seamlessly. It serves as the foundational account type for retail investing in Indian markets.

Upstox Brokerage Charges Explained

Upstox bases its brokerage model on flat or percentage-based charges subject to an upper cap per order. The core elements include:

• Equity Delivery Trades: Brokerage is charged up to ₹20 per executed order or a lower percentage fee as defined by the pricing plan.
• Equity Intraday and Futures/Currency Trades: Brokerage of ₹20 per order or 0.1% (whichever is lower).
• Options Trades: Flat brokerage of ₹20 per executed order.
• Mutual Funds and IPOs: Typically, there is no brokerage charged for investments in mutual funds and IPOs through the Upstox platform.

These brokerage rates apply broadly across segments and are designed to provide predictable trading costs while remaining competitive with other brokers.

Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) and Other Fees

Upstox levies an Annual Maintenance Charge (AMC) for the upkeep of your Demat account, applicable from fiscal year 2025-26 onwards:

• AMC is free for the first year for most new users.
• Subsequent AMCs are charged according to your account type and holdings; BSDA (Basic Services Demat Account) users with holdings up to certain thresholds may be eligible for reduced or waived AMCs.

Additional charges that may apply include:

• Pledge and Unpledge Fees for margin or derivative trading.
• Delayed Payment Charges are charged as daily interest on negative ledger balances.
• Statutory charges such as Securities Transaction Tax (STT), Commodity Transaction Tax (CTT), Goods & Services Tax (GST), SEBI turnover fees, and state stamp duty.

How to Open an Upstox Demat Account

Opening an Upstox Demat Account is fully online and paperless, provided you have the necessary documents and identification. The key steps typically include:

1. Visit Upstox Official Website and navigate to “Open Demat Account”.
2. Enter Your Mobile Number and Verify OTP sent to your phone.
3. Complete e-KYC by linking Aadhaar and providing PAN details.
4. Upload Required Documents, including PAN, Aadhaar, cancelled cheque, and your bank details.
5. E-Sign the Application using Aadhaar-OTP or other verification methods.
6. Account Activation typically occurs within 24–48 hours after verification and approval.

Once the Demat and linked trading account are live, you can fund your account from your bank to begin trading and investing.

Eligibility and Required Documents

To be eligible to open an Upstox Demat account, Indian residents typically need:

• Valid PAN Card (mandatory for all trading and demat accounts).
• Aadhaar Card for address verification and e-KYC.
• Bank Account Details (to link and settle funds).
• Cancelled Cheque/Bank Statement with IFSC for verification.

These documents enable Upstox to complete regulatory Know Your Customer (KYC) checks and link your financial accounts securely.

Understanding Statutory and Regulatory Charges

In addition to brokerage and AMC, you should consider statutory charges imposed by the government and market infrastructure bodies:

• Securities Transaction Tax (STT) and Commodity Transaction Tax (CTT) apply per order as mandated by Indian tax authorities.
• Exchange Transaction Charges are levied by stock exchanges such as NSE and BSE and vary by segment.
• GST (Goods and Services Tax) at 18% applies to brokerage, transaction, and other service fees.
• SEBI Turnover Fees and Stamp Duty are statutory levies on securities transactions.

Tips for Upstox Demat Account Users

A few practical recommendations for managing your Upstox Demat account include:

• Monitor AMC Charges annually to avoid surprises on renewal.
• Link the bank account accurately to ensure seamless fund settlement.
• Keep Your Documents Updated to prevent verification delays.
• Review Statutory Fees Regularly, as government and regulatory mandates can change.

Conclusion

In 2026, the Upstox Demat Account remains a competitive choice for Indian investors seeking low upfront costs, straightforward online account opening, and transparent brokerage and charge structures. With free account opening and an initial AMC waiver, users can begin investing without significant initial fees. Subsequent maintenance and transaction charges are competitive compared to many traditional brokers, and the platform’s digital-first approach makes it suitable for both new and experienced investors.

Read More: Zero-Balance Demat Accounts in India: Top Brokers Offering Zero AMC

Read More: Best Demat Account for Beginners in India (2026 Comparison)