The first step that a new investor has to undertake is to open the best Demat account in India. But lots of new investors, particularly students, beginners, and small ticket traders, prefer those platforms that do not require a minimum balance and huge maintenance fees. It is on that note that zero-balance Demat accounts would be the best option. In India, some of the leading stockbrokers are providing Demat accounts without a minimum balance, low commission, and easy-going features in 2025.
In this article, we discuss the optimal zero-balance Demat accounts in India, the main characteristics, advantages, and the broker best suited to you.
What Is a Zero-Balance Demat Account?
One whose balance is zero is known as a zero-balance Demat account.
- No minimum balance is needed
- There is no holding of a particular portfolio value.
- It is possible to open and maintain the account with no holdings.
- There are also brokers that are providing zero AMC (Account Maintenance Charges).
This proves particularly useful in the case of:
- First-time investors
- Students
- Occasional traders
- Those long-term investors who are not trading on a daily basis.
Best Zero-Balance Demat Accounts in India (2025)
These are the best brokers that provide low-cost and zero-balance Demat accounts with high security and updated platforms.
- Zerodha – Best for Stability & Long-Term Investors
The biggest stockbroker in India, Zerodha, provides a very basic and very reliable platform. Although it has a one-time fee for opening an account, it has no minimum balance requirement.
Why it’s among the best zero-balance Demat accounts in India:
- No minimum balance fee.
- Free equity delivery trades
- Industry-leading security
- Safe and trustworthy platforms (Kite Web & Kite App).
Best for: Long-term investors, mutual fund investors, newcomers.
- Upstox- Easy to Open Accounts and Fast
Upstox has a quick and entirely digital onboarding experience and no minimum balance. It has the regular running of promotional offers, that account opening and AMC which are completely free.
Key highlights:
- Zero-balance Demat account
- Low trading fees in the form of discount brokerage.
- Intelligent trading software (ChartIQ, TradingView integration)
- Great for IPO applications
Best for: Students, new investors, mobile traders.
- Dhan - Best Active Traders and Options Traders.
Dhan is among the rapidly developing brokers, and it is characterized by ultra-fast execution and innovative tools.
Why it’s a top zero-balance Demat account:
- No minimum balance
- Zero AMC
- Blistering fast order processing.
- Special software: Trader’s Diary, Web Trading Terminal, Options Trader.
Best for: Derivatives traders, intraday traders, professionals.
- Groww - Ideal in case of mutual fund and SIP Investor.
Groww began with a mutual funds platform, but currently provides stock trading too. It is straightforward, uncomplicated, and easy to access.
Benefits of a Groww zero-balance account:
- No minimum balance
- No AMC
- Free mutual fund investments.
- Simple app UI
Best for: SIP investors, first-time mutual fund users.
- Angel One – Best for Full-Service Features at Discount-Broker Pricing
Angel One provides a clever blend of advisory + low-cost brokerage, and no minimum balance.
Key features:
- Zero-balance & zero AMC
- Intelligent advisory and research reports.
- Beneficial to new investors who require handholding.
Best for: you are a new trader.
How to Choose the Best Zero-Balance Demat Account
When choosing an Indian zero-balance Demat account, compare:
- Brokerage charges
- App/Web platform performance.
- Customer support quality
- Security features
- Research and tools
In case you are a trader, Dhan or Upstox would be your choice.
In case it is a long-term investment, Zerodha is the best choice.
In case you are fond of mutual funds and SIPs, Groww is the best.
Conclusion
There is a growing demand for the best zero-balance Demat accounts in India, particularly for new and young investors. Investment is now accessible to everyone because brokers such as Zerodha, Upstox, Dhan, Groww, and Angel One offer secure and user-friendly platforms with no minimum balance.
Your investment experience can be launched with the right zero-balance Demat account, and even with zero initial holdings.