Upstox Review 2024 - Brokerage Charges, App, Demat Account Opening Fee
Upstox, one of the fastest-growing discount brokers in India, offers a technology-driven trading platform that caters to a diverse clientele. Founded in 2011 by Ravi Kumar, Shrini Viswanath, and Raghunandan G, Upstox has positioned itself as a low-cost broker, especially popular among new and seasoned traders alike. This review examines Upstox’s features, account opening charges, brokerage fees, and customer feedback, highlighting its strengths and areas for improvement.
1. Features of Upstox
a. Powerful Trading Platforms
Upstox provides two main platforms:
- Upstox Pro Web: A feature-rich web-based platform that offers advanced charting tools, real-time data, and an intuitive interface.
- Upstox Pro Mobile: The mobile app provides all the essential features of its web counterpart, enabling users to trade on the go with ease and flexibility.
b. Trading in Multiple Segments
Upstox allows trading across various segments, including:
- Equities
- Futures and Options
- Commodities
- Currencies
c. Low-Cost Brokerage Structure
Upstox operates on a low-cost brokerage model, offering flat rates of ₹20 per trade for intraday and F&O trades. This model is designed to attract both high-frequency traders and investors looking for cost efficiency.
d. Smart Fund Transfers
Upstox supports seamless fund transfers using UPI, net banking, and more, ensuring users can easily manage their trading capital.
e. Margin Trading Facility
Upstox offers a margin trading facility that allows users to leverage their trades by borrowing funds against their stocks. This enables greater trading flexibility and opportunities for experienced traders.
2. Account Opening and Brokerage Charges
a. Account Opening Charges
Upstox offers a straightforward account opening process with low fees:
- Equity and Commodity Account Opening: ₹249 (one-time fee)
- Demat Account Opening: ₹150 (one-time fee)
b. Brokerage Charges
Upstox’s flat brokerage model includes:
- Equity Delivery: ₹0 (Zero brokerage)
- Equity Intraday: ₹20 per trade
- Futures & Options: ₹20 per trade
- Commodities: ₹20 per trade
- Currencies: ₹20 per trade
3. Customer Reviews: A Balanced View
a. Positive Feedback
- Low Brokerage Fees: Users consistently appreciate Upstox’s low brokerage charges, particularly for intraday and F&O trading. This cost-effective model allows traders to save significantly on high-frequency trades compared to traditional brokers.
- Feature-Rich Platforms: The Upstox Pro platforms (both web and mobile) are lauded for their intuitive design, advanced charting, and overall reliability. Traders often mention the ability to set up custom indicators and watch multiple stocks in real-time without delay, making the platform suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.
- Quick Account Opening: Many customers praise Upstox for its fully online and hassle-free account opening process. The KYC verification is streamlined and can be completed in just a few minutes, allowing new users to begin trading almost immediately after signing up.
- Seamless Fund Transfers: The ease with which users can transfer funds into their trading accounts is another frequently mentioned positive. With UPI integration, net banking, and various other options, managing capital is convenient and quick, giving users more time to focus on trading.
- Margin Trading Facility: Users have highlighted the flexibility that Upstox’s margin trading facility offers, allowing them to leverage their trades for larger profits. This facility is seen as a major benefit for active traders looking to maximize their potential gains.
b. Negative Feedback
- Occasional Downtime: Some users report facing platform downtime or sluggish performance, particularly during high market volatility. These downtimes can be frustrating during crucial trading windows, especially for day traders who rely on fast execution.
- Customer Support Delays: While Upstox generally provides decent customer support, there have been instances where users experienced delays in getting their issues resolved. Response times during peak market hours or periods of high demand can sometimes be slower than expected.
- Limited Research and Advisory Services: Unlike some full-service brokers, Upstox does not offer comprehensive research reports or personalized advisory services. This lack of in-depth market analysis or stock recommendations can be a disadvantage for traders who prefer expert guidance in making investment decisions.
- Complex Margin Policies: Several users have found the margin trading policies and terms somewhat confusing, particularly for those new to trading. The frequent changes in margin requirements and leverage options can make it difficult for traders to keep track and manage their risks effectively.
- No Physical Branches: As a primarily digital platform, Upstox does not have physical branches for in-person support. This can be a downside for traders who prefer face-to-face interactions for resolving complex issues or for those who are not comfortable with fully online processes.
Conclusion
Upstox is a robust platform for traders seeking low-cost brokerage, advanced tools, and seamless trading across multiple segments. Its standout features include low fees, user-friendly platforms, and quick account opening. However, occasional platform issues, customer support delays, and the lack of research offerings are areas where the broker could improve. Overall, Upstox remains a compelling choice for cost-conscious traders in India looking to leverage technology for efficient trading.