Open a Free Demat Account
What is Demat Account?
A ‘Dematerialized’ account (also known as a ‘demat’ account), is a digital account designed to securely store shares and securities in electronic form. By opening a demat account, you can buy, sell, and monitor various assets—from stocks and bonds to mutual funds and ETFs—all in one place.
Opening a free online demat account provides a smooth investing experience:
- Secure storage for your investments without the risk of loss or damage
- 100% digital for complete peace of mind and easy portfolio management
- Instant access to a variety of investment opportunities, including IPOs and trading options
Get Your Free Demat Account in 4 Easy Steps
Setting up a Demat account in India is fast and easy with Anand Rathi. Follow these four simple steps to open a Demat account online and start investing:
One Account, Many Opportunities Tailored for Every Investor
A single Demat account opens up a universe of investment and trading opportunities. Here are some of the key benefits you can enjoy:
Diverse Investments
Invest, hold, and manage multiple asset types in one place.
Effortless Portfolio Tracking
Access and monitor your portfolio from your desktop or mobile.
Streamlined Trading
Buy and sell shares online and maximize short-term opportunities.
No Physical Risks
Gain peace of mind against theft and loss of securities.
Corporate Benefits
Receive dividends, bonus issues, and other corporate benefits directly to your account
Documents Checklist to Open a Demat Account in India
Here is a quick checklist of essential documents to open an online demat account in India. Keep them prepared before starting the Demat account opening process online to ensure a quick start to your investing journey.
Eligibility for Demat Account Opening in India
Demat accounts are designed to accommodate diverse investor profiles and are accessible to all individuals. Here’s who can open a Demat account in India:
Resident Indians
Any Indian citizen over 18 years old is eligible to open a Demat account.
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
NRIs can also open a Demat account and gain easy access to the Indian stock market.
Minors
Parents or guardians can open and operate Demat accounts for minors until the account owner turns 18, helping them start investing early in life.
Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs):
HUFs can open a Demat account—usually under the name of the family’s Karta—who serves as the primary signatory.
Benefits of Opening a Demat Account with Anand Rathi
Opening a Demat account with Anand Rathi is the first step to a fulfilling financial relationship. Besides access to the vibrant Indian stock market, you gain a trusted investment partner with data, tools, and support tailored to your financial needs.
Here’s what makes Anand Rathi’s low brokerage Demat account an excellent one-stop solution for investors in India:
Comprehensive Investment Options
- Access multiple investment products, including equities, mutual funds, debt funds, derivatives and many more, from a single account.
Research and Advisory Services
- Benefit from our research-backed recommendations and insight to identify and invest in great market opportunities.
Dedicated Customer Support
- Depend on our expert team for all aspects of your account, from setup to investment guidance.
Competitive Fees
- Enjoy the advantage of opening a free demat account and enjoy zero Account Maintenance Charge* (AMC) for your first year.
User-Friendly Digital Platforms
- Manage and monitor your investments at home and on the go with our secure, intuitive mobile and web platforms.
Types of Demat Accounts
Investors in India have access to multiple types of demat, that are designed for different investment needs and regulatory requirements:
1.
Regular Demat Account
A standard account used by Indian residents for trading and holding securities such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. They are suitable for investors engaged in regular equity trading and require basic KYC documentation for setup.
2.
Repatriable Demat Account
Designed for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), this account allows funds to be transferred abroad, making it easier for NRIs to invest in Indian markets while accessing their funds globally. A Non-Resident External (NRE) bank account is required to enable seamless cross-border transfers.
3.
Non-Repatriable Demat Account
This account is also geared toward NRIs, this type of demat account does not permit funds to be transferred abroad. They are Linked to a Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) bank account.
4.
Basic Services Demat Account (BSDA)
The BSDA is intended to promote wider market participation for small investors. It has low to nil annual maintenance charges and is limited to holdings of up to ₹2 lakh. This account offers all the basic benefits of a regular demat account, making it an accessible and cost-effective option for beginners.
Demat Account FAQs
Your Questions, Answered
Demat Account can seem complex, but we’ve got you covered. Our comprehensive FAQ section answers common questions like:
What is a Demat Account?
Share certificates can no longer be issued in physical form in India, and are held electronically in ‘dematerialized’ form. A Demat (Dematerialized) account securely holds your shares and securities in electronic form. It is a fundamental part of investing and trading in the Indian stock market.
What documents are needed to open a Demat account?
To open a demat account online, you will need valid identity proof, address proof, PAN card, and bank details.
Who can open a Demat account?
Resident Indians, NRIs, and minors (with a guardian) are eligible to open a Demat account in India.
Can I have more than one Demat account?
Yes, you can open multiple Demat accounts with different brokers. All the accounts must be linked to your PAN card.
What are the charges for opening a Demat account?
Charges can vary by broker; with common charges including account opening fees and Account Maintenance Charge (AMC). Anand Rathi offers free demat account opening, and zero AMC for the first year*.
Can an NRI open a Demat account?
Yes, NRIs can open a Demat account to invest in Indian markets.
Is a Demat account required for SIP investments?
No, a Demat account is not necessary for SIP in mutual funds. However, mutual fund units can also be held in demat form, making it easy to pledge for margin for activities like derivatives trading.
Can I transfer shares from one Demat account to another?
Yes, shares can be transferred between Demat accounts.
How long does it take to open a Demat account?
The signup process for opening a demat account online can be completed in as little as 15 minutes. If al ldocuments are in order, the account can be verified and active in a few hours.
Is a Demat account safe?
Absolutely. Much like bank accounts, Demat accounts are protected by regulatory frameworks, secure logins, and encryption. Reputed brokers like Anand Rathi provide you multiple ways of securing your account, making them a safe way to hold and trade securities.
What is the DP Name in a Demat account?
The DP (Depository Participant) Name is the name of the financial institution or brokerage (such as Anand Rathi) where your Demat account is held. The DP acts as the intermediary between you and the central depository (like NSDL or CDSL), enabling you to hold and trade securities electronically.
How can I find my Demat account number?
Your Demat account number is a unique 16-digit identifier linked to your account. It can usually be found on your account statements or by logging into your trading platform. The first eight digits usually represent the DP ID, while the last eight are specific to your account.
Can I withdraw money from a Demat account?
A Demat account only holds securities in electronic form. Any proceeds obtained from selling shares in the demat account are credited to your linked trading account. You can then transfer these funds to your linked bank account.
Do I need separate Demat accounts for trading in equities and mutual funds?
"No, a single Demat account allows you to hold a variety of securities, including equities, mutual funds, bonds, and ETFs. This all-in-one approach simplifies tracking and management.
Can I open a Demat account without a PAN card?
"A PAN card is mandatory for opening a Demat account in India, as it’s required for tax purposes and identity verification. Without a PAN, your application cannot be processed.
How often do I need to update my KYC for a Demat account?
Updating your KYC (Know Your Customer) information is generally required only if there are changes in your personal details, such as address or contact information. Routine KYC checks may occur as part of regulatory compliance.
Can I convert my physical share certificates to Demat form?
Yes, physical share certificates can be converted to electronic form through a process called Dematerialization. Submit a Dematerialization Request Form (DRF) along with your physical certificates to your DP for a seamless conversion.
Registration Details
ANAND RATHI SHARE AND STOCK BROKERS LTD. SEBI Registration No.: INZ000170832 (BSE-949 | NSE-06769 | MSEI-1014 | MCX-56185 | NCDEX-1252), CDSL & NSDL: IN-DP-437-2019. *Research Analyst - INH000000834.
Address
ANAND RATHI COMMODITES LTD. MCX: MCX/TM/CORP/0525 Mem. Code No.: ITCM8500, NCDEX: NCDEX/TCM/CORP/0178 Mem. Code No.: TCM00147
PMS: INP000000282 is Registered under “Anand Rathi Advisors Limited” | MBD-INM000010478 is Registered under “Anand Rathi Advisors Limited“ | INA000000565 is Registered under “Freedom Wealth Solutions Pvt. Ltd.” | NBFC is Registered under “Anand Rathi Global Finance Limited” Regn. No.: B-13.01682 | Insurance is Registered under “Anand Rathi Insurance Brokers Ltd.” License No. 175.
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