Kotak Securities Vs Zerodha NRI Account Comparison

1x margin means Full SPAN + Exposure margins defined by the exchange across Equity and Derivatives (Equity F&O, currency and commodity) segments. This means the broker does not offer any additional leverage.

1. Offers integrated 3-in-1 Trinity account for fast and smooth trading experience.
2. Part of the reputed Kotak group
3. Branch offices in New York, London, Dubai, Singapore, and Mauritius.
4. AMO and GTC order types make it easy for NRIs to place orders at any time.
5. A dedicated research team for expert advice and recommendations
6. Offers a range of advanced online trading platforms and tools.
7. Offers online mutual fund, IPO and NCD investment facility.

1. Discount stock broker offer trading at a low brokerage charges. Zerodha charges Rs 200 per trade (PIS Account) and Rs 100 per trade (Non-PIS account) whereas full-service stock brokers charge on an average 0.75% of the order value. So, if you trade for Rs 1 lakh, you pay Rs 750 with a full-service stock broker whereas Zerodha will charge you Rs 200.
2. India's largest stock broker in terms of active customers.
3. Offers access to best-in-industry trading software and tools.
4. Supports HDFC Bank, IndusInd Bank, IDFC FIRST Bank and Axis Bank NRI Bank Account.

1. The brokerage charges are higher in comparison to discount stock brokers like Zerodha and Prostocks. Kotak brokerage charges for equity delivery us 1% whereas Prostocks charges fixed Rs 100 per order. So, if your trade value is Rs 1 lakh, you pay a brokerage of Rs 1000 with Kotak whereas Prostocks will charge you just Rs 100.

1. Doesn't offer 3-in-1 accounts. Only offer trading and demat accounts. So, you have to first transfer funds from your PIS account to Zerodha trading account before trading.
2. Doesn't offer Mutual Funds to NRI customers.
3. Doesn't provide research reports or analysis.

Kotak Securities is a full-service broker. It offers convenient stock trading and investment to NRI's through its 3-in-1 account. In addition, you get advanced trading software, researched advice and dedicated RM assistance. Kotak Sec brokerage charges are on the higher side. Kotak Sec has offices in New York, London, Dubai, Singapore, and Mauritius which makes it easy for NRIs based in these locations to avail services or get grievances redressed locally.

Zerodha comes across as a decent choice for NRIs looking to invest in stock markets in India and want to save on brokerage. The company offers best-in-the-industry trading platforms and tools. However, NRIs have to open bank accounts with HDFC Bank, IndusInd Bank, IDFC FIRST Bank and Axis Bank to open a Zerodha NRI account. It also doesn't offer mutual fund investment services to NRIs. It charges a low flat-fee brokerage which makes it an attractive choice for NRIs.