HDFC 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 3-in-1 NRI account for trading and investment.
2. A subsidiary of renowned HDFC Bank.
3. Offers online mutual fund facility through 'Digify'', a digital mutual fund platform.
4. Offers AMO and GTC order facility.
5. Research team offers trading and investment recommendations.
6. Assistance from Relationship Managers.
7. Offers loan facility against securities held in NRI demat account.

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. Brokerage charges are very high in comparison to discount brokers like Zerodha.
2. Doesn't offer online trading to USA and Canada based NRIs.

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.

HDFC is a good choice for NRIs to trade and invest in stocks, mutual funds and other investment products in India. Barring NRIs from the USA and Canada, it offers a convenient way to invest online. HDFC is a full-service broker offering services like RM, NRI support desk, free research, and tips, etc., to help NRIs take informed trading decisions. It also offers loan against securities held in the demat accounts. The GTC and AMO order helps NRIs in placing orders as per their convenience.

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.