SMC Global 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.

• NRIs doesn't require separate Custodial Account to trade in Equity Derivatives as SMC is a registered clearing member who can get CP code for and clear the trades. This offers a huge saving for NRIs.
• Provides research and recommendation tips based on technical analysis.
• NRIs can trade and invest through mobile, software and web browser
• Dedicated relationship manager to assist the NRIs in account opening to investing process.
• SMC is a full-service broker offering a wide range of products and services.

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.

• Offers NRI trading services only to NRIs who have bank accounts with Yes, Axis, HDFC, Indusind, or Federal Bank account holders.
• It offers 2-in-1 account means NRIs have to open an NRI bank account and PIS with other banks. It also means that they have to transfer funds in their PIS account before trading.
• Good Till Date/Time (GTD) and Good Till Cancelled (GTC) orders are not available.

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.

SMC comes across as a good choice for NRI investors who are looking for a company that offers a wide range of financial products under one roof and investment recommendations. The broker offers a good online trading platform. It also provides wealth management services to NRIs. It has a corporate office in Dubai which makes it easy for NRIs residing in the city to avail various services through branch visits. The brokerage charges of SMC Global are high in comparison to discount stock brokers.

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.