A company can raise money from the public by holding an Initial Public Offering (IPO). This lets people buy shares of stock and own a piece of the company. It takes a Demat account to buy these stocks.
Demat accounts are like digital lockers that protect your shares without paper records. Without a Demat account, you cannot apply for IPOs or receive shares after investing. Today, this is an important thing that anyone who wants to invest in the stock market needs to do.
What Is a Demat Account?
You keep your shares in a Demat account, which is like a bank account for your money. It helps you buy, sell, and hold stocks online. NSDL and CDSL are the two big companies in India that take care of these accounts.
When you open a Demat account, they keep your shares safe. When you apply for an IPO and get some shares, they go right into your Demat account. You can't get those shares without it.
Additionally, using a Demat account is safe, fast, and convenient. You don't have to worry about misplacing paper certificates or keeping them secure.
How to Open a Demat Account?
Opening a Demat account is now incredibly simple. You don't have to go to a physical location; you can do everything online with your phone or laptop.
Here’s what you need:
PAN Card
Aadhaar Card
Bank account details
A passport-size photo
You fill out a form, upload your documents, and then use a one-time password (OTP) to prove who you are. Your Demat account will be ready in one to two days after your application has been checked and approved. Some brokers, like Bajaj Broking, have apps that let you do things like
Track IPOs
Watch your shares
Buy or sell easily
Get help if you’re stuck
Benefits of Applying for IPOs Through a Demat Account
It’s Safe and Paper-Free
You don't need to keep paper records of your shares if you have a Demat account. This lowers the risk of losing, damaging, or misplacing important share certificates over time.
Quick Refunds and Share Allotments
After the IPO results are made public, refunds and share allotments are handled quickly. Your money is either unblocked right away or shares are added to your account. This saves you time and makes it easy to plan your next investment.
All Your Shares in One Place
A Demat account lets you see all of your IPO and regular shares in one place. This makes it easier to keep track of investments and ownership.
Apply Easily from Home or Phone
You can apply for IPOs online using your phone or laptop. You don't have to fill out forms or go to the bank. Log in, place your bid, and confirm. It's all done in a few minutes.
Sell on Listing Day for Profits
You can quickly sell your IPO shares and make money if the share price goes up on the listing day. It's quick and easy for investors.
Get Real-Time Notifications
You get emails or text messages about allotments, share credits, or news from the company. This keeps you up to date on your IPO status and what you need to do next without you having to check it yourself.
Full Control Over Your Investments
You can use the app or website to sell, give away, or keep your shares at any time. This gives you full control and lets you make decisions based on your financial goals or changes in the market.
Use One Account for Many IPOs
Apply for as many IPOs as you want with a Demat account. You don't have to make a new account for each investment.
More Secure Than Physical Shares
Unlike paper shares, digital shares kept in a Demat account can't be stolen, copied, or damaged. They are safe under your name and protected by strong passwords and systems.
Faster Settlements After Listing
Once an IPO is listed, it's very easy to buy or sell your shares from a Demat account. In the past, you had to wait days. Not anymore.
Easier Portfolio Management
It's easier to keep track of your portfolio when everything is in one place. You can see gains, losses, and new IPOs to help you make smart and clear plans for your future investments.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for IPOs
Typing the Wrong Demat Details
If you type in the wrong Demat number, DP ID, or PAN, your IPO application could be denied. Check these things again before you send in the form online.
Not Having Enough Bank Balance
When you apply for an IPO, the bank has to keep the money. If you don't have enough money in your account, your application might fail or be cancelled.
Applying Multiple Times with One PAN
If you have a PAN, you can only apply for one IPO with SEBI. If you use two accounts with the same PAN to apply, both applications could be denied because they are the same.
Using Someone Else’s Bank Account
The exchange might turn down your application if you use someone else's account or a family member's account.
Applying Late
Applying close to the end of an IPO could cause technical problems or server delays. Applying early will avoid stress and lost opportunities.
Forgetting to Approve UPI Mandate
When you use UPI to apply, you need to quickly approve the payment request. Your IPO application won't be processed if you don't respond to the UPI approval or if you wait too long.
Not Checking IPO Allotment Status
Some investors forget to see if they got shares. You should always check your allotment status online so you can keep an eye on your shares or get ready for refunds.
Skipping Research About the Company
Don't apply just because other people are. Before applying, you should always read about the company, what it does, and the risks. This helps you stay away from weak or overhyped IPOs.
Online IPO Applications Through Demat Accounts
It's easy and quick to apply for an IPO online. Just open your broker's app, choose the IPO, type in how many shares you want, and confirm with UPI. Once completed, the money will be blocked (not withdrawn, just set aside). If you are allotted the shares, the money is used. If not, it is released back to your account.
Your Demat account will then receive the shares, and you can sell them later if you choose. Everything happens without paperwork or physical visits.
Conclusion
A Demat account serves as a gateway to the stock market. Without it, you cannot invest in IPOs. It makes trading safe, fast, and incredibly easy. It only takes a few minutes to open a Demat account now that there are online brokers and apps. You can use it to apply for IPOs, track your shares, and manage your finances smartly.
A Demat account is the first step, no matter how long you've been investing or how new you are to it. It helps you build your wealth, one share at a time!