Understanding Trading Account
You can purchase and sell stocks on stock exchanges using a trading account.
It connects your Demat account to your bank account.
You can use it to trade stocks, commodities, and other instruments in real time. A stockbroker who is registered with SEBI gives you a trading account, which makes sure that your transactions are safe and legal.
Who Issues Demat and Trading Accounts?
In India, banks, brokerage firms, and financial institutions provide Demat and trading accounts. They are depository participants (DPs) registered with one of the national central depositories - NSDL or CDSL. Demat accounts ensure the safe storage of your shares and other securities. For trading, stockbrokers authorised by SEBI handle trading account setup. These accounts facilitate the buying and selling of shares.
Following are the main areas where the Demat account and Trading account differ:
A demat account is used to hold securities that you buy in electronic form whereas, the trading account helps to place orders in share market
Demat Account is provided by a Depository Participant registered with the Depository. Trading Account is provided by a Stockbroker registered with the Exchange. Both are regulated by SEBI.
Demat Account has a unique 16-digit Demat Number which is used to identify the Demat Account holder. On the other hand, a trading account will have a unique trading number, which will be used to trade in the share market.
The key role of a Demat Account is to store the investor’s shares whereas, the key role of Trading Account is to allow trading transactions
The Functionality of a Demat vs Trading Account
You must be aware how the stock market would work before digitization. Thousands of people would be shouting and screaming at the top of their voice to place their orders. Well, gone are those days as digitization has made everything available online. You can place orders through your trading account and store the bought securities in digital form in your Demat account, all from the comfort of your home and in a few clicks. A trading account enables you to participate in trading of other financial instruments, like Futures and Options, ETFs, etc.
The Nature of the Two Accounts
Demat account keeps a track of all your holdings such as shares, mutual funds, ETFs etc., whereas a Trading account keeps a track of all your transactions, like buy, sell, deposits, withdrawals etc.
Trading Account vs Demat Account
Particulars
| Demat Account
| Trading Account
|
Definition
| Think of this as your digital locker. It simply stores your shares, bonds, or mutual funds safely in electronic form.
| This is more like the control panel — the account you use to buy and sell on the stock exchanges.
|
Role
| Keep your securities protected from theft, damage, or the risk of losing paper certificates.
| Helps you place orders — buying when you want in, selling when you want out.
|
Issuing Entity
| Opened through a Depository Participant (DP), which is linked to NSDL or CDSL.
| Offered by your stockbroker, who connects you directly to NSE or BSE.
|
Unique Identifier
| Every account gets a 16-digit BO ID — it’s basically your account’s fingerprint.
| Your broker gives you a trading ID/client code, which is what you’ll use for transactions.
|
Charges
| Usually comes with annual maintenance fees, plus small charges for transactions or dematerialisation.
| No yearly fee, but brokerage is charged on every trade you place.
|
How to Open a Demat Account Before a Trading Account?
If you wish to hold securities before you start trading, you can open a Demat account first.
This is something that happens a lot when investors want to buy IPO shares or bonds.
Steps:
Pick a Depository Participant
Fill out the form to open an account.
Send in your KYC papers
Finish the verification process
Get your Demat account number
How to Open a Trading Account Without a Demat Account?
If you simply trade derivatives, you can open a trading account without a demat account.
You don't have to keep your securities in digital form to trade F&O.
You still have to connect it to your bank account to make purchases.
The broker will give you a special trading ID for market orders.
Fees and Charges for opening Demat and Trading Account:
Fees for opening an account: These differ from broker to broker. A lot of them, like Bajaj Broking, provide you a free account for the first year. Starting in the second year, fees like ₹431 per year may apply.
Annual Maintenance Charge: This is the fee you pay every year to keep your Demat account active. The amount is different for each Depository Participant.
Broking Fees: You pay a fee for each trade, either as a percentage of the deal's value or as a flat price.
Dematerialisation and Rematerialisation: Fees for changing physical shares into digital ones and vice versa.
Off-Market Transfer: This fee is charged when shares are moved between Demat accounts without the exchange being involved.
Custodian Fees: A monthly cost that depends on how many shares you own. Many DPs don't charge this because companies usually only have to pay it once.
Additional Read: Brokerage Account vs. Demat Account: Which is Right For You?
Conclusion
Your trading account does the trades, and your Demat account keeps your investments secure. You don't often feel the difference between the two as an investor.
The technology connects them so seamlessly that the whole process of purchasing and selling feels easy. When both accounts function together, trading stocks becomes easy, safe, and completely digital.