Difference between Intraday Trading and Delivery Trading

Summary:


Delivery Trading and Intraday trading are two popular trading styles used in the stock markets. Delivery trading allows you to hold the stock for a longer time frame and aims at long-term wealth creation with relatively lower risk compared to intraday trading, as investors can wait for recovery. It also requires less frequent monitoring and full ownership. Intraday trading allows an investor to purchase and sell stocks on the same day based on price movements within the trading day, however, it carries higher risk due to rapid intraday price movements. Intraday often requires lower upfront capital as broker-provided margin. However, delivery trading typically requires full payment.


There are two common methods of investing in the stock market, day trading and delivery trading. In both situations, you will buy shares, but you will then hold them for different periods of time, depending on the primary goal.

In day trading, you buy shares and sell them on the same day. You want to profit from the changes in price that happen during that trading day. Delivery trading allows you to buy shares and keep them in your Demat account for as long as you want, which could be for years.

Knowing the significant difference and the risk levels associated with each stock trading style, can assist you with deciding which is the style for you and your financial situation.

 

What is Intraday Trading?

Intraday trading is the act of buying and selling shares within the same day. Traders open a position during market hours and must close it before the session ends. Their profit or loss depends on how the share price moves during the day.

Many intraday traders use leverage. This is when the broker allows them to trade more money than they actually have. Leverage can increase both potential profit and potential loss, which makes intraday trading riskier but also more active.

What is Delivery Trading?

In delivery trading, you buy shares or stocks in stock market, and hold them in your Demat account. You can buy the shares and won't necessarily sell them on the same day, which is different from intraday trading. You have become the genuine owner of these shares, and you can hold them for weeks, months, or even years.

The main objective of delivery trading is long-term wealth creation. Investors rely on the company to become bigger, and they might earn dividend payouts on top of price appreciation.

Intraday vs Delivery: Key Comparison

Factor

Intraday Trading

Delivery Trading

Time Frame

Shares must be bought and sold on the same day.

Shares can be held for days, months, or even years.

Ownership

You do not become the actual owner of the shares.

You fully own the shares in your Demat account.

Risk Level

The risk is higher because prices change quickly within a day.

The risk is lower as you can wait for the price to recover.

Capital Needed

Less capital is required since brokers offer margin.

More capital is needed because full payment is required.

Market Monitoring

You must watch the market closely throughout the day.

You only need to check the market from time to time.

Profit Goal

The goal is to make small, short-term profits.

The goal is to build long-term wealth.

Broker Charges

Charges are usually higher because many trades are made.

Charges are lower as fewer trades are carried out.

How do Intraday Trades differ from Delivery Trades?

Intraday Trades differ in multiple aspects when compared to delivery trades.

There is a deadline involved with settling intraday trades while there is none with delivery trades. You can hold on to your position for as long as you want. The objective of both forms of trading is the same, that is to earn profits, however, the approach is completely different.

 In intraday trades you are taking multiple trades to achieve this but, with delivery trading, you are holding on to your investment for a longer period to achieve the same goal.

When you take a delivery trade you get the shares delivered to your Demat account, which indicates that you own the share. However, in intraday trading, you only take a position on that share, and you do not own the actual shares.

The price movement during the day matters in the case of intraday trading, whereas the returns are dependent on long-term price movement in the case of delivery trading.

Addtional Read: Intraday Vs Positional Trading

How Your Approach Should Differ for Intraday and Delivery Trades?

Intraday and delivery trading require very different approaches. Intraday trading needs constant attention to the market and quick decision-making. Delivery trading, however, is based on patience and the belief that the stock will grow in value over time.

Trading Volumes

In intraday trading, it is better to choose shares with high trading volumes. This ensures that you can buy and sell easily without getting stuck. If the volume is low, it may be hard to exit the trade at the right price. In delivery trading, volumes do not matter as much because you are prepared to wait until your target is reached.

Price Levels

Price targets and stop-loss points are very important in intraday trading. Since prices move quickly, missing the right moment can mean losing money. In delivery trading, you can wait if the price falls. You have the option to hold your shares until the market improves.

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Published Date : 20 Jan 2026

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