Best Trading Apps in India
Top 9 best apps for trading in India:
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RoboForex – Best broker for cheap stock trading
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IC Markets – Best App for Forex Trading
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EXNESS Group – Best set of tools for beginners
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Interactive Brokers – Best for International Stock Trading
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Angel Broking – Best trading experience
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Kite 3.0 by Zerodha – Best App for Indian Stock trading
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IG Markets – Best for CFD Trading
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FBS – Best Forex Bonus
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CMC Markets – Commission Free Trading Options
India's booming trading culture has seen a rise in powerful apps that put world markets at your fingertips. With a few taps, you can now actively manage your portfolio from anywhere.
In this article, we break down the top 9 trading apps in India based on features, costs, platform quality and more. Our analysis reveals the powerhouses that can supercharge your results.
We'll look at leading options for stock trading, forex, commodities and more. See which apps excel in education, community features and technical analysis tools. Discover minimal deposits, tight spreads and lucrative bonus offers. Most importantly, learn how each platform's regulation, fees and platform suitability make it a legit choice to diversify your skills.
Do you want to start trading forex? Open an account on FBS!-
Is online trading in India legal?
Yes, online trading of stocks and other financial assets is perfectly legal in India as long as it is done through a licensed broker.
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What kind of assets can I invest in via these apps?
You can invest in stocks, ETFs, indexes, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies depending on the broker. Some allow even futures, options and bonds trading.
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Is copy trading a safe way to trade?
Copy trading helps you replicate the trades of experienced investors. However, there are risks like the original trader taking unwise decisions. Only risk as much capital as you can afford to lose.
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Is there a way to practice before trading live?
Yes, brokers provide virtual practice accounts with simulated cash so you can test your skills without any financial risk. Look for a platform that offers demo accounts.
Best Trading Apps In India Comparison 2024
| Broker | Minimum Deposit | Local Regulation | Accept Indian Clients | Copy Trading | Max Leverage | INR Account | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$10 |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
1:2000 |
No |
||
$200 |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
1:500 |
No |
||
$200 |
No |
Yes |
No |
1:2000 |
Yes |
||
$0 |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
1:50 |
Yes |
||
$0 |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
1:10 |
Yes |
||
$0 |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
1:20 |
Yes |
||
$250 |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
1:50 |
No |
||
$100 for standard trading account |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
1:3000 |
No |
||
$5 |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
1:30 |
No |
RoboForex - best broker for cheap US stocks trading
RoboForex's reputation as one of the best apps for online trading in India and across the world is not unfounded. Its main strength is that it offers traders the opportunity to get into cheap Forex and stock trading. With RoboForex R Stock Traders app you can trade over 3.000 stocks and 8.000 CFDs on stocks. This app has advanced charting tools and automated trading features.
That makes it a great choice for investors who don't have a lot of money to invest or simply don't want to risk too much on the stock market. Besides, the trading app has some of the lowest fees and commissions around. Commissions start at 0.009 cents per share with a deposit of $10.000 and 0.025 cents per share with a deposit of $100.
RoboForex also boasts advanced automated EA integration. And when it comes to safety, RoboForex is regulated by multiple international regulatory bodies, including IFSC. This guarantees that your funds are always safe and secure, no matter where you live in India.
RoboForex direct stock trading
RoboForex offers direct stock trading through its R Trader platform, which provides access to over 12,000 stocks from 26 global exchanges.
Here are some of the conditions for direct stock trading with RoboForex:
Account types
Here is an overview of the account types offered by RoboForex:
Prime Account: The Prime Account is an account type that offers the best trading conditions available in the company. It is suitable for currency, as well as other types of markets. This account type involves the Market Execution method, requires a minimum deposit of $10, offers floating spreads from 0 points and more than 100 instruments, and uses MT4, MT5, and WebTrader.
ECN Account: This account type offers users their choice of experienced traders and combines the highest order execution speed and competitive trading conditions as a means of doing it. This account type requires an initial deposit of $10, utilizes market execution, includes floating spreads from 0 points, and uses the platforms forms MT4, MT5, cTrader, and WebTrader.
R Stocks Trader: This account type is a specific account type for trading via the R StocksTrader web platform and the mobile app under the same name. It requires $100 as an initial deposit and offers over 12,000 financial instruments. It uses the R StocksTrader - Web Platform.
ProCent: Lastly, the ProCent Account allows users to test strategies and EAs and will enable them to smoothly transition from a demo account to real trading. It requires no deposit to use, offers over 50 financial instruments, and operates on the platforms MT4, MT5, and WebTrader.
Trading platform RoboForex's R Trader
As mentioned, RoboForex’s R Trader platform uses the R StocksTrader - Web Platform. For those who are yet unfamiliar, R StocksTrader is considered a cutting-edge platform that allows users to trade the most advanced instruments, such as currencies, stocks, ETFs, indices, and more. In order to start trading/ use copy trading on RoboForex, you must open an R StocksTrader hedging account.
Minimum deposit
The minimum deposit requirement varies based on the account type. For instance, Prime Accounts and ECN Accounts require minimum deposits of $10, while the R Stocks Trader requires a $100 deposit. On the other hand, since the ProCent Account is essentially a demo account, no minimum deposit is required. However, if the user wishes to transition to a live trading account, they must make a minimum deposit before they are able to trade.
Spreads and commissions
In terms of spreads and commissions, the breakdowns are as follows:
Pro-Standard Account: Low; Variable spreads from 1.3 pips, no commissions.
ECN Pro Account: Average; Variable spreads from 0.0 pips, $20 commission per 1 million USD trade.
Prime Account: Average; Variable spreads from 0.0 pips, $15 per 1 million USD trade.
Pro-Cent Account: Low; Variable spreads from 1.3 pips, no commission.
R Trader Account: Average; Variable spread from 0.01 pips, $1.5 minimum commission.
Leverage
As far as leverage is concerned, RoboForex allows users to choose the increased leverage when registering a new MT4/MT5 account or opening their first account. The broker offers Increased leverage of up to 1:2000 on all standard and cent RoboForex accounts.
Moreover, the leverage value on real accounts is automatically lowered up to 1:1000 during certain times. For instance, you can choose from 11:00 PM (EET) Friday to 1:00 AM (EET) Saturday. This means that it’s impossible to choose increased leverage during these times. However, following this time period, the leverage is restored automatically. Additionally, when dealing with equity on the trading account that exceeds the specified number, the increased leverage is automatically decreased to 1:1000.
👍 Pros
•A vast array of trading instruments to help diversify and reduce risk.
•Advanced automated EA integration to take the hard work out of stock analysis.
•Copy trading platform to replicate successful investors’ strategies without any effort from the user.
•Highly regulated by multiple international regulatory bodies, so your funds are always secure.
•Advanced charting tools.
👎 Cons
•Fixed spread accounts are not available, so you miss out on scalping opportunities.
IC Markets- Best for Advanced Traders
IC Markets is an Australian platform that accepts traders from multiple countries including India. IC Markets is a strictly regulated ECN-only forex broker and the right place for experienced traders who want to get into international trade. IC Markets caters to both retail as well as institutional investors and provides multiple options for trade like indices, futures, commodities, and forex trading. The app lets you try out a demo account so that you can gain confidence about using it.
It has more than 25 liquidity providers and offers fast trade execution. And it supports all the three major trading platforms, namely cTrader, MetaTrader4, and MetaTrader5. Despite the plethora of options, the app is user-friendly. It has multiple language options and features like search bars, notifications, etc. to speed up your trading. And you can make deposits using wire transfers, credit/ debit cards, western union, wallets, etc.
The platform has earned its reputation for CFDs on forex, indices, commodities, equities, etc. in Asian and European markets. Even if you are new to the forex market, you would love this app since it provides high liquidity, low latency connectivity, and many other features. It has three live account options, and all of them ask for minimum deposits. So whether you are a beginner or an expert, you have a choice that suits your trading needs.
IC Markets provides its users a low-cost trading environment; much lower than most of its competitors. This includes average spreads of 0.10 pips (EUR/USD) on its Raw Spread Account in return for a commission of 6 USD (round turn) per lot. The customer service is amazing, and so is the educational material. However, many traders point out that there is limited content on market analysis.
👍 Pros
👎 Cons
• No protection for non-EU investors
EXNESS - Best Set of Tools for Beginners
Since its founding in 2008, EXNESS has been one of the best trading apps globally. Its user base has grown consistently over the years, with hundreds of thousands of traders calling it home. But why does EXNESS consistently rank among the best trading apps for beginners in India?
For starters, EXNESS is highly regulated by several international regulatory bodies. This includes CBCS, CySEC, FCA, FSA, FSC and FSCA. This ensures that your account is always safe and secure when trading with EXNESS.
EXNESS also features a Cent Account, which is perfect for beginners. This allows traders to practice in the real market without risking too much capital. With this account, you can also take advantage of EXNESS' unlimited leverage and low entry threshold.
For trading platforms, EXNESS offers both the classic MT4 and MT5 trading apps. These platforms are well known for their user-friendly design and customisation options. But if you are looking for something more modern, EXNESS also offers its browser terminal that offers a more intuitive experience.
EXNESS also has a copy trading service that allows you to follow successful traders and mirror their trades. This is one of the best ways for new traders to learn how to trade without putting their own capital at risk.
When it comes to minimum deposit, EXNESS requires only $5 to start trading. This makes it one of the best options for beginners who don't have a lot of money to invest.
👍 Pros
•Highly regulated, ensuring your funds are secure
•There’s a cent account for practice in the real market
•Unlimited leverage and low entry threshold
•A wide range of educational resources
•Low minimum deposit
👎 Cons
•No availability of multi-currency accounts
•Learning resources come in English alone
Interactive Brokers (IBKR Mobile)- Best App for International Stock Trading
If you are an astute trader with a keen interest in international markets, Interactive Brokers is the best choice for you. This app lets you tap into 135 markets in 33 countries- what more you can ask for! Using a single integrated account, you can invest in stocks, mutual funds, and ETFs across the globe. You also get to enjoy industry-leading commissions- this means you can also benefit from the lowest margin rates across different balance tiers.
You don’t have to pay any account opening fee, and there is no any minimum activity fee. There are no charges on the DEMAT account as well. Interactive Brokers offers you low cost trading at USD Equities/ ETF at USD 0.005 per share. You can also trade at NSE by paying Rs. 20 per order.
If you are into mobile trading, day trading, options trading, futures trading, etc. you would be glad to know that Interactive Brokers offers 68 order types. You can invest in any US stock you want, no matter what the price, courtesy of fractional investing. You also get free access to research, fundamental data, and relevant news updates. Interactive Brokers offers powerful trading tools like Client Portal, Trader Workstation, etc.
👍 Pros
• Single, integrated account for trading in multiple assets
• Access to 135 markets in 33 countries
• Powerful trading tools like Client Portal, etc.
👎 Cons
• Overwhelming for new traders
• No backtesting of automated trading
Angel Broking- Best Trading Experience
Established in 2018, Angel Broking is a full-service stock broking company. The Angel Broking App serves as an online trading service, a trading terminal, a mutual fund application, and a robo advisory platform- all together on the screen of your cellphone.
If you want to see the details of any stock, just click on that scrip. You would see all the useful details, along with the options to buy or sell. Additionally, there is a 'more' option that shows a detailed analysis of the scrip. You could also easily see the latest news about the scrip which would guide your decision-making. You can also get access to highly informative reports like security holding reports, funds summaries, research reports, transactional reports, etc.
The highlight of the Angel Broking app is its ARQ feature which is a cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology that helps you make sound investment decisions. Based on your inputs, the app would suggest you an ideal portfolio of equity, debt, mutual funds, and ETFs. Then the app would ask you for the lumpsum amount that you are willing to invest. After that, you would get more refined suggestions- the stocks or funds that you should consider for investment.
Angel Broker’s follows a flat fee brokerage model. You will be charged Rs.20 per trade, regardless of the trade amount. For instance, Zerodha charges you Rs.20 or 0.3% of traded value, whichever is lower. This means if the traded value is Rs. 300, you will be charged 60 paise. In the case of Angel Broking, you would be paying Rs. 20 here. This could be a bit expensive for small-time traders.
👍 Pros
• Consists of advanced trading platforms.
• Zero account opening charges.
• ARQ
• In-depth research reports prepared by a reliable team of analyst
👎 Cons
• No 3-in-1 demat account available
• Small traders might find the flat fee brokerage model expensive
Zerodha- Best App for Indian Stocks Trading
Let’s talk about the most popular trading app in the country- yes, that’s Zerodha Kite. This app is run by Zerodha, the first flat fee discount stock broker of India. Zerodha is responsible for eight percent of daily volume in retail trading on NSE, BSE, MCX, and MCX-SX.
Just like its parent company, Zerodha’s app has earned the trust of countless traders and investors. The app comes under the regulation of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, which makes it all the more reliable. The Zerodha app charges a very low fee, and if you are already a Zerodha client on any other platform, the app is free for you. You also get to enjoy free equity delivery trading on the platform. The app doesn’t charge you any inactivity or withdrawal fee, but there is an account fee.
Zerodha lets you trade in Indian rupees- the app doesn’t support any other currency at the moment.
Kite enhances the customer experience with its user-friendly interface and customization options. You can create up to five custom market watch, each with twenty stocks. You can also set a profile picture for yourself.
👍 Pros
• Free app for existing Zerodha Customers
• A user-friendly interface
• Free Equity Delivery trading
• No deposit fee
• You can quickly buy and sell stocks on the platform
• Real-time market analysis
• Integration with other trading apps developed by partners of Zerodha
• Advanced charting
• You can rely on its P&L reports for high accuracy
👎 Cons
• If you are new to Zerodha, you would have to bear the slow account opening process
• No 3-in-1 account
• It does not provide an option to invest in IPOs
• You would need a separate app called Q for managing the back office
• Since there is a high volume of users doing transactions on Zerodha at any time of the day, many people encounter glitches while using the app.
IG - Best CFD Platforms
IG is the largest CFD broker in the world (revenue-wise), and it is one of the most popular brokers in the country. IG Markets is a completely safe app- it is regulated by 17 national authorities, and it is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
However, Indian investors have to access the app through the subsidiary regulated by Bermuda. The Bermuda Regulatory Authority is where many forex brokers flock, as it has fewer restrictions than Europe and Australia. This makes it quite attractive for forex trading with high leverage, but you will not get any support or compensation in case of any dispute with IG.
It offers two low-cost trading accounts, and one of them allows you direct market access. The app provides the widest range of CFDs in the world- you can trade on more than 17000 instruments which include indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, forex, etc.
The two accounts that IG offers are the OTC Account and the DMA account. And IG trading costs are quite low on both these accounts- there is no minimum deposit requirement, and the platform has tight spreads, around 85 pips on EUR/ USD. IG has its own trading platform. Additionally, it also gives you access to MT4 and L2 Dealer platforms. This is why IG is loved by novices and experienced traders alike.
IG does not charge you if you use your account regularly. But if you have not used your account for two years or more, it would deduct 18 USD every month from your account balance. The superior services of IG are well supported by its 24/7 customer service.
👍 Pros
• Access to widest range of CFDs
• Low trading costs
• Access to three platforms
• Great customer service
👎 Cons
• Charges levied on inactive accounts
FBS - Best Forex Bonus
This highly regulated international CFD broker lets you trade on multiple assets- including forex, indices, stocks, energies, etc. Additionally, you get access to more than 100 cryptocurrencies. This is quite a lot when you compare it with other brokers.
FBS is a completely safe app, and it has become quite popular in Asia. It is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), Australian Securities Commission (ASIC), and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa.
The app has five different accounts to choose from, thus meeting the needs of all kinds of traders. The trading cost differs for different accounts, but they are less than what other STP/ ECN brokers charge. The app has tight spreads- around 80 pips (EUR/ USD) on its commission-free accounts. There is no deposit fee, but the withdrawal fee is high for some payment methods.
FBS provides a wide range of bonuses and promotions advertised on its website. This makes the app quite attractive to new users. For instance, you get 100 percent deposit bonus, which means the value you deposit for trading would be doubled.
FBS offers quality educational material about forex trading, and its market analysis is quite on the spot. As an Indian, you might feel disappointed with high withdrawal fees and limited payment methods.
👍 Pros
• Offers great bonuses
• Range of account types
• Variety of educational materials
👎 Cons
• High Withdrawal fee
• Limited Payment Methods
CMC Markets- Best Free Options
CMC Markets is a British CFD broker which allows Indians to trade. It is regulated by ASIC, FCA, FMA, and MAS- making this app an extremely safe place for trading. Here, one can trade on indices, commodities, share baskets, cryptocurrencies, forex, etc. It provides commission-free trading on 350 forex pairs, making it quite an attractive option.
CMC Markets is considered the pioneer in CFD trading- it was responsible for launching the first online forex trading platform in the world in 1996. Unlike its competitors, the app offers only one trading account, but it’s suitable for both new and experienced traders. You need to maintain a minimum deposit of 5 USD in your trading account.
CMC provides 10 base currencies, but since this does not include INR, Indian users would have to pay a conversion fee. The app provides a spread of 0.70 pips on the EUR/ USD. Along with this low trading cost, traders benefit from advanced order management tools and the innovative platform of CMC market.
There is no withdrawal or account maintenance fee, but there is a withdrawal fee for some payment methods. There is not much educational material available on the app- this is a bit disappointing for new traders.
👍 Pros
• Pioneer of CFD training
• Low trading cost
• Low forex fees
👎 Cons
• High stock CFD fee
• Customer support available only during fixed hours
What to Look for in a Trading App?
An ideal trading app should be:
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Regulated and genuine - The app should belong to a regulated stock broking company. And it should be a real app- given the fact that many hackers have launched counterfeit apps or websites that resemble their original versions, in order to steal your data and money. The app should also have two factor-authentication to secure your data.
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Easy to use - The app should be glitch-free and you should be able to quickly navigate around it. You should not struggle to find out the different options while using the app.
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Informative - An ideal trading app should give you useful insights in an easy-to-understand manner. Traders really benefit by learning about the fundamental and technical analysis of stocks, latest market news, etc. So it would be desirable to get all this together on one platform.
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Reasonable charges - Trading apps charge brokerage fees on your transactions. This fee is different for different brokers- so you must compare and see that you select an app with a reasonable brokerage fee.
How to Choose a Trading App in India?
Before downloading and using any app, do some research about it and make sure that it’s legal and valid. Cybercrimes are on a rise in the country- it’s possible to find fake websites of real stockbrokers and banks. So ensure that you downloaded a genuine app of a regulated stock broker.
Look at what benefits the app has to offer. Different stockbrokers have different brokerage charges and benefits- compare them and find out what suits you the best.
Check out the different assets that the platform offers. Apart from equities, stockbroking apps allow you to trade or invest in commodities, options, IPOs, mutual funds, etc. Choose an app that best serves your interest.
The functions of the app are another point to consider. The app should not be too complicated- you should be able to navigate between all the options quickly. It should place orders fast. And it’s desirable that it provides you analysis of equities and relevant news, as this information impacts your trade decisions.
Some apps let you experience a demo before you open the actual account. This is good for you if you are just stepping into the world of stock trading.
Unless you open your account and start trading, you won’t get the complete experience. So register yourself and try out your chosen app. If it doesn’t work for you, you can always close your account and move on.
Can I Trade With International Trading Apps?
Absolutely! Indian traders can gain access to international markets with a variety of trading apps. For instance, residents in India may open an overseas account with an Indian broker such as HDFC Sky, ICICI Direct, Axis Securities, and Kotak Securities, which have partnerships with foreign brokers. Alternatively, they could also directly register for an account with a foreign broker who allows Indians as customers.
Should I Pay Taxes From Stock Trading in India?
Yes. While stock trading can be a great way to make money, it is important to remember that taxes are applicable in India on any income made from the stock market. Forex traders in India need to pay tax on their profits, as the Indian government considers such transactions as capital gains.
Intraday trading profits are taxed by the Indian government based on the trader's tax bracket. If investments were held for up to 12 months, they qualify as long-term capital gains and are exempt from taxation in India. On the contrary, short-term capital gains (investments less than a year) incur a 15% plus 3% cess tax rate. Furthermore, losses can be carried forward for eight consecutive financial years with appropriate offsetting.
Indian traders must have an in-depth knowledge of tax regulations related to stock trading so they can accurately report their income and pay the proper sum of taxes. This way, they will abide by the rules created by Indian government authorities and stay away from hefty penalties or fines that could come with non-compliance.
Which Apps Are Best for Stock Trading in India?
RoboForex is a great choice for buying stocks as it offers competitive spreads and commissions, as well as a wide range of trading instruments. It also provides access to global markets with low latency and fast execution speeds.
Interactive Brokers is also among the best trading apps in India for traders looking to trade stocks. It offers access to over 125 international markets, allowing traders to diversify their portfolios across different asset classes.
Indian traders can also consider IC Markets, whose high leverage levels allow traders to take advantage of market movements without having to invest large amounts of capital upfront.
Best high leverage (up to 1:2000) Forex brokersIs Trading Legal in India? Is it safe?
Stock trading is completely legal and regulated in India. The Securities and Exchange Board of India is responsible for regulating and monitoring the Indian stock markets. It is an independent entity established in 1992 to see that stock markets function within the ambit of law, and provide a safe and equitable platform for investors to grow. Both retail and institutional investors can trade or invest in Indian stock markets. You can also register yourself on a suitable online platform if you are interested in stock market trading or investing.
However, you cannot do forex trading the same way if you are an Indian citizen. Forex trading is legal in India, but Indian citizens are not permitted to trade in Forex through online or electronic platforms. You can only do forex trading through specific trading places, and the base currency must be INR. If you get caught in illegal forex trade, you can face a penalty or imprisonment.
Team that worked on the article
Oleg Tkachenko is an economic analyst and risk manager having more than 14 years of experience in working with systemically important banks, investment companies, and analytical platforms. He has been a Traders Union analyst since 2018. His primary specialties are analysis and prediction of price tendencies in the Forex, stock, commodity, and cryptocurrency markets, as well as the development of trading strategies and individual risk management systems. He also analyzes nonstandard investing markets and studies trading psychology.
Olga Shendetskaya has been a part of the Traders Union team as an author, editor and proofreader since 2017. Since 2020, Shendetskaya has been the assistant chief editor of the website of Traders Union, an international association of traders. She has over 10 years of experience of working with economic and financial texts. In the period of 2017-2020, Olga has worked as a journalist and editor of laftNews news agency, economic and financial news sections. At the moment, Olga is a part of the team of top industry experts involved in creation of educational articles in finance and investment, overseeing their writing and publication on the Traders Union website.
Olga has extensive experience in writing and editing articles about the specifics of working in the Forex market, cryptocurrency market, stock exchanges and also in the segment of financial investment in general. This level of expertise allows Olga to create unique and comprehensive articles, describing complex investment mechanisms in a simple and accessible way for traders of any level.
Olga’s motto: Do well and you’ll be well!
Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO). Mirjan is a cryptocurrency and stock trader. This deep understanding of the finance sector allows her to create informative and engaging content that helps readers easily navigate the complexities of the crypto world.