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Upstox vs Zerodha for IPO investors

Upstox vs Zerodha for IPO investors: 3 of the 7 charges we compare differ. Selling one mainboard lot of IPO shares (₹15,000) costs ₹15.34 in broker charges at Zerodha and ₹47.20 at Upstox (our calculation). Both let you apply for SME IPOs. All figures are from each broker's own website, read 23 Oct 2026.

By IPO24by7 Research. Updated .

UpstoxSEBI INZ000315837

Account opening
₹0
Demat AMC
₹0 year 1, then ₹300/yr + GST
SME IPOs
Yes
Delivery brokerage
₹20/order
Cost to sell ₹15,000 of IPO shares
₹47.20Brokerage and DP with GST, ours

ZerodhaSEBI INZ000031633

Account opening
₹0
Demat AMC
₹0 year 1, then ₹300/yr + GST
SME IPOs
Yes
Delivery brokerage
₹0
Cost to sell ₹15,000 of IPO shares
₹15.34Brokerage and DP with GST, ours

Where Upstox and Zerodha differ

3 of the 7 charges we compare differ for an IPO investor.

Cost to sell IPO shares (ours)UpstoxZerodha
One mainboard lot, ₹15,000₹31.86 less at Zerodha₹47.20₹15.34
Two SME lots, ₹2,50,000₹31.86 less at Zerodha₹47.20₹15.34
A year: 12 mainboard lots sold₹382.32 less at Zerodha₹566.40₹184.08

Ours: brokerage and DP charge with 18% GST. STT and exchange charges are equal everywhere, so they are left out. SME bids are two lots.

  • Equity delivery brokerage: ₹20 per executed order at Upstox, ₹0 at Zerodha.
  • DP charge on selling shares: ₹20 plus GST per scrip per day at Upstox, ₹13 plus GST per scrip at Zerodha.

The same at both: account opening, Demat maintenance (AMC), Mainboard IPOs and SME IPOs.

Upstox vs Zerodha: charges side by side

Differs 3 of 7 charges differ between Upstox and Zerodha. Same charges are greyed. ₹0 free Not stated not on the broker's pages

ChargeUpstoxZerodha
Open an account
Account opening₹0₹0 for individual accounts (₹500 for NRI, partnership, LLP and corporate accounts)
Demat maintenance (AMC)₹0 in the first year for new customers, then ₹300 plus GST a year (BSDA accounts have separate terms)Free in the first year for resident individuals, then ₹300 a year plus GST, charged quarterly
Apply for IPOs
Mainboard IPOsYes, in the IPO section of the app with a UPI mandateYes, through Kite or Console with a UPI mandate
SME IPOsYes, using the SME IPO filter in the IPO section. SME bids need a price; cut-off is not allowedYes, NSE and BSE SME IPOs through UPI. Only one bid per SME IPO, and no net banking fallback if the UPI payment fails
Sell your IPO shares
Equity delivery brokerage₹20 per executed order₹0
DP charge on selling shares₹20 plus GST per scrip per day (₹3.50 CDSL and ₹16.50 Upstox; ₹3.25 and ₹16.75 for women)₹13 plus GST per scrip (₹3.50 CDSL, ₹9.50 Zerodha); ₹15.34 with GST
Registration
SEBI registrationINZ000315837INZ000031633

For other trading, equity intraday, Futures, Call and trade and Margin trading (MTF) interest differ too. Intraday, futures, call and trade and margin charges are on the Upstox and Zerodha pages.

Upstox and Zerodha strengths and things worth checking

Upstox

Strengths

  • Zero commission on IPOs
  • ₹0 account opening
  • SME IPOs in the app

Worth checking

  • Flat ₹20 on delivery

    Even a small sale of IPO shares costs ₹20 brokerage plus a ₹20 plus GST DP charge.

  • Dealer orders cost more

    Call and trade and auto square-off cost ₹75 plus GST each.

  • AMC after the first year

    ₹300 plus GST a year.

More on Upstox

Zerodha

Strengths

  • ₹0 brokerage on delivery
  • Lower DP charge
  • SME IPOs on both exchanges

Worth checking

  • AMC after the first year

    ₹300 a year plus GST for a regular demat account.

  • SME IPO limits

    One bid per SME IPO, and if the UPI payment fails you cannot apply by net banking.

  • Dealer orders cost extra

    ₹50 per order through call and trade or auto square-off.

More on Zerodha

Brokerage calculator: Upstox vs Zerodha

ChargeUpstoxZerodha

Ours, with NSE rates. Change the trade to see what Upstox and Zerodha would each charge.

Other comparisons

Every comparison with Upstox or Zerodha, or pick any two brokers.

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper for selling IPO shares, Upstox or Zerodha?

Selling one mainboard lot of IPO shares (₹15,000) costs ₹15.34 in broker charges at Zerodha and ₹47.20 at Upstox (our calculation). For two SME lots worth ₹2,50,000: Upstox ₹47.20, Zerodha ₹15.34 (our calculation, brokerage and DP charge with GST).

How much would the difference between Upstox and Zerodha be over a year?

If you sell 12 mainboard lots of ₹15,000 in a year, Zerodha costs ₹382.32 less in broker charges (our calculation). Add the yearly AMC: Upstox: ₹0 in the first year for new customers, then ₹300 plus GST a year; Zerodha: Free in the first year for resident individuals, then ₹300 a year plus….

Can I apply for SME IPOs on Upstox and Zerodha?

Both let you apply for SME IPOs.

What brokerage do Upstox and Zerodha charge when I sell IPO shares?

Selling allotted shares is a delivery trade. On a ₹15,000 sale the brokerage with GST is ₹23.60 at Upstox and ₹0.00 at Zerodha (our calculation from their published rates).

What DP charge do Upstox and Zerodha take when I sell IPO shares?

For one sale of ₹15,000, with GST: ₹23.60 at Upstox; ₹15.34 at Zerodha (our calculation). It is charged on each sale from your demat account.