ICICIDirect Vs Indiabulls Securities Vs HDFC Sky: Which one is better?
Last updated September 2, 2026
This IPO News reference page covers “ICICIDirect Vs Indiabulls Securities Vs HDFC Sky: Which one is better?”. The page is organized around compare stock brokers side-by-side, compare icicidirect vs indiabulls securities vs hdfc sky on service, account opening charges and amc, compare icicidirect vs indiabulls securities vs hdfc sky on trading & demat account opening charges, about brokerage plans. IPO News presents the structured facts and tables in its own layout and wording.
Topics Covered
- Compare Stock Brokers Side-by-Side
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Indiabulls Securities vs HDFC Sky on Service
- Account Opening Charges and AMC
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Indiabulls Securities vs HDFC Sky on Trading & Demat Account Opening Charges
- About Brokerage Plans
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Indiabulls Securities vs HDFC Sky on Plan Options
- Account Opening
- Share Broker's Transaction Charges
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Indiabulls Securities vs HDFC Sky on Transaction Charges
- Account Features
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Indiabulls Securities vs HDFC Sky on Account Features
- Trading Platform
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Indiabulls Securities vs HDFC Sky on Trading Platform
- Broker Ratings by Users
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Indiabulls Securities vs HDFC Sky on User Rating
- Investment Offerings
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Indiabulls Securities vs HDFC Sky on Investment Offerings
- Margin Trading Facility
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Indiabulls Securities vs HDFC Sky on MTF
- API
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Indiabulls Securities vs HDFC Sky on API Details
- Customer Service Offered
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Indiabulls Securities vs HDFC Sky on Customer Service
- Tips/Research/Reports Published
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Indiabulls Securities vs HDFC Sky on Research Reports, Tips
- Demat Account
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Indiabulls Securities vs HDFC Sky on Demat Account
- Special Offers, Advantages, Disadvantages
- Compare ICICIDirect vs Indiabulls Securities vs HDFC Sky on Special Offers and Promotion
- ✅ Pros
Key Facts
- India's trusted financial research platform since 2015. Live IPO GMP, subscription data, allotment status, Rights Issues, NCDs and unbiased stock broker reviews.
- Brokerage: ICICIDirect ranges Rs 20, Indiabulls Securities ranges Rs 11, HDFC Sky ranges Rs 20.
- Rating: ICICIDirect 4/5, Indiabulls Securities 4/5, HDFC Sky 4/5.
- 100% digital and paperless 3-in-1 account opening facility.
- Trade on the BSE, NSE, MCX, and invest in other products.
- Place Valid Till Cancelled (VTC) order, valid for 45 days.
- Mutual fund investment with ICICIDirect is not free, as it charges a lower of Rs. 30 or 1.5% on SIP transaction and Rs. 100 fees on lumpsum investment.
- No 3-in-1 account opening services.
- No 24/7 customer support.
- Commodity and Currency Trading at Rs 20/order flat brokerage
- transfer funds in just 5 minutes
- 💹 Max ₹11 per Order Brokerage on Equity, F&O, Commodities & Currency
- Last Updated on Fri, May 8, 2026
Data Tables
| Segment | ICICIDirect | Indiabulls Securities | HDFC Sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Account Opening Fees | Free | Free | Free |
| Trading AMC | Free | Free | Free |
| Demat Account Opening Fees | Free | Free | Free |
| Demat AMC | Rs 700 p.a. [Free for 1st year] | Rs 25 + GST per month from 1st month | Rs 240 PA (Free for 1st year) |
| Provide DP Service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plan Types | ICICIDirect | Indiabulls Securities | HDFC Sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Plans | Yes | No | No |
| Monthly Plans | No | Yes | No |
| Yearly Plans | No | No | No |
| ICICIDirect | Indiabulls Securities | HDFC Sky | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account Opening Request |
| Transaction Charges Compare | ICICIDirect | Indiabulls Securities | HDFC Sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | NSE:297 | BSE:375 Per Cr | NSE:297 | BSE:375 Per Cr | NSE:297 | BSE:375 Per Cr |
| Equity Intraday | NSE:297 | BSE:375 Per Cr | NSE:297 | BSE:375 Per Cr | NSE:297 | BSE:375 Per Cr |
| Equity Futures | NSE:173 | BSE:0 Per Cr | NSE:173 | BSE:0 Per Cr | NSE:173 | BSE:0 Per Cr |
| Equity Options | NSE:3503 | BSE:3250 Per Cr on premium | NSE:3503 | BSE:3250 Per Cr on premium | NSE:3503 | BSE:3250 Per Cr on premium |
| Currency Futures | NSE:35 | BSE:45 Per Cr | NSE:35 | BSE:45 Per Cr | NSE:35 | BSE:45 Per Cr |
| Currency Options | NSE:3110 | BSE:100 Per Cr | NSE:3110 | BSE:100 Per Cr | NSE:3110 | BSE:100 Per Cr |
| Commodity | MCX: 4180| NSE: 100 Per Cr | MCX: 4180| NSE: 100 Per Cr | MCX: 4180| NSE: 100 Per Cr |
| Brokerage Charges | Complete Brokerage Plans for icicidirect | Complete Brokerage Plans for indiabulls-securities | Complete Brokerage Plans for hdfc-sky |
| Account Features Compare | ICICIDirect | Indiabulls Securities | HDFC Sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 in 1 Account | Yes | No | Yes |
| Charting | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Algo Trading | No | Yes | No |
| SMS Alerts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online Demo | Yes | No | Yes |
| Online Portfolio | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Margin Trading Funding Available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Combined Ledger for Equity and Commodity | No | Yes | Yes |
| Intraday Square-off Time | 3:15PM | 3:15PM | 3:15PM |
| NRI Trading | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Other Features | NIL | NIL |
| Trading Platform Compare | ICICIDirect | Indiabulls Securities | HDFC Sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Web Trading Detail | https://www.icicidirect.com | Power Indiabulls Web | https://hdfcsky.com/ |
| Web Trading Demo | Web Trading Demo | Web Trading Demo | Web Trading Demo |
| Mobile Trading | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading App | ICICI direct Mobile | Indiabulls Securities App | HDFC Sky App |
| Mobile Trading App Demo | ICICI direct Mobile | Indiabulls Securities App | HDFC Sky App |
| Android Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Android App Download | Android ICICI direct Mobile Download | Android Indiabulls Securities App Download | Android HDFC Sky App Download |
| iPhone Mobile App (IOS) | Yes | Yes | No |
| iOS App Download | iOS ICICI direct Mobile Download | iOS Indiabulls Securities App Download | iOS HDFC Sky App Download |
| Android Tablet App | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| iPad App (IOS) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Software Charges | Free | Free | Free |
| Equity Brokerage Calculator | Equity Intraday and Delivery Brokerage Calculator for ICICIDirect | Equity Intraday and Delivery Brokerage Calculator for Indiabulls Securities | Equity Intraday and Delivery Brokerage Calculator for HDFC Sky |
| Futures Brokerage Calculator | Futures Brokerage Calculator for ICICIDirect | Futures Brokerage Calculator for Indiabulls Securities | Futures Brokerage Calculator for HDFC Sky |
| Options Brokerage Calculator | Option Brokerage Calculator for ICICIDirect | Option Brokerage Calculator for Indiabulls Securities | Option Brokerage Calculator for HDFC Sky |
| Detail | Detail on Trading Platforms for ICICIDirect | Detail on Trading Platforms for Indiabulls Securities | Detail on Trading Platforms for HDFC Sky |
| ICICIDirect | Indiabulls Securities | HDFC Sky | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 267 Customer reviews Rate | 34 Customer reviews Rate | 99 Customer reviews Rate | |
| Fees Ratings | 2.4 | 3.6 | 2.5 |
| Trading Brokerage Rating | 1.8 | 3.5 | 2.1 |
| Trading Platform Usability | 3.3 | 3.9 | 3.0 |
| Customer Service Ratings | 2.9 | 3.4 | 2.8 |
| Overall Rating | 2.5 | 3.6 | 2.5 |
| Broker Rating | ICICIDirect is Rated 2.5 / 5 based on 267 customer reviews | Indiabulls Securities is Rated 3.6 / 5 based on 34 customer reviews | HDFC Sky is Rated 2.48 / 5 based on 99 customer reviews |
| Investment Offerings Compare | ICICIDirect | Indiabulls Securities | HDFC Sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity Cash and F&O | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Currency Derivatives | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Commodity | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online IPO Application | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mutual Funds | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bonds / NCD | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ETF | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Banking | Yes | No | Yes |
| Insurance | Yes | No | No |
| Forex | No | No | No |
| MF SIP Investment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Equity SIP Investment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PMS Service | Yes | No | No |
| Other Investment Options | NIL | Research & Advisory |
| MTF Compare | ICICIDirect | Indiabulls Securities | HDFC Sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTF Leverage | – | Up to about 4x leverage | – |
| MTF Interest Rate | – | 14% p.a. | – |
| MTF Segment | – | Equity Delivery | – |
| MTF Pledge Charges | – | ₹20 per ISIN per pledge | – |
| MTF Unpledged Charges | – | ₹20 per ISIN per unpledge | – |
| API Compare | ICICIDirect | Indiabulls Securities | HDFC Sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| API Type | – | Portfolio API Order API WebSocket API Report API Basket API ScripMaster API | – |
| API Charges | – | Free | – |
| Customer Service Compare | ICICIDirect | Indiabulls Securities | HDFC Sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Customer Service | No | No | No |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online Live Chat | No | No | No |
| Phone Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Toll Free Number | No | No | No |
| Through Branches | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Care Number | 1860 123 1122 | 022-61446300 | 1800 121 2109 |
| Account Opening Process | Online | Online paperless | Online |
| Customer Support Email | [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected] |
| Knowledge Center/Education | https://www.icicidirect.com/knowledge-center | https://www.ibullssecurities.com/blogs-page | https://hdfcsky.com/learn |
| Head Office Address | ICICI Centre,H.T. Parekh Marg,Churchgate,Mumbai – 400020 | Indiabulls Securities HeadofficePlot no. 108, 5th Floor, IT Park, Udyog Vihar, Phase – I, Gurugram – 122016 | LODHAI-I THINK TECHNO CAMPUS BLDG-ALPHA, 8 FLR, NEAR KANJURMARG RLYSTN, KANJURMARG,MUMBAI-MH-400042 |
| Website | https://www.icicidirect.com | https://www.ibullssecurities.com/ | https://hdfcsky.com/ |
| ICICIDirect | Indiabulls Securities | HDFC Sky | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Mutual Funds | Yes | No | Yes |
| Research Equity Reports | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Research ETF | Yes | No | Yes |
| Daily Market Report | Yes | No | Yes |
| Free Tips | Yes | No | Yes |
| Quarterly Result Analysis | Yes | No | Yes |
| News Alerts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ICICIDirect | Indiabulls Securities | HDFC Sky | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP Source | CDSL | CDSL | CDSL |
| DP ID | 14301 | 29900 | 12400 |
| Demat Account Annual Maintenance Charges(AMC) | ₹700 pa | Rs 25/month AMC + GST | ₹750 pa |
| Advance Deposit | Rs. 7500/- , If the client is not having ICICI BANK Account | Nil | Customer having only Depository relationship with the Bank has to pay an advance fee of Rs.7,500/- |
| Statutory charges | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Transaction Charges on Debit (Per ISIN) | 0.04% (Min ₹30 and Max ₹25,000) + ₹5.50 (CDSL Charges) | For BSDARs. 50/- or .05% of the transaction value (whichever is Higher).For Non BSDA-within Indiabulls: ₹20/- or .02% of the transaction value (whichever is Higher). For Non BSDA-Outside Indiabulls ₹30/- or .03% of the transaction value (whichever | 0.04% (Min ₹20) + CDSL charges |
| Demat | ₹50 per set up | ₹5 per certificate (Min ₹50 per request) | ₹5 per certificate + ₹35 request charges |
| Remat | ₹25 for 100 securities upto max fee of Rs 3 lakh, MF Reconversion ₹25 per transaction | ₹35/- for every 100 securities/MF units or part thereof | ₹30 |
| Pledge Creation | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | ₹35 or .02% of the transaction value (whichever is higher) | Nil |
| Pledge Creation Confirmation | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | ₹35 or .02% of the transaction value (whichever is higher) | 0.04% of transaction value (Min ₹40) |
| Pledge Closure | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | ₹35 or .02% of the transaction value (whichever is higher) | Nil |
| Pledge Closure Confirmation | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | ₹35 or .02% of the transaction value (whichever is higher) | 0.04% of transaction value (Min ₹40) |
| Pledge Invocation | 0.02% (Min ₹35 and Max ₹25,000) | ₹35 or .02% of the transaction value (whichever is higher) | 0.04% of transaction value (Min ₹40) |
| Failed Instruction Charges | ₹30 per transaction | Nil | Nil |
| Other Charges | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| ICICIDirect | Indiabulls Securities | HDFC Sky | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Likes | 100% digital and paperless 3-in-1 account opening facility. Trade on the BSE, NSE, MCX, and invest in other products. Multiple brokerage plans for residents and NRI trading. All kinds of trading platforms across web, app, and desktop versions. Invest in mutual funds for free with ICICIdirect Money App. Expert research calls and recommendations. Sell stocks and get cash instantly with the e-ATM facility. Advanced orders like bracket order, cover order, after market order, and basket order. Place Valid Till Cancelled (VTC) order, valid for 45 days. Informative articles, blogs, videos, learn hub, and Investonomics learning platform for beginners. Margin funding Loans on securities. Dedicated customer services. Detail Review… | Investment Product Suite with access to stocks, derivatives, currencies, commodities, IPOs, mutual funds, and other products. Quick and hassle-free onboarding process via Indiabulls Securities app or website Comprehensive trading platforms with mobile app, web portal, and PIB desktop terminal Offers advanced orders like basket order, bracket order, cover order. Free API Access and IB Algo for algo trading NRI trading is available with Indiabulls Securities. Detail Review… | ✅ Pros Free account opening Zero AMC (1st year) Flat ₹20 brokerage Invest in US stocks Free research & daily trading calls Advanced order types (BO, CO, OCO, GTT) No minimum balance Modern mobile app Detail Review… |
| Dislikes | High brokerage charges. Mutual fund investment with ICICIDirect is not free, as it charges a lower of Rs. 30 or 1.5% on SIP transaction and Rs. 100 fees on lumpsum investment. Detail Review… | No 3-in-1 account opening services. No 24/7 customer support. Detail Review… | ❌ Cons Delivery trades not free (Zerodha offers free delivery) No desktop trading terminal Direct mutual funds are not supported Detail Review… |
| Special Offers/Promo | Free Account Opening Commodity and Currency Trading at Rs 20/order flat brokerage No demat AMC for the 1st year transfer funds in just 5 minutes Open Instant Account Now | Current Promotion offer from Indiabulls for InvestorGain Visitors 🆓 Free Account Opening 💹 Max ₹11 per Order Brokerage on Equity, F&O, Commodities & Currency 💰 Free Mutual Funds & IPO Investment ⚡ Trade up to 4x Margin on MTF 🚀 Open Instant Indiabulls Account Now! | |
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