You’ve decided to step into the exciting world of stock market investing in 2025. You’re hearing about multi-baggers, IPOs, and the power of compounding. But then you hear about the costs—brokerage, transaction fees, and something called “AMC.” Suddenly, the journey feels a bit daunting. What if there was a way to start investing without worrying about yearly charges eating into your capital? Well, there is. This guide will show you exactly how to open a Free Demat and Trading Account with ₹0 AMC, making your entry into the market completely cost-free from a maintenance perspective.
In this detailed article, we will break down what ₹0 AMC means, which brokers offer this amazing benefit, and how you can get your account set up in less than 15 minutes. Let’s make your investment journey affordable from day one!
What Exactly is a “Zero AMC” Demat Account?
Before we dive into the “free” part, let’s quickly understand the basics. To invest in stocks, you need a Demat and a Trading account.
- A Demat Account is like a digital vault where your shares are stored securely.
- A Trading Account is the platform you use to buy and sell those shares in the market.
Most brokers charge a fee to keep this digital vault active and maintained. This is called the Annual Maintenance Charge (AMC). It’s a recurring, yearly cost that you pay whether you trade or not.
A Zero AMC Demat Account 2025 is simply an account where the broker waives this annual fee, often for a lifetime. This means you can open an account, hold your investments for years, and never have to pay a single rupee in maintenance charges. For beginners and long-term investors, this is a massive advantage.
Why You Should Look for a Free Demat and Trading Account with ₹0 AMC in 2025
Choosing an account with no annual fees isn’t just about saving a few hundred rupees. It’s a strategic move, especially for new investors.
- Maximum Cost Savings: Every rupee saved on fees is a rupee you can invest. Over many years, even a small AMC can add up. A ₹0 AMC account ensures your capital is purely for investing.
- Hassle-Free Long-Term Holding: Are you a “buy and forget” investor? With a zero AMC account, you can hold your stocks for decades without the mental burden of paying yearly fees for a dormant account.
- Encourages Starting Small: When there’s no pressure of a recurring cost, you feel more comfortable starting with a small amount. This is the perfect way to dip your toes into the market without any financial commitment in the form of fees.
- The Best Free Trading Account in India: For many, the “best” account is the one that minimizes costs. A zero AMC account is a primary feature of the most cost-effective platforms available today.
Comparing Brokers Offering a Free Demat and Trading Account with ₹0 AMC
The Indian broking industry is highly competitive, and many fintech brokers now offer a Free Demat and Trading Account with ₹0 AMC to attract new users. Here’s a comparison of the top players in 2025.
| Broker | Account Opening Fee | Lifetime AMC | Brokerage (Equity Delivery) | Perfect For | Official Website |
| Groww | ₹0 | ₹0 (Lifetime Free) | ₹0 | Absolute Beginners, MF Investors | Visit Groww |
| Upstox | ₹0 (Promotional) | Often ₹0 (Check for offers) | ₹0 | Tech-Savvy Mobile Users | Visit Upstox |
| m.Stock | ₹0 | ₹0 (with a one-time fee of ₹999) | ₹0 (with a one-time fee of ₹999) | Active Traders, F&O Traders | Visit m.Stock |
| Paytm Money | ₹0 | ₹0 | ₹20 per order | Users in the Paytm Ecosystem | Visit Paytm Money |
| Angel One | ₹0 | Free for 1st Year | ₹0 | Beginners needing some guidance | Visit Angel One |
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In-Depth Review: Which Brokers Offer the Best Free Trading Account in India?
Let’s look closely at what these brokers offer beyond the zero AMC promise.
Groww: The King of Simplicity and Zero AMC
Groww has built its reputation on making investing incredibly simple. They are one of the few brokers offering a truly Free Demat and Trading Account with ₹0 AMC.
- Pros:
- Truly Free: Zero account opening fees and zero lifetime AMC. No conditions attached.
- Simple UI: The platform is clean, minimalistic, and perfect for someone who has never invested before.
- Integrated Platform: Seamlessly invest in Stocks, Mutual Funds, and US Stocks from one app.
- Cons:
- Lacks advanced trading tools like GTT orders or complex charting features, which advanced traders might miss.
Verdict: For beginners who want a simple buy-and-hold experience without any cost, Groww is the undisputed champion.
m.Stock by Mirae Asset: The Zero-Cost Revolution
m.Stock has a unique and compelling offer: pay a one-time fee of ₹999 and get rid of both brokerage and AMC for life.
- Pros:
- Zero Brokerage for Life: After the one-time fee, you pay ₹0 brokerage across all products—Equity, F&O, Currency, etc.
- Zero AMC: The ₹999 plan also includes a lifetime zero AMC promise.
- Backed by Mirae Asset: It comes with the trust and expertise of a global financial powerhouse.
- Cons:
- The “free” model requires a significant one-time payment, which might not be suitable for those starting with very small capital.
Verdict: For active traders who place many orders, m.Stock’s proposition to eliminate all recurring costs is revolutionary and highly cost-effective in the long run.
Upstox: Tech-Forward with Frequent ₹0 AMC Offers
Upstox is a technology-first broker backed by industry leaders. While their standard AMC is ₹150 + GST, they frequently run promotional campaigns.
- Pros:
- Excellent Platform: The Upstox app is modern, slick, and packed with features.
- Promotional Offers: Keep an eye out for their campaigns where you can open Demat account with ₹0 AMC for life.
- Cons:
- The zero AMC benefit is not standard and depends on when you open the account.
Verdict: If you are a tech-savvy user and can catch one of their promotional offers, Upstox provides a powerful platform without the annual cost.
A Note on Other Brokers
- Angel One: Offers a great start with free account opening and zero AMC for the first year. It’s an excellent choice for beginners who want research support.
- Zerodha: While Zerodha charges a ₹300 AMC, it remains India’s largest broker for a reason. Its platform, Kite, and educational app, Varsity, are unmatched. Many investors find this small fee acceptable for the value they receive. If you want to compare brokers on overall features, not just fees, check out our guide on the Best Demat Account in India for Beginners.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Open Your Demat Account with ₹0 AMC
Ready to get started? The online account opening process is 100% paperless and takes just a few minutes.
- Choose Your Zero AMC Broker: Pick a broker from our comparison table above. For true lifetime zero AMC, Groww is a great starting point.
- Keep Your Documents Ready: You will need three key documents:
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card (must be linked to your mobile number for OTP verification)
- Bank Account Proof (like a cancelled cheque or latest bank statement)
- Visit the Broker’s Website or Download the App: Find the “Open Account” or “Sign Up” button.
- Enter Your Details: You’ll be asked for your mobile number, email, PAN, and date of birth.
- Complete the KYC Process: Fill in your personal details and upload the required documents.
- In-Person Verification (IPV): This is a mandatory SEBI step where you’ll take a quick selfie or record a short video of yourself through the app.
- E-sign Your Application: The final step is to sign the form digitally using an OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
That’s it! Your application is submitted. Following these steps is the fastest way to get your Free Demat and Trading Account with ₹0 AMC activated, usually within 24-48 hours.
The Fine Print: Are There Any Hidden Charges?
This is a very important question. While your AMC is zero, you still need to be aware of other charges that are levied by the government and exchanges, not your broker. These are standard across the industry.
- Securities Transaction Tax (STT): A tax levied by the government on buy and sell transactions on stock exchanges.
- Exchange Transaction Charges: A small fee charged by the stock exchanges (NSE, BSE).
- GST: Applied on brokerage (if any) and transaction charges.
- SEBI Turnover Fees: A very small fee charged by the market regulator, SEBI.
The key takeaway is that your broker is not charging you an annual fee, but these mandatory regulatory charges will always apply to your transactions.
Conclusion: Your Gateway to Cost-Free Investing
In 2025, starting your investment journey is more accessible and affordable than ever. The barrier of entry created by high annual fees has been completely removed by several forward-thinking brokers. By choosing the right platform, you can ensure that your money works for you, not for paying maintenance fees.
For ultimate simplicity and zero cost, Groww is a clear winner. For active traders looking to eliminate all recurring costs, m.Stock’s one-time fee model is a game-changer. Now that you know how to get a Free Demat and Trading Account with ₹0 AMC, the path to building your wealth is clearer and more affordable than ever before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Which broker offers a truly free Demat account in India? Groww offers a truly free Demat account, with a ₹0 account opening fee and a ₹0 lifetime Annual Maintenance Charge (AMC), with no conditions attached.
Q2: What is the meaning of ₹0 AMC? ₹0 AMC means you do not have to pay any Annual Maintenance Charge to your broker. This is a yearly fee that brokers typically charge for maintaining your Demat account. With a zero AMC account, this fee is waived for life.
Q3: Can I open a Demat account without a PAN card? No. A PAN (Permanent Account Number) card is a mandatory document required by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) for any individual opening a Demat and trading account in India.
Q4: Is a ₹0 brokerage Demat account the same as a ₹0 AMC account? Not necessarily. These are two different charges. A broker might offer a ₹0 brokerage Demat account for certain trades (like equity delivery) but still charge an AMC. A ₹0 AMC account specifically means there is no annual maintenance fee. Ideally, you should look for a broker that offers both.
Q5: Are these zero AMC accounts safe for beginners? Yes, absolutely. As long as the stockbroker is registered with SEBI, they are fully regulated and adhere to strict guidelines for protecting investors’ assets. All the brokers mentioned in this article, like Groww, Upstox, and m.Stock (Mirae Asset), are reputable and SEBI-registered entities, making them completely safe.