Written by Upstox Desk
6 min read | Updated on September 26, 2025, 14:21 IST
How to open a trading account
Steps to open a trading account
Aadhaar-based e-KYC method
Traditional Paper Registration
Trading account charges
Trading account opening form
Upstox is a leading Indian financial services company that offers online trading and investment services in stocks, commodities, currencies, mutual funds, and more. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Mumbai, Upstox is backed by prominent investors including Ratan Tata, Tiger Global, and Kalaari Capital. It operates under RKSV Securities and is registered with SEBI, NSE, BSE, and other regulatory bodies, ensuring secure and compliant trading experiences.
For centuries, stock exchanges were physical locations, where securities were traded using what was called the open outcry method - where buyers and sellers would shout in the middle of the crowd to trade with each other.
Clearly, such a model could never have scaled to the level we see today - where millions of traders engage in transacting securities, even internationally. Which is why we have the NASDAQ to thank. The NASDAQ was set up in 1971 as the world’s first electronic stock market. Now, nearly 5 decades later, the entire planet runs stock exchanges electronically.
Key Points
HISTORICAL FACT The NASDAQ was set up in 1971 as the world’s first electronic stock market.
Since all trading is now digital, there exists a requirement now for having a demat account and a trading account if you want to trade online. Having your own trading account eliminates the need for a broker official placing your trades for you, and also saves money which would have otherwise gone as commission fees to the broker. A trading account with an online broker has significantly lower fees. It also makes your transactions much faster as no intermediaries are involved.
But how do you get started?
A primary prerequisite to open a trading account is to know whether or not you have surplus cash to invest in the market. Don't invest all your money. Even if you happen to have surplus cash to purchase securities in the stock markets, ensure that you’ve accounted for any unexpected expenses first. Remember, a smart investor always keeps enough money on hand or in the bank account that will help in case of an emergency.
At the same time, don’t be worried. It takes about two working days after you place a trade (i.e. T+2 days in traders’ language) for the exchange to process the settlement of funds and securities.
Next, you need to analyze what your investment type is going to be? Are you more into day trading or long-term investments? This will help you choose the platform you want to invest through. We offer zero brokerage on delivery trades and as low as Rs. 20 on intraday trades.
The next step is to open a trading account with your brokerage firm.
Today, brokers seamlessly combine both demat and trading account processes and provide an integrated registration procedure. They allow for both kinds of trading account registrations - the traditional paper-based setup, and the Aadhaar based eKYC online trading account opening.
The physical form-filling era is now behind us. We offer a far simpler, and faster method to open your trading account - the Aadhaar based paperless registration.
This method uses your Aadhaar card details to complete your registration process online, as long as you have a valid mobile number linked to your Aadhaar card.
Remember to keep scanned copies of your personal documents (PAN Card, Aadhaar card, and a cancelled cheque) on your device. You will be required to upload them during the registration process after you’ve progressed past the Aadhaar linking step.
This method is similar to the demat account registration method.
Once completed, send the forms along with your personal documents to the address mentioned here:
Upstox/RKSV Securities India Private Limited, Salasar Business Park, Off 150 Feet Flyover Road, Bhayandar West, Thane -401101, Maharashtra
There are three primary charges that brokers levy on trading accounts - the trading account opening fees, the annual maintenance fee, and transaction fees.
Depending on your preferred method of registration, you can either open one instantly using the online trading account opening or download the pdf of trading account opening form.
Wrapping Up
About Author
Upstox Desk
Upstox Desk
Team of expert writers dedicated to providing insightful and comprehensive coverage on stock markets, economic trends, commodities, business developments, and personal finance. With a passion for delivering valuable information, the team strives to keep readers informed about the latest trends and developments in the financial world.
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