How to Open a Trading Account?

Published on December 24, 2025 | 4 min read

The broader market was trading in green in the early trade, with both the Nifty Midcap 100 and the Nifty Smallcap 100 rising 0.25% and 0.33%, respectively. Image: Shutterstock

Two decades ago, opening a trading account meant visiting a broker's office, filling multiple physical forms, submitting photocopies of documents, waiting for days for verification and then receiving a physical account number by post.

Fast forward to today and the entire experience has transformed. Digital platforms like Upstox have revolutionised stock market access. Now you can open a trading account with just a few taps on your smartphone. Such is the power of digital transformation that you can invest any amount of money from the comfort of your home or while just on the go.

What is a Trading Account?

A trading account facilitates buying and selling of stocks, mutual funds, electronically traded funds (ETFs) and trading in commodities and derivatives through stock exchanges. It acts as a bridge between your bank account and the stock market. When you open a Trading account with Upstox, you also get a demat account that holds your purchased securities in electronic form.

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You don’t have to operate a Trading account and a Demat account separately. Both these accounts, along with your bank account, work together. For instance, when you buy stocks through a Trading account, the money automatically gets debited from your bank account and after one day, these stocks automatically get added to your Demat account.

Why Choose Upstox?

Upstox is one of India's leading discount brokers with whom you can open both a Trading account and a Demat account. It is known for its affordability and technology-driven, user-friendly platform. Here are the compelling reasons to open a Trading account with Upstox,

Zero account opening charges
Flat ₹20 brokerage per trade for intraday and F&O (or 2.5% per trade, whichever is lower)
Zero brokerage on equity delivery trades
Free demat account with zero AMC
User-friendly mobile app and web platform
Advanced trading tools and charts
SEBI-registered and secure

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, Upstox's transparent pricing and robust platform make it an excellent choice.

Documents Required

Opening an account with Upstox requires minimal paperwork. Keep these documents ready.

Mandatory documents are,

PAN Card (compulsory for all investors)
Aadhaar Card (for instant e-KYC verification) (KYC - Know Your Customer)
Bank Account Details (cancelled cheque or bank statement)
Signature specimen

Ensure your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar for smooth e-KYC and e-signing.

Detailed Account Opening Process

Visit the Upstox website or download the app. Click on ‘Open Free Demat Account’
Enter mobile number and email
Fill in your personal information like name, address, marital status and gender. Make sure all information matches your official documents to avoid processing delays.
Upload your PAN Card. Upstox will automatically fetch your details from the Income Tax database.
Complete Aadhaar-based e-KYC
Complete In-Person Verification (IPV) through video call with Upstox’s representative. Keep your original PAN card handy and show it during the call.
Link your bank account as per the process mentioned
E-sign the documents
Submission

Once you submit all details, Upstox verifies your information with stock exchanges and depositories. Your trading and demat accounts are typically activated within 24 hours. You will receive your Client ID, trading account number and demat account number via email and SMS.

Opening a trading account on a digital platform like Upstox is simple, fast and completely paperless. The entire process takes just a few minutes and you can start trading the very next day. With zero account opening fees, competitive brokerage and a technology-powered trading platform, Upstox makes investing accessible to everyone.

About Author

Pradnya Surana

Sub-Editor

is an engineering and management graduate with 12 years of experience in India’s leading banks. With a natural flair for writing and a passion for all things finance, she reinvented herself as a financial writer. Her work reflects her ability to view the industry from both sides of the table, the financial service provider and the consumer. Experience in fast paced consumer facing roles adds depth, clarity and relevance to her writing.

Read more from Pradnya

About Upstox

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.