Best ETF Platforms for Trading and Investment in India 2026

If you’re considering investing in ETFs in 2026, the first step is choosing the right platform. This is where your investment journey truly begins. The right ETF broker not only minimizes your costs but also provides better order execution and useful tools. In this blog, we’ll explain in simple terms how to choose the right ETF platform for you and how to select options like Gold ETFs.

What is an ETF Platform?

An ETF platform is an app or website where you can easily buy and sell ETFs. Just like with stock trading, you can see live prices, place orders, and track your portfolio.

The role of an ETF broker

An ETF broker acts as a bridge between you and the stock exchange. When you place a buy or sell order, the broker executes it on the market. A good broker is one who provides fast execution, avoids unnecessary charges, and offers reliable support when needed.

Difference between ETFs and Mutual Funds

You can buy or sell ETFs at any time during the day, just like stocks. In contrast, money invested in mutual funds is processed at the Net Asset Value (NAV) at the end of the day. This means that with ETFs, you have control over the price, but with mutual funds, you simply place an order, and the price is determined later.

Best ETF Platforms for Trading & Investment

1. Pocketful
2. Zerodha
3. Groww
4. Upstox
5. Angel One
6. ICICI Direct
7. HDFC Securities
8. Kotak Securities
9. Sharekhan
10. 5paisa

1. Pocketful

Pocketful is a rapidly emerging modern trading and investment platform launched by Pocketful Fintech Capital Private Limited. This platform is specifically designed for investors who want to make smart investments at a low cost. On Pocketful, you can trade and invest in products such as ETFs, stocks, bonds, commodities, IPOs, futures and options, and Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs). A key feature is the very low brokerage and charges on many services, making it a preferred choice for both new and experienced investors.

Pocketful’s charges and brokerage

Charge name	Fees in Pocketful
Account opening charge	₹0 (Free)
AMC / Maintenance Charge	₹0 (Free)
Equity delivery brokerage	₹0 (Free)
Intraday / Trade Brokerage	₹20 per executed order or 0.03% of turnover, whichever is lower

2. Zerodha

Zerodha is a discount broker founded in 2010 by Nithin Kamath and Nikhil Kamath. Its headquarters are in Bengaluru. Zerodha revolutionized the trading industry with its low-brokerage model. On this platform, you can invest in stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, commodities, and derivatives. Its Kite trading app is fast, stable, and very popular among professional traders.

Zerodha’s charges and brokerage

Charge name	Fees in Zerodha
Account opening charge	₹0 (Free)
AMC / Maintenance Charge	₹0 (Free up to holdings less than Rs. 4 Lakh)
Equity delivery brokerage	₹0 (Free)
Intraday / Trade Brokerage	Flat ₹ 20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower) per executed order

3. Upstox

Upstox is a well-known discount broker in India, founded in 2009 by Ravi Kumar and Shrikant Bharti. Its headquarters are located in Mumbai. Today, Upstox provides millions of investors with the ability to trade in stocks, ETFs, IPOs, commodities, and derivatives. The platform is particularly known for its fast order execution and low brokerage fees. Both its mobile app and web platform are smooth and user-friendly.

Upstox’s charges and brokerage

Charge name	Fees in Upstox
Account opening charge	₹0 (Free)
AMC / Maintenance Charge	₹0 (Free for 1st year)
Equity delivery brokerage	₹20 per executed order
Intraday / Trade Brokerage	₹20 per executed order or 0.1% (whichever is lower)

4. Angel One

Angel One is one of India’s oldest and most trusted brokers, established in 1996.  Formerly known as Angel Broking, the company is headquartered in Mumbai. Angel One offers a wide range of investment services, including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, IPOs, and derivatives. Its key features include trading services combined with research and expert guidance, which is particularly helpful for new investors.

Angel One’s charges and brokerage

Charge name	Fees in Angel One
Account opening charge	₹0 (Free)
AMC / Maintenance Charge	₹0 (Free for 1st year)
Equity delivery brokerage	₹0 brokerage up to ₹500 for first 30 days, then lower of ₹20 or 0.1% per executed order, minimum ₹5
Intraday / Trade Brokerage	₹0 brokerage up to ₹500 for first 30 days, then lower of ₹20 or 0.1% per executed order, minimum ₹5

5. ICICI Direct

ICICI Direct is a leading full-service broker in India, launched in 2000 by the ICICI Bank Group. Headquartered in Mumbai, this platform is designed for investors seeking bank-linked and reliable services. With ICICI Direct, you can invest in stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, IPOs, and derivatives. Its robust research reports and professional support make it particularly attractive to long-term investors.

ICICI Direct’s charges and brokerage

Charge name	Fees in ICICI Direct
Account opening charge	₹0 (Free)
AMC / Maintenance Charge	₹300-₹700 varies on plans
Equity delivery brokerage	0.07%-0.29% varies on plans
Intraday / Trade Brokerage	0.007%-0.029% varies on plans

6. HDFC Securities

HDFC Securities was established in 2000 and is part of the HDFC Bank Group. Its headquarters are located in Mumbai. It is a full-service broker, considered ideal for investors who prefer to invest with the support of research and professional guidance. Through HDFC Securities, you can trade and invest in stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, IPOs, bonds, and derivatives. Its robust research reports and bank-linked services make it a reliable choice.

HDFC Securities’s charges and brokerage

Charge name	Fees in HDFC Securities
Account opening charge	₹0 (Free)
AMC / Maintenance Charge	₹0 (Free for 1st  Year, ₹300-₹800 per year from 2nd year varies on plan selected)
Equity delivery brokerage	Around 0.50% (or ₹25 min)
Intraday / Trade Brokerage	Around 0.50% (or ₹25 min)

7. Kotak Securities

Kotak Securities was founded in 1994 and is a subsidiary of the Kotak Mahindra Bank Group. Its headquarters are located in Mumbai. It is a full-service broker, offering investment facilities in shares, ETFs, mutual funds, IPOs, bonds, and derivatives. Kotak Securities is known for its strong research team, reliable platform, and bank-linked services. It enjoys particular trust among long-term investors.

Kotak Securities’s charges and brokerage

Charge name	Fees in Kotak Securities
Account opening charge	₹0 (Free)
AMC / Maintenance Charge	₹600
Equity delivery brokerage	₹0 (Free)
Intraday / Trade Brokerage	₹10 per order or 0.05%, whichever is lower per executed order

8. 5paisa

5paisa was launched in 2016 and is a company associated with the IIFL Group. Its headquarters are located in Mumbai. 5paisa is a discount broker known for providing investment facilities at low brokerage rates. On this platform, you can trade in stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, IPOs, bonds, and derivatives. Its budget-friendly fee structure and simple app interface make it attractive to new investors.

5paisa’s charges and brokerage

Charge name	Fees in 5paisa
Account opening charge	₹0 (Free)
AMC / Maintenance Charge	₹300 per annum
Equity delivery brokerage	₹20/order
Intraday / Trade Brokerage	₹20/order

9. Rupeezy

Rupeezy is an Indian discount broking and investment platform that offers trading facilities for stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, IPOs, and derivatives. It is operated by Astha Credit & Securities Pvt. Ltd. and provides trading services on both the NSE and BSE exchanges. With Rupeezy, you can easily invest in instruments like ETFs through a simple interface.

Rupeezy’s charges and brokerage

Charge name	Fees in Rupeezy
Account opening charge	₹0 (Free)
AMC / Maintenance Charge	₹0 (Free)
Equity delivery brokerage	0.1% buy & sell
Intraday / Trade Brokerage	₹20 or 0.1% (lower)

10. Paytm Money

Paytm Money is a subsidiary of One97 Communications. Headquartered in Bengaluru, this platform is specifically designed for investors who want to invest easily and digitally through a mobile app. On Paytm Money, you can invest in products such as stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, IPOs, bonds, and NPS. Its simple interface and trusted brand make it very popular among new investors.

Paytm Money’s charges and brokerage

Charge name	Fees in Paytm Money
Account opening charge	₹0 (Free)
AMC / Maintenance Charge	₹0 (Free)
Equity delivery brokerage	2.5% of turnover or up to Rs. 20/- per Executed Order, whichever is lower
Intraday	0.05% of turnover or up to Rs. 20/- per Executed Order, whichever is lower

Read Also: Best SEBI Registered Brokers in India

Key Factors to Consider Before Selecting an ETF Platform

1. Brokerage and Charges : When choosing a platform, understanding the charges is crucial. Many brokers advertise low brokerage fees but add other charges like DP charges or other fees. Therefore, always check the complete fee structure before opening an account to avoid any surprises later.
2. Order Execution and Speed : The speed and accuracy of order execution are vital when buying or selling ETFs. A good platform is one where slippage is minimal and orders are executed smoothly without delays.
3. Available ETF Categories : Not all platforms offer all types of ETFs. Some platforms may have a wider selection of index ETFs, while others might offer better options for gold or debt ETFs. If you are interested in international ETFs, confirm beforehand whether the platform provides this facility.
4. Research and Tools : A good ETF platform helps you make informed decisions. It should offer tools like ETF screeners, NAV tracking, and expense ratio comparisons so you can choose the right ETF without confusion.
5. User Experience and App Stability : If the app frequently crashes or runs slowly, trading becomes difficult. Therefore, choose a platform whose mobile app and website are both smooth and perform well even under high traffic.
6. Reporting and Tax Support : Receiving accurate reports after investing is essential. The platform should provide easy access to capital gains reports and complete transaction history to avoid any difficulties during tax filing.

Read Also: Lowest Brokerage Charges Apps for Online Trading in India

Conclusion 

Investing in ETFs is easy, but choosing the right platform requires careful consideration. Every broker is different – ​​some offer lower fees, while others provide better tools. Therefore, choose a platform that matches your needs and trading style. With the right platform, investing becomes stress-free, and you can comfortably manage your finances for the long term.

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