📈 Introduction: Why Zero Brokerage Apps Matter in 2025
Gone are the days when investing meant paying high brokerage fees or dealing with confusing stock platforms. In 2025, the rise of zero brokerage apps for new investors has made it easier, cheaper, and faster to start building wealth—even with as little as ₹100.
In India, retail investing has taken off among college students and recent graduates. However, the difficulty of selecting the best platform has grown along with accessibility. Which app is actually free? Which provides the best resources for learning and development?
Based on actual features, usability, support, and trust, this article evaluates and ranks the top zero brokerage apps for novice investors in 2025.
💸 What Are Zero Brokerage Apps?
Zero brokerage apps are trading platforms that don’t charge commission or brokerage fees on equity delivery trades. Some also offer zero fees on intraday and mutual fund investments.
This matters a lot for beginners. When you’re starting with small amounts, even a few rupees in charges per trade can eat into your profits.
In 2025, with increasing competition and fintech disruption, India now has over a dozen zero brokerage apps for new investors to choose from. Let’s explore the top options.
🏆 Top 7 Zero Brokerage Apps for New Investors in 2025
1. Dhan
- Brokerage: Zero on delivery and direct mutual funds
- Best For: Beginners who want speed and simplicity
- Why It Stands Out: Clean UI, easy onboarding, free stock & ETF investing, built-in TradingView charts
Dhan is one of the most popular zero brokerage apps for new investors due to its intuitive design and real-time trading features. Great for anyone trying investing for the first time.
2. Groww
- Brokerage: Zero on equity delivery and mutual funds
- Best For: Mutual fund + stock combo
- Why It Stands Out: Trusted brand, seamless app experience, detailed stock info, integrated learning modules
Groww is more than just a mutual fund platform now. It’s one of the leading zero brokerage apps for new investors, especially those transitioning from SIPs to stocks.
3. Shoonya by Finvasia
- Brokerage: Zero on all segments (delivery, intraday, options)
- Best For: Serious beginners exploring F&O and more
- Why It Stands Out: Complete zero-brokerage model, advanced features for free
If you want an absolutely free app with no hidden charges on any asset class, Shoonya is the real deal. It’s redefining zero brokerage apps for new investors who want to explore beyond just stocks.
4. Zerodha (with caveats)
- Brokerage: ₹20 on intraday, zero on delivery
- Best For: Learners with a bit more capital
- Why It Stands Out: Varsity education, excellent community support, very stable
Though not entirely zero-brokerage, Zerodha remains a top pick. If you don’t mind a flat intraday fee and want deep educational tools, it’s still one of the most respected platforms.
5. Paytm Money
- Brokerage: Zero on delivery; nominal on other trades
- Best For: Paytm ecosystem users
- Why It Stands Out: Easy integration with wallets, one-click KYC, fast order execution
For users already familiar with Paytm, this is one of the easiest zero brokerage apps for new investors to get started on without learning new interfaces.
6. Upstox
- Brokerage: Zero on delivery, ₹20 on intraday
- Best For: Mobile-first traders
- Why It Stands Out: Fastest-growing user base, charting tools, beginner tutorials
Upstox is beginner-friendly with a smooth onboarding experience and fast order placement. It consistently ranks among the best zero brokerage apps for new investors year after year.
7. mStock by Mirae Asset
- Brokerage: One-time fee, then zero for life
- Best For: Long-term investors
- Why It Stands Out: You pay a one-time fee (approx. ₹999), and enjoy lifetime zero brokerage
mStock is ideal if you plan to stay in the market long-term and want zero fees on all transactions without worrying about volume.
✅ Key Features to Look for in Zero Brokerage Apps for New Investors
When choosing from the top zero brokerage apps for new investors, don’t just look at cost. Consider:
- ✔️ User Interface (UI) simplicity
- ✔️ Instant account opening (Aadhaar + PAN based)
- ✔️ In-app tutorials and educational resources
- ✔️ Real-time data, charts, and alerts
- ✔️ Strong customer support
- ✔️ Transparent policies and no hidden fees
The best platforms are those that empower first-time investors, not just attract them with zero charges.
Smallcap Stocks Under ₹100 with Strong Fundamentals for 2025
🚀 Advantages of Using Zero Brokerage Apps for New Investors
- ₹ Save more on small trades: Every rupee saved on brokerage adds up.
- ⏱️ Real-time market access: Trade instantly via mobile.
- 💡 Learning opportunities: Most apps now offer beginner courses and simulators.
- ✅ Easy to start: Open accounts within minutes.
- 🚀 Build confidence: Without the pressure of losses from fees.
These benefits make zero brokerage apps for new investors a great entry point into the stock market in 2025.
❌ What to Watch Out For
Not all that glitters is zero. Keep an eye out for:
- Hidden charges (e.g., call & trade, SMS alerts)
- High annual maintenance charges (AMC)
- Platform glitches during market volatility
- Poor customer service
Even the best zero brokerage apps for new investors may have trade-offs. Read user reviews and test with small amounts first.
🔹 Real User Experiences in 2025
Ria, 23, from Pune: “Dhan made it easier for me to learn about candlestick charts. I had ₹500 when I started, and I lost nothing to fees. Delhi resident Aakash, 28: “I tried Groww and Zerodha. Groww is easier for mutual funds, but both are good. Shoonya was flawless, according to Sneha, 20 (Mumbai). There were no fees, and I gained knowledge of options trading without having to pay commissions!
These stories show how zero brokerage apps for new investors are transforming how India saves and invests.
🌐 Global Comparison: India vs. the World
In the U.S., platforms like Robinhood popularized zero-brokerage investing. India’s fintech boom caught up fast, and now we’re ahead in terms of:
- More mobile-first apps
- Better integration with payment systems (UPI)
- Lower entry barriers
In 2025, India leads globally in the number of active zero brokerage apps for new investors.
🔢 Final Rankings (Based on Features + Ease + Trust)
| Rank | App | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dhan | Clean UI + easy investing |
| 2 | Groww | Grow |
| 3 | Shoonya | 100% zero brokerage |
| 4 | Zerodha | Learning + community |
| 5 | Paytm Money | Fast integration |
| 6 | Upstox | Speed + charting |
| 7 | m.Stock | Lifetime zero with one-time fee |
Each of these zero brokerage apps for new investors brings unique strengths. The best app for you depends on your goals, experience level, and what tools you prefer.
🔍 Final Thoughts: Which App Should You Choose?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. But here’s a quick guide:
- Choose Dhan or Groww if you’re starting and want a beginner-friendly experience.
- Pick Shoonya if you’re ready to explore advanced trading with zero cost.
- Use Zerodha if you want to learn and grow with a strong investor community.
All of these are trusted zero brokerage apps for new investors and will help you start your investing journey with confidence in 2025.
📢 Call to Action
✨ Which of these apps do you use or plan to try in 2025?
✏️ Drop your experience below and help fellow beginners pick wisely!
🚀 Share this with a friend who wants to start investing without wasting money on fees.