So, you’ve decided to start investing and Axis Bank’s brokerage services caught your eye — fair enough. Axis Direct, backed by Axis Securities, is widely recognized as a trusted full-service brokerage in India. But before you jump in and start trading, it’s super important to know what you’re being charged — because hidden costs can silently eat into your returns.
I’ve personally used Axis Direct for a few trades, and in this article, I’ll break down the real charges, what’s worth it, and what you should be aware of.
📊 What is Brokerage & Why It Matters?
Think of brokerage as a fee you pay every time you buy or sell stocks using a broker’s platform — like Axis Direct. The charges are typically calculated as a small percentage of your total trade amount, or sometimes as a flat fee per transaction.
Even though Axis Bank offers some solid research tools and a user-friendly platform, if you’re not careful, brokerage charges + taxes can add up fast.
💸 Axis Bank Brokerage Charges (Updated for 2025)
| Transaction Type | Brokerage Charges |
|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | 0.50% or ₹20 (whichever is higher) |
| Equity Intraday | 0.05% or ₹20 (whichever is higher) |
| Equity Futures | 0.05% on the turnover |
| Equity Options | ₹10 per lot |
| Currency Futures | ₹10 per contract |
| Currency Options | ₹10 per lot |
| Commodity Trading | Not available via Axis Direct |
| AMC (Demat Account) | ₹250 per year (first year free)* |
📝 Note: Charges may vary for certain premium plans or offers. For the most accurate and up-to-date fee structure, it’s best to visit the official Axis Direct website.
🧠 Real Talk – Is Axis Direct Worth It?
Let’s be honest — if you’re an active intraday trader or someone who places multiple trades a day, Axis Direct’s brokerage model might feel a bit expensive compared to discount brokers like Zerodha or Groww.
But if you:
- Prefer detailed stock research
- Want relationship manager support
- Need all-in-one banking + investing from a trusted name
…then Axis Bank’s services offer a solid, secure experience.
🔍 Additional Charges to Keep in Mind
Apart from brokerage, you’ll also have to deal with:
- GST (18% on brokerage + transaction charges)
- STT (Securities Transaction Tax)
- Stamp Duty
- SEBI Turnover Charges
- Transaction Charges (NSE/BSE)
All of this might sound small individually, but it adds up per trade, so calculate wisely.
✅ Tips to Save on Brokerage
- Don’t overtrade — it increases charges unnecessarily
- Use Axis’s tools to analyze trades before executing
- Consider long-term delivery over short-term intraday
- Watch out for minimum brokerage – small trades still get hit with ₹20
🔚 Final Thoughts
Axis Bank may not be the cheapest broker out there, but for people who want everything — bank account, investments, loans, and expert support — in one ecosystem, it’s definitely worth considering.
Just go in with your eyes open — understand the charges and trade smartly.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is Axis Direct good for beginners?
Yes, Axis Direct is beginner-friendly in terms of user interface and detailed research tools. However, brokerage charges are slightly higher than discount brokers.
Q2. Does Axis Bank offer free demat account opening?
Axis Direct usually offers free demat account opening, but the Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) of ₹250 may apply from the second year onward.
Q3. How much does Axis Direct charge for intraday stock trading?
For intraday equity trades, Axis charges 0.05% or ₹20 per executed order, whichever is higher.
Q4. Can I reduce brokerage with Axis Direct?
Yes, Axis offers customized brokerage plans for HNI or frequent traders. You can also negotiate rates if your portfolio size is large.
Q5. How is Axis Direct different from other brokers like Zerodha?
Axis Direct is a full-service broker with research reports, bank integration, and customer support. Zerodha is a discount broker focusing on low-cost trading.
⚔️ Axis Direct vs Zerodha – Quick Comparison
| Feature | Axis Direct | Zerodha |
|---|---|---|
| Broker Type | Full-Service Broker | Discount Broker |
| Equity Delivery | 0.50% or ₹20 (whichever is higher) | ₹0 (Free) |
| Equity Intraday | 0.05% or ₹20 | ₹20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower) |
| Options Trading | ₹10 per lot | ₹20 per executed order |
| Research Reports | ✅ Available | ❌ Limited |
| Call & Trade Facility | ✅ Yes (Extra charges may apply) | ✅ Yes (₹50 per call) |
| Customer Support | Phone, Email, RM support | Email, Ticket-based |
| Mobile App & Web UI | User-friendly, bank-linked | Clean and modern interface |
| Best For | Beginners who need guidance | Cost-conscious traders |
🧾 Final Verdict (Updated)
- If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution with a bank-backed ecosystem, Axis Direct offers convenience, trust, and support — at a slightly higher price.
- If your focus is purely on low-cost trading with solid tools and you’re comfortable doing your own research, Zerodha is the winner.
👉 My tip? If you’re just starting out and also banking with Axis, try Axis Direct for delivery investments. But if you’re actively trading every day, Zerodha might save you a lot in brokerage over time.