Home / Compare / ICICI Direct vs Dhan

ICICI Direct vs Dhan

Comparison of charges, features, and platform quality. Both ICICI Direct and Dhan are popular choices, but they cater to slightly different types of investors. One is a low-cost discount broker, while the other offers premium full-service features.

Our Verdict

This is a comparison between a Discount Broker (Dhan) and a Full-Service Broker (ICICI Direct).

Dhan

Choose Dhan if:

  • You want to save massively on brokerage fees.
  • You don't need stock tips or a relationship manager.
ICICI Direct

Choose ICICI Direct if:

  • You are a beginner needing guidance & research reports.
  • You prefer offline support or a relationship manager.
Explore ICICI DirectExplore Dhan

At a Glance Comparison

Feature
ICICI Direct
ICICI Direct
Dhan
Dhan
Broker TypeFull-Service / HybridDiscount
Account Opening₹975 (Prime)₹0 (Free)
AMC (Yearly)₹700/year₹0 (Free)
Equity Delivery0.55%₹0 (Free)
Intraday Tradng0.05%₹20 or 0.03%
Active Clients50 Lakhs+5 Lakhs+
Rating44.5
Best ForInvestors, BeginnersIntraday, Options
Pros
  • 3-in-1 Account (Bank+Demat+Trading)
  • Wide range of financial products
  • Trust factor
  • Built for Super Traders
  • TradingView Charts Integration
  • Fastest API execution
  • Female investors get 50% off on brokerage
Cons
  • Very high brokerage
  • Pushy relationship managers
  • Newer platform, building trust
  • UI can be overwhelming for beginners

Brokerage Charges Explained

ICICI Direct Fees

For equity delivery, 0.55% applies. If you trade Intraday, you pay 0.05% per order.
This makes it suitable for investors.

Dhan Fees

For equity delivery, ₹0 (Free) applies. If you trade Intraday, you pay ₹20 or 0.03% per order.
This makes it suitable for frequent traders.

* Hidden costs: Remember to account for annual maintenance charges (ICICI Direct: ₹700/year, Dhan: ₹0 (Free)).

Trading Platform & App

ICICI DirectICICI Direct
App Rating4/5

ICICI Direct's platform is known for being comprehensive. It is generally considered very easy to learn.

DhanDhan
App Rating4.5/5

Dhan's platform focuses on research and data. Users find it powerful for detailed tracking.

Choose ICICI Direct if:

  • You are looking for the best platform for Investors.
  • You are looking for the best platform for Beginners.
  • You prefer 3-in-1 account features.

Choose Dhan if:

  • You are looking for the best platform for Intraday.
  • You are looking for the best platform for Options.
  • You prefer tradingview features.

Pros & Cons Comparison

ICICI Direct

Advantages

  • 3-in-1 Account (Bank+Demat+Trading)
  • Wide range of financial products
  • Trust factor

Disadvantages

  • Very high brokerage
  • Pushy relationship managers

Dhan

Advantages

  • Built for Super Traders
  • TradingView Charts Integration
  • Fastest API execution

Disadvantages

  • Newer platform, building trust
  • UI can be overwhelming for beginners

Common Questions

Related Comparisons

ICICI Direct
vs
Zerodha
ICICI Direct vs Zerodha
ICICI Direct
vs
Groww
ICICI Direct vs Groww
ICICI Direct
vs
Upstox
ICICI Direct vs Upstox
Dhan
vs
5paisa
Dhan vs 5paisa
Dhan
vs
INDmoney
Dhan vs INDmoney
Dhan
vs
m.Stock
Dhan vs m.Stock

Ready to choose?

Open ICICI Direct AccountOpen Dhan Account