Broker comparison
Zerodha vs ICICI Direct (2026): Brokerage, API, AMC & Execution Compared
Side-by-side comparison of Zerodha and ICICI Direct from published official pricing and features — no affiliation with either broker.
| Metric | Zerodha | ICICI Direct |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery brokerage | ₹0 (free) | Plan-based - see official brokerage page (flat ₹20 plans available) |
| Intraday brokerage | ₹20 or 0.03% per order (whichever is lower) | Plan-based - flat ₹20 per order on current flat-fee plans |
| F&O brokerage | ₹20 per order (flat, options) | Plan-based - flat ₹20 per order on current flat-fee plans |
| AMC | ₹300 per year | ₹700 per year (₹300 for iVALUE subscribers) |
| Account opening | ₹200 (online) | ₹0 (free); 3-in-1 account with ICICI Bank |
| Trading API | Kite Connect — See official Kite Connect pricing page | Breeze API — See official Breeze API page |
| Reported execution speed | ≈ 80 ms (median) | Not Disclosed |
| Algo support | Yes - via Kite Connect API | Yes - via Breeze API |
| Platforms | Kite (web), Kite (mobile), Console, Coin | ICICI Direct web, ICICI Direct Markets app, Trade Racer |
| Best for (published) | Self-directed investors and traders who want low, predictable costs and a stable platform. | ICICI Bank customers who want research, advisory and one integrated account. |
Statutory charges (STT, exchange fees, GST, etc.) are not included. Figures are from official pricing pages at our last review — verify before opening an account.
What the published data shows
Zerodha publishes free equity delivery; ICICI Direct does not (per official pricing at review). Zerodha publishes an execution-speed figure; ICICI Direct does not on verifiable sources.
Tools & profiles
- Zerodha full profile
- ICICI Direct full profile
- Zerodha brokerage calculator
- ICICI Direct brokerage calculator
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Frequently asked questions
Zerodha vs ICICI Direct: which has lower delivery brokerage?
At our last review, Zerodha published delivery brokerage as "₹0 (free)" and ICICI Direct as "Plan-based - see official brokerage page (flat ₹20 plans available)". Plan-based or percentage pricing cannot always be reduced to a single winner — use the official pricing pages linked below.
Does Zerodha or ICICI Direct have a trading API?
Both have documented APIs at review time: Zerodha (Kite Connect), ICICI Direct (Breeze API). Compare pricing and rate limits on each broker's developer page.
Which is faster — Zerodha or ICICI Direct?
Zerodha publishes ≈ 80 ms (median). ICICI Direct has no verifiable execution-speed figure we could cite.
Are these comparisons independent?
Yes. Indian Broker Test is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any broker. Rankings and comparisons use only published official data; gaps are shown as Not Disclosed.
Sources
- Zerodha - official website - https://zerodha.com
- Zerodha - official pricing - https://zerodha.com/charges/
- ICICI Direct - official website - https://www.icicidirect.com
- ICICI Direct - official pricing - https://www.icicidirect.com/brokerage