A Demat or Dematerialized Account is like a digital locker for your stocks and investments. You don't need to worry about keeping track of physical certificates anymore. Instead, everything is stored electronically with a Depository Participant (DP), showing that you own those investments. This means you can trade or transfer them smoothly whenever you want, without dealing with paper documents.
A Demat Account provides strong security measures, reduces paperwork, makes transactions smoother, and improves how you keep track of your investments. But that's not all! By opening a Demat Account, you open the door to many opportunities. You can trade not just in stocks but also in other areas like derivatives, commodities, and currency. Plus, you get access to extra services like voting online for company decisions, bidding for new stocks, and enjoying perks from the companies you invest in. Overall, it makes your investment journey easier and more rewarding.
Factors to consider when opening a demat account
- Seamless Trading Experience: When your Demat and trading accounts are with the same broker, it simplifies the process of buying and selling stocks. You can easily manage your transactions without worrying about different accounts or paperwork.
- Robust Technology Platform: Look for a Demat account provider with a reliable technology platform. This ensures smooth functioning of your account, from fund transfers to tracking your investments, all in one place.
- Transparent Charges: Understand the charges related with your Demat account, including opening fees, annual maintenance charges, and transaction fees.
- Efficient Banking, Broking, and Custody: A seamless integration of banking, broking, and custody services enhances your overall experience. Ensure your broker offers hassle-free fund transfers and efficient management of your securities.
- Quality Support Services: Check out for aspects such as customer service, technical support, and problem resolution. Know whether they provide customer service representatives, offer multiple channels for support (such as phone, email, or live chat), and resolve issues in a timely manner.
Demat Account Opening Procedure- Step-by-Step Guide
Opening an online trading account is the first step towards becoming a successful investor. Before we begin, decide whether you want to open an account with Swastika through their website or with Justrade2.0 via their mobile app. Both options offer user-friendly interfaces and convenient features to make the account opening process seamless.
Via Website (Swastika):
- Visit Swastika's website & click “Open an Account”: Go to Swastika's website and find the option to open an account. It's usually a button or link that says something like "Open an Account."
- Enter mobile no. & email: Fill in your mobile number and email address. This is so they can contact you about your account.
- Enter Aadhaar no. & PAN: Enter your Aadhaar number and PAN card details.
- Fill in basic details: Provide basic information like your name, address, and date of birth. This helps Swastika create your account.
- Select segment: Choose the investment segment you're interested in, like stocks or mutual funds.
- Upload required documents: Scan or take pictures of the documents Swastika asks for, like your Signature, Income Proof, bank Proof. Upload these documents to their website.
- In Person Verification (IPV): Swastika may require In Person Verification (IPV) as part of their account opening process. This involves a physical verification of your identity and documents by a representative of Swastika. Arrange a suitable time and location for the IPV process as instructed by Swastika.
- Provide Nominee Details:Provide details about your nominee. This includes their name, relationship to you, contact information, and any other relevant details. Nominee details are important for certain financial transactions and account management purposes.
- E-sign: Use your Aadhaar number to electronically sign the documents. This is like signing your name on paper but done digitally.
- Account opened: Once you've completed all the steps and everything is verified, your account is officially opened! You'll receive confirmation and can start using your Swastika account to trade.
Via Mobile App (Justrade2.0):
- Download Justrade2.0: Find and download the Justrade2.0 app from the app store on your mobile phone.
- Enter mobile no. & email: Just like on the website, you'll need to provide your mobile number and email address.
- Enter Aadhaar no. & PIN into Digilocker to fetch PAN: Use your Aadhaar number and PIN to access your PAN card details from Digilocker.
- Fill in basic details: Enter your personal information, like your name, address, and date of birth.
- Select plan & segment: Choose the type of account and investment segment you're interested in.
- Upload required documents: Take photos of your documents using your phone's camera and upload them directly to the app.
- E-sign: Use your Aadhaar number to electronically sign the necessary documents.
- Account opened: Once everything is submitted and verified, your account is ready to use! You can start trading using the Justrade2.0 app on your phone.
That's it! Following these steps will help you open an account with Swastika via their website or with Justrade2.0 via their mobile app
Documents Required for Opening Demat and Trading Accounts
To open a demat & share trading account you need the following documents
For Indian resident individuals
- Your PAN Card
- Your valid Government approved address proof (any one of the following)-
- Aadhar Card
- Driver's Licence
- Passport
- Voter's ID
- Ration Card
- Registered lease or sale agreement of residence
- Insurance copy
- Utility bills like telephone, electricity or gas (less than 3 months old
- Your bank proof mentioning your name, account number and IFSC code clearly (any one of the following)-
- Cancelled cheque
- Bank statement/Passbook (last 6 months)
Futures and Options
For Equity and Currency Derivatives you would require an income proof along with the above-mentioned documents. Income proof can be any one of the following -
- Bank account statement/Passbook (last 6 months)
- Income tax returns (last 1 year)
- Salary slips (last 6 month)
Benefits of Demat Accounts:
- Reduced Risk: Demat accounts eliminate the risk of losing or damaging paper certificates. Electronic securities stored in these accounts cannot be lost or damaged over time, providing greater security for your investments.
- Effortless Trading: Linking your Demat account with a trading account allows for quick and convenient trading. You can buy or sell shares with just a click, without the need to visit company offices or stock exchanges personally. Look for brokers offering a 2-in-1 (Demat cum trading) account for seamless trading experience
- Easy Portfolio Tracking: Demat accounts offer portfolio tracking capabilities, providing easy access to your holdings. You can monitor your entire portfolio using various devices such as smartphones or laptops.
- IPO Investments: Demat accounts are essential for investing in Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in India. Companies issuing IPOs require your Demat account details for share allotment. Having a Demat account also grants access to various other investment schemes and holdings, making IPO investments hassle-free.
- Diversification: Besides stocks, you can hold a variety of securities such as mutual funds, bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and government securities in your Demat account, enabling portfolio diversification.
- Participation in Corporate Actions: Demat accounts are essential for receiving dividends, bonus shares, or other corporate actions seamlessly.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to traditional paper-based transactions, Demat accounts reduce paperwork and associated costs, making investing more cost-effective in the long run.
- Loan Against Securities: Some financial institutions offer loans against securities held in Demat accounts, providing liquidity without the need to sell your investments.
Demat Account Charges Simplified:
- Maintenance Fees: These are annual charges for keeping your Demat account active, regardless of how often you trade. Look for the most cost-effective option when choosing your account.
- Account Opening Charges: Some DPs charge a fee to open a Demat account, while others don't. Choose the option that suits you best.
- Custodian Fees: These fees are monthly charges based on the number of securities you hold. If your DP has already paid one-time charges, you might not face custodian fees. Individuals usually pay these one-time charges, so brokers often don't charge custodian fees on Demat accounts.
- Transaction Fees: These fees are incurred each time you buy or sell securities through your Demat account. DPs may charge a flat fee per transaction or a percentage based on the transaction value. Be aware of these charges when making transactions.
Process of opening demat account online
Open Demat Account FAQs:
What is a trading account?
A trading account is a type of investment account that allows you to buy and sell financial securities, such as stocks, bonds, options, and commodities, through a brokerage firm or financial institution. It acts as a gateway to the stock market, enabling you to execute trades and participate in various investment opportunities.
When you open a trading account, you are provided with a unique account number and login credentials that grant you access to the trading platform offered by your broker. Through this platform, you can place buy and sell orders, monitor your portfolio, view market data and charts, and manage your investments.
Trading accounts come in different types, such as cash accounts and margin accounts. In a cash account, you can only trade with the funds you have deposited, while a margin account allows you to borrow money from the broker to increase your buying power, subject to certain conditions and margin requirements.
Overall, a trading account is essential for individuals looking to actively participate in the financial markets and build their investment portfolios.
Who's a Depository Participant?
A Depository Participant is like a middleman between you and the stock market. They can be a bank or a brokerage firm registered with either CDSL or NSDL. You can find a list of these participants online and pick the ones with the best services.
There are two main types of brokerage firms: discount and service. Discount brokers mainly focus on trading stocks and derivatives according to your instructions. Service brokers offer a wider range of services, like advice on investments, mutual funds, insurance, and IPOs. Before you open an online demat account, decide which type of brokerage services you need.
Can I hold different types of securities in a Demat account?
Yes, you can hold various types of securities such as equities, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, government securities, and derivatives in a Demat account.
What is Dematerialisation and Rematerialisation Services?
Demat accounts automate the dematerialisation of securities linked to the trading account. If you have physical securities from previous trades, they can be dematerialised by paying a fee. Additionally, Demat accounts offer rematerialisation services, allowing you to convert dematerialised securities back into their physical form when needed.
Is it safe to open a Demat account online?
Opening a Demat account online can be safe if you choose a reputable brokerage firm, verify security measures, use secure devices and networks, keep login credentials secure, monitor account activity, beware of phishing attempts, and keep software updated. By following these precautions, you can securely manage your investments and enjoy the convenience of online trading without compromising your financial security.