Kotak Securities vs Zerodha 2026 — Which is Better for IPO?
Side-by-side comparison of Kotak Securities and Zerodha on IPO features, fees, app ratings, and platform capabilities. Updated for 2026.
Kotak Securities
★ 3.9 · 30 Lakh+ · Kotak Neo
Wins on
- ✓NRI IPO support
Loses on
- ✗Higher IPO rating (4.8★)
- ✗Higher app rating (4.4★)
- ✗Lower AMC (₹300/year)
Zerodha
★ 4.5 · 1.6 Cr+ · Kite
Wins on
- ✓Higher IPO rating (4.8★)
- ✓Higher app rating (4.4★)
- ✓Lower AMC (₹300/year)
- ✓Faster IPO application (2 min)
- ✓Free equity delivery
Loses on
- ✗NRI IPO support
| Feature | Kotak Securities★ 3.9 | Zerodha★ 4.5 |
|---|---|---|
| IPO Features | ||
| IPO Rating | ★ 4 | ★ 4.8 |
| Application Time | 2 min (Kotak Bank customers) | 2 min |
| UPI ASBA | ✅ | ✅ |
| Net Banking ASBA | ✅ | ✅ |
| SME IPO Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| NRI IPO Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| Fees | ||
| Account Opening | Free | Free |
| Annual Maintenance | ₹600/year | ₹300/year |
| Equity Delivery | 0.25% | Free |
| Intraday | 0.025% | ₹20/order |
| F&O | ₹20/order | ₹20/order |
| DP Charge (sell) | ₹13.5 + GST | ₹15.34 + GST |
| Platform | ||
| App Rating | 3.8 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
| Trading Platform | Kotak Neo | Kite |
| Founded | 1994 | 2010 |
| Open account | Kotak Bank customers Open Kotak Securities | Active traders Open Zerodha |
Verdict — Which Should You Choose?
Choose Kotak Securities if you are kotak bank customers. Key strengths versus Zerodha: NRI IPO support.
Choose Zerodha if you are active traders. Key strengths versus Kotak Securities: Higher IPO rating (4.8★); Higher app rating (4.4★); Lower AMC (₹300/year).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for IPO — Kotak Securities or Zerodha?
Zerodha has the higher overall IPO rating (4.8/5). Kotak Securities is best for kotak bank customers, while Zerodha is best for active traders.
Which broker has lower charges — Kotak Securities or Zerodha?
Zerodha has lower AMC charges. Kotak Securities AMC is ₹600/year; Zerodha AMC is ₹300/year. Equity delivery: Kotak Securities 0.25%; Zerodha Free.
Can I apply for SME IPOs on both Kotak Securities and Zerodha?
Kotak Securities and Zerodha support SME IPO applications.
Does Kotak Securities or Zerodha support NRI investors?
Only Kotak Securities supports NRI IPO applications. Zerodha does not.
Which broker is better for beginners — Kotak Securities or Zerodha?
Zerodha is generally better for beginners. Kotak Securities platform: Kotak Neo (3.8/5). Zerodha platform: Kite (4.4/5).