Difference Between Demat And Trading Account: Key Differences & Features

Difference Between Demat And Trading Account

In India, making investments in the stock exchange is a well-liked strategy for accumulating money. But before you begin investing, it's crucial to comprehend the fundamentals of the stock market and the numerous financial instruments on offer. Understanding the difference between a demat and trading account remains one of the most basic ideas to have.

So let’s begin by understanding what is a demat account and what is a trading account?

Understanding the differences between Demat Account and Trading Account

Trading Account vs Demat Account Explanation - Given in the table below:

What is a Demat account?

A Demat account is an electronic account that enables investors to store and control their securities electronically. This provides an alternative to holding physical certificates of shares and simplifies the buying, selling, or transfer process,  of securities which includes stocks, bonds, mutual funds and government securities. However, the need for a physical certificate has been eliminated with the introduction of the Demat account. In addition, the investor's records of investments are kept electronically in a Demat account electronic format facilitating a smooth, secure transaction format.

What is a trading account?

A trader's account provides investors with a wide range of trading options, including day trading, swing trading, position trading, and more. The trading strategy and objectives of an investor will determine the frequency and duration of transactions. In order to make informed decisions on the purchase or sale of securities, investors may monitor the market, study charts, analyze fundamental data, and use technical indicators.

A brokerage firm or an online trading platform, which acts as an intermediary between the investor and the financial markets, is usually used to open a trading account. Individuals need to provide some identification documents and fill out the necessary forms requested by their broker for opening a trading account. Investors can store funds, and these funds will be used to purchase securities once a trading account has been established. A linked bank account or other means may be used to transfer these funds. This allows investors to buy and sell orders for individual securities using the balance in their trading account. Understanding the difference between a demat and trading account is important for efficiently managing investments.

Features and Benefits of a Demat Account

You need a Demat account in order to purchase stocks in India. Why is a demat account necessary? It is an easy and secure means to retain your assets, and it does away with the need for actual certificates that could get misplaced, stolen, or damaged. A The following are the major features of  demat account are as follows.

• Digital storage

Instead of requiring physical certificates, a demat account holds your investments in a digital format.

• Reliable and secure

Having your securities in a demat account lowers the chance of theft, mishandling, or damage.

• Simple transfer

It is simple to sell or transfer securities because you can move them from one demat account to another.

• Simple Guarantee

You don't need to physically transfer your securities to pledge them as collateral for loans or various other monetary transactions.

Features and Benefits of a Trading Account

If you wish to purchase or sell securities in India, you'll need a trading account. Beacuse trading without demat account is not possible. It is an online service that enables you to purchase and trade securities on the stock market. A trading account's main characteristics and advantages are as follows.

• Accessibility to the stock market

You can purchase and sell shares using a trading account, which offers you access to the market for shares.

• Real-time trading

You can participate in trading in real time, allowing you to profit from market swings and act quickly.

• Trading online

Trading online negates the need to physically contact a broker or the stock market.

• User-friendly

Trading systems are easy to use, rendering it simple for new investors to buy stocks.

The process of opening a Demat account and a trading account. There are two distinct processes involved to open a Demat account and a trading account in India, each with its essentials and steps.

1. The process of opening a Demat account is as follows:

• Step 1 - Select a Depository Participant (DP)
• Step 2 - Complete the account opening form. 
• Step 3 - Submit the necessary paperwork.
• Step 4 - Finish the on-site verification.
• Step 5 - Sign the contract.
• Step 6 - Get your account information.

2. The process of opening a trading account is as follows:

• Step 1 - Pick an investment advisor.
• Step 2 - Complete the account opening form.
• Step 3 - Upload the necessary documentation.

Demat Account vs Trading Account - Functionality

A Demat account has the benefit of preserving financial assets like securities and shares. Rematerialization, or the transformation of securities from their electronic form into their physical form, is another function of the Demat account. A trading account is used for both this transaction and the buying and selling of securities.

The same can be done through a trading account if the trader merely wishes to trade in options, futures, or currencies. However, a dealer needs both Demat and Trading accounts if he wishes to sell stocks. In particular, Demat Accounts are needed for the purpose of holding equity and so that their assets can be safely stored.

Demat Account vs Trading Account - Roles

When an investor uses the trading account, funds are transferred from a linked bank account to purchase these shares, and then they will be placed in Demat's accounts for future storage. As soon as the shares are sold, they are taken from the Demat account and sold on the stock exchange, and the proceeds are transferred to the investor's bank account. For this reason, if you are going to trade on the stock market, it is necessary to link all three accounts.

Demat vs Trading Account - Nature

The dematerialized accounts, or the Demat accounts, as they are commonly known, are always used for the sale or purchase of shares. The term "dematerialized" means that any securities bought on an exchange are stored in electronic formats and have a short form called "Demat.". The existence of Demat accounts is due to the fact that people are no longer able to hold physical share certificates.

The trade account shall act as a broker between Demat and the bank account. A trading account is used for taking and selling shares held in a Demat account. The Demat account is more like a savings account or a storage facility for any security purchased or stored, and the trading account can be compared to the current account for the purchase of shares.

Opening a Demat Account

Follow the below-mentioned steps to open a hassle-free Demat Account:

Step 1: To open a Demat account, fill in the details and submit the opening form.

If you want to open a Demat account, fill out the online form. Please fill out the electronic form with your mandatory information, such as a telephone number and an email address. 

Step 2: Prepare supporting documents for the opening of a Demat Account. 

Give your PAN card and bank details. You will need to input a correct PAN number and bank details if you want to make transactions.

Step 3: Complete the E-KYC process and receive a Demat Account number 

You can verify your KYC details online. You can verify the information about your KYC online.

Importance of Demat Account

The major importance of a Demat account is as follows.

• Quick access: Demat accounts make it easy for you to view all investments and statements via the Internet banking facility, thus facilitating their tracking and management. 
• Hassl-free Dematerialization: Physical share certificates can be converted into electronic form and vice versa, which makes the dematerialization process easy with the assistance of a depository participant.
• Effortless share transfers: With the use of Demat accounts, transfers of shares have become significantly easier and more time-saving, eliminating the need for physical paperwork and delays.

Opening Trading Account

The steps to opening a trading account are as follows.

• Select the broker: Look for brokers that meet your needs and budget by comparing them. 
• Complete the application: provide the broker with your personal and financial information by means of an online or paper application. 
• Provide documentation: the broker will request documentary evidence, including ID, proof of address, and possibly tax information. 
• Fund the account: You can transfer funds to a new trading account after your application has been approved.
• Start trading: If your account is funded, you can begin to buy and sell securities.

Importance of Trading Account

To participate in the financial markets, you must have a trading account that allows you to carry out your buying, selling, and investing activities. It enables access to different assets, facilitates portfolio growth, and provides opportunities for profit-making. It is for its role in carrying out trade, monitoring investments, and accessing market information that the accounts need to be used.

Fees and Charges for opening Demat and Trading Account

Demat Account opening charges

Some stockbrokers will charge you a fee to open a Demat Account. The Demat account's opening fee is referred to as the opening fee. It could vary, depending on the stockbroker, from Rs. 700 to Rs. 900.

Trading Account opening charges

Some brokers offer free opening of the trading account, whereas trading account opening charges are similar to a Demat Account.

Difference In Charges Of Demat Account And Trading Account

Understanding the difference between a Demat and a Trading Account is essential as the former is used for securely holding securities, while the latter is dedicated to executing transactions in the stock markets.

Demat Account Charges

1. Account Opening Charges

When opening a Demat account, investors may be required to pay a one-time account opening charge. The fee varies among different Depository Participants (DPs) and can depend on the type of account (individual, joint, corporate, etc.) being opened.

2. Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC)

DPs charge an annual fee for maintaining the Demat account. The account maintenance charges can vary depending on the DP, the value of holdings, and the type of account. Typically, the charges are debited annually from the investor's linked bank account.

3. Transaction Charges

One crucial difference between a Demat and a Trading Account lies in their transactional charges. DPs levy transaction charges for every security transaction, such as buying or selling shares. The DP charges are typically based on the transaction value or the number of securities traded. The rate may vary among DPs and can be different for equity, debt, or mutual fund transactions.

4. Custodian Charges

In certain cases, when holding foreign securities or participating in specific investment schemes, additional custodian charges may apply. These charges cover the custody and safekeeping of the securities.

Trading Account Charges

1. Account Opening Charges

Similar to a Demat account, a trading account may also have an account opening charge. The fee varies among brokerage firms and can depend on the type of account (individual, joint, corporate, etc.) being opened.

2. Brokerage Charges

Brokerage firms charge a brokerage fee for facilitating buy and sell transactions. The fee is usually a percentage of the transaction value or a fixed amount per trade. The rate can vary based on the type of security (equity, derivatives, commodities, etc.) and the trading volume.

3. Transaction Charges

Stock exchanges charge transaction fees for executing trades. These charges are separate from brokerage fees and are typically based on the transaction value or the number of securities traded. The rates can vary among exchanges. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the total costs associated with your trades, consider using a brokerage calculator to factor in transaction fees and other expenses.

4. Taxes and Statutory Charges

In addition to brokerage and transaction charges, investors are also subject to various taxes and statutory charges. For example, in India, securities transaction tax (STT), goods and services tax (GST), and stamp duty are applicable on certain transactions.

Conclusion

Understanding the key Difference between Demat and trading account is crucial for investors looking to participate in the financial markets. While both accounts are essential for securities trading, they serve distinct purposes and have different charges associated with them. 

It is essential for investors to carefully consider the charges, features, and services offered by different Depository Participants (DPs) and brokerage firms when choosing their Demat and trading account providers. Now trade Trade smarter and faster with blinkX trading app. seize profitable opportunities, and elevate your investment journey with the blinkX user-friendly app.