Upstox: Features, Pros & Cons, Charges, How to use Upstox?

Upstox is a stock trading website in India that is famous for its simple interface and low charges. It makes it possible for anyone who has a smartphone or computer to invest in stocks, commodities, currencies, and mutual funds. Whether you are a newcomer or a seasoned trader, Upstox strives to make investing easy and inexpensive.

In this post, we’ll look at Upstox’s key features, its pros and cons, the charges you’ll pay, and a step-by-step guide on how to use the platform. By the end, you’ll understand why millions of Indians choose Upstox for their trading needs.

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Key Features of Upstox

Upstox stands out because of several modern features that help traders make informed decisions:

• Advanced Charting with TradingView
  You get access to TradingView charts right in the Upstox Pro app. These charts let you draw trend lines, add indicators, and track patterns easily. With clear visuals, you can plan your buys and sells better.
• Ready-made Options Strategies
  If you trade options, you can use built-in strategies like straddles, strangles, and iron condors. This saves time and helps beginners try complex trades without manual setup.
• GTT (Good-Till-Triggered) Orders
  You can place conditional orders that stay valid until your trigger price is reached. This means you don’t have to watch the market 24/7—Upstox will execute the trade once your condition is met.
• Margin Trading Facility (MTF)
  Upstox offers margin on select stocks and F&O trades. This allows you to take larger positions with a fraction of the capital, potentially increasing gains (but also risks).
• Order Flow Insights & Extended Market Depth
  Get deeper visibility into buy/sell orders at multiple price levels. You can see how large orders are moving, which helps in spotting support and resistance zones.
• Universal Search and Watchlists
  Quickly search any stock, currency, or commodity. Create multiple watchlists to track your favorite instruments in real time.

All these features combine to make Upstox a powerful yet easy-to-use trading platform suitable for all levels of traders.

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Pros & Cons of Upstox

Pros

• Low Brokerage: Flat ₹20 per order or 0.05% (whichever is lower) for equity intraday, F&O, currency, and commodity trades.
• Zero Brokerage on Delivery: You pay ₹20 or 2.5% (whichever is lower) per equity delivery order. Many users find this cheaper than traditional brokers.
• Free Mutual Funds & IPO Investments: Invest in mutual funds and IPOs with zero commission—ideal for long-term investors.
• Powerful Tools: TradingView charts, ready-made options strategies, GTT orders, margin trading, and more give you institutional-grade tools on a retail platform.
• Fast Account Opening: You can open a Demat and trading account online in minutes with minimal documentation.

Cons

• AMC After First Year: The first year of Demat AMC (annual maintenance charge) is free, but thereafter it is ₹300 per year.
• Learning Curve: Some advanced features may feel overwhelming for absolute beginners until they get used to the interface.
• Customer Support Wait Times: During volatile markets, response times can be slower due to high call volumes.
• Limited Discount Offers: Unlike some competitors, Upstox rarely runs deep discount promotions beyond its flat ₹20 plan.

Overall, Upstox offers excellent value for active traders, while casual investors benefit from free mutual funds and IPO trades.

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Charges on Upstox

Understanding costs is crucial for traders. Here’s a summary of the main charges on Upstox:

Charge Type	Details
Account Opening	₹0 (free)
Demat AMC	First year: ₹0; thereafter: ₹300/year
Equity Delivery Brokerage	₹20 per order or 2.5% of trade value (whichever is lower)
Equity Intraday Brokerage	₹20 per order or 0.05% of trade value (whichever is lower)
Equity Futures Brokerage	₹20 per order or 0.05% of trade value (whichever is lower)
Equity Options Brokerage	₹20 per executed order
Currency & Commodity	₹20 per order or 0.05% (whichever is lower)
Mutual Funds & IPOs	Zero commission
Transaction Charges & Taxes	SEBI turn­over, stamp duty, GST, and exchange transaction charges extra

These flat-fee structures make it easy to predict your costs before placing a trade.

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How to Use Upstox

1. Open Your Account
   • Visit the Upstox website or download the Upstox Pro app.
   • Click “Open Account” and enter your mobile number and email.
   • Complete KYC by uploading a photo of your Aadhaar and PAN card. Verification usually takes a few hours.
2. Fund Your Account
   • Log in and go to the “Funds” section.
   • Add your bank details and fund your trading account instantly via UPI, net banking, or NEFT.
3. Explore the Dashboard
   • On the web or app, you’ll see market watchlists, charts, and quick links for different segments (stocks, F&O, mutual funds).
   • Use the search bar to find your desired instrument.
4. Place Your First Order
   • Click on a stock or derivative to open the order window.
   • Choose buy or sell, set quantity, price type (market or limit), and other conditions (e.g., GTT).
   • Review charges at the bottom and confirm your order.
5. Track & Manage Trades
   • View open positions under “Orders” or “Positions.”
   • Use stop-loss or target orders to manage risk automatically.
   • Monitor your portfolio’s daily P&L (profit and loss) in the “Holdings” section.
6. Withdraw Funds
   • Go to the “Funds” tab, enter the amount to withdraw, and confirm. Money usually reaches your bank account within a day.

With these steps, you can start trading on Upstox confidently.

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Comparison Table

Aspect	Upstox	Zerodha	Groww
Brokerage	₹20/order or 0.05%	₹20/order flat	₹20/order flat
AMC	First year free; ₹300/year	First year free; ₹300/year	First year free; ₹300/year
Mutual Funds	Zero commission	Zero commission	Zero commission
Charting Tools	TradingView charts	Kite charts	Basic charts
Options Strategies	Ready-made strategies	Limited	Not available
GTT Orders	Yes	Yes	No
User Base	1.3 Cr+ users	7+ Cr users	2 Cr+ users

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Conclusion

Upstox is a robust, economical trading platform for both new investors and active traders. Its ₹20 flat brokerage, zero commission for IPOs and mutual funds, and sophisticated trading tools provide it with a competitive edge in India.

Although there is a minor learning process and yearly AMC post the first year, its overall advantages make it a good bet for those who want to invest or trade. Try Upstox and enjoy the latest, easy, and affordable investing.

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