January 01, 2026
5 mins read
In India, investors can choose from various types of Demat accounts based on their investment goals and residency status. Whether you are a resident Indian, a non-resident Indian, or an occasional trader, there is a Demat account designed to match your needs.
Common options include Regular Demat accounts for active investors, Basic Service Demat Accounts (BSDA) for small investors with limited holdings, and NRI Demat accounts. NRI accounts are further divided into Repatriable and Non-Repatriable Demat accounts, depending on whether funds and profits can be transferred abroad.
Understanding the differences between these types of Demat accounts helps investors select the most suitable option, manage costs effectively, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements while trading or investing in securities.
This guide helps you to understand the different types of Demat accounts in India, including Regular, BSDA, Repatriable, and Non-Repatriable options. It explains who each account is meant for, the charges involved, documentation required, and key rules, guiding you to choose a Demat account that matches your trading habits, residency status, and investment goals.
You can choose from four types of Demat accounts in India. Each serves a specific purpose and comes with different features and restrictions. We have listed all four below:
1. Regular Demat Account: A Regular Demat account is the most common type of account available for Indian residents. It allows you to hold unlimited securities in electronic form, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
Depositories like NSDL and CDSL offer Regular Demat accounts through Depository Participants (DPs). You may be required to pay an Annual Maintenance Charge (AMC), which varies by Depository Participant (DP). Some DPs may also offer accounts without any AMC.
2. Basic service Demat Account (BSDA): A Basic Service Demat Account (BSDA) is a simplified version of the regular account, designed for infrequent investors. If the value of your holdings is ₹50,000 or less, there is no AMC.
If the value is between ₹50,001 and ₹2 lakhs, the AMC is capped at ₹100 annually. However, you can open only one BSDA per PAN, and it is ideal if you don’t trade frequently but still want to maintain a Demat account.
3. Repatriable Demat Account: A Repatriable Demat account is specifically for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). To open this type of account, you must have a Non-Resident External (NRE) bank account.
The key benefit is that you can transfer funds abroad, allowing you to repatriate proceeds from the sale of securities up to $1 million annually. It is a preferred choice for NRIs who want to invest in Indian markets while having the option to move funds overseas.
4. Non-repatriable Demat Account: A Non-Repatriable Demat account is also for NRIs but comes with certain restrictions. You need a Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) bank account to open this account.
Unlike the repatriable account, you cannot transfer funds abroad, but you can move funds within India to other domestic accounts. It is ideal for NRIs who wish to reinvest their earnings in India without moving funds overseas.
To open any type of demat account, specific documents are required. These help verify identity, address, and other essential details. Below is a list of documents commonly asked for during the account opening process.
1. Proof of Identity:
PAN card (mandatory for all applicants)
Aadhaar card
Passport
Voter ID
Driving license
2. Proof of Address:
Aadhaar card
Utility bill (electricity, water, or gas – not older than 3 months)
Bank statement with recent transactions
Passport
3. Bank Proof:
Cancelled cheque with your name printed
Bank passbook copy with name and account number
4. Income Proof (for trading in derivatives):
Salary slip
ITR acknowledgment
Bank statement showing income/transactions
Net worth certificate from a chartered accountant
Many investors pause at this point because the rules seem unclear at first. A Demat account simply stores shares in a digital form, and most market actions now rely on this format. It works a bit like a digital locker that keeps all the security in one safe place. When shares are bought or sold, the settlement needs a home, and the Demat account fills that role. Without it, trades on the exchange cannot move forward.
Yet not everything in the market depends on it. Products like mutual funds work without a Demat account, which surprises many people. But once the focus shifts to listed shares, ETFs, or certain bonds, the account becomes part of the process. It keeps records neat and helps transactions flow without confusion.
Choosing the right Demat account can feel confusing at first, as many options appear similar. A simple way to narrow your choice is to understand your trading style, costs involved, and the overall ease of using the platform.
Identify whether you trade frequently or invest for the long term
Compare charges, as even small fees can add up over time
Check the platform’s ease of use for daily activities
Look for clear layouts, stable features, and smooth navigation
Choose an account that feels comfortable and suits your investing habits
This approach makes selecting the right Demat account much simpler and more practical.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Bajaj Broking (BFSL) makes no recommendations to buy or sell securities.
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Having multiple Demat accounts allows you to segregate your investments based on different strategies, such as one for long-term holdings and another for active trading. It also helps in diversifying brokerage services.
There is no limit on the number of Demat accounts an individual can hold in India, provided each account is with a different DP.
Yes, you can open Demat accounts with different DPs. Each DP will manage a separate account, allowing you to diversify your brokerage services.
Yes, each Demat account incurs maintenance fees, transaction charges, and other costs. It's important to consider these expenses before opening additional accounts.
To manage multiple Demat accounts effectively, maintain clear records, use tracking tools or apps, and regularly monitor all transactions and corporate actions across your accounts.
Holding multiple Demat accounts does not directly affect your credit score, but mismanagement of accounts or unpaid dues on associated accounts could potentially impact your financial profile.
Yes, it is legal to have multiple Demat accounts in India, as long as each account is opened with a different DP and all accounts comply with SEBI regulations.
Yes, you can have multiple Demat accounts linked to a single bank account. However, each account must be with a different Depository Participant (DP) and must be linked to the same PAN (Permanent Account Number).
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