Basics of Demat account

The Indian stock market started to boom in 1996 when the dematerialization account was introduced. Our country has seen steady growth in the number of companies that are listed and in the participation of investors on stock exchanges like the NSE and BSE since the introduction of demat accounts.

India had 39.3 Million demat accounts at the end of 2019, up from 34.8 Million accounts in 2018. Demat accounts increased by 4.5 million in 2019, and 4 million in 2018, respectively. The speed at which new demat accounts are opened is increasing every year.

This growth can be attributed to the fact that Indian investors are shifting away from traditional investment instruments like real estate, gold, and FDs. They are also more interested in mutual funds and equity investments, derivatives, commodities and IPOs.

Before we get into trading, investing, and demat accounts, it is important to know the basics. Let's get started with the basics.

What's a demat account?

A demat account can be described as an electronic storage system for securities. This account is similar to a savings account and allows you to buy, sell, and maintain securities on financial exchanges like NSE, BSE, and MCX. A demat account allows you to store, buy, and sell equity, bonds and mutual funds, commodities, derivatives, and exchange-traded fund (ETF) funds.

As depositories for Indian demat accounts, the National Securities Depository Limited, (NSDL) deals with securities traded at NSE and Central Depository Securities Limited, (CSDL), acts as a depository to BSE.

Types demat accounts

In India, there are three types demat accounts.

1. An Indian resident investor can open a regular demat account.

2. A repatriable demat account for non-resident Indians (NRIs). This demat account can be used to transfer funds abroad, but must be linked with an NRE account.

3. This last type of demat account, is the non-repatriable. NRIs can also use this account, but cannot transfer money abroad. This demat account must be linked to an NRO bank account.

The benefits of a demat account

All your securities, such as options, shares, futures and commodities, mutual fund, debentures , ETFs , bonds, and debentures are saved electronically in a demat account. You can easily buy, sell, hold and track these securities from one place. The five main benefits of a demat account are crucial for trading and investing success.

Convenient and easy access

You can access the market 24x7 from any location in the world with a good quality demat account. To trade, invest, or track your portfolio, you don't need to be at your office. You can access your account from any device, including a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or tablet.

Liquidity

Liquidity, or the ability of selling your securities when you need funds, is an important aspect to trading and investing in financial markets. It can be difficult to obtain quick liquidity with certificates and physical shares. However, a demat account allows you to sell or buy securities when the market reopens. A demat account allows you to place a buy/sell order quickly and have it executed in a matter of seconds, even before significant price movements occur.

Convenience

Transacting in securities is quick and easy with a demat bank account. A 2-in-1 trading and demat account makes it even easier as you can trade and invest seamlessly. To avoid any delays in processing transactions, ensure that your trading and demat accounts are with the same broker.

Angel One's 2-in-1 trading account and demat allows you to trade and seamlessly invest in equities and IPOs as well as commodities, currencies and derivatives.

Speed & efficiency

Investors had to wait weeks, sometimes even months, for credits of dividends, interest, refunds and other benefits before demat services were fully established in India. Demat accounts make it easy to receive dividends, stock splits, rights and bonuses, and also invest in IPOs.

Less dangerous

Your securities can be stored electronically without the usual risks of theft, damage, and frauds that are associated with physical certificates. You don't have the worry of misplacing them or losing them because your assets are stored electronically.

Check these things before opening a demat account

You should do some research before you open a demat account with your broker.

• It doesn't matter if you're dealing with a discount broker, or a full-service brokerage company.
• - Transaction charges, annual maintenance fees, brokerage fees and other charges for the demat account
• - Credentials for the broker - whether or not the broker is registered with SEBI
• - Find out if there are any complaints or cases against the brokerage firm or broker.
• - Find value-added services like research, insights, and analytics that are available to you with your trading and demat account

You can trade and invest in any industry you choose, whether you're a novice or an experienced professional. Angel One offers a 2-in-1 trading and demat account. Angel One allows you to enjoy equity delivery trades at zero cost for a lifetime. You can also trade intraday in different market segments such as BSE , NASE and NCDEX starting at Rs. 20 per order.