Introduction
Long-term investing requires stability, low costs, and access to quality investment options like equity delivery and mutual funds. While many brokers are designed for active trading, a few stand out for their long-term investing support. In this 2025 guide, we list the best brokers in India for long-term investors, whether you’re building wealth for retirement or investing in blue-chip stocks.
What Long-Term Investors Should Look For
- Zero delivery charges
- Easy access to mutual funds and SIPs
- Minimal account maintenance fees
- Safe, SEBI-registered platforms
- Access to tax reports and long-term performance tracking
Top Brokers for Long-Term Investing in 2025
1. Zerodha
- Why it’s great: ₹0 brokerage on delivery trades, secure platform, direct mutual funds via Coin
- Platform: Kite + Console
- Ideal for: DIY investors focused on stocks + mutual funds
- AMC: ₹300/year
2. Groww
- Why it’s great: Clean UI, perfect for beginners investing in SIPs and stocks
- Platform: Groww App + Web
- Ideal for: First-time investors, mutual fund SIPs
- AMC: ₹0
3. Upstox
- Why it’s great: Zero delivery charges, mutual fund integration, and goal-based investing tools
- Platform: Upstox Pro App/Web
- Ideal for: App-first investors with low trade volume
- AMC: ₹150/year
4. ICICI Direct
- Why it’s great: Offers 3-in-1 account (bank + demat + trading) and advisory services
- Platform: ICICI Direct Prime, Markets App
- Ideal for: Investors wanting advisory, full-service experience
- AMC: ₹300–₹700/year
5. HDFC Securities
- Why it’s great: Secure platform with banking integration, ideal for HDFC account holders
- Platform: HDFC Securities App
- Ideal for: Conservative investors with larger portfolios
- AMC: ₹750–₹1000/year
Key Comparison Table
| Broker | Delivery Charges | Mutual Fund Access | AMC | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zerodha | ₹0 | Yes (Coin) | ₹300/year | Long-term + DIY investors |
| Groww | ₹0 | Yes (Direct only) | ₹0 | Beginners and SIP investors |
| Upstox | ₹0 | Yes | ₹150/year | App-focused investors |
| ICICI Direct | % based | Yes (Advisory) | ₹300–₹700 | Advisory + bank integration |
| HDFC Securities | % based | Yes | ₹750–₹1000 | High-value conservative users |
Final Recommendation
| If you want… | Go with… |
|---|---|
| Lowest cost and stable platform | Zerodha |
| Mutual fund SIPs with zero complexity | Groww |
| A good mobile app for long-term stocks | Upstox |
| Banking + investing in one account | ICICI Direct |
| Offline branch support + safe ecosystem | HDFC Securities |
FAQs
1. Are discount brokers safe for long-term investments?
Yes. As long as the broker is SEBI-registered and works with CDSL/NSDL, it’s safe.
2. What is the biggest cost for long-term investing?
Primarily AMC and DP charges. Choose a broker with zero delivery charges to reduce long-term costs.
3. Can I invest in mutual funds and stocks together?
Yes. Brokers like Zerodha, Groww, and Upstox offer both stock trading and mutual fund investing in one account.
4. Do I need a 3-in-1 account for long-term investing?
Not necessarily. Discount brokers offer low-cost, separate trading and bank accounts.
5. Which broker is best for retirement investing?
Zerodha or Groww if you’re confident. ICICI Direct or HDFC if you prefer support and advisory.
