Dhan has rapidly emerged as one of India’s most innovative discount brokers, revolutionizing the online trading and investing experience for over 950,000 active users. Launched in 2018 by the founders of IIFL, this technology-driven platform has garnered multiple awards, including the prestigious “Best Options Trading Platform” globally by TradingView in 2024.
This comprehensive Dhan trading account review explores everything you need to know about their low brokerage structure, cutting-edge features, trading platforms, and overall user experience to help you make an informed investment decision.
About Dhan: Company Overview
Dhan (operated by Raise Financial Services, formerly Moneylicious Securities Private Limited) is a SEBI-registered discount broker headquartered in Mumbai. The platform serves both active traders and long-term investors with a technology-first approach that prioritizes speed, innovation, and user experience.
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Join Dhan Now →Key Company Details:
- Founded: 2018
- Headquarters: Mumbai, India
- SEBI Registration: INZ000006031
- Exchange Memberships: NSE (90133), BSE (6593), MCX (56320)
- User Base: 950,000+ active users
- Growth Metrics: 300% user growth and 675% revenue growth in 2024
Dhan Brokerage Charges: Competitive Pricing Structure
One of Dhan’s strongest selling points is its transparent and low brokerage structure, making it highly attractive for cost-conscious traders.
Detailed Brokerage Structure
| Trading Segment | Brokerage Charges |
|---|---|
| Equity Delivery | ₹0 (Free) |
| Equity Intraday | ₹20 per trade or 0.03% (whichever is lower) |
| Equity Futures | ₹20 per trade or 0.03% (whichever is lower) |
| Equity Options | ₹20 per trade |
| Commodity Futures | ₹20 per trade or 0.03% (whichever is lower) |
| Commodity Options | ₹20 per trade |
| Currency Futures | ₹20 per trade or 0.03% (whichever is lower) |
| Currency Options | ₹20 per trade |
Special Benefits:
- Women Traders: 50% lower brokerage charges
- Account Opening: Free
- Account Maintenance: ₹0 AMC for lifetime
- Mutual Funds: 0% commission on direct mutual funds
Key Features and Trading Platforms
Dhan offers a comprehensive suite of trading platforms and features designed for different trading styles and preferences.
1. Dhan Mobile App
The flagship mobile trading application offers:
- Lightning-fast order execution with 95% of orders processed under 25 milliseconds
- Multiple watchlists (up to 10,000 stocks)
- Real-time price alerts and notifications
- Advanced charting with technical indicators
- Biometric login (fingerprint/face ID) for enhanced security
2. Dhan Web Platform
Desktop trading platform featuring:
- Big-screen trading experience with advanced option chains
- Direct integration with TradingView charts
- Basket orders and hedge benefit calculations
- Instant fund transfers and withdrawals
- Comprehensive portfolio management tools
3. Options Trader App
Dedicated F&O trading platform with:
- Strategy Builder for complex options strategies
- Real-time Greeks and payoff graphs
- Advanced option chains with live insights
- Risk/reward analysis tools
- One-tap trade execution from charts
4. ScanX Stock Screener
Revolutionary market research platform offering:
- 50+ ready-made screeners across fundamentals and technicals
- Custom screener builder with 200+ filters
- Live market scanner for real-time opportunities
- Comprehensive company research pages
- Direct trade execution from screening results
Advanced Trading Features
Innovative Tools:
- Dhan WiFi: Seamless connectivity between web and mobile platforms
- Iceberg Plus: Smart order slicing for large orders
- Super Order: Combine entry, target, and stop-loss in one order
- Scalper Mode: One-tap trading directly from charts
- Power Trade Mode: Desktop-like experience on mobile
Margin and Leverage Benefits:
- Margin Trading Facility (MTF): Up to 4X leverage on 1,500+ stocks
- Interest Rates: Starting from 12.49% annually (varies by holding amount)
- Instant Pledge: Over 1,450 stocks available for pledging
- Unlimited Holding Period: Hold MTF positions as long as margins are maintained
Technology and Performance Excellence
Dhan’s proprietary DEXT (Dhan Exchange Trading System) sets industry benchmarks:
Performance Metrics:
- 95% of orders executed under 25 milliseconds
- 5-6 times faster than industry standards
- Active-active system with multi-region redundancy
- AWS-powered infrastructure for reliability and scalability
This exceptional performance has earned recognition from Amazon AWS, highlighting Dhan’s technological superiority in trade execution speed.
Investment Options and Asset Classes
Dhan provides access to a comprehensive range of investment products:
Available Instruments:
- Equity Trading: 4,000+ stocks across NSE and BSE
- Derivatives: Futures and Options on major indices and stocks
- Commodities: Gold, silver, crude oil trading on MCX
- Currency: Major currency pairs (USD/INR, EUR/INR, GBP/INR)
- ETFs: Exchange-traded funds with SIP facility
- Mutual Funds: Direct funds with zero commission
- IPOs: Easy application using mobile UPI
- Smallcases: Thematic investment baskets
Pros and Cons Analysis
Advantages of Dhan Trading Account:
Technology and Speed:
- Industry-leading order execution speeds (95% under 25ms)
- Proprietary DEXT trading engine
- Multi-platform synchronization
- Advanced API access for algorithmic trading
Cost Structure:
- Free equity delivery trading
- Competitive flat brokerage at ₹20 per trade
- Zero account opening and maintenance charges
- Special benefits for women traders
Features and Tools:
- Comprehensive ScanX stock screener
- Advanced options trading platform
- TradingView integration with native order placement
- Innovative trading tools (Scalper, Super Order, etc.)
User Experience:
- Clean and intuitive interface
- Excellent customer support via multiple channels
- Regular feature updates based on user feedback
- Strong community engagement
Potential Drawbacks:
Limited Scope:
- No NRI account support currently
- No foreign stocks trading
- Limited offline presence
- No banking or insurance services
Technical Considerations:
- Being relatively new, some users report occasional platform hiccups
- Heavy feature load might overwhelm beginners
- Some advanced TradingView features require separate subscription
Customer Support and Security
Support Channels:
- Phone Support: 9987761000
- Email: help@dhan.co
- Live Chat: Available on app and web
- Community Forum: Active MadeForTrade community
Security Measures:
- Data Encryption: High-grade encryption for all transactions
- Two-Factor Authentication: Enhanced login security
- SEBI Compliance: Fully regulated by Securities and Exchange Board of India
- Depository Protection: Investments held with CDSL for maximum security
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Opening a Dhan trading account is straightforward and completely digital:
Step-by-Step Process:
- Download App/Visit Website: Get Dhan app or go to dhan.co
- Mobile and Email Verification: Enter OTP for verification
- Set Security PIN: Create 6-digit PIN for account access
- Document Upload: PAN card, address proof, and selfie
- Personal Information: Add occupation, income details
- Bank Account Linking: Connect your bank account
- E-Sign: Aadhaar-based digital signature
- Account Activation: Usually completed within 24-48 hours
Required Documents:
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank Account Details
- Address Proof (if not using Aadhaar)
- Income Proof (for F&O activation)
Awards and Recognition
Dhan’s excellence has been recognized globally:
TradingView Awards:
- 2024: Best Options Trading Platform (Global)
- 2023: Best Broker in Asia-Pacific Region
- 2022: Most Innovative Tech Broker
Other Recognitions:
- Deloitte India: Technology Fast 50 Award in FinTech (2024)
- Global Fintech Festival: Best-in-Class FinTech Product
- Money Expo: Best Trading & Investing Platform (2024)
- MCX Awards: Leading Member in Traded Clients (2024)
Comparison with Competitors
When compared to other discount brokers like Zerodha, Angel One, and Groww:
Competitive Advantages:
- Fastest execution speeds in the industry
- Superior technology infrastructure with DEXT
- More advanced features for active traders
- Better options trading tools with dedicated platform
- Free API access (while others charge)
Market Position:
Dhan has positioned itself as a premium discount broker, focusing on active traders and tech-savvy investors who value speed, innovation, and advanced features over just low costs.
Who Should Choose Dhan?
Ideal for:
- Active Intraday Traders: Lightning-fast execution and advanced tools
- Options Traders: Dedicated platform with strategy builder
- Tech-Savvy Investors: API access and algorithmic trading
- Cost-Conscious Traders: Low brokerage with premium features
- Scalpers: One-tap trading and millisecond execution
May Not Suit:
- Complete Beginners: Might find features overwhelming initially
- NRI Investors: Currently not supported
- Offline Traders: Limited physical presence
- Conservative Investors: Who prefer traditional full-service brokers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Dhan a safe and reliable trading platform?
Yes, Dhan is completely safe and reliable. It’s SEBI-registered (INZ000006031) and follows all regulatory guidelines. Your investments are held with CDSL (Central Depository Services Limited), ensuring maximum security even if the broker faces any issues.
2. What are the brokerage charges for trading on Dhan?
Dhan charges ₹20 per trade or 0.03% (whichever is lower) for intraday, futures, and currency trading. Options trading is charged at a flat ₹20 per trade. Equity delivery trading is completely free with zero brokerage charges.
3. How fast is order execution on Dhan?
Dhan boasts industry-leading execution speeds with 95% of orders processed under 25 milliseconds, which is 5-6 times faster than industry standards, thanks to their proprietary DEXT trading system.
4. Can I use TradingView features for free on Dhan?
Yes, Dhan provides free access to TradingView charting features through tv.dhan.co. While you don’t get full TradingView Premium, many advanced features are available free, and you can place orders directly from charts.
5. What is Margin Trading Facility (MTF) and how does it work on Dhan?
MTF allows you to buy stocks with partial payment (25% minimum) while Dhan funds the remaining amount. You can get up to 4X leverage on 1,500+ stocks with interest rates starting from 12.49% annually, calculated daily.
6. Does Dhan charge any account opening or maintenance fees?
No, Dhan offers completely free account opening with zero annual maintenance charges (AMC) for lifetime. There are no hidden charges or subscription fees for using their platforms.
7. What makes Dhan different from other discount brokers?
Dhan stands out with its proprietary DEXT trading engine offering fastest execution speeds, comprehensive ScanX stock screener, dedicated options trading platform, free API access, and innovative features like Super Order and Scalper mode that are not available with other brokers.
Conclusion
Dhan has successfully established itself as a premium technology-driven discount broker that combines the cost-effectiveness of discount broking with cutting-edge features typically found in expensive platforms. With industry-leading execution speeds, innovative trading tools, comprehensive research capabilities, and transparent pricing, Dhan offers exceptional value for active traders and tech-savvy investors.
While it may not be the ideal choice for complete beginners or those seeking extensive hand-holding, Dhan excels for traders who value speed, technology, and advanced features. The platform’s rapid growth, multiple awards, and strong user satisfaction ratings demonstrate its commitment to continuous innovation and user-centric development.
For anyone looking for a modern, fast, and feature-rich trading platform at competitive costs, Dhan trading account deserves serious consideration. The combination of zero delivery brokerage, advanced tools, and lightning-fast execution makes it a compelling choice in India’s competitive brokerage landscape.
Ready to start your trading journey with Dhan? Experience the difference of lightning-fast execution and innovative features. Consider consulting with a financial advisor to determine if Dhan’s offerings align with your investment goals and risk tolerance.
Disclaimer: This review is based on publicly available information and user experiences. Trading and investing involve risks, and past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. Always conduct your own research and consider your financial situation before making investment decisions.
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