Guided playbook · 3 steps · 2 min
Know your true cost per trade
3 steps: your trade, your broker, your pattern — the full statutory stack (STT, exchange, GST, stamp, DP) plus break-even and cheapest-3 ranking.
Brokerage is the smallest line on most contract notes. STT, exchange transaction charges, SEBI fees, stamp duty, DP charges and 18% GST stack on every leg — small trades can need a 1%+ move just to break even. This flow runs your exact trade through the full statutory stack.
Rates follow the Finance Act 2026 STT schedule (delivery 0.1% both sides, intraday 0.025% sell side, futures 0.05%, options 0.15% of premium) on NSE transaction rates; BSE differs slightly. Verify before trading.
Which segment?
FAQs
Why is my break-even higher than brokerage?
Statutory charges (STT, exchange, GST, stamp, DP) apply at every broker identically and often exceed the broker's own fee — especially on small trades.
Is ₹0 delivery brokerage really free?
Brokerage-free, not charge-free: STT (0.1% each side), exchange, GST, stamp and DP charges on selling still apply.
Which broker is cheapest for options?
Any flat-₹20/order discount broker for brokerage itself — the differentiator is platform quality and statutory costs, which are identical everywhere.