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Something is reassuring about consistency, and that is exactly what Zerodha Brokerage represents today. As markets evolve and new platforms emerge, Zerodha’s story feels rooted in a simple promise: to help investors keep more of their own money. When Nithin Kamath revealed that users have saved ₹25,620 crore over the last decade, it was not just a number. It was a reflection of years of quiet discipline.
At a time when a comparatively new broker, Dhan, is gaining attention and pushing innovation, this announcement feels like a reminder of where the journey began.
Why Kamath Chose This Moment
Kamath’s statement is not just about celebrating savings. It is about drawing a line between two ways of building a business.
He openly pointed out that not having external investors has allowed Zerodha to stay focused on users instead of revenue pressure. That means no constant nudging to trade more, no aggressive promotion of margin products, and no hidden strategies to increase user activity.
In a world where many platforms are designed to keep you hooked, Zerodha Brokerage has quietly chosen restraint. That choice is now being highlighted at a time when newer players are trying to capture attention with speed and features.
Understanding the ₹25,620 Crore Impact
The savings number comes from comparing Zerodha’s zero brokerage model with traditional brokers that used to charge around 0.3 per cent per trade. Even against a lower benchmark of 0.1 per cent, the savings still run into thousands of crores.
What makes this more powerful is when it happened. The biggest chunk of savings came during the recent surge in retail participation, when millions of Indians entered the markets. Zerodha did not change its pricing during this boom. It simply stayed consistent, and that consistency turned into massive savings for users.
Zerodha vs Comparatively New Broker Dhan: A Practical Comparison
For investors in 2026, the real question is not about the past. It is about choosing the right platform today.
Both Zerodha and the comparatively new broker Dhan now offer zero brokerage on delivery trades. This means long-term investors pay nothing to invest in stocks on either platform. What was once Zerodha’s biggest advantage is now an industry standard.
But differences still exist in the details.
Zerodha charges ₹300 per year as demat account maintenance. It is affordable, but it is a recurring cost.
Dhan removes this completely with lifetime zero AMC, which feels more attractive for passive investors.
For intraday and F&O trading, both platforms charge up to ₹20 per order. In most cases, the cost difference is negligible. Dhan adds a small benefit with discounted brokerage for women traders.
DP charges are slightly lower on Dhan, giving it a marginal edge for frequent sellers. Where the gap truly appears is beyond pricing. Zerodha offers a stable, trusted ecosystem built over a decade. Its learning platform and simple interface make it feel reliable and beginner-friendly.
Dhan, being a comparatively new broker, focuses on speed and modern trading needs. Features like TradingView integration and advanced order options make it appealing to active traders who want more control. In simple words, Zerodha feels steady and time-tested, while Dhan feels fast and evolving.
What Keeps Zerodha Brokerage Relevant
Even with strong competition, Zerodha’s identity has not shifted. It does not try to push users into frequent trading. It does not rely on complex features to create dependency. Instead, it keeps things simple and transparent.
This approach may not always look exciting, but it builds something far more valuable over time: trust. For many investors, especially beginners, trust matters more than any advanced feature.
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The Real Choice Investors Are Making
The decision today is not about who is cheaper, because both platforms are very close on pricing. It is about how you want to invest. If you prefer a calm, steady approach with a platform that has proven itself over time, Zerodha Brokerage feels like a natural choice.
If you are someone who trades actively and values speed, flexibility and modern tools, comparatively new broker Dhan may suit you better. Both are strong in their own way. The difference lies in what you expect from your investing journey.
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The Bottom Line
Zerodha Brokerage is not just defending its past; it is reinforcing a philosophy that has worked for over a decade. Kamath’s ₹25,620 crore figure is not just impressive; it is meaningful because it reflects consistent user-first decisions.
At the same time, comparatively new broker Dhan is pushing the boundaries with innovation and features designed for the next generation of traders. This balance between stability and innovation is exactly what the Indian investor needs.
Because when platforms compete like this, investors quietly benefit the most.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Brokerage charges, features and policies may change over time. Readers should verify details from official sources and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Dr. Bidyut Barun Sarmah, with 22+ years of experience in print, electronic, and digital media, holds an MA and PhD in Mass Communication and Journalism. He has worked with AIR, Doordarshan, and the Publication Division under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. A published author and researcher, Dr. Sarmah writes extensively in both Assamese and English. He was also awarded a prestigious fellowship by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, for his study on journalistic literature—an achievement that highlights his depth of scholarship and contribution to media studies. At Nest of News, he leads the editorial team and contributes across diverse topics.