How to Open Demat Account Online | Firstock Guide

Q: How secure is my demat account?

Your account is highly secure. All demat accounts are regulated by SEBI and stored with CDSL. Always enable two-factor authentication for added protection.

How to Open Demat Account Online: Complete 2025 Guide for Indian Investors

If you’ve been hearing friends or colleagues talk about investing in stocks, mutual funds, or IPOs, chances are you’ve also come across the term demat account. For most beginners, this feels like financial jargon—but in reality, it’s your starting point into the Indian stock market.

Now, the good news is: opening one has never been easier. In fact, in 2025, you don’t need to visit a broker’s office, fill long forms, or chase signatures. You can finish the entire process in 10–15 minutes sitting at home with your Aadhaar and PAN card.

This article will walk you through:

What exactly what is demat account means and why you can’t trade without it.
The different types of demat account available in India.
A simple, step-by-step breakdown of how to open demat account online with Firstock—one of India’s most affordable brokers.
Common beginner mistakes to avoid.
And answers to the most frequently asked questions.

So, if you’ve been asking yourself, “how to open demat account in online without confusion?”, keep reading.

What is a Demat Account, Really?

Let’s break it down in simple terms. A demat account (short for dematerialized account) is just a digital locker for your shares and investments.

Before demat, people used to get physical share certificates—printed papers that proved ownership. This was messy, risky, and time-consuming. Imagine misplacing one or waiting weeks to transfer ownership!

Today, everything is digital. The moment you buy shares through a broker like Firstock, they land directly in your demat account. When you sell, they’re deducted instantly.

Think of it like a bank account. Instead of holding cash, this account holds your stocks, ETFs, bonds, and mutual funds—all in electronic form.

Why a Demat Account is a Must in 2025

So why can’t you skip this step? A few solid reasons:

SEBI rules make it mandatory – No demat account, no stock trading.
Safety – No risk of losing physical papers or facing fraud.
Speed – Settlements now happen in T+1 days (the next business day).
Convenience – Whether it’s IPOs, mutual funds, or ETFs, everything connects to your demat account.

In short, it’s your all-access pass to India’s financial markets.

The Different Types of Demat Account

When you look up types of demat account, you’ll find three main options in India:

Regular Demat Account – For Indian residents. Perfect if you’re starting out in stocks or mutual funds.
Repatriable Demat Account – For NRIs who want to invest in Indian markets and send profits abroad. Needs an NRE bank account.
Non-Repatriable Demat Account – For NRIs too, but profits stay in India. Linked to an NRO account.

For most of us living in India, the regular demat account is all we need.

Why Choose Firstock to Open Your Demat Account?

There are dozens of brokers in India, but Firstock stands out because:

Zero Brokerage for Equity Delivery: Invest in stocks for the long term without paying brokerage.
Flat ₹20 Brokerage for Intraday & F&O: Transparent and cost-effective pricing.
Quick Online Account Opening: Fully digital process using Aadhaar and PAN.
Robust Platforms: Web and mobile trading apps with charting tools and fast execution.
Investor Protection: Registered with SEBI and depositories like CDSL.

So, if you’re wondering how to open demat account without unnecessary costs, Firstock is one of the most affordable Stock Trading App brokers in India today.

How to Open Demat Account Online – Step-by-Step with Firstock

Step 1: Visit the Firstock Website or App

Go to Firstock’s official website or download their trading app. Click on “Open Account” to begin.

Step 2: Enter Mobile Number and Email

You’ll need an Aadhaar-linked mobile number for OTP verification. Enter your number and email ID to start the registration.

Step 3: Upload PAN and Aadhaar Details

PAN card is mandatory for all investors.
Aadhaar is used for eKYC (Know Your Customer) verification.

Step 4: Provide Bank Account Details

You’ll need to link a savings bank account for fund transfers. Keep a cancelled cheque or bank statement handy.

Step 5: Complete In-Person Verification (IPV)

As per SEBI rules, you must complete IPV. Firstock makes this simple: record a short selfie video for verification.

Step 6: Fill Nominee Details

SEBI has made it mandatory to either add a nominee or explicitly opt out. Firstock provides an easy digital form for this.

Step 7: Upload Signature

You’ll be asked to upload your scanned signature. This will be mapped to your trading account.

Step 8: E-Sign via Aadhaar OTP

Finally, e-sign the application using Aadhaar OTP authentication.

That’s it — your application is submitted. Firstock usually activates accounts within 24 hours (sometimes longer if documents need additional checks).

Charges for Opening a Demat Account with Firstock

Unlike some brokers that charge high account opening fees, Firstock is highly affordable.

Account Opening Charges: ₹0 (Free)
AMC (Annual Maintenance Charges): ₹0 (No yearly cost)

Brokerage Charges:

Equity Delivery: ₹0
Intraday & F&O: Flat ₹20 per order

This means you can open demat account online with Firstock at zero cost, making it perfect for beginners who don’t want hidden fees.

Documents You’ll Need to Open a Demat Account Online

Before you get started, make sure you have these handy:

PAN card
Aadhaar card (should be linked to your mobile number)
Bank proof
Passport-size photo (digital copy works)
Signature (scanned image)
Optional: Income proof (only if you plan to dabble in derivatives like F&O)

Common Errors to Avoid When Opening a Demat Account

A lot of first-time users make preventable mistakes that drag out the approval process. Watch for these issues:

Using a phone number that isn’t linked to your Aadhaar—you’ll miss the OTP and hit a wall.
Submitting blurry documents or uploading the wrong ones.
Skipping nominee information, which is now mandatory since 2023.
Missing the IPV process; a short selfie video is required.
Not checking your submissions—one small slip and it’s back to square one.

Getting Started with Your New Demat Account

Once your account is active, here’s how you move forward:

Log in to your Firstock app or web platform.
Transfer funds from your linked bank account to get started.
Search for the specific stock or ETF you want to purchase.
Place your buy order—note: delivery orders are free on Firstock.
After trading, check your demat account for instant updates on your holdings.

As you get more comfortable, you can branch out into mutual funds, IPOs, or try your hand at F&O.

Final Thoughts

Opening a demat account has evolved into a streamlined, digital process—nothing like the paper-heavy ordeal it used to be. Nowadays, with platforms such as Firstock, account setup is nearly instantaneous.

The best part? With zero account opening fees and lifetime free AMC, Firstock makes stock market investing accessible for everyone.

So, if you’re still on the fence about how to open demat account, the easiest way is to visit Firstock today, complete the quick signup, and take your first step into the world of investing.

FAQs

1: What is demat account, in straightforward terms?

Think of it as your digital vault for investments. Like a bank account for cash, but for shares and securities—no paper needed, everything’s online.

2: How to open demat account online fast?

With Firstock, you can complete the process in under 15 minutes. Just have your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details ready. Complete eKYC, upload your IPV video, and e-sign with Aadhaar OTP.

3: What are the types of demat account available in India?

There are three: Regular, Repatriable (for NRIs with NRE accounts), and Non-Repatriable (for NRIs with NRO accounts).

4: What are the charges at Firstock for opening a demat account?

There are none. Account opening and AMC are completely free. Brokerage is zero for delivery, and a flat ₹20 for intraday or F&O.

5: How secure is my demat account?

Your account is highly secure. All demat accounts are regulated by SEBI and stored with CDSL. Always enable two-factor authentication for added protection.