Zerodha for options traders
The discount broker most active traders started with; Kite platform and free Varsity lessons.
About Zerodha
Zerodha was founded by Nithin Kamath and started operations on 15 August 2010. Its broking entity, Zerodha Broking Limited, is registered in Bengaluru.
Trading runs on Kite, its web and mobile platform. Console is the back-office dashboard for reports, and Coin is used for direct mutual funds held in the demat account.
Depository services are provided through Zerodha Broking Limited with CDSL and NSDL. Charges for options, delivery and the demat account are listed on the broker comparison table.
| Options brokerage | ₹20 per order |
|---|---|
| Equity delivery | ₹0 |
| Account opening | ₹0 |
| Demat AMC | Free in year 1; then ₹0–₹300 + GST a year depending on holdings (BSDA) |
| Platforms | Kite (web and app) |
| Options tools | Option chain; Sensibull integration |
| Exchanges | NSE, BSE, MCX, MSEI |
| SEBI registration | INZ000031633 |
For options traders
- Option chain on Kite, opened from an instrument, a contract search or the charts section.
- Basket orders, including a basket mode on the option chain that adds several strikes to one basket for spreads and straddles.
- GTT (Good Till Triggered) orders are available for F&O contracts and stay active for up to a year.
- Margin calculator under Zerodha's utilities, and Sensibull integration for strategy building and position analysis.
- Kite Connect API: a free Personal tier for orders, GTT and portfolio, and a Connect tier at ₹500 a month that adds live WebSocket data and historical candles.
Opening an account
- Sign-up runs on the Kite app or signup.zerodha.com with mobile and email OTP verification.
- You need your PAN, an Aadhaar number linked to your mobile number, and bank account details; KYC is done through DigiLocker with Aadhaar OTP.
- The flow includes in-person verification (IPV) on camera, a drawn or uploaded signature, an optional nominee and Aadhaar e-sign.
- Zerodha states accounts open within 48 working hours. F&O and MCX are enabled automatically if income proof is uploaded during sign-up, or can be enabled later from the Kite account section.
Good for
- Fast, stable Kite platform
- Free delivery trades
- Large free learning library (Varsity)
Watch out for
- Some analytics tools are third-party add-ons
- AMC after the first year for larger holdings
Frequently asked questions
Is Zerodha registered with SEBI?
Yes. Zerodha Broking Limited is a SEBI-registered stock broker, registration number INZ000031633, and a depository participant (IN-DP-431-2019).
What does an options order cost at Zerodha?
Brokerage is ₹20 per executed F&O options order. Exchange, regulatory and tax charges are added on top, as with every broker.
Do I need income proof to trade options?
Yes. Zerodha asks for income proof to enable the F&O segment. You can upload it during sign-up or later.
Does Zerodha have a strategy builder?
Strategy building is provided through Sensibull, a separate platform integrated with Kite, rather than a native Kite tool.
How long does account opening take?
Zerodha states accounts are opened within 48 working hours. You can place orders once the exchanges activate the account.
Compare Zerodha
Sources (checked Mon, 2 Nov, 2026)