Account Opening FAQs

Account opening process

How do I open a Zerodha account?
A Zerodha account can be opened online and offline. The online process is paperless and requires Aadhaar-based e-sign and video verification.

How long does it take to open a Zerodha account?
Once all the necessary documents are submitted, the account is typically opened within 24 to 48 working hours.

Do I need to visit Zerodha’s office to open my account?
No, the entire process can be completed online.

Can I open a joint trading and demat account with Zerodha?
Yes, you can open a joint account with Zerodha, but it can only be done offline.

Can I open an account for my kids with Zerodha?
Yes, a minor account can be opened with Zerodha.

Can I open an account with Zerodha if I am an NRI?
Yes, NRIs can open accounts with Zerodha, but the account opening process is offline.

C an I open only a commodity account with Zerodha?
No, you cannot open just a commodity account. You need to open a trading and demat account as well. Once the trading and demat account is opened, you can open the commodity account.

What documents do I need to open a Zerodha account?
The following documents are required to open a Zerodha account:

• PAN Card
• Aadhaar Card (linked with a phone number for OTP verification)
• Cancelled cheque or bank account statement (to link your bank account)
• Income proof (for F&O trading)
  

How can I change my registered mobile number and email ID with Zerodha?
To change the mobile number or email ID before completing the account opening process, create a ticket with the following details:

• New mobile number: The number which is to be used to complete the account opening process.
• New email ID: The email ID which is to be used to complete the account opening process.
• Current mobile number: The number that is required to be replaced.
• Current email ID: The email ID that is required to be replaced.

Can I add a nominee to the Zerodha account?
Yes, a nominee can be added online or offline, either while opening the account or later.

Why does Zerodha say that I am opening the account from outside of India?
As per the SEBI circular (PDF), intermediaries must ensure the client's physical location is in India while onboarding. To comply with the regulation, the IP address is restricted to India while opening an account. However, if the client is using a VPN, the IP address may be detected as outside of India.

Resident Indians who are in a foreign country must complete the account opening process when they are in India. If the client is an NRI, open an NRI Zerodha account. NRIs can only open the account offline.

If the IP address is undetected, retry using an alternative network.

PAN

Can I open a Zerodha account if I don’t have a PAN?
No, a PAN card is mandatory to open any trading or demat account in India.

Can I open multiple trading accounts with the same PAN?
No, only one trading account can be opened with one PAN.

Why did PAN verification fail while opening a Zerodha account?
The PAN verification may fail while opening a Zerodha account for any of the following reasons:

• The PAN is verified across various intermediaries, such as the Income Tax Department (ITD), KYC-Registration Agencies (KRA), and Zerodha's internal systems. However, the PAN verification can fail if intermittent issues arise in the existing systems due to maintenance.
• If a PAN that already has an account with Zerodha is being used.
• The PAN has been marked as invalid by NSDL, or an incorrect PAN was entered.
• The name does not match the PAN card or ITD records. To find the name as per PAN, see How to find the name as per my PAN card?

In such cases, retry after some time.

Aadhaar and KYC

Can I open a Zerodha account online if I don’t have an Aadhaar?
No, an Aadhaar number is mandatory to open a Zerodha account online. If you do not have an Aadhaar, open the account offline.

Can a Zerodha account be opened online if the Aadhaar is not linked to a mobile number?
No, a Zerodha account cannot be opened online if the Aadhaar is not linked to a mobile number. However, the account can be opened offline.

To link the mobile number to your Aadhaar, visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra. To find the closest Aadhaar Seva Kendra visit the UIDAI website.

What is KYC, and why is it important?
KYC (Know Your Customer) is a mandatory process to verify your identity and financial details. It ensures that your account is secure and complies with legal regulations.

Can I complete the KYC process online?
Yes, the KYC process can be completed online using Aadhaar-based e-sign and video verification.

Bank account

Can I link any bank account to my Zerodha trading account?
Yes, you can link any Indian bank account (except Paytm) to your Zerodha account, as long as the account is in your name.

What documents are needed to link my bank account?
A cancelled cheque or a bank account statement is required to link your bank account to Zerodha.

Income proof

Is income proof required to open a Zerodha account?
Income proof is only required if you want to trade in Futures & Options (F&O).

What documents are accepted as income proof?
Any one of the following documents can be submitted as income proof:

• A Bank statement with the bank logo and seal in the name of the Zerodha account holder with an average balance of more than ₹10,000 for the last six months.
• Latest salary slip with gross monthly income exceeding ₹15,000.
• Latest ITR acknowledgement with gross annual income exceeding ₹1,20,000.
• Latest Form 16 with gross annual income exceeding ₹1,20,000.
• Certificate of net worth more than ₹10,00,000.
• Latest statement of demat holdings with current holdings value exceeding ₹10,000.

In-Person Verification (IPV)

Why must I be visible to a camera when opening a Zerodha account?
As per regulations, brokers must ensure that the person opening the account and the documents submitted are of the same person.  This is done through a process known as In-Person Verification (IPV).  To learn more about IPV, see What is In-Person Verification (IPV), and why is it required?