When Aarav, a young IT professional in Bengaluru, received his first bonus, he wanted to invest wisely in the stock market. Like many first-time investors, he turned to online brokerage apps. After scrolling through countless blogs and watching YouTube reviews, he narrowed his choice down to two major names — Upstox and 5Paisa. But confusion set in. Both apps seemed promising, both had millions of users, and both promised low-cost trading. Which one should he trust?
If you are like Aarav — trying to figure out which brokerage app suits your style of investing — this guide will help you. In this article, we’ll break down the 7 major differences between Upstox and 5Paisa, backed by stats, real features, and expert insights. At Indiainvesthub, we aim to simplify these choices so you don’t waste time or money on the wrong platform.
Table of Contents
Company Overview: Upstox and 5Paisa
- Upstox – Founded in 2009 as RKSV Securities, backed by investors like Ratan Tata and Tiger Global. By 2023, it had over 11 million registered users (Source: Upstox Corporate Site). Headquartered in Mumbai, it’s one of India’s fastest-growing brokers.
- 5Paisa – Launched in 2007 as part of the IIFL Group before becoming an independent NSE- and BSE-listed company. It has over 3 million customers and positions itself as India’s most affordable discount broker (Source: 5Paisa Annual Report, 2024).
Features | Upstox | 5Paisa |
|---|---|---|
Preview |  |  |
Established Year | 2009 | 2007 |
Brokerage App Link |
Now let’s explore the 7 key differences that will help you choose wisely.
1. Account Opening Charges
- Upstox: Often runs promotions for free Demat and trading account opening, making it cost-effective for new investors.
- 5Paisa: Usually charges a nominal fee of ₹150–₹300 for account opening, though periodic discounts are offered.
If you’re just starting, Upstox’s free account offer might be more attractive.
2. Brokerage Plans
- Upstox: Flat ₹20 per order (equity delivery, intraday, F&O, commodities, and currencies) or 0.05% of the trade value, whichever is lower (Source: Upstox Brokerage Sheet 2024).
- 5Paisa: Multiple subscription-based plans – basic plan starts at ₹20 per order, while premium plans offer ₹10 per order and access to additional features (Source: 5Paisa Brokerage Plans 2024).
Traders who do frequent transactions may benefit from 5Paisa’s subscription model, while casual investors will find Upstox simple and predictable.
3. Trading Platforms
- Upstox: Offers a sleek, mobile-first app with advanced charting tools, algo trading, and seamless navigation. Highly rated on Google Play (4.4 stars from 2M+ reviews, Source: Play Store 2025).
- 5Paisa: Feature-rich platform with integrated services (loans, insurance, mutual funds) but slightly heavier interface compared to Upstox. Rated 4.1 stars on Play Store (Source: Play Store 2025).
If you want a lightweight, modern trading experience, Upstox takes the lead. But if you prefer an all-in-one financial app, 5Paisa wins.
4. Research & Advisory
- Upstox: Focuses mainly on self-trading tools with smart charting, APIs, and screeners. Best suited for DIY traders.
- 5Paisa: Provides detailed research reports, robo-advisory, stock tips, and portfolio recommendations for investors who rely on guided strategies.
Research-driven investors may find 5Paisa more supportive, while Upstox empowers independent decision-makers.
5. Additional Services
- Upstox: Primarily focused on stock market trading and investing in equities, IPOs, ETFs, and mutual funds.
- 5Paisa: Extends beyond trading to loans, insurance, robo-advisory, and wealth management, making it a complete financial services app.
If you want an integrated financial ecosystem, 5Paisa gives more.
6. Customer Support
- Upstox: Provides chat and phone support, with a strong self-help knowledge base. Response times are decent but not personalized.
- 5Paisa: Offers tiered customer support, with priority assistance for premium plan users.
If customer service is a priority, 5Paisa’s premium support model might appeal more.
7. Popularity & Trust
- Upstox: With backing from Ratan Tata and strong funding, it enjoys high trust among millennials and young professionals.
- 5Paisa: As a listed company on NSE & BSE, it assures regulatory transparency and governance, making it a trusted name in discount broking.
Both are reliable, but Upstox is more popular, while 5Paisa is more regulation-backed.
Pros & Cons of Upstox and 5Paisa
Upstox:
5Paisa:
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose in 2025?
When it comes to Upstox and 5Paisa, the choice depends on your investor profile. If you are a tech-savvy, independent trader who values a clean, cost-effective platform, Upstox is your best bet. But if you are an investor who prefers research reports, advisory, and a one-stop-shop for all financial needs, 5Paisa might be the smarter pick.
At Indiainvesthub, we help readers like you cut through the noise and focus on the facts. Both brokers are SEBI-registered, safe, and transparent — but your decision should align with your investment style, budget, and need for guidance.
So, now the question is — when it comes to Upstox and 5Paisa, which one fits your investing journey best?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I have 5 demat accounts?
Yes, you can open 5 demat accounts with different brokers, but all must be linked to your PAN card.
Q2: Can I merge two demat accounts?
Yes, you can merge two demat accounts by transferring holdings into one account through a closure-cum-transfer process.
Q3: Can I close my demat account?
Yes, you can close your demat account anytime by submitting a closure form to your depository participant after clearing dues.
