BSDA Account: A Guide on Basic Service Demat Account

If you trade in stock markets regularly, a Demat account is a must. However, if you don't trade often, you can avail a Basic Service Demat account or a BSDA account.

BSDA Full Form

As stated above, BSDA stands for a Basic Service Demat Account. It’s a simpler and more basic version of a Demat account for investors whose portfolio’s value doesn’t exceed Rs. 2 lakhs. However, if the portfolio’s value crosses Rs. 2 lakhs, a BSDA account gets automatically converted into a regular Demat account. A BSDA account is perfect for new investors learning the tricks of stock market investment.

Eligibility for BSDA Account Opening

Now that you know what BSDA means let’s see the eligibility for this account opening. To open this account:

1. You need to be the sole holder of the account
2. You shouldn’t have any other Demat account
3. The value of shares in the account shouldn’t be more than Rs. 2 lakhs

How to Open a BSDA Account?

Opening a BSDA account is easy. To open this account, you can approach any registered brokerage house and provide the basic documents about your address, identity, and income. In the case of a BSDA account:

1. You receive a quarterly statement of your transactions. However, you will not receive any statement if there are no transactions.
2. If the market value of the holdings is Rs. 50,000, the depository participant will not levy any charges
3. If the market value of the holdings ranges between Rs. 50,001 and Rs. 2 lakhs, a nominal AMC charge is levied (not exceeding Rs. 100 in the entire year)

In Conclusion

BSDA is a boon for small investors as it’s easy to maintain with lower charges. That said, it’s essential to ensure that your holdings' value exceeds Rs. 2 lakhs at no point because if it happens, your BSDA account can be converted into a regular Demat account. Before switching to a regular account, you can learn the ropes of stock market trading with a BSDA account.