What is Demat Account? It's Meaning, Types & Features

Gone are the days when you held a physical share certificate after buying a company’s stocks. This is why a demat account is your ultimate tool when it comes to holding shares and securities easily and securely without worrying about paperwork.

Here is why you REALLY need a demat account!

1. You cannot buy or sell stocks without a demat account
2. You cannot invest in equity directly without it
3. Mandated by SEBI for transactions of listed company securities

What Is A Demat Account?

A Demat account—short for dematerialised account—is an account that allows you to hold company shares and securities electronically. You can hold dematerialised securities such as stocks, mutual funds, bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), etc. in a demat account. So when you place an order to buy a stock, the shares get credited to your demat account. Similarly, when you choose to sell your shares, they get debited from your demat account.

You can choose to open demat account or a 3-in-1 account that links your trading and bank accounts too.

This enables you to trade without the need to move physical share certificates. Not only is it a storehouse for your investments, but it also speeds up transactions and reduces costs. Of course, there are more benefits of demat accounts too.

What Are The Benefits Of A Demat Account?

One of the biggest benefits of demat account for investors is that it is digital. Having said that, there are many other advantages of demat accounts that can be listed as follows.

1. Security Of Shares: The most important benefit of a demat account is that it is safer than holding physical shares which can get lost, damaged, or stolen.

2. No Forgery Or Theft: Since the demat account is electronic in nature, the risk of documents getting stolen, damaged, or lost does not exist.

3. Seamless Trading And Transfer: Unlike transporting physical certificates, demat accounts allow the transfer of shares quickly and securely. This has lowered order processing times.

4. Lower Cost: Physical share certificates attract paperwork and stamp duty, which increases costs. With a demat account, all this is eradicated and you can get a demat account in no time.

5. Multiple Access Points: A demat account is operated electronically, which essentially means that users can access the account from multiple touch points—mobile, tablet, PC, laptop, etc.

These are just some of the benefits of demat account and its uses. Read the full list of advantages and different uses of a demat account.

Here’s another benefit of demat account—one that you can get only with Kotak Securities.

With a 3-in-1 account, your trades can get more seamless since your bank and trading accounts are linked with the demat account! Know more here

How To Open A Demat Account?

Opening a demat account can be very simple, and it requires minimal paperwork. Here’s how you can open a demat account. To open a demat account, follow the simple steps below:

• Step 1: Fill the account opening form
• Step 2: Submit documents
• Step 3: Finish the in-person verification (IPV)
• Step 4: Get an account number/ID

You could also opt for a digital demat account where the entire application process is online. The steps are similar: Fill in the application form, upload scanned copies of your documents, and complete the IPV. The only difference is that it all happens through digital channels!

Documents Required For Demat Account Opening

The documents required for demat account opening are account opening form, identity and address proofs, and a passport-sized photograph.

• Proof of identity (Aadhaar Card/Passport/Driver’s License)
• Proof of address (Ration card/Passport / Rent Agreement / Recent Electricity or Telephone Bills)
• Income proof (Income Tax Return/Salary Slip)
• PAN Card
• Photographs

You’ll get the full list of documents accepted for account opening here.

Features of Demat Account

A Demat account is an electronic account that offers security and convenience by holding securities in digital form. It enables easy transfer and settlement of securities, eliminates paperwork, and provides online access for monitoring portfolios and accessing account statements. Additionally, it allows investors to enjoy corporate benefits and use securities as collateral for loans or margin trading.

What is Dematerialization (demat)?

Dematerialization, often referred to as "demat," is the process of converting physical share certificates and other securities into electronic or digital form. It involves the transformation of physical documents representing ownership of securities into electronic records. Dematerialization allows investors to hold and transact securities in a paperless and secure manner through a Demat account. This process has streamlined and simplified the trading and settlement of securities, eliminating the risks and inefficiencies associated with physical certificates.

How does a Demat Account work?

The are many benefits of a Demat account but it’s crucial to understand how it works. A Demat account functions as a digital repository for holding and trading securities. It allows investors to convert physical certificates into electronic form, facilitating seamless transactions and eliminating the need for paper-based processes. Investors can access and manage their holdings online, making them convenient and secure.

Types of Demat account

There are primarily two types of Demat accounts:

1. Regular Demat Account: This type of Demat account is suitable for individual investors who want to hold and transact securities for personal investments. It is typically opened by retail investors and provides access to a wide range of securities, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and government securities.

2. Repatriable (NRI) Demat Account: This type of Demat account is designed for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who wish to invest in the Indian securities market. It allows NRIs to hold and manage their investments in India, including stocks, mutual funds, and other permissible securities. Repatriable Demat accounts facilitate the easy repatriation of funds back to the NRI's foreign bank account.

The choice of Demat account type depends on the investor's residency status and investment objectives. Other specialized types of Demat accounts may also be available to cater to specific investor categories, such as corporate entities, institutional investors, or foreign portfolio investors (FPIs).

How to use a demat account?

To use a Demat account, first, open an account with a Depository Participant (DP) by submitting the necessary documents. Once the account is activated, access it using the provided credentials. You can then use the Demat account to buy, sell, and hold securities electronically, monitor your portfolio, and receive benefits directly into the account.

What are the Benefits of a Demat Account?

A Demat account offers several benefits to investors:

1. Easy and Secure Holding: With a Demat account, investors can hold their securities in electronic form, eliminating the need for physical share certificates. This provides convenience, and safety, and reduces the risk of loss, theft, or damage to physical documents.

2. Efficient Trading and Settlement: Demat accounts streamline the process of buying and selling securities by enabling electronic trading and seamless settlement. It eliminates paperwork, and physical delivery, and reduces transaction time, making trading more efficient.

3. Online Access and Monitoring: Demat accounts can be accessed online, allowing investors to monitor their holdings, track portfolio performance, view transaction history, and generate statements. It provides real-time information and easy tracking of investments.

4. Quick and Convenient Transfers: Transferring securities from one Demat account to another is a hassle-free process, ensuring smooth ownership transfers. It simplifies estate planning, gifting, and transferring securities to heirs.

5. Loan and Margin Facilities: Demat accounts allow investors to pledge their securities as collateral for loans or margin trading. It provides opportunities to avail funds against securities without liquidating the holdings.

Overall, Demat accounts enhance the efficiency, convenience, and security of holding and transacting securities in the modern digital era.

Things to Remember While Opening a Demat Account

When opening a Demat account, there are a few important points to keep in mind:

1. Choose a Reliable Depository Participant (DP): Select a reputable DP, such as a well-established bank or trusted brokerage firm, to ensure the safety and reliability of your Demat account.

2. Understand the fees: Familiarize yourself with the account opening charges, annual maintenance fees, transaction fees, and other charges associated with the Demat account. Compare these charges among different providers to make an informed decision.

3. Check the Services and Offerings: Assess the range of services provided by the DP, such as online access, customer support, research reports, and additional features. Ensure that the DP meets your requirements and provides the necessary tools and resources for managing your investments effectively.

4. Review the Terms and Conditions: Carefully read and understand the terms and conditions, rights, and obligations associated with the Demat account. Pay attention to clauses related to account closure, account freezing, or any restrictions that may affect your investment activities.

5. Complete Documentation: Ensure that you provide accurate and complete documentation required for opening the Demat account. This typically includes identity proof, address proof, PAN card, and other relevant documents as specified by the DP.

6. Keep Account Credentials Secure: Once you receive your Demat account details and login credentials, safeguard them securely. Treat the account credentials with the same level of security as your banking login details to protect your investments.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision while opening a Demat account and ensure a smooth and secure experience managing your securities electronically.

Read More

• How to transfer shares from one demat account to another? Want to switch demat accounts? Read how you can transfer shares between them.

• Is a demat account required to invest in mutual funds? Read how you can invest in Mutual Funds through other modes.

• All you need to know about demat accounts: Here is your cheat-sheet for demat account benefits, advantages, features and procedures.

• Brokerage charges for demat account: Read how you can get the lowest brokerage charges.

• Collateral amount for demat account: Out of funds to trade? Read about pledging your securities as margin.

• How to use a demat account: Learn about all the different uses of a demat account.