ICICI direct is one of India’s largest full-service stock brokers, backed by ICICI Bank. Known for its trust factor, research coverage, and integrated banking-broking services, ICICI direct caters to both beginners and serious investors.
In this review, we cover the Prime vs NEO plans, highlight the charges, features, and unique research tools, and explain whether ICICI direct is worth it in 2025 compared to discount brokers like Zerodha and Groww.
ICICI direct Prime Plan
- Prime is a subscription plan offering reduced brokerage across segments.
- Available in slabs (₹299, ₹1,699, ₹2,999 per year).
- Benefits:
- Lower brokerage (0.15% → 0.05% on delivery).
- Free call & trade facility.
- Priority payout and order execution.
- Best for: Active traders & HNIs who place larger trades.
ICICI direct NEO Plan
- NEO is ICICI direct’s discount broking model, similar to Zerodha/Groww.
- Charges: ₹20 per order (intraday, F&O).
- Delivery trades: 0% brokerage.
- No hidden charges, flat fee structure.
- Best for: Cost-conscious traders who want ICICI-backed security but discount pricing.
ICICI direct: Prime vs NEO (2025)
| Feature | Prime Plan | NEO Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | 0.05% – 0.15% | Zero |
| Intraday | 0.025% – 0.05% | ₹20 per order |
| F&O | ₹20 – ₹50 per lot | ₹20 per order |
| Best For | HNIs, active investors needing research & service | Cost-conscious traders seeking flat fees |
💡 Both plans come with ICICI direct’s trusted research & 3-in-1 banking integration.
ICICI direct Research Tools
ICICI direct is well known for its in-house research reports and market insights:
- Daily stock ideas, sector updates, model portfolios.
- Mutual fund ratings, IPO analysis, thematic reports.
- Advanced screeners and technical charting tools.
- Advantage: Trusted ICICI research team, useful for beginners who need guidance.
Pros
- Trusted ICICI Bank brand, integrated 3-in-1 account (savings + demat + trading).
- Choice between Prime (full-service) & NEO (discount).
- Excellent research reports and model portfolios.
- Strong mobile app & web platform with stability.
Cons
- Prime subscription can be expensive vs discount brokers.
- Call & trade charges apply beyond free quota.
- Platform UI less modern compared to new-age brokers.
Charges Comparison
| Plan | Delivery | Intraday | F&O |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prime | 0.05% – 0.15% | 0.025% – 0.05% | ₹20 – ₹50 per lot |
| NEO | Zero | ₹20 per order | ₹20 per order |
Who Should Choose ICICI direct?
- Prime Plan: Best for investors who value ICICI brand trust, research, and premium services.
- NEO Plan: Best for traders looking for discount pricing with the safety of a full-service broker.
- Others: If you only need ultra-low costs, pure discount brokers (Zerodha, Upstox) may be better.
ICICI direct strikes a balance between trust and flexibility. With Prime and NEO, investors can pick what suits them — full-service with research support or flat-fee discount pricing.
If you value brand trust and research reports, ICICI direct is among the best full-service brokers in India. If you want only low-cost trading, the NEO plan makes it competitive with discount brokers in 2025.
Find the Right Broker for You
Compare ICICI direct with other top brokers, and explore detailed guides on brokerage, tools, and plans.
