Margin Trading Facility (MTF) lets you buy stocks by paying only a portion of the order value while your broker funds the remaining amount. It helps traders increase their market exposure, but it also carries higher risk because of the interest cost and leverage involved.
Choosing the right platform for margin trading is important not only for competitive rates, but also for transparency, usability, and flexibility. Here’s a look at five of the best broking apps for margin trading in India, along with their key features and charges.
1. Groww
Groww MTF provides a clear and efficient way to trade on margin, enabling investors to purchase eligible stocks with partial funding and complete visibility of interest, charges, and position details. It includes advanced features like conversion to delivery, live shortfall alerts, detailed position breakdowns, and after-market order support—all within a simple, fully digital interface.
Key Features of Groww MTF
- Leverage: Up to 4× buying power — investors can start with as little as 25% of the trade value.
- Interest Rate: 0.041% per day (about 14.95% annually) charged only on the borrowed amount.
- Brokerage: 0.1% per order, based on total order value.
- Pledge/Unpledge Fees: ₹20 per order (flat).
- Eligible Stocks: Investors can view a live list of MTF-approved stocks directly on the app or website, which is updated regularly.
- Convert MTF to Delivery: Users can convert their margin-funded holdings into delivery anytime by paying the remaining funded amount. This gives more flexibility to manage investments.
- Shortfall Visibility: Groww shows clear shortfall alerts if the required margin drops, helping investors act quickly to avoid auto square-offs.
- Improved Position View: Each position now shows the investor-funded amount as well as the broker-funded amount, along with returns calculated on the investor’s contribution.
- After Market Orders (AMO): Users can place MTF orders even after trading hours, which will execute automatically when the market opens.
- Digital Process: MTF activation, order placement, and pledge authorization are all handled completely online, with no paperwork required.
- Transparency: All charges are displayed upfront before placing the order with no hidden costs.
- Regulatory Compliance: Groww MTF is available only for exchange-approved securities, ensuring full adherence to SEBI and exchange norms.
- Holding Period: No fixed time limit for holding MTF positions.
2. Zerodha
Zerodha’s Margin Trading Facility (MTF) on the Kite app allows users to take leveraged delivery positions with clear cost visibility and flexible holding periods. It currently supports only NSE-listed stocks.
Key Features
- Leverage: Up to 5× leverage on select NSE-listed stocks, depending on stock eligibility and margin requirements.
- Interest Rate: 0.04% per day (approximately 14.6% annually) charged only on the borrowed portion of the trade.
- Brokerage: ₹20 or 0.3% per executed order (whichever is lower), applicable on the full trade value.
- Pledge/Unpledge Fees: ₹15 + GST per ISIN per transaction.
- MTF to delivery conversion: Users can now easily convert their MTF positions to delivery holdings through Console.
- Holding Period: No fixed time limit for holding MTF positions, but daily interest is applicable until repayment.
3. Upstox
Upstox offers a margin trading facility that is easy to understand, with a fixed daily charge structure and a long holding period. The slab-based model offers predictable costs and longer holding flexibility, which can be suitable for investors who prefer fixed daily charges.
Key Features
- Leverage: Up to 4× on eligible equity delivery trades.
- Interest: ₹20 per day for every ₹40,000 borrowed, based on a slab model.
- Pledge/Unpledge Fees: ₹20 per stock.
- Holding Period: Positions can be held up to 365 days, with daily interest applicable.
- Security: Each MTF order requires CDSL pledge authorization, ensuring investor protection and regulatory compliance.
- Digital Access: The entire process from activation to monitoring positions is handled online through the Upstox app.
4. AngelOne
Angel One offers a Margin Trading Facility (MTF) that allows investors to take leveraged positions on a wide range of approved stocks. The platform focuses on providing flexibility in holding periods and transparent interest charges, with occasional promotional offers for new users.
Key Features
- Leverage: Up to 4× leverage on eligible stocks, depending on margin requirements and stock category.
- Interest Rate: 0.041% per day (around 15% annually) charged on the borrowed amount.
- Brokerage: 0.1% or ₹20 per order, whichever is lower.
- Pledge/Unpledge Fees: ₹20 + GST per ISIN for each transaction.
- Holding Period: No fixed limit on holding period. Investors can continue holding as long as sufficient margin is maintained and interest is paid.
- Promotional Offers: Periodic discounts or zero-interest campaigns for eligible users.
5. ICICI Direct
ICICI Direct’s MTF offers broad stock coverage and a flexible holding period, making it suitable for investors seeking a full-service brokerage experience with extended leverage options.
Key Features
- Leverage: Up to 4× on a wide range of approved delivery stocks.
- Interest Rate: Starts from 9.65% per annum (about 0.0265% per day), depending on the chosen brokerage plan.
- Pledge/Unpledge Fees: ₹25 + GST per transaction.
- Eligible Stocks: Over 1,400 stocks approved for margin trading, as per exchange and internal criteria.
- Holding Period: Up to 360 days, with daily interest charged on the borrowed funds.
6. Dhan
Dhan offers a Margin Trading Facility that focuses on speed, transparency, and ease of execution. It provides instant margin availability for eligible stocks and integrates seamlessly with its trading web and mobile platforms. Dhan’s app and web dashboard provide real-time margin tracking, cost breakdowns, and access to an MTF stock list with live eligibility and required margin data.
Key Features
- Leverage: Up to 4× on eligible delivery-based stocks, depending on exchange approvals.
- Interest Rate: 0.04% per day (approximately 14.6% per annum) charged on the borrowed amount.
- Brokerage: ₹20 per order for equity delivery under the MTF segment.
- Pledge/Unpledge Fees: ₹12.5 + GST per stock (each way).
- Holding Period: No fixed limit; positions can be maintained as long as margin requirements are met.
- Digital Process: Pledge authorisation and repayment are fully online through CDSL.
Margin Trading Facility enables investors to take larger positions in the market by funding only part of the trade value. While it offers greater flexibility and potential returns, it also involves daily interest and higher risk. Therefore, approach MTF with caution and clear investment goals.
All the apps listed above offer competitive MTF options with distinct advantages in pricing, usability, and the range of eligible stocks. Among them, Groww stands out for its transparent pricing structure, easy-to-use interface, and advanced features like conversion to delivery, real-time shortfall visibility, and after-market order support—all within a fully digital setup.
Ultimately, the best app for margin trading depends on your trading style, holding period, and comfort with leverage. Investors should always review terms carefully, monitor interest costs, and use margin trading responsibly to manage risk effectively.