What Is a CDSL Demat Account Complete Guide

Remember the days when stock certificates were physical and prone to damage or theft? Totally fine if you don’t. Because today, owning securities is as easy as owning a wallet. The stock market’s wallet is, CDSL. But instead of cash, a CDSL Demat account holds your stocks, bonds, and mutual funds securely. 

Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL), one of India's two primary depositories (the other is NSDL), manages crores of investor accounts nationwide. According to CDSL’s FY2023-24 Annual Report, it has achieved the milestone of reaching over 10 crore Demat accounts. As of 12 February 2025, it has touched the 15 crore mark.

In this article, you’ll explore everything you need to know about CDSL Demat accounts, from features to fees and more. 

Table of Contents:

1. What is a CDSL Demat Account
2. Why CDSL Matters for Demat Account Holders
3. Features of CDSL Demat Account
4. How to Open a CDSL Demat Account
5. How the CDSL Account Works
6. How to Update Your Details in CDSL
7. CDSL Charges Explained
8. CDSL vs NSDL
9. Best Brokers With CDSL Demat Accounts
10. Conclusion
11. FAQs

What is a CDSL Demat Account?

Established in 1999, CDSL has been the backbone of India's financial market, offering a secure and efficient platform for securities management. By converting physical shares into electronic form (dematerialisation), CDSL simplifies investing, ensuring your assets are just a click away. 

Regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), CDSL provides trust, safety, and ease of access to all investors like you. 

Regulated and overseen by the SEBI, CDSL ensures that your investments are safe, secure, and transparent. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a newcomer, understanding CDSL Demat accounts is essential to navigating today's digital investment landscape.

Why CDSL matters for Demat account holders

Every time you transact in shares, the movement of securities happens inside CDSL’s infrastructure. Whether it's share credit on purchase day or a debit when you sell, CDSL ensures the accurate, secure and timely transfer of securities. For investors, this means better settlement efficiency, fewer risks and complete transparency.

Updates Users Should Know

• Nominee rule: Adding a nominee or opting out is mandatory as per SEBI rules.
  • Pledge OTP: CDSL mandates OTP-based verification for every pledge, repledge or debit transaction.
  • Freeze/unfreeze: Investors can freeze their Demat account through Easi/Easiest for safety.
  • T+1 settlement: All equities now settle on a T+1 basis, and discussions are ongoing for T+0 settlement for select stocks.

Features of CDSL Demat Accounts

Ever wondered what makes a CDSL Demat account so popular and convenient? It’s more than just a safe place to store your securities. Below are some of its features that make it a top choice among investors:

• Simplified & secured: A CDSL Demat account allows you to store and manage stocks, bonds, ETFs, and other securities digitally. Gone are the days of worrying about physical certificates or damage.
• 24/7 accessibility: You can access your holdings anytime using CDSL's online platform or through partner brokers like Groww. Think of it like this: you can see how your stocks are performing while sipping coffee. It’s that simple!
• Transparency in transactions: Each transaction is recorded and available for you to view, making it easy to track your buys, sells, and holdings—no need to guess or rely on paperwork. For you, everything is clear and easily accessible.
• Simple pledge facility: You can easily pledge your shares through CDSL DP (Depository Participants) to get a loan or for margin trading, making the process flexible.
• Corporate actions: CDSL ensures you receive dividends, bonus issues, and rights offerings on time.

Enjoy the benefits of these features and take control of your investments by opening a CDSL Demat account. And here’s how you can get started.

If you're unsure how a demat account works or how to set it up, this Demat Account opening guide walks you through each step in detail.

How to Open a CDSL Demat Account?

You cannot open an account with CDSL directly; however, you can opena  demat account with brokers who are associated with CDSL:

• Choose a Depository Participant (DP): CDSL operates through a network of DPs. Popular brokers like Groww, Zerodha, and Angel One are linked to CDSL. These brokers will help you open and manage your CDSL Demat Account, so pick one that suits your investing needs and goals.
• Complete the account opening form provided by your chosen DP. It's important to ensure everything is in order for your account to be activated. 
• Complete KYC: Remember, the KYC process is a simple but necessary step in your investment journey. You’ll need to submit essential documents like PAN, Aadhaar, and bank details. This ensures that everything is verified, making your account secure and ready for trading/investing. 
• In-Person Verification (IPV): Some DPs may require you to undergo an IPV, i.e., you’ll need to visit the DP’s office and provide your biometric information. This may seem like an extra step, but it’s to ensure that your account is fully authenticated and safe from any potential fraud.
• Receive your CDSL account number: After verification, you’ll get a unique 16-digit CDSL Demat account number, granting you access to your portfolio.

When it comes to investments, every rupee matters. Isn’t it? So, it’s important to check the CDSL charges and fees that will help you make the most informed decisions for your portfolio.

How the CDSL Account Works

A CDSL Demat account is where your shares are stored digitally. When you open a Demat account with a broker, the actual account is created under CDSL, and your broker acts as the DP (Depository Participant).

CDSL holds your securities and maintains records of ownership. It ensures that the credit or debit of securities occurs accurately under SEBI’s regulations.

Your broker is a DP, an intermediary authorised by CDSL. When you place a trade, the DP sends instructions to CDSL, and your holdings get updated accordingly.

• On buying, securities are credited to your CDSL Demat account.
  • On selling, securities are debited only after you authorise via CDSL OTP/TPIN.
  • For pledging (e.g., for margin trading), CDSL creates a pledge entry without transferring ownership.
  • All settlement cycles follow SEBI’s T+1 rule.

It acts as a secure central registry ensuring transparency, safety and instant digital access to all your holdings. 

So, even if your broker defaults, your shares will be safe since they're stored in a depository and the broker just acts as an intermediary for buying & selling.

How to Update Your Details in CDSL

You cannot edit details directly on the CDSL website. All updates must go through your broker.

• Mobile number: Submit an update request through your broker’s app.
• Email ID: Usually updated through OTP verification with your DP.
• Address and KYC: Ensure your Aadhaar and PAN details match; update them if required.
• Bank details: Upload a cancelled cheque or bank statement for verification.
• Nominee: Updated via your broker’s app.

How to Login to CDSL Easi and CDSL Easiest

CDSL offers two online portals: Easi and Easiest.

• Easi: Allows you to view your holdings, transactions, and statements.
• Easiest: Enables you to transfer securities between Demat accounts, typically used for off-market transfers.

Which One Should You Use?

• Retail investors should start with Easi for basic portfolio management.
• Use Easiest only when you need off-market transfers or require advanced functionalities.

Why You Need to Log In to CDSL Easi or Easiest

Before accessing any demat-related details, investors must authenticate themselves on CDSL’s online portals. Logging in ensures that only the authorised demat account holder can view holdings, monitor transactions, track corporate actions, download statements, or initiate share transfers. Since these platforms directly connect to your depository account, secure login is essential to protect your securities and prevent any unauthorised activity.

Step-by-Step Login Process:

1. Visit the CDSL Easi/Easiest portal: Open the website of CDSL's Easi or Easiest portal.
2. Click on “New User Registration”: Look for the registration option on the homepage.
3. Enter BOID, PAN, and other required details: Provide the necessary details as requested.
4. Verify via OTP: You’ll receive an OTP on your registered mobile number or email for verification.
5. Set up a password and security questions: After OTP verification, create your password and choose security questions.

First-Time User Activation

• The activation process usually takes a few minutes. If you face any issues, such as a mismatch in your details, contact your Depository Participant (DP) for assistance.

How to View Holdings, Transactions, and Balances

Once you’re logged in, access the dashboard to:

• View all your securities.
• Check your historical transactions and current balances.

How to Freeze/Unfreeze Your Account

• If you’re not actively trading, use the Freeze option to block debits from your account.
• You can unfreeze your account anytime by authenticating via OTP.

Easi vs Easiest: Detailed Comparison

Feature	Easi	Easiest
View Holdings	Yes	Yes
Transfer Securities	No	Yes
Freeze/Unfreeze	Yes	Yes
Security	High	Higher (additional checks)
Best For	Regular investors	Traders, HNIs, family transfers
Cost	Free	Free
Limitations	View-only	Requires setup & approvals

Login Troubleshooting

Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:

• OTP not received:
  • Check if DND (Do Not Disturb) is activated on your phone or try switching between 4G/5G network bands. OTPs can sometimes take up to 30 seconds to arrive.
• Password reset:
  • Use the “Forgot Password” option on the login page to reset your password.
• User ID not working:
  • Ensure you’re using your BOID (Beneficial Owner ID), not the broker ID.
• System down/maintenance:
  • CDSL usually performs scheduled upgrades, which may lead to downtime for 15–30 minutes.
• Email/SMS delay issues:
  • Make sure your DP has your correct email address and mobile number to avoid delays.

CDSL Charges and Fees

CDSL charges vary depending on the Depository Participant (DP) you choose, with the primary fees including:

Key Charges to Consider:

1. Account Opening Charges: While some brokers offer free account opening, others charge a nominal, non-refundable fee. For 3-in-1 accounts (savings, Demat, and trading), the Demat account fee is typically bundled with the overall charges.
2. DP Charges: These are fees that brokers charge for buying/selling securities. Typically, they range from ₹8 to ₹25 per debit transaction, depending on your broker.
3. Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC): This is the yearly fee charged to maintain your Demat account. AMCs range from zero (free Demat accounts) to ₹300–₹700 per year, depending on the broker. Some brokers even offer zero AMC accounts, where there are no charges for the life of the account.
4. Transaction Charges: For every trade, a transaction fee is applied. This can be a flat fee per trade or a percentage of your transaction value, depending on the broker.
5. Dematerialisation (Demat) Charges: To convert physical share certificates into electronic form, brokers charge a fee, which typically ranges from ₹10 to ₹20 per certificate.
6. Rematerialisation Charges: If you decide to convert electronic securities back to physical form, brokers charge a fee, generally around ₹10–₹20 per certificate.
7. Pledge/Repledge Charges: For pledging or re-pledging securities, brokers usually charge between ₹10 and ₹30 per request.
8. Off-market Transfer Charges: When transferring securities off-market, the fee is usually around ₹25 per transfer instruction.
9. Late/Failed Instruction Charges: If there’s a delay or failure in processing your instructions, you may incur a ₹25–₹50 charge.
10. CDSL SMS Charges: Most brokers offer free SMS alerts for Demat account transactions, though some may charge a nominal fee.

Other Considerations: Once you understand these CDSL charges, it's essential to track your investments effectively and keep an eye on your portfolio. Regular monitoring can help you stay on top of fees and ensure you're making the most of your investments.

CDSL vs NSDL: Key Differences

Both CDSL (Central Depository Services Limited) and NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) are SEBI-regulated national depositories, providing a secure platform for electronic securities storage. While their core functionalities are similar, the choice between the two often comes down to personal preferences, broker affiliation, and specific investment needs.

Here’s a comparison of CDSL and NSDL to help you understand their differences:

Aspect	CDSL	NSDL
Stock Exchange	BSE Limited	NSE Limited
Founded	1999	1996
Promoters	BSE, SBI, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, HDFC Bank, Standard Chartered Bank	IDBI Bank, Unit Trust of India, NSE
Number of DPs	581	300
Market Share	79.5%	20.5%
Demat Account Number Format	Numeric-only, 16 digits	Alphanumeric, starts with "IN", 14 characters
Active Demat Accounts Asset Under Custody	15 crore+ 79Lakh Crore	4 crore+ 503 Lkah Crore

Choosing Between CDSL and NSDL

• CDSL: Preferred by discount brokers (e.g., Zerodha, Groww, Upstox, Angel One), offering a more straightforward, more user-friendly interface (Easi/Easiest) and generally lower fees.
• NSDL: Tends to be favoured by full-service brokers (e.g., ICICI Direct, HDFC Securities, Kotak Securities) due to its longer track record and established presence.

Practical Considerations

1. Charges:
   • Charges largely depend on the broker, but CDSL brokers (especially discount brokers) often have lower DP and AMC charges.
2. Security:
   • Both CDSL and NSDL follow SEBI-mandated security protocols. CDSL is known for its simpler OTP-based authorisation (via TPIN and OTP), which is widely appreciated by retail investors.
3. Settlement Speed:
   • Both depositories follow the T+1 settlement cycle and are equally efficient.
4. Reliability:
   • While CDSL had brief outages in 2023–24, it has been stable since mid-2024. NSDL has also experienced occasional maintenance periods, but nothing major recently.
5. User Interface:
   • CDSL offers a more intuitive interface (Easi/Easiest), faster holding visibility, and smoother OTP authentication, making it ideal for retail investors.

When to Choose CDSL or NSDL?

• Choose CDSL if:
  • You prefer lower fees, especially with discount brokers.
  • You want an easier, faster online interface.
  • You are primarily a retail investor.
• Choose NSDL if:
  • You work with full-service brokers.
  • You value NSDL’s longer track record and reliability in the market.

Both CDSL and NSDL offer robust, SEBI-regulated services, but CDSL is typically more suited for retail investors and discount brokers, while NSDL remains a popular choice for full-service brokers. The decision often boils down to your broker’s affiliation and the type of investing you prefer.

Click on the links to see the complete list of Discount Brokers & Full-Service Brokers in India.

Best Brokers With CDSL Demat Accounts

In most cases, you don’t choose your depository directly. When you open a Demat account with a broker, you'll be assigned either a Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL) or National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) account, depending on the depository the broker is linked to. However, you can easily find out which depository your broker is registered with — many brokers now offer CDSL accounts for you to choose from. Popular options include:

Broker	Account Opening Fee	Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC)	BSDA AMC (if applicable)
Groww	₹0 (free online)	₹0 (no AMC at all)	N/A – Zero AMC regardless of BSDA status (broker does not charge maintenance)
Zerodha	₹0 (free online)	~₹300/year + GST for regular Demat account (standard industry practice)	BSDA AMC follows SEBI caps (0 up to ₹4 lakh holdings; ₹100 above ₹4 lakh up to ₹10 lakh) as per standard BSDA guidelines – typically applied to eligible accounts* (note: not always explicitly listed on Zerodha pricing pages but SEBI BSDA rules apply)
Angel One	₹0 (free)	First year free; thereafter quarterly maintenance billed (~₹60 + GST per quarter for non-BSDA, amounting to ~₹240 + GST p.a.)	BSDA: ₹0 AMC for holdings up to ₹4 lakh; ~₹100 + GST/year for holdings ₹4–₹10 lakh
Upstox	₹0 (free online)	AMC generally ~₹300/year after initial free period at some brokers; Upstox lists zero AMC (free maintenance) on the official learning centre (many discount brokers waive AMC)	BSDA AMC follows SEBI BSDA caps if designated (0 up to ₹4 lakh; ~₹100 for ₹4–₹10 lakh), though Upstox’s published data often indicates no standard AMC for many retail clients on its online pricing centre
5paisa	₹0 (free online)	Typically around ~₹300–₹540/year + GST depending on plan and service option; many 2025 comparisons list ~₹540/year as standard maintenance for non-BSDA accounts	BSDA AMC may be the SEBI-capped levels (0 to ₹100/year), depending on holdings and DP offering (varies by provider) (standard SEBI BSDA framework applies)

Other than these, there are several brokers, full-service or discount, enabling demat accounts via CDSL, giving you flexibility in managing your holdings and executing trades easily.

A few additional notes:

• With recent updates from CDSL, BSDA eligibility and charges across brokers have been standardised: for holdings up to ₹4 lakh, nil AMC; for ₹4–₹10 lakh, nominal AMC (e.g., ₹100/yr).
• A new 2-factor authentication (2FA) security feature is being rolled out by CDSL for all linked brokers (including Zerodha, Groww, Upstox, etc.) to improve protection for demat holders.

How to Check Whether Your Demat Account Is CDSL or NSDL

There are a few simple ways to identify whether your Demat account is held with CDSL or NSDL.

1. Signs inside broker apps
   Most brokers show the depository name under Demat or Profile details. If you see “CDSL”, your account is with CDSL.
2. Identifying from the BOID structure
   • CDSL BOID: A 16-digit numeric ID with no alphabet.
   • NSDL ID: Starts with two letters such as IN, followed by numbers.
3. How to check via CDSL SMS
   If you regularly receive SMS alerts from the sender “CDSL”, it confirms your account is with CDSL.
4. How to confirm through the CAS statement
   Your Consolidated Account Statement clearly mentions the depository name in the holdings section.

Need clarity on how NSDL Demat accounts operate in pledging scenarios? This NSDL Demat Account offers a complete technical overview for investors. 

Conclusion

A CDSL Demat account isn’t just a gateway to stock market investments; it’s a staircase to financial growth. With its vast network, cost-effective charges, and user-friendly tools, CDSL has empowered crores of retail investors. Whether you’re a seasoned trader or just starting, understanding a CDSL account, from its features to fees, ensures you make informed decisions. So, go ahead, open your Demat account, and take a confident step towards building wealth.

And if you’re still not sure which broker fits your investing style, let Finology Select help you choose the best one for your wealth-building journey.

FAQs

1. What is a CDSL Demat account?
   A CDSL Demat account is an electronic account where your shares, ETFs and bonds are stored and managed by Central Depository Services Limited.
2. Is CDSL safer than NSDL?
   Both depositories are equally secure. CDSL is often preferred by retail users for its OTP-based authorisation.
3. What is BOID in CDSL?
   It is a 16-digit Beneficial Owner ID that uniquely identifies your Demat account.
4. How can I find my CDSL DP ID?
   Check your broker app, CDSL SMS, contract note or CAS statement.
5. How to check CDSL Demat account details?
   View your BOID in your broker app or log in to CDSL Easi.
6. How to log in to Easi/Easiest?
   Register using your BOID, PAN and OTP on the CDSL website.
7. Why am I not receiving CDSL SMS?
   Your registered mobile number may be outdated.
8. What are CDSL DP charges?
   DP charges depend on the broker and typically range from ₹8 to ₹25 per debit.
9. How long do corporate actions take in CDSL?
   Credits usually appear within 1–2 working days.
10. Can I have multiple CDSL Demat accounts?
    Yes, you can open accounts with different brokers.
11. How to check if my Demat account is CDSL or NSDL?
    CDSL IDs are 16 digits. NSDL IDs start with “IN”.
12. What is CDSL TPIN?
    A 6-digit PIN used to verify sell or debit transactions.
13. How to freeze my CDSL Demat account?
    Use the Freeze option inside CDSL Easi.
14. Are CDSL SMS alerts free?
    Most brokers provide them at no extra cost.
15. What is a CDSL pledge OTP?
    A mandatory OTP is sent during pledge or re-pledge requests.