Is Dhan App Safe? Detailed Review for Traders and Investors

Are you looking for a new and innovative stock broking platform that offers you a fast and hassle-free trading experience? If yes, then you might want to check out Dhan, one of the fastest-growing technology and product-led stock broking platforms in India. Dhan is a relatively new broker in the Indian stock market, founded in 2021. However, it has quickly gained a reputation as one of the best brokers in the country, thanks to its innovative features, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service. 

Table of Contents:

1. Overview of Dhan Broker
2. How Dhan Protects Your Money and Data
3. Is Dhan App Safe for Long-Term Investment Goals
4. How Your Account and Investments Are Protected
5. Dhan’s Regulatory Standing
6. Features of Dhan Broker
7. Products Offered by Dhan
8. Platforms Offered by Dhan Broker
9. Pros and Cons of Dhan Broker
10. Charges and Fees of Dhan Broker
11. Dhan Margin and Leverage Policy
12. Dhan vs Other Top Brokers
13. Who Should Use Dhan Broker
14. Conclusion
15. FAQs

In this blog, we will give you an honest and unbiased Dhan Broker Review, covering its account opening charges, brokerage fees, trading platforms, customer care, pros and cons, and more. By the end of this blog, you will be able to decide whether Dhan is the right broker for you or not.

Overview of Dhan Broker

Dhan is a Mumbai-based financial services company that was incorporated in 2021. Dhan is registered with SEBI as a stockbroker and also with CDSL as a depository participant. It is also a member of the NSE, BSE, and MCX stock exchanges. It offers a variety of products and services to its customers, including stocks, ETFs, options, futures, commodities, and currency trading. This broking firm aims to provide a lightning-fast investing and trading experience to its users through its technology-led and product-based approach. 

Dhan also offers innovative alternatives, such as small-case investments, which are curated portfolios of stocks or ETFs based on different themes and strategies. Dhan is backed by a team of experienced professionals from the fields of finance, technology, and product development.

How Dhan Protects Your Money and Data

In the world of online trading, "safe" essentially boils down to two critical aspects: shielding your personal and financial data from unauthorised access, and ensuring your funds and securities are protected from fraud, malpractice, or the broker vanishing without a trace. 

So, how does Dhan stack up in its efforts to be a digital fortress for its users?

Well, it claims that the security of user accounts is a top priority and backs this up with several protective measures:

• Data encryption: Dhan employs high-grade encryption to safeguard private information, essentially turning your sensitive data into a secret code decipherable only by trusted systems.
• Secure login & authentication: The app supports biometric logins like Face ID and fingerprint recognition. It also recommends enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for an extra security layer beyond passwords.
• Password protection: Dhan advises users to set strong, unique passwords, secure their devices, and update login credentials regularly.

In addition, Dhan allows users to request the deletion of personal data by contacting its privacy team, which is a proactive step toward privacy. While these features meet modern standards, real security depends on ongoing updates, audits, and active user participation.

Security starts right from the moment you sign up. Check the Dhan demat account opening steps to see how simple and secure it is.

Here is the updated and current version of the content, written in the same explanatory, long-term–focused tone as the original Section-2 and based on the latest primary information available:

Is Dhan App Safe for Long-Term Investment Goals?

When people ask whether Dhan is safe for long-term investment, they mean more than daily trading ease. They want assurance that their money, shares and other securities will remain secure for years or even decades. India’s regulated investment ecosystem provides a strong foundation for this.

Dhan is a SEBI-registered stock broking platform and Depository Participant (DP) operating under strict regulatory guidelines, which makes it a compliant intermediary for trading and investing in Indian markets. It is registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India and is a trading member of major exchanges such as the NSE, BSE and MCX.

As a Depository Participant, Dhan does not directly hold your securities. Your shares and other assets are held in a Demat account maintained with a recognised depository such as CDSL, aligning with the standard structure in India’s securities market. This separation means that your holdings remain within the depository system and can be transferred to another broker if needed.

Regulatory oversight by SEBI and mandatory exchange compliance ensure that brokers and depositories follow investor-protection rules that are designed to safeguard client assets and finances.

How Your Account and Investments Are Protected

• Depository safeguards: Securities are held with CDSL and not by Dhan directly. In the event of any issues with the broker, your holdings remain intact and can be moved to another broker.
  • SEBI regulation: SEBI’s oversight and enforcement of rules protect investors and ensure operational compliance by brokers and depository participants.
  • Broker separation: Because your assets are in the depository system independent of the broker’s balance sheet, they are insulated from the broker’s financial troubles.

Account Security and Safe Practices

• Nominee facility: You can designate a nominee on your Demat account, simplifying the transfer of investments in case of unforeseen circumstances.
  • KYC and regulatory compliance: Up-to-date KYC ensures legal conformity and continued access to services.
  • Direct depository statements: CDSL and exchanges send alerts and statements directly to your registered contact details, enabling you to monitor holdings independently of the app.

Features Helpful for Long-Term Investors

• Portfolio tracking: The platform offers tools to view and categorise your holdings and performance over time.
  • Investment options: You can invest in stocks, ETFs, IPOs and mutual funds (order execution via BSE STAR MF) as part of long-term wealth building.

Best Practices to Maintain Safety

• Enable enhanced security: Use strong passwords, two-factor authentication and biometric locks for the app.
  • Periodic review: Regularly check your holdings and depository statements for accuracy and activity.
  • Protect credentials: Do not share login details, OTPs or personal financial information with anyone.

In short, the Dhan app is considered safe for long-term investing due to SEBI regulation, depository protections and the standard separation of client assets from broker operations. However, investors also share responsibility for enabling security features and monitoring their accounts.

Dhan's Regulatory Standing

If you're asking, "Is Dhan broker safe?" or "Dhan app is safe or not?", one of the best ways to evaluate that is by looking at its regulatory standing. In India, stockbroking is a highly regulated industry, and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) acts as the central authority to enforce rules, protect investors, and ensure transparency. 

Any broker operating legally must meet strict requirements, maintain accurate financial reporting, and undergo regular audits.

Dhan operates under the registered entity Moneylicious Securities Private Limited, and it holds the following credentials:

• SEBI stock broker registration number: INZ000006031
• CDSL Depository Participant (DP) ID: IN-DP-289-2016
• Exchange Memberships: NSE (National Stock Exchange), BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange), and MCX (Multi-Commodity Exchange)

These details are essential when considering questions like, "Is Dhan trading app safe?" or "Dhan app is safe or not?", as they show that the platform operates under legal oversight, with clear rules around fund handling and investor protections, including the SEBI SCORES complaint redressal system.

However, you must know that even after all these precautions, Dhan fell short. In November 2022, SEBI issued a penalty of ₹3 lakh to Moneylicious Securities Pvt. Ltd. based on findings from an audit of the period April 2018 to October 2019. The issues cited included:

• Misuse of client funds
• Failure to properly segregate client and company accounts
• Inaccurate weekly data reporting
• Non-compliance with minimum net worth requirements

Dhan responded by explaining that these incidents occurred early in its operations, during a time when the company was new to trading membership and still adapting to regulatory systems. Back-office software limitations were also cited as contributing to the reporting errors.

A CARE Ratings report from January 2025 indicates that Moneylicious Securities has significantly improved its financial health. The report notes:

• A stronger earnings profile and capital base
• Improved liquidity and operational discipline
• Full compliance with the new SEBI regulations introduced in 2023

These newer rules are much stricter than in the past and include:

• Prohibiting brokers from using client funds for bank guarantees
• Requiring mandatory transfers of client funds to clearing corporations
• Greater transparency and limits around retail participation in high-risk F&O trading

Dhan has adjusted to these changes and has also taken steps to educate users. Its "Advisory for Investors" section reflects the latest SEBI guidelines, showing that the platform is actively engaged with the evolving legal landscape.

So, "Is Dhan app safe?", "Is Dhan broker safe?", or "Is Dhan app safe for trading?" Based on its compliance record, regulatory licenses, and clear signs of improvement since its early operational missteps, the answer today is a considered yes. 

Features of Dhan Broker

• Low and flat-rate brokerage charges.
• For most types of trades, the brokerage charge is ₹20.
• Technology-led and product-based broker.
• No account opening or maintenance fees.
• Multiple trading platforms for well-sorted trading.
• User-friendly and simple trading experience.
• Innovative alternatives, such as small cases for investment.
• Up to 5x leverage for trading.5X leverage on 1700+ stocks
• Led by an experienced management team.

Products Offered by Dhan

• Stocks: Dhan allows you to invest in stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE). You can also invest in IPOs (Initial Public Offerings) through Dhan.
• Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs): ETFs are baskets of stocks that track a particular index or sector. Dhan offers a wide range of ETFs to choose from, including index ETFs, sector ETFs, and thematic ETFs.
• Futures and Options: These are contracts that allow you to speculate on the future price of a stock or commodity. Dhan offers trading in futures and options on a variety of indices and commodities.
• Smallcases: Small cases are thematic baskets of stocks that are curated by experts. Dhan offers a wide range of smallcases to choose from, including smallcases for investing in different sectors, different risk profiles, and different investment themes.
• Commodities: You can buy and sell commodities, such as gold, silver, crude oil, etc., that are traded on the MCX exchange. 
• Currency: You can buy and sell currency pairs, such as USD/INR, EUR/INR, GBP/INR, etc., that are traded on NSE and BSE exchanges.

Platforms Offered by Dhan Broker

1. Dhan App

Dhan App is a mobile trading platform that offers features for both long-term investors and active traders. It includes features such as

• Fast order placement and execution.
• Ability to place multiple orders directly from charts.
• Up to 5 watchlists and tracking of multiple segments.
• Price alerts for market movements.
• Brokerage calculator to estimate Dhan brokerage charges.
• Secure data encryption.

2. Dhan Web 

Dhan Web is a web-based trading platform that also offers access to TradingView for chart analysis. It includes features such as:

• Direct buy and sell calls with the Advanced Option Chain.
• Basket orders and option chains.
• Pledge margin for over 1,450 stocks.
• Instant fund withdrawals.

3. Options Trader

Dhan's Options Trader is a platform designed for F&O traders. It includes features such as:

• Syncing of all positions, orders, trade book, watchlist, etc., at once.
• Readymade futures and options trading strategies.
• Real-time information on bullish, bearish, and neutral trades.
• Live market scan features for rising trends and breakouts.
• Pay graph and risk/reward profile to review option strategies.

Pros and Cons of Dhan Broker

Dhan Pros

• Multiple trading platforms, such as a mobile app, a web platform, and the TradingView charting platform.
• No unsolicited calls, messages, or emails.
• 24/7 customer support
• One of the safest, most reliable, and trustworthy brokers in India.
• Smooth execution of large orders with quantities above the freeze limit
• Dedicated options trading platform
• Rich data and analytics tools for better decisions.
• Free options strategy builder to help traders develop and test their strategies
• Trading on TradingView charts
• Special order types, including flash trade, basket order, draft order, forever order, SIP order, iceberg order, and trailing stop loss order

Dhan Cons 

• Charges a relatively high fee of ₹50 for every call and trade placed.
• Not well-suited for new or beginner traders and investors.
• Does not offer relationship managers for portfolio management services.
• Does not provide free research reports, stock tips, or weekly recommendations.
• Does not offer the option to invest in bonds or debt instruments.
• Does not provide monthly unlimited trading plans.
• Does not offer a 3-in-1 trading account because it does not provide banking services.

Charges and Fees of Dhan Broker

Dhan follows a discount brokerage pricing model, keeping costs transparent and predictable. Most charges are flat-fee based, making it easier for traders to calculate approximate costs per trade.

Account opening charges are ₹0, and Dhan does not levy an Annual Maintenance Charge either. This reduces the long-term cost burden on users, especially for investors who maintain multiple demat accounts across brokers.

The standard brokerage is ₹20 per executed order for intraday, F&O, commodity, and currency. Equity delivery remains completely free, which is beneficial for long-term investors. Options orders are charged at ₹20 per lot, which is comparable to other discount brokers.

However, Dhan’s Call & Trade facility is expensive at ₹50 per order, making it less suitable for users who rely on phone-based trade execution. This pricing strategy indicates that Dhan prioritises self-service, technology-driven trading.

The following is a summary of Dhan's charges and fees:

• Account Opening Fee: ₹0
• Annual Maintenance Charge (AMC): ₹0

Dhan Brokerage Charges

Equity delivery	Zero
Equity intraday	₹20 or 0.03%(whichever is lower)
Equity futures	₹20 or 0.03%(whichever is lower)
Equity options	₹20 per lot
Currency futures	₹20 or 0.03%(whichever is lower)
Currency options	₹20 per lot
Commodity futures	₹20 or 0.03% (whichever is lower)

For a detailed breakdown of Dhan's brokerage charges, you can visit Finology Select.

Dhan Margin & Leverage Policy

Dhan provides up to 5x leverage for intraday equity trading, depending on the stock’s exchange-defined VAR and ELM requirements. For F&O, the margin is based on SPAN + Exposure norms, with no additional leverage beyond exchange rules.

Users can pledge over 1,450 approved stocks to generate margin, which is higher than many competitors. The pledge-to-margin system allows traders to take positions without selling long-term holdings, reducing capital requirements.

However, Dhan does not offer extra leverage schemes or high-margin plans, unlike some brokers who provide leverage subscription packages. This keeps Dhan aligned with SEBI’s risk-controlled guidelines.

Dhan vs Other Top Brokers (Zerodha, Upstox)

Feature / Broker	Dhan	Zerodha	Upstox
Broker Type	Discount broker	Discount broker	Discount broker
Equity Delivery Brokerage	Zero	Zero	Zero
Equity Intraday Brokerage	₹20 or 0.03% per order	₹20 or 0.03% per order	₹20 or 0.05% per order
F&O Brokerage (Futures)	₹20 or 0.03% per order	₹20 or 0.03% per order	₹20 or 0.05% per order
Options Brokerage	₹20 per executed order	₹20 per executed order	₹20 per executed order
Account Opening Charges	Zero	Zero	Zero
Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC)	Zero	Zero	Zero
Mutual Funds (Direct / SIP)	Yes (Direct, zero commission)	Yes (Direct, zero commission)	Yes (Direct, zero commission)
Currency & Commodities	Yes (MCX + NSE CDS)	Yes	Yes
Advanced F&O Tools & Analytics	Strong (TradingView, depth analytics, API-first)	Strong (Kite, Sensibull, Varsity)	Good (Pro charts, option chain)
Order Execution & Platform	Mobile + Web, tech-first UI	Kite Web + Kite App	Upstox Web + App
Beginner-Friendliness	Moderate (trader-focused UI)	Moderate–High	High
Best For	Active traders seeking modern execution & APIs	Long-term + active traders wanting ecosystem depth	Cost-focused traders & beginners
Major Strength	Advanced tech stack, fast execution, clean UI	Robust ecosystem, education, and reliability	Simple pricing, beginner-friendly UX
Key Limitation	Fewer wealth/advisory products	Learning curve for new users	Slightly higher intraday % than peers

Who Should Use Dhan Broker?

Dhan is best suited for active traders, F&O traders, and investors who love using chart-based tools. Users who rely heavily on TradingView or want advanced analysis features will find Dhan particularly useful. If you prefer fast execution and professional-grade options analytics, Dhan is likely a good match.

But if you want, fixed-income products, or research-based guidance, you may find other brokers more convenient.

Conclusion

Dhan is best suited for experienced investors and active traders who are comfortable managing their own portfolios and making independent investment decisions. Its competitive brokerage structure benefits users who place frequent trades, and the platform offers a smooth, self-directed experience through a straightforward interface and account opening process.

However, Dhan may not be suitable for beginners. It does not provide relationship managers, advisory services, research reports, stock recommendations, or portfolio guidance. The product offering is also limited, as it does not support investments in bonds or debt instruments.

Overall, Dhan works well for investors who prioritise low costs and platform efficiency over hand-holding or advisory support. Investors should assess their experience level, product needs, and expectations before choosing Dhan as their broker.

If you want to open your Demat account with Dhan or any other broker, you can visit Finology Select, a platform that helps you compare their features and brokerages, and you can even find the perfect broker for yourself with the ‘Find my Broker’ feature. So, don’t wait any longer and find your perfect broker. Learn how to open a Demat account online with complete safety checks.

Check the full Dhan broker details, including plans and margins, to match your trading needs.

FAQs

1. Is Dhan a safe and trusted stockbroker?
   Yes, Dhan is a SEBI-registered and fully compliant stockbroker, which makes it safe for investors and traders. All your shares are stored with CDSL, meaning they remain secure even if the broker faces operational issues. Dhan also uses strong security protocols like 2FA, encryption, and TOTP-based authentication. As of 2025, it has no major security breaches reported, which adds to its reliability. Read the comprehensive Dhan broker review for all pros and cons.
2. What are the brokerage charges in Dhan?
   Dhan charges zero brokerage on equity delivery trades, making it cost-friendly for long-term investors. For intraday, F&O, commodities, and currency, the brokerage is a flat ₹20 per executed order. Options are also charged at ₹20 per order, keeping the pricing simple and predictable. There are no account opening or AMC charges.
    
3. Does Dhan offer mutual funds?
   Yes, Dhan offers mutual fund investments, allowing users to invest in a wide range of funds through its platform.
    
4. Who should use Dhan for trading?
   Dhan is most suitable for active intraday traders, F&O traders, and users who prefer advanced analytics. Its features, such as TradingView integration, Options Trader platform, and fast execution tools, are ideal for high-frequency trading.
    
5. Is Dhan good for beginners?
   Dhan can be used by beginners, but some features may feel overwhelming due to the platform’s focus on analytics and data. Beginners who prefer simple features may take time to adjust. However, the user interface is clean, and tutorials are available, which help new traders get comfortable.
    
6. Does Dhan charge for its TradingView integration?
   No, Dhan offers TradingView charts natively on its web platform without any extra cost. Users can place orders directly from the chart, which improves speed and convenience. This makes Dhan one of the best choices for TradingView lovers in India.
    
7. What is the margin offered by Dhan?
   Dhan provides up to 4x leverage on select intraday equity trades, depending on exchange rules and stock volatility. For F&O, margin follows the SPAN + Exposure system with no additional leverage beyond SEBI guidelines. Users can also pledge approved securities for margin funding, which reduces capital requirements.
    
8. Does Dhan offer API trading?
   Yes, Dhan offers free APIs for algo trading, making it a popular choice among developers and algorithmic traders. The APIs support order execution, strategy building, and real-time data access. This makes Dhan competitive against brokers who charge for API access.
    
9. Is Dhan better than Zerodha or Upstox?
   Dhan is better for active traders who need superior tools like TradingView integration, advanced order types, and F&O analytics. However, Zerodha offers a more mature ecosystem with mutual funds and educational content. Upstox is beginner-friendly and strong in IPOs and mutual funds. For traders who want modern tech and fast execution, Dhan has a strong edge.
    
10. Does Dhan charge for Call & Trade?
    Yes, Dhan charges ₹50 per order for Call & Trade, which is higher compared to some competitors. This indicates that Dhan is designed for app and web-based self-execution. Traders who frequently need phone-based support may find this cost relatively high.
     
11. Does Dhan support smallcase investing?
    Yes, Dhan supports smallcase integration, allowing users to invest in expert-curated portfolios. This helps investors build diversified long-term portfolios without manually selecting stocks. However, smallcase investing charges follow the standard smallcase fee structure.
     
12. Can women investors get additional benefits on Dhan?
    Yes, Dhan offers a 50% discount on brokerage charges for women investors across all segments. This makes trading more affordable and encourages more women to participate in the stock market. It’s one of the unique benefits Dhan provides compared to other brokers.
     
13. Does Dhan offer after-market orders (AMO)?
    Yes, Dhan allows users to place After Market Orders (AMO) for equity and derivatives. This helps traders plan positions even outside market hours. AMO orders are executed when the market opens the next working day.
     
14. Is Dhan suitable for long-term investors?
    Yes, long-term investors can use Dhan, especially since equity delivery is free and the platform is stable. However, the lack of bonds and fixed-income instruments may push some users toward full-service brokers for long-term investment diversification.
     
15. Does Dhan provide research or stock recommendations?
    No, Dhan does not offer advisory, stock tips, or fundamental research reports. It primarily focuses on execution and trading technology. Users looking for research-backed recommendations may need to rely on external sources.