Which Broker Has Zero Brokerage on F&O in 2026?
You trade Futures and Options actively. You know costs matter. Every rupee saved in brokerage adds directly to your net profit. The search for zero brokerage on F&O is common among serious traders. But does any broker truly offer it? More importantly, should you choose a broker based only on this promise?
This guide answers your question directly. We examine brokers offering zero or low brokerage on F&O. We explain the fine print behind “zero” offers. We look at the 2026 STT hike and why cost efficiency matters more now . You get a clear comparison. You also learn what to check beyond the headline rate. Let us find the real answer to which broker has zero brokerage on F&O.
What Does Zero Brokerage on F&O Actually Mean?
Brokerage is the fee your broker charges per trade. For F&O traders, this cost multiplies quickly due to high turnover. Zero brokerage means you pay no commission to the broker for executing your F&O orders.
But zero brokerage does not mean zero cost. You still pay statutory charges. These include Securities Transaction Tax (STT), exchange transaction charges, SEBI fees, stamp duty, and GST . These are government levies. No broker can waive them.
The Union Budget 2026 increased STT on equity derivatives. STT on futures rose from 0.02% to 0.05%. STT on options premium increased from 0.10% to 0.15% . This makes controlling brokerage even more critical. When statutory costs rise, every bit of saving on brokerage helps protect your bottom line.
Some brokers advertise “zero brokerage” but apply it only to equity delivery. F&O remains charged. Others offer limited-time promotions. You must read the fine print. The search for zero brokerage on F&O requires examining actual fee structures, not just marketing claims.
Brokers Offering Zero or Low Brokerage on F&O
Let us look at specific brokers and their F&O brokerage charges in 2026.
- MarketBhai
MarketBhai positions itself as a cost-focused broker for active derivatives traders. It offers competitive flat-fee pricing on F&O trades, designed to benefit high-frequency and intraday traders. The structure is simple and transparent, avoiding complex percentage-based brokerage slabs. While it may not always advertise absolute “zero brokerage,” its low per-order pricing model can significantly reduce overall trading costs for disciplined, high-volume traders. Traders should still review statutory charges, exchange fees, and platform costs before making a decision.
- Shoonya by Finvasia
Shoonya offers one of the lowest cost structures. It charges ₹5 per executed order for F&O trades . This is not zero, but it is extremely low. Account opening and demat AMC are free. For high-volume traders, ₹5 per order creates significant savings compared to industry standards.
- Zerodha
Zerodha charges a flat ₹20 per executed order for options trades. For futures, it charges the lower of ₹20 or 0.03% of the trade value . This is the benchmark many traders know. It is transparent and consistent. There are no hidden percentage slabs.
- m.Stock
m.Stock by Mirae Asset charges ₹5 per order for F&O trades . This matches Shoonya’s pricing. It also offers zero account opening fees. For active F&O traders, this rate is highly competitive.
- Kotak Securities
Kotak Securities offers multiple plans. Its Trade Free Youth plan provides zero brokerage on F&O for customers below 30 years. This comes with a subscription fee of ₹299 for the first year and ₹499 for the second year . The Trade Free Plan for others charges ₹20 per order on carry-forward F&O trades . Zero brokerage exists here, but with age and subscription conditions.
- Groww
Groww charges a flat ₹20 or 0.05% per trade, whichever is lower, for F&O . The structure is similar to other discount brokers. It is not zero, but remains affordable for most traders.
- FYERS
FYERS offers a Prime plan with 500 brokerage-free orders. Once you exhaust these 500 orders, standard brokerage rates apply . This is a limited zero-brokerage offer. Active traders crossing 500 orders quickly will move to paid rates.
- Flattrade
Flattrade advertises real zero brokerage across segments, including F&O . This means no per-order charges. For traders seeking genuine zero brokerage on F&O, this is worth examining. Verify current terms before opening your account.
The Hidden Truth About Zero Brokerage Offers
You must approach zero brokerage claims with healthy skepticism. Some points to consider.
Sustainability questions arise. A broker needs revenue to maintain servers, support staff, and technology. If F&O brokerage is zero, how does the broker sustain operations? Some recover costs through higher annual maintenance charges (AMC), platform fees, or wider spreads .
Limited period offers are common. A broker may offer zero brokerage for the first month or first 100 trades. After that, rates revert to normal. FYERS’ 500-order limit is transparent about this . Others may not be as clear.
Segment restrictions apply. Some “zero brokerage” plans exclude F&O entirely. They apply only to delivery trades. Always check the segment-wise breakdown.
Hidden charges exist. Call and trade fees, RMS auto square-off charges, and heavy DP charges can offset brokerage savings . A broker charging ₹20 per F&O trade with zero other fees may be cheaper than a “zero brokerage” broker with high hidden costs.
Why Brokerage Structure Matters for F&O Traders
F&O trading involves high turnover. Even small per-trade differences compound significantly.
Consider this math. You execute 10 F&O trades per day. Trading days in a month are 22. Total monthly trades are 220. If you save ₹10 per trade, monthly saving is ₹2,200. Annual saving exceeds ₹26,000 .
Now imagine you trade 20 times daily. Annual saving at ₹10 per trade crosses ₹50,000. This money stays in your account. It improves your net returns without any change in your trading strategy.
The 2026 STT hike makes this more relevant. With statutory costs rising, optimizing brokerage is one of the few levers you control .
But cheap is not always best. Execution quality matters. A broker charging ₹5 per trade but with frequent server downtime or order slippage costs you more than the brokerage saved. Slippage of 0.05% on a ₹5 lakh trade is ₹250 . That outweighs any brokerage advantage.
What to Look for Beyond Brokerage
When evaluating which broker has zero brokerage on F&O, consider these factors.
Platform stability matters. Can you execute trades quickly during high volatility? Does the app crash on expiry days? Test these aspects.
Margin requirements differ. Some brokers offer better margin benefits through cross-margining. This can reduce your capital blocked.
Customer support response time is critical. When you face an issue, you need resolution before your position moves against you.
Transparency in charges is essential. The broker should clearly list all fees. No surprises at month end.
MarketBhai’s Approach to F&O Trading
MarketBhai understands that F&O traders need cost efficiency without compromising on execution quality. The platform focuses on transparent pricing and robust technology.
While we examine the landscape of zero brokerage on F&O, MarketBhai offers a balanced approach. You get competitive brokerage rates. You also get reliable order execution, real-time risk management, and a platform designed for active traders. The goal is not just low cost, but low total cost of trading including slippage and downtime.
For traders searching which broker has zero brokerage on F&O, MarketBhai represents the smarter choice. You pay fair brokerage. You receive professional-grade infrastructure. Your focus remains on your trades, not on platform issues.
Making Your Decision
You now have the facts. Zero brokerage on F&O exists in limited forms. Shoonya and m.Stock offer ₹5 per order, which is nearly zero for practical purposes. Kotak offers true zero but with age and subscription conditions. Flattrade claims zero across segments.
Before choosing, calculate your total monthly trades. Multiply by the per-order charge. Add any subscription or AMC fees. Compare this with brokers charging ₹20 per order but with zero other fees. The cheapest option depends on your trading volume.
Also assess platform reliability. Read recent user reviews. Check if the broker has adequate risk management systems. A small brokerage saving is worthless if you cannot exit a trade during a flash crash.
The search for which broker has zero brokerage on F&O should not end with the lowest number. It should end with the best overall value for your specific trading style.
Final Thoughts
Zero brokerage on F&O is an attractive proposition. Several brokers offer it, either fully or through low-cost plans like ₹5 per order. The 2026 STT hike makes cost optimization more important than ever .
But remember the full picture. Brokerage is one component of your trading cost. Execution quality, platform stability, and hidden fees matter equally.
MarketBhai encourages you to trade smart. Choose a broker that balances cost with reliability. Test the platform with small volumes. Verify all charges. Then scale up with confidence.
Your trading success depends on your strategy and discipline. Let your broker support that success, not hinder it with hidden costs or technical failures. The answer to which broker has zero brokerage on F&O is now clear. Apply this knowledge. Choose wisely. Trade profitably.
