For any Non-Resident Indian (NRI) looking to dabble in the Indian stock market, finding a dependable platform is crucial. Angel One, formerly known as Angel Broking, has established itself as a prominent name in the Indian stock broking industry.
If you’re an NRI, especially from the USA, considering Angel One, this review is tailored for you.
In this article...
Platform Reliability
First and foremost, is Angel One reliable?
Founded in 1987, the firm has over three decades of experience in the stock broking industry.
With a rich legacy, a vast network of sub-brokers, and millions of satisfied customers, Angel One is a tried and trusted name in the realm of stock trading in India.
Platforms like Zerodha and Sharekhan also offer NRI accounts. But when it comes to the seamless blend of technology and customer support, Angel One often leads the pack.
Angel One’s Unique Features and Benefits for NRIs
Angel One, in its continuous pursuit of excellence, has integrated several unique features and benefits tailored for its NRI clientele. Here’s a look into what sets the platform apart:
- Robo Advisory – ARQ:
Angel One introduces ARQ, a revolutionary robotic tool that offers personalized advisory services. It uses advanced algorithms and analytics to recommend the best investment strategies. For NRIs unfamiliar with the Indian market’s volatility, ARQ could be a game-changer. - Comprehensive Portfolio:
Beyond just equities, Angel One offers a diversified portfolio of services which includes mutual funds, commodities, and even forex. This wide array provides NRIs with the flexibility to diversify their investments. - Advanced Technology Interface:
The platform’s mobile trading app is renowned for its user-friendly interface, real-time stock updates, and advanced charting tools. It’s designed keeping both the beginner and the expert trader in mind. - Dedicated NRI Desk:
Understanding the unique challenges faced by NRIs, Angel One offers a dedicated NRI desk. This team assists with account setup, offers investment advice, and helps navigate the regulatory environment. - Transparent Brokerage Plans:
Angel One is lauded for its transparent fee structure. They offer flexible brokerage plans that cater to both the casual investor and the frequent trader. - Safety and Security:
With advanced encryption technologies, Angel One ensures that your data and investment are secure. Their three-decade legacy in the industry also stands as a testament to their credibility.
While other platforms might offer some of these features, the integration of advanced tech with personalized advisory services in Angel One is quite unparalleled.
Their dedicated NRI services desk, in particular, is a boon for those new to the Indian investment scenario.
AngelOne Charges & Fees
| Charge Type | Angel One (formerly Angel Broking) | Zerodha | Upstox | Sharekhan | ICICIDirect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Account Opening Fees | ₹0 (Free) | ₹200 | ₹0 (Free) | ₹0 (Free) | ₹975 (including GST) |
| Annual Maintenance Fees | ₹450 | ₹300 | ₹300 | ₹400 | ₹700 |
| Equity Delivery | ₹0 (Free) | ₹0 | ₹0 (Free) | 0.50% | 0.55% |
| Equity Intraday | ₹20/order or 0.25% (whichever is lower) | ₹20/order | ₹20/order | 0.10% | 0.03% |
| Equity Futures | ₹20/order or 0.25% (whichever is lower) | ₹20/order | ₹20/order | 0.10% | 0.05% |
| Equity Options | ₹20/order | ₹20/order | ₹20/order | ₹100/lot | ₹95/lot |
| Currency Futures | ₹20/order or 0.25% (whichever is lower) | ₹20/order | ₹20/order | 0.10% | 0.04% |
| Currency Options | ₹20/order | ₹20/order | ₹20/order | ₹30/lot | ₹25/lot |
| Commodity Futures | ₹20/order or 0.25% (whichever is lower) | ₹20/order | ₹20/order | 0.10% | N/A |
| Commodity Options | ₹20/order | ₹20/order | ₹20/order | ₹100/lot | N/A |
Note: The charges mentioned above are based on 2021 data. There might have been changes post-2021, so always refer to the official websites of the respective stockbrokers for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Tax Implications for NRIs Investing in India
If you’re an NRI from the USA contemplating investing through Angel One, it’s paramount to grasp the tax implications.
Capital gains tax in India is levied on profits made from stock trading. For short-term capital gains (held for less than a year), the tax is 15%. For long-term gains (stocks held for over a year), the tax is 10% if the profit exceeds ₹1 lakh.
Important Note: Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA) between India and the USA ensures you’re not taxed twice. More on DTAA.
Learning to Invest with Angel One
- Angel One Learning Center:
Angel One has a dedicated Learning Center on its website. The Learning Center provides a plethora of articles, video tutorials, webinars, and courses catering to both beginners and seasoned investors. Topics range from the basics of stock markets to more advanced techniques in technical analysis. - Smart Money Platform:
Angel One introduced its Smart Money platform as an initiative to provide self-paced interactive courses on finance and investing. It’s an excellent resource for someone new to stock trading, and it covers a wide range of topics. - ARQ – The Robo-Advisory Tool:
Angel One’s ARQ is a revolutionary investment engine that helps users identify and invest in potential stocks. It uses machine learning, cognitive algorithms, and expert insights to analyze and predict stock performances. - Blogs and News Updates:
Their official blog is a resource hub of market insights, investment strategies, and the latest news. Regularly updated, this section is an excellent tool for staying in touch with the market’s pulse. - YouTube Channel:
Angel One’s YouTube channel is replete with video tutorials, market analyses, and expert interviews. Their content is curated for investors at all levels, ensuring there’s something for everyone. - Webinars and Workshops:
Angel One regularly conducts webinars on various financial topics, featuring experts from the industry. These sessions are aimed at equipping investors with practical insights and strategies. - Feedback and Community Interaction:
Angel One’s platforms allow users to engage in discussions, ask questions, and receive feedback. Interacting with a community of fellow traders can be a great learning experience.
Angel One has curated a rich set of resources aiming at investor education and empowerment. Especially for NRIs returning to India or those looking to invest in the Indian market from abroad, these resources can be invaluable. By leveraging these tools and resources, NRIs can make well-informed decisions and maximize their investment returns.
Disclaimer: Always ensure that you cross-check with Angel One’s official website and other reliable resources before making investment decisions. The landscape of stockbroking and online trading is dynamic, with new features and tools being added regularly.
Is Angel One the Right Fit for an NRI?
While Angel One offers a multitude of features and robust customer support, the platform truly shines with its user interface.
For an NRI unfamiliar with the intricacies of the Indian stock market, Angel One’s platform is intuitive and straightforward.
However, if you’re someone who is looking for advanced charting tools, you might find platforms like Zerodha slightly ahead.
But in terms of overall reliability, ease of use, and customer support – Angel One scores high.
What is Angel One Popular For?
1. Pioneering Digital Stock Broking in India:
Angel One, with its rich legacy spanning over three decades, has been at the forefront of embracing technology. They were among the early adopters of digital stockbroking in India, making stock trading accessible to the masses via their user-friendly platforms.
2. ARQ – The Robo-Advisory Tool:
One of Angel One’s most touted offerings is the ARQ robo-advisory platform. ARQ is designed to make personalized investment recommendations based on advanced algorithms, ensuring that investment advice is free from human bias.
3. Seamless User Experience:
Angel One’s trading platform, whether accessed through a browser, desktop application, or mobile app, is known for its smooth user experience. Its intuitive design, real-time data streaming, and seamless integration of various features have garnered praise from both novice and seasoned traders.
4. Comprehensive Educational Resources:
The firm places a significant emphasis on investor education. Their Learning Center and Smart Money platforms cater to both beginners and advanced traders, offering an array of resources to understand the nitty-gritty of stock trading.
5. Competitive Brokerage Rates:
Angel One is known for its competitive and transparent brokerage rates. Their flat-fee model, introduced a few years back, allows traders to execute trades at a fixed cost, making it lucrative for high-volume traders.
6. Strong Offline Presence:
Despite their emphasis on online trading, Angel One has a robust offline presence with numerous branches and sub-brokers across India. This hybrid approach ensures that they cater to investors who prefer in-person consultations and services.
7. Diverse Product Portfolio:
Apart from equities and commodities, Angel One offers a wide range of financial products and services, including mutual funds, IPOs, PMS (Portfolio Management Services), and more.
Conclusion
For NRIs, especially those from the USA who might be returning to India soon, Angel One provides a balanced platform to start their investment journey. Its legacy, combined with modern tech interfaces, ensures you get the best of both worlds.
Before diving in, it’s always a good idea to consult with a financial advisor, especially to understand tax implications in detail. And remember, investing in stocks carries inherent risks – so always make informed decisions.
Learn more about Angel One’s NRI services here.
