Know the difference. Invest smarter.

Trading Account vs Demat Account

They work hand in hand, but serve different purposes. Here's how they complement each other and why you need both for successful stock market investing.

Trading Account vs Demat Account - Complete Comparison Guide for Stock Market Investors

If you're new to stock market investing, you've probably heard the terms "Trading Account" and "Demat Account" used together — sometimes even interchangeably. But while they work hand in hand, they serve two very different purposes. In this comprehensive guide, you'll clearly understand the difference, why you need both to invest, and how Aditya Trading & Share Brokers (ATS) makes the entire process simple and seamless.

What Is a Demat Account?

A Demat Account (Dematerialized Account) is used to store your investments in digital form — just like how your bank account stores money. Whenever you buy shares through the stock exchange, they are credited to your Demat Account. When you sell them, they are debited automatically.

In short: A Demat account is your digital locker for holding shares, bonds, ETFs, and mutual funds. Managed by national depositories like NSDL and CDSL through registered brokers such as ATS.

Example: You buy 10 shares of Infosys → They appear in your Demat account within 2 working days.

What Is a Trading Account?

A Trading Account acts as the transactional bridge between your bank and Demat account. When you buy shares, the Trading Account debits money from your bank and credits shares to your Demat. When you sell, it debits the shares and credits money back to your bank.

In short: A Trading account is your gateway to the stock exchanges (NSE, BSE, MCX, etc.). Trades are executed here; holdings live in Demat.

Example: Place a buy order for Infosys → Trade executes via your Trading Account → Shares settle into your Demat.

Core Difference Between Trading & Demat Accounts

Comparison between Trading Account and Demat Account features and functions
FeatureTrading AccountDemat Account
PurposeTo buy and sell sharesTo store shares and securities
FunctionalityExecutes trades on exchangesHolds securities electronically
Linked WithBank & Demat AccountTrading Account
Issued ByStockbroker (like ATS)Depository participant (via broker)
AnalogyShopping cart — where you buy/sellLocker — where you keep purchased items
Example ActionPlacing an order on NSEHolding those shares after purchase

Together, they complete the cycle of investing, storing, and trading securely in the Indian stock market.

Why You Need Both Trading and Demat Accounts

1

Bank Account → Adds or receives money

2

Trading Account → Executes the buy/sell order

3

Demat Account → Stores or releases the securities

Without any one of these, the transaction can't be completed in the stock market.
Example Workflow with ATS:
  • You add ₹10,000 to your ATS Trading Wallet
  • Place a buy order for Tata Motors
  • ATS executes the order on NSE
  • Shares are credited to your ATS-linked Demat account

Benefits of Opening Trading + Demat Account with ATS

Seamless Integration between Trading and Demat Accounts

Seamless Integration

One-time setup connects Demat, Trading & Bank instantly

Zero AMC Demat Account Option with ATS

Zero AMC Demat Option

Save annual maintenance fees on your Demat account

Low Brokerage Rates for Trading Account

Low Brokerage Rates

Trade more at minimal cost with competitive brokerage

Real-Time Stock Market Research and Insights

Real-Time Research

Get expert insights for informed trading decisions

All-in-One Mobile App for Trading and Demat Management

All-in-One Mobile App

Trade, track, and analyze — anywhere, anytime

Secure Transactions for Trading and Demat Accounts

Secure Transactions

Advanced encryption & 2FA for complete safety

Real Example: Understanding Trading vs Demat Account with a Story

Rahul decides to invest ₹5,000 in the stock market.

  1. He opens both Demat and Trading Accounts with ATS.
  2. He transfers ₹5,000 from his bank to his ATS Trading Account.
  3. He buys 2 shares of Reliance through his Trading Account.
  4. The shares are stored in his Demat Account safely.
  5. Later, he sells them for ₹5,500 — money comes back to his bank.
  • The Trading Account facilitated the buy/sell transactions.
  • The Demat Account stored the shares securely.
  • ATS made the entire investment journey effortless.

Can You Have One Account Without the Other?

Technically, you can open a Demat account without a trading account (e.g., to hold mutual funds), but you can't trade shares without a trading account. For active stock market participation, both are mandatory. ATS offers a 2-in-1 account setup — combining both in a single application process for your convenience.

How to Open Trading + Demat Account with ATS

  1. STEP 1

    Visit ATS Website

    Go to adityatrading.in → Click Open Account.
  2. STEP 2

    Enter Basic Details

    Name, Email, and Mobile number for KYC verification.
  3. STEP 3

    Upload KYC Documents

    Upload PAN, Aadhaar & Bank details securely.
  4. STEP 4

    E-Sign via Aadhaar OTP

    No paper forms — 100% digital verification process.
  5. STEP 5

    Get Account Activated

    Start trading within ~10 minutes after verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Trading Account?
A Trading Account is used to buy and sell shares in the stock market. It acts as an interface between your bank and Demat account, enabling you to execute transactions online through your broker.
What is a Demat Account?
A Demat Account, or dematerialized account, is used to hold shares and securities in electronic form. It eliminates the need for physical certificates and ensures safe, paperless storage of investments.
What is the difference between a Trading Account and a Demat Account?
A Trading Account is used to execute buy and sell orders, while a Demat Account stores the shares you own. In simple terms, the Trading Account facilitates transactions and the Demat Account holds the securities.
Do I need both Trading and Demat Accounts?
Yes, to invest or trade in the stock market, you need both. The Trading Account executes trades and the Demat Account holds your shares after purchase.
Can I open a Trading Account without a Demat Account
You can open a Trading Account alone if you wish to trade in derivatives or commodities, but for equity trading and investing, a Demat Account is mandatory to hold shares
Which account should I open first — Trading or Demat?
You can open both accounts together. Most brokers, including Aditya Trading Solutions (ATS), provide a combined Trading and Demat Account opening process online.
What are the benefits of opening a Trading and Demat Account with ATS?
ATS offers free account opening, a simple online process, low brokerage charges, and fast trade execution with a secure trading platform.

Ready to Start Your Investment Journey?

The Trading Account is your execution tool, and the Demat Account is your storage vault. Together, they create a seamless path to invest confidently in India's financial markets. With ATS, you can open both accounts online in minutes and start trading with professional insights, lowest brokerage, and top-tier customer support.

Get Started — Open Your Accounts Today