With modern demat accounts that allow you to manage purchases, SIPs, redemptions, tracking, and portfolio reviews from a single app, investing in mutual funds has never been easier. As 2026 draws near, millions of new investors—particularly novices and salaried professionals—are looking for the most simple, affordable, and reliable demat account for investing in mutual funds.
Whether you want to switch platforms or invest in mutual funds this year, this article will help you understand which demat accounts stand out in 2026 and how to choose the ideal one for your needs without misunderstanding or sales hype.
Is a Demat Account Necessary for Mutual Funds?
To put it briefly: No, but having one makes things much easier.
Fund companies let you make direct investments via their websites or “direct apps.” Nonetheless, using a reliable demat platform has some advantages: All mutual funds combined into one dashboard
Easy SIP setup and automation
Paperless KYC and instant onboarding
Portfolio monitoring and tax reporting
The option to later make stock investments using the same account
Because of this, most modern investors now prefer opening a single demat account and managing all of their investments from one place.
What Makes a Demat Account for Mutual Funds the “Best” in 2026?
Before digging into any platform names, it’s important to understand what really matters:
1. Commission-free mutual funds
In 2026, almost all reputable platforms offer commission-free direct mutual fund plans, which lowers expense ratios and boosts long-term returns.
2. Low or No AMC Charges
Some demat accounts still have annual maintenance costs between ₹300 and ₹800. The best platforms either charge zero AMC or provide permanent fee waivers.
3. SIP’s simplicity
SIPs should be easy to start up, modify, and terminate on the platform without the requirement for explicit constraints or documentation.
4. A neat mobile app
A user-friendly design is crucial, especially for inexperienced users.
5. Prompt Customer Support
Reliable assistance via chat, phone, or email is a crucial component that many investors overlook but regularly need.
The Best Demat Mutual Fund Accounts for 2026
Based on elements including usability, cost, reliability, and investor popularity, these are the platforms that the majority of people will trust in 2026.
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Perfect for beginners
Groww has become one of India’s most user-friendly investing apps for beginners.
People prefer it since there are no demat or AMC costs.
Direct mutual funds with no commissions
Simple SIP scheduling
A neat and easy-to-use dashboard
Perfect for: First-time investors, students, and salaried professionals who like simplicity.
Zerodha (Coin App)
Perfect for long-term investors
Zerodha’s Coin platform, which maintains mutual funds in demat format, is among the most dependable.
Highlights: Just direct planning
Strong performance analytics
A substantial and trustworthy user base
A very secure platform
Important things to keep in mind: ● Small AMC (around ₹300 annually)
The interface may appear complex to certain inexperienced users.
Perfect for: Investors with greater holdings or current Zerodha stock traders.
Upstox
The most economical choice
Upstox provides a good mix of features and cost.
Benefits Creating a free account
Putting money into mutual funds directly
Useful methods for monitoring a portfolio
Cons: The app experience is a tad less sophisticated than Groww.
Perfect for: Investors seeking solid performance at a reasonable cost.
Angel One is the best research tool.
Angel One integrates stock research with mutual fund investing.
Benefits Direct financial access
thorough portfolio monitoring
Information and perspectives about education
Cons: There are AMC fees.
Perfect for: People who value market analysis and investing research.
Kuvera (MF-Only Platform)
The finest pure mutual fund experience
Kuvera solely focuses on investing in mutual funds rather than stock trading.
Highlights: There is no cost to use the platform.
Only proposals for direct mutual funds
Goal-based investment planning tools
Features for reporting and collecting taxes
Perfect for: People who only want to invest in mutual funds and want a distraction-free interface.
Which Platform Is Ideal for You?
The Ideal Choice for the Type of Investor
Groww, a new investor
The Zerodha Coin is a serious long-term investor.
Combining MFUpstox with inexpensive trading
Research-focused investor Kuvera, who only invests in mutual funds
Can You Use a Single Platform to Boost Your Returns?
Choosing a platform that offers direct plans significantly boosts revenues even though they don’t immediately enhance returns.
Direct plans offer: decreased expense ratios
Stronger compounding over time
Distributors receive no commissions.
Over a period of 15 to 20 years, this cost difference might raise the whole portfolio value by lakhs of rupees, especially for frequent SIP members.
Final Tips for Choosing a Demat Account
Before opening an account in 2026, consider the following: Are you a beginner? Choose to be straightforward.
Do you want to make investments in mutual funds and stocks? Select a full-service demat broker.
Developing long-term strategies for large SIPs? Low AMC and platform stability are crucial.
Do you require research instruments? Look for solutions that offer analytics and insights.
Advice: Unless it’s absolutely necessary, don’t open multiple accounts. Managing a single consolidated portfolio is safer and easier.
Final Thoughts
The best demat account for mutual funds in 2026 is the platform that best fits your long-term goals and investing style, not necessarily the most popular or affordable option.
For beginners, platforms such as Groww and Kuvera make things simple and accessible. Zerodha’s analytical features and proven reliability make it an excellent choice for more serious investors.
Above all, remember that consistency—rather than the platform—is what generates revenue.
Choose a tool and focus on consistent investing, long-term discipline, and patience.