How you can reduce AMC charges with basic demat account

If you have demat accounts with multiple brokers, not only are you paying higher annual maintenance charges (AMCs), but these charges add up for every account. But you can lower this: open basic services demat account (BDSA).

- Jash Kriplani

The annual maintenance charges of BDSA, introduced by market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), is nil if the value of holding is up to ₹4 lakh. If it is more than ₹4 lakh, but less than ₹10 lakh, the annual charges are capped at ₹100. For more than ₹10 lakh, the brokers can levy regular AMC. If you have a delisted share, its value is pegged at zero.

However, to be eligible for BDSA, you must have only one demat account, where you are the sole or first holder.