For smaller portfolio investors, SEBI introduced the concept of Basic Services Demat Accounts (BSDA) to make investing more affordable. BSDA offers lower annual maintenance charges (AMC) based on the value of holdings in the account. Here's how the charges are structured:
No AMC: If the value of your holdings in your demat account is up to Rs. 4 lakh, you are not required to pay any annual maintenance charges. This makes it ideal for small investors who want to minimise costs.
100 AMC: For accounts where the value of holdings is more than Rs. 4 lahks but up to Rs. 10 lahks, the annual maintenance charge is Rs. 100. This is significantly lower than the regular AMC, offering a cost-effective solution for medium-sized investors.
Regular AMC: If the account is not classified as BSDA or the value of holdings exceeds Rs. 10 lakh, regular AMC applies as per the DP's fee structure. This can vary significantly, so it's important to check with your DP for exact charges.
BSDA encourages more market participation by reducing the cost burden on small investors. If you qualify for BSDA, taking advantage of these reduced charges is a good idea.