This move sets a new benchmark in the broking industry by making retail algo trading entirely cost-free.
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, 10 November 2025 – Kotak Neo, the trading app from Kotak Securities, one of India’s leading
brokerage firms, has announced zero-brokerage, zero-fee TRADE APIs across all its digital plans for retail
traders. Effective 1st November 2025, all API orders placed under the Trade Free plans on the app will
attract no per-order brokerage and API usage charges. This move sets a new benchmark in the broking
industry by making retail algo trading entirely cost-free.
The trading app has also done a major upgrade to its retail algo trading APIs for all its active traders and
developers. This initiative aligns with SEBI’s recent framework to promote safer and more inclusive retail
participation in algorithmic trading, expanding access beyond institutional and advanced players,
effectively democratizing the space. The enhanced Kotak Neo APIs now offer improved latency and a
scalable infrastructure that boosts speed, performance, and user experience.
With the new upgrade, Kotak Neo users can execute orders in under 50 milliseconds, supporting time-
sensitive trades. Developers will also benefit from a step-by-step integration guide for a smooth
onboarding experience. Combined with zero brokerage and no API usage fees, Kotak Neo is removing
traditional barriers and paving the way for broader adoption of technology-driven trading. While fintech
providers charge subscription fees and brokerages levy both API usage fees and brokerage for retail algo
trading, Kotak Neo is setting a new standard by making it completely cost-free.
Ashish Nanda, Chief Digital Business Officer, Kotak Securities, said, “Staying in line with SEBI’s new
framework of strengthening retail algo trading, Kotak Neo has introduced a ₹0 per-order brokerage
benefit for active retail traders and developers using our digital plans. We have also upgraded our trade
APIs to deliver speed, scale, and simplicity. By combining precision and automation, we are delivering a
faster and cost-effective trading experience. This initiative is expected to accelerate adoption among
both new and seasoned retail investors in India. Through our zero brokerage, active traders can run
unlimited strategies without brokerage costs.” He further adds, “At Kotak Neo, we are committed to
empowering the next generation of market participants with world-class tools. The platform currently
handles a high volume of API orders every day, and by adopting a developer-first approach, we align
with some of the more advanced trading API ecosystems in the industry.”
Traders and developers can instantly generate API tokens from the Kotak Neo app and start trading
immediately. The platform offers broad product coverage including Delivery (CNC), Intraday (MIS), F&O
(NRML), Cover Orders, Bracket Orders, and AMO. Built on a language-agnostic REST architecture, Kotak
Neo APIs integrate effortlessly with Python, Java, C#, Node.js, Go, and more, with a dedicated Python
SDK for quick implementation.
Available APIs on the app include order APIs that allow users to place, modify, or cancel trades with
precision and flexibility. Market and quote APIs enable real-time access to prices, bids, asks, and market
depth across equities, ETFs, and indices. Users can also track their open positions, monitor holdings, and
view real-time profit and loss through portfolio and positions APIs. Additionally, limits and margins APIs
provide real-time margin checks and display available funds before executing trades, ensuring informed
decision-making.
