Hi guys
This is my first post out here and quite predictably am somewhat of a newbie when it comes to matters advanced. However, I think I shall take a chance and answer Radhika somehow ....... only hope I am not pulling someone's patience strings
.... do correct me if I am wrong!
Sharekhan is good if you are using their Speed trade or Software based Logins. They have direct tie-ups with most top banking institutions including ICICI and HDFC so safe online money transfer is fast and secure.
Their uptimes are a big plus, atleast relatively since I can't quite say the same about Religare or perhaps about the clarity in brokerage structure of some other firms.
Nonetheless, my boss who uses HDFC swears by it though I am yet to find numbers that prove him right ...... yes ..... I am not going by the "Boss is alwez right" in this cause
....
Humor apart, I think they charge you a fair brokerage but are secure if not more secure. I think you should be more worried about the security of your PC and its inaccesibility more than what someone can do on the internet. Being a techie myself, I highly recommend a mix of Anti-trojan, anti-virus and firewall software to help ensure peace of mind. I seem to be able to get your pulse, like all others would, who are reading this post, personally I'd hate to have anyone know of my financial bulls and bears online. But again, security is what you make of it; all online brokerage firms (including banking institutions that offer these services) offer similar levels of security, none better than the other.
Customer service might be somewhat better in HDFC, but Sharekhan's Stock tips and Long term investment advice strategies etc. seem more attractive.
More so, Sharekhan brokerage charges are standard. I think banks like HDFC and ICICI might be charging more for less personal service. But then, with a banking institution you know you are dealing with a professional on the other end of the phone but you cannot assume someone is taking personal responsibility for your cause. So, all said and done ..... its a mix that makes you think about what is your topmost priority.
All the best ahead .... I hope this post got you somewhere near to making the right decision.