How to Add a Bank Account in Zerodha?

If you're using Zerodha to invest or trade in the stock market, adding your bank account is one of the first and most important steps. Without linking your bank account, you can't add money to your trading account, nor can you withdraw your profits. In this blog, we will discuss how to add a bank account in Zerodha.

Zerodha is your online stock market wallet, and your bank account is your money source and destination. Just like how UPI apps (like PhonePe or GPay) need a linked bank account to work, Zerodha also needs your account to send and receive funds securely.

About Zerodha

Zerodha is India’s most popular stockbroker. It lets you buy and sell shares, invest in mutual funds, trade in futures and options, and more, all from your smartphone or laptop.

Imagine Zerodha as a digital version of a stock market shop, where instead of physically going somewhere, you just log in and start investing.

Why You Need to Add a Bank Account in Zerodha?

Adding a bank account is non-negotiable. Without it, your Zerodha account is like a mobile phone with no SIM, useless for transactions. You need a bank account linked to:

Add money to your trading account.
Withdraw profits back to your bank.
Ensure security (Zerodha only allows transactions from your linked account to prevent fraud).

For example, let's say your Zerodha account is like a digital wallet, and your bank is like your real pocket. To fill the wallet, you need to take money out of your pocket. And if you earn from the stock market, that profit has to go back into your pocket, your bank account.

Steps to Add a Bank Account in Zerodha

Below are the step-by-step instructions to add a bank account to Zerodha:

1. Open Zerodha App or Website.

2. Tap on the Profile Icon.

3. Click on the Profile button.

4. Tap on Manage account.

5. A new console tab will open in your browser. Click on the arrow sign, as shown in the image below.

6. Tap on the Bank button.

7. Tap on Add bank account.

8. Enter the account number, re-enter the account number, and enter the IFSC code. Then, tap “Set as Primary” if you want to make this bank account your primary account; if you want it to be a secondary account, do not select this option. Finally, accept the terms and conditions by tapping the checkbox.

9. Then choose the option for verification, either Email or Mobile, and click on 'Send OTP.

Now you will receive an OTP. Once the verification is complete, you can see that your demat account is connected to your preferred bank account.

Types of Bank Accounts You Can Add in Zerodha

Here are the types of bank accounts that you can add to your Zerodha account:

Type of Bank Account	Can I add as Primary?	Can I add as Secondary?	Notes
Savings Account	Yes	Yes	Most common type.
Joint Account	Yes (if you're the first holder)	Yes	All holders must sign if primary.
NRE Account (for NRIs)	Yes	Yes	Only for NRI trading.
NRO Account	Yes	Yes	Used for Indian income.
Current Account	No	No	Not allowed.

Key Points to Remember

Here are some important things you should keep in mind before adding or changing a bank account in Zerodha:

Charges
Zerodha charges a small fee of ₹25 + GST whenever you add a new bank account or change your existing one. It’s a one-time charge for each update.

Primary vs. Secondary Bank Account
When you add a secondary bank account, your primary account stays the same unless you specifically choose to switch it.

You can have one primary and two secondary accounts.
Only the primary account is used for withdrawals.

No Third-Party Transfers
Zerodha is strict about safety. You can only transfer funds to and from your own linked bank account.

Transfers from someone else’s bank account (like friends or family) won’t be accepted.
This is to protect your account from fraud and mistakes.

Also, check: What is MTF in Groww?

Conclusion

In conclusion, adding a bank account in Zerodha is not that hard. Think of it like setting up UPI; once your bank is linked, you're ready to send, receive, and trade. Just follow the steps, and in a day or two, you’ll be able to transfer funds easily and enjoy seamless trading.

About the Author

Saniya

I'm a finance content writer with a BBA in FinTech, passionate about simplifying money matters for everyday Indians. I break down complex topics like investments, savings, and digital finance into easy, relatable content. My goal is to help you in a way that’s easy to understand, jargon-free, and actually useful in real life.

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