To invest in Indian companies that are listed on the Indian stock market, NRIs need a trading account. They can open such accounts with the help of several Indian stockbrokers who provide NRI banking services. These services include a 3-in-1 NRI Trading Account, Zero AMC NRI Demat Account, Low Brokerage NRI plans, etc.
What Are NRI Trading Accounts?
An NRI trading account is an investment account that allows an NRI to trade in stock derivatives such as bonds, equities, etc. He/she can also invest in mutual funds listed in the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). These accounts are the medium to conduct investment transactions in India for NRIs. Without a trading account, an NRI will not be allowed to invest in the Indian share market. Similar to a trading account, he/she also has to open an NRI Demat account if he/she wants to invest in the Indian stock market. A Demat account would also let an NRI invest in mutual funds, ETFs, and convertible debentures.
Types of NRI Trading Accounts
NRI Trading Accounts are classified under two categories:
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NRI 3-in-1 Accounts: An NRI 3-in-1 account combines 3 accounts. These accounts are the NRI Bank Account, NRI Trading Account, and NRI Demat Account. NRI 3-in-1 accounts are also known as NRI 4-in-1 accounts when brokers open two bank accounts. It allows seamless transactions as the three NRI accounts are combined. In India, 3-in-1 NRI accounts are offered by banks like ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, SBI, Axis Bank, Yes Bank, etc.
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NRI 2-in-1 Accounts: An NRI 2-in-1 account is a combination of an NRI Trading and an NRI Demat Account. To apply for a 2-in-1 account, NRIs have to open a Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS), a Non-Residential External Account (NRE), and a Non-Resident Ordinary Account (NRO). An NRI 2-in-1 account is opened by brokers who do not have a banking license.
Types of NRI Demat Accounts
NRI Demat accounts are of two types:
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NRE Demat Account: NRIs can open an NRE Demat account to invest in the Indian stock market. You can make investments on a repatriation basis which means that all your earnings from securities can be transferred abroad. An NRE Demat account is linked to your NRE bank account.
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NRO Demat Account: NRIs can open an NRO Demat account to manage their funds in India. It is a non-repatriable Demat account that allows the partial transfer of the funds abroad. Only the principal amount of investment is repatriable after paying taxes. An NRO Demat account is linked to your NRO bank account.
What Are the Benefits Provided by an NRI Trading Account?
There are several benefits offered by an NRI trading account:
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Investment in India: An NRI trading account enables NRIs to invest in India through mutual funds, stocks, equities, bonds, etc. All these investments are possible by opening a PIS Account which facilitates trading in the Indian financial market.
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Higher Returns: The most attractive feature of the Indian financial market is the probability of high returns for NRI investments. NRIs earn more interest in India by investing in NRE Fixed Deposits and FCNR (B) deposits.
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Sustained Earnings: NRIs can earn income from their assets in India in a sustained manner. Income from Indian sources such as rent and business can be earned even if you are not residing in India.Â
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Zero Tax Liability: As an NRI, you do not have to pay taxes on the interest income earned on your NRE and FCNR (B) accounts as per the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
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Independent of Fluctuations: An offline or online trading account for NRIs allows you to retain your foreign earning in its original currency. There is no need to convert your foreign earnings into INR. It makes it possible for you to avoid foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
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Loans: In India, you have an option to get a loan against the money deposited in your NRI account. Indian authorized banks and financial institutions offer loans to NRIs, including fund-based and non-fund-based facilities.


Summing It Up
It is important to know about the best online trading account for NRIs before deciding upon one. An online trading account for NRI investors is mandatory to delve into the Indian stock market for investment and trading purposes.