Things are not the same as they used to be when it comes to trading in India. Traders are using automated systems, data-driven strategies, and algorithmic trading these days.
Do you know what is going on behind the scenes of all this technology-driven trading? APIs.
An API lets your code or software connect to your broker directly. If you like coding, you can make your own trading app, automatically place trades, get live data, test your strategies, etc.
In today’s blog, we will discuss about the best broker that offers free APIs in India.
What is Trading API
An API (Application Programming Interface) is like a bridge between your computer program and the broker’s system. You can write your own code, which connects directly to the broker instead of logging into their app to make trades.
Below is what you can do with a trading API:
- Access live market data, including order books and price feeds.
- Automatically place orders to buy and sell.
- You don’t have to log in to manage your portfolio positions.
- Apply the algorithms to execute strategies for intraday, swing, or options trading.
- Use past data to test your strategies.
Best Brokers Offering Free APIs
1. POCKETFUL
Pocketful is a fintech platform that makes stock investing and algorithmic trading easy for young and tech-savvy people. It is still new to the Indian market, but is already getting attention.
Pocketful’s API is free and made for developers who want flexibility. You can stream market data, make trades, and manage your portfolios without paying anything extra. The setup is easy, and the fact that it supports Python makes it suitable for beginners to use.
2. ANGEL ONE
Angel One’s SmartAPI is a free, developer-friendly platform that lets you automate trading and access live and historical market data. You can place orders, track your portfolio, and build anything from simple scripts to advanced trading bots. It works with REST and WebSocket, supports multiple programming languages, and is suitable for both beginners and fintech developers looking to create automated or copy-trading systems.
The platform also provides real-time updates for multiple market segments, including stocks, options, futures, and commodities. It offers features like automated entry/exit strategies, risk management tools, and GTT (Good Till Triggered) orders. A strong community and support resources help users learn, troubleshoot, and improve their trading systems efficiently.
3. ALICE BLUE
Alice Blue is a discount broker based in Bangalore that has built a good name for low-cost trading and a growing community of active traders. They have also worked with a lot of third-party algorithm platforms.
Their ANT API is free and lets you access live market data, place and manage orders, and examine historical data for backtesting. You don’t have to worry about compatibility, as it works with many languages, including Python and Java. Alice Blue can be a good option for anyone who wants to try automation without extra costs.
4. FYERS
Fyers is a new discount broker in India, but it is evolving rapidly because it prioritises technology. Investors adore them because their platform is updated, and they do not charge any fees for delivery trades.
The Fyers API is free and easy for developers to use. You can get live feeds, place orders, and see historical charts. This is amazing if you want to backtest or make your own dashboards. Fyers is a great choice for algorithmic trading because it works well with Python and has an active online community.
5. KOTAK NEO
Kotak Securities, an arm of the Kotak Mahindra Bank, is one of the biggest names in the broking industry. They established Kotak Neo, a discount trading platform, to keep up with the new wave of traders.
Neo’s free API lets you get market data, make trades, and keep track of your holdings. It stands out because you get the reliability and trust of a big broker without having to pay anything for the API. Although it is quite new, it is definitely worth giving a try.
6. DHAN
Dhan started back in 2021, but it is already gaining popularity among active traders. With sleek platforms, a user-friendly Interface, and a focus on technology, it is built specifically for today’s trading generation.
The Dhan API is free and made for developers. You can get live market data, place orders quickly, use WebSockets, and work with Python easily. The platform is easy to use for beginners, and the start-up process is smooth. Dhan is a great choice if you want algo trading tools without the extra fees or clutter.
7. SAMCO
Samco is a discount broker that has been around for a while. It is known for its flat ₹20 brokerage and easy-to-use trading platforms. It is not as big as Zerodha or Angel One, but it has found a place among traders who want to save money.
Samco gives you free access to its API that lets you see live market data, place orders, and keep track of your portfolio. It is a good choice for anyone who wants to automate simple trading strategies without paying a monthly fee.
8. SHOONYA by FINVASIA
Finvasia’s Shoonya platform is known for being a trading app with no hidden fees, and this alone makes it attractive to retail traders who don’t want to pay high fees.
The Shoonya API is free to use and has everything you need for algorithmic trading, like real-time data, order placement, and portfolio management. Shoonya is one of the best options for cost-conscious algo traders because it has no broker fees and a free API.
9. UPSTOX
Upstox is one of the most popular discount brokers in India, backed by Late. Ratan Tata. It has a visually appealing trading app and competitive brokerage plans, with more than 1 crore customers.
Upstox also have an API. Developers can use it for free and analyse market data and simple automation, but they have to pay for advanced features. If you are new to algo trading and already use Upstox, this is a great way to get an understanding of it before you jump into buying their premium plans.
10. TRADESMART
TradeSmart is an Indian stockbroker that offers discounts. They have built up a loyal group of traders. They are known for their easy-to-understand pricing plans and their focus on making trading affordable.
They also offer free trading APIs, which means you can make your own trading setups or test algorithm strategies without having to pay extra. TradeSmart is a great choice for someone who wants a broker that is easy to use, dependable, and cheap, and helps in automating trades.
Benefits of Using Trading APIs
Not everyone wants to spend thousands to try algo trading. That is where free APIs come into the picture.
Here is why they are helpful,
- No upfront cost – You can learn and try things out without having to worry about paying bills every month.
- Flexibility – You can set up your own trading systems the way you want.
- Automation – This lets you execute trades faster and without getting emotional.
- Backtesting – Helps you evaluate your plan on past data before exposing money at risk.
- Paper Trading – Some brokers let you practise before you start trading live.
Read Also: Best Brokers for Low Latency Trading in India
Conclusion
If you like coding or just want to try automated trading, picking a broker with free APIs can be a good choice. Indian traders now have a lot of opportunities. They can choose from well-known names like Zerodha and Angel One or emerging brands like Dhan and Pocketful. The key is to choose the one that works best for you. Keep in mind that an API is just a tool; what matters is how you use it to make your trading ideas real.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are broker APIs free in India?
Yes! There are so many brokers, like Zerodha, Angel One, Pocketful, Alice Blue, and others, that let you use their services for free, but some may have limits or extra features that cost money.
Do I need to know how to code to use APIs?
If you know languages like Python or JavaScript, you can make and run strategies. Don’t worry; there are many tutorials and community forums to help you.
What is a broker API, exactly?
You can think of it as a bridge between your trading account and your app, bot, or program that lets you place trades automatically.
Can I use free APIs to trade live?
For sure. You can make real trades with most brokers’ APIs, and some brokers also provide paper trading for you to practice first.
Which broker is best for people who are just starting?
Pocketful, Angel One, and Dhan are all good options if you are starting. They all have active communities and easy-to-use platforms.
