NRI Account -FAQ NRI FAQ (NRI Derivatives-Futures & Options) NRI Investment-Regulatory-FAQ
1 ICICIdirect NRI Account
1.1 What is ICICIdirect.com?
1.2 What are the advantages of using ICICIdirect.com?
1.3 What is unique about NRI account offered by ICICIdirect?
1.4 What is the 3-In-1 concept offered by ICICIdirect for an NRI account?
1.5 What type of accounts does an NRI need to start investing with ICICIdirect?
1.6 What are the products offered by ICICIdirect.com?
2 Brokerage Account
2.1 What is a brokerage account?
3 Bank Accounts
3.1 Which bank accounts can I link with the brokerage account?
3.2 Features of bank account to be linked to brokerage account
4 Demat account
4.1 Combination on ICICIdirect
4.2 Do I need separate NRI accounts for repatriation and non-repatriation investments ?
4.3 Can I have multiple Demat Accounts linked to ICICIdirect NRI account?
4.4 Can I have one Demat account for securities on repatriation & non-repatriation basis ?
5 Becoming a Customer
5.1 How do I become an ICICIdirect customer?
5.2 How do I request a form?
5.3 Do I need to apply separately for Portfolio Investment Scheme (PINS)?
5.4 How do I know my application has been accepted?
5.5 How long does it take to open all the integrated set of accounts by ICICIdirect?
5.6 Do I have to maintain any minimum balance in my Bank Accounts?
5.7 Will one form open all the types of accounts?
5.8 What are the documents required to open an ICICIdirect account?
5.9 How to fill the account opening application form?
5.10 Where should one submit the account opening form?
5.11 In how much time the accounts can be opened?
5.12 What happens if the documents are not complete and the forms are rejected?
5.13 What are the deliverables sent upon account opening?
5.14 Where can I check my application status?
5.15 In case of any query where should I write to?
6 Existing ICICI Bank Customers
6.1 Can I use my existing NRE & NRO bank a/c with ICICI Bank, for online investing?
6.2 Can I use my existing Demat a/c with ICICI Bank, for online investing?
7 Existing Bank/Demat accounts outside ICICI Group
7.1 What if I have an existing NRE & NRO a/c with any other bank which is not a designated account for PINS?
7.2 What if I want to switch my exiting NRE and NRO account under PINS to ICICI Bank?
7.3 What is the previous approval document?
7.4 Do I need fresh approvals under PINS after switching from existing bank to ICICI Bank?
7.5 What if I already have a Demat account with other Depository Participant?
7.6 How do I transfer existing holdings in other DP to new Demat a/c with ICICI Bank?
8 Your Bank/Demat account - Online status
8.1 How frequently will I be able to know the status of my bank / demat accounts?
8.2 What is the ICICI Bank's Online Banking account or infinity?
9 Charges
9.1 What are the charges for account opening?
9.2 What are the Brokerage charges?
9.3 What are the Demat Charges?
9.4 What are the PINS charges?
10 Online trading
10.1 How do I trade on ICICIdirect.com?
10.2 How to invest in Mutual Funds using ICICIdirect?
10.3 I want to buy shares but I do not have any money in my Bank Account. What do I do?
10.4 I have deposited a cheque but I am still not able to place a purchase order:
10.5 What happens when I allocate the amount for online investing?
10.6 How is my trading limit positive when I have not allocated any funds from my Bank A/c?
10.7 I have sold some shares but my trading limit has not gone up?
10.8 Do I need to maintain two separate trading limits for NRE and NRO accounts?
10.9 How do I distinguish between accounts linked to PINS/ Non PINS NRE/NRO account?
10.10 Do I need to specify my A/c linked to NRE/NRO while placing any buy/sale order?
10.11 Can I place a buy order in other linked accounts (NRO) or vice versa if I have trading limit available in one linked account (NRE)?
10.12 Can I withdraw the amount allocated for trading?
10.13 On which exchanges will I be able to buy and sell shares?
10.14 What kind of orders can I place?
10.15 Is it possible that an order is accepted by the exchange but a trade does not take place against it? Is an order always executed for the full quantity? Is it always executed at one price?
10.16 Which shares will I be able to buy and sell?
10.17 Do I get online confirmation of orders and trades?
10.18 Can I modify my order?
10.19 Can I cancel my order into the system?
10.20 Can I enter orders after the trading hours? What happens to such orders?
10.21 Can I square up my transaction in the same settlement?
10.22 Can I trade on margin?
10.23 What is the impact on trading limit on execution of any sale transaction?
10.24 Can loss from one transaction be set off against gain from another transaction while calculating TDS?
10.25 Will I get any certificate of tax deducted at source by bank?
10.26 Can I sell 100 shares in one order, of which 75 bought through IPO and 25 from secondary market?
10.27 How will I be informed of my trade execution?
10.28 What is a contract note?
10.29 For how long would my order be valid for execution?
10.30 What is a Disclose Quantity (DQ) order?
10.31 What is a Stop Loss order?
10.32 What are price bands?
11 Settlement of Trades
11.1 I buy a share, how will the payment be made and how will I get the shares?
11.2 What happens in case of sale?
11.3 I have bought some shares but shares have not come into my Demat account?
11.4 I have sold some shares but the payment has not come into my bank account?
11.5 I have bought some shares but they still have not come to Demat account. Can I sell them?
11.6 What is a short delivery?
11.7 What is an auction?
11.8 What happens if the shares are not bought in the auction?
12 Research and Other Investment Analysis Tools
12.1 What resources does the site offer to help take smarter online investment decisions?
13 Password
13.1 How do I get my USER ID and PASSWORD for the first time?
13.2 How do I Change my password?
13.3 I have forgotten my password, what do I do?
14 Security
14.1 How secure are my transactions?
14.2 How safe is my Bank Account?
14.3 How safe are my User Id and password?
   
   
1

ICICIdirect NRI Account


1.1

What is ICICIdirect.com?

ICICIdirect.com is a brand under ICICI Securities Ltd. that offers online share trading facility for trading in Indian equity markets. It is a 3-in-1 account, connecting all the accounts i.e. bank, broking and demat (essential for investing in Indian markets) to each other. Thereby, it enables seamless and hassle free settlement for its clients.

ICICIdirect was launched in January 2000 and started its operations in April 2000. Now we proudly service over 6 Lakh customers.

Over the years the company has grown across all the verticals. It has increased it customer base, market share and revenue at higher percentage year on year. It has become possible because of automation and value added product offering month on month.

 
1.2

What are the advantages of using ICICIdirect.com?

The following are the benefits of using our 3 in 1 account

  • India's largest online trading site, by no. of clients, transactions and products.
  • Among the top 5 online broker's in the World, based on number of daily trades
  • Customer base of more than 6,00,000 with daily trades more than 80,000 executed orders.
  • Seamless trading environment with no hassles of writing cheques or TIFDs
  • Completely integrated offering of bank, demat and brokering services coupled with PINS give an end-to-end online offering.
  • Safe and secure transaction capabilities with Secured Socket Layer (SSL) with 128 bit encryption
  • Holdings of securities & funds with ICICI Bank and not with a brokerage house.
  • Host of content and Research online with access to data on over 5000 companies.
  • Global Equity Analyst recommendations consolidated by multex.com
  • Digitally signed contract notes available on the site. So no more waiting for the courier and other paper work
  • All RBI guidelines are complied with utmost care
  • Detailed audit trail and complete record with time stamp of all orders
  • No delay in payout of funds. Funds paid out on the same day of exchange pay-out
  • Funds credited directly into the bank account linked with ICICIdirect.com.

 
1.3

What is unique about NRI account offered by ICICIdirect?

Your ICICIdirect NRI account is more than a brokerage account. It offers you a unique 3-in-1 feature, which integrates your Brokerage, Bank and one or more Demat accounts. This means that you can buy and sell shares and forget about the hassles of settlements. Transfers of shares from/to your Demat account and transfer of money from/to your Bank account take place automatically with no paperwork. Online investing is just a click away and settlements are no longer a problem.

 
1.4

What is the 3-In-1 concept offered by ICICIdirect for an NRI account?

ICICIdirect NRI account allows an NRI to integrate your ICICIdirect Brokerage Account, your Bank account and one or more Demat accounts. Currently the Demat Account has to be opened with ICICI Bank Ltd. as the Depository Participant (DP) and the Bank Account has to be opened with ICICI Bank Ltd. as the Banker.

 
1.5

What type of accounts does an NRI need to start investing with ICICIdirect?

On the basis of source of funds

NRE Account
Where the investments have to be done on repatriable basis, NRE account is required

NRO Account
Where the investments are done on non-repatriable basis, NRO account is required.

On the basis of nature of transactions

PINS Account
Where the investments are done under PINS or have to be reported through PINS, this account is required

Non-PINS Account
Where the investments are not routed through PINS and are not required to be reported through PINS, this account is required. Such account is essentially required for all IPOs and MF investments and also to sell shares, which were acquired as resident Indian.

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1.6

What are the products offered by ICICIdirect.com?

The following are the products that are currently being offered on ICICI Direct.

a. Equity Trading

  • NRIs are offered equity trading on pure delivery basis on both National Stock Exchange (NSE) as well as Bombay stock exchange (BSE).
  • NRIs can do both PINS and Non- PINS transactions online.
  • Funds / Shares are credited directly to you Bank / demat account
  • Transaction details / contract notes are sent on your behalf by ICICIdirect to concerned authorities.
  • As per regulatory guidelines, NRIs are not allowed to do intra-day trading or settlement of trades, therefore it is disabled for NRIs on ICICIdirect.com.
  • NRIs can sell only those shares which are there in their demat account.

b. Mutual Funds (MF)

Investment into Indian Mutual Funds cannot become simpler than this. The following facilities are available to the NRIS under mutual funds investment.

  • Online investment into various mutual fund companies
  • Online redemption of funds
  • Switch in between the schemes of a MF company
  • Systematic investment plan - facilitating auto investment in a particular scheme at regular intervals
  • Systematic withdrawal plan - facilitating auto redemption from a particular scheme at regular intervals
  • Transfer in - transfer offline units into online


Note: SIP is considered as fresh investment into schemes on those intervals. Entry load or exit load if any will be charged by the AMC.

c. Initial Public Offer (IPO)

NRIs can invest in IPOs offered by Indian companies online through their ICICIdirect.com account, doing away with the traditional method of filling up lengthy forms.

  • Online application for various public issues
  • No need to fill lengthy forms
  • No need to write a Cheque

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2

Brokerage Account


2.1

What is a brokerage account?

Brokerage account or Match account is the online broking account with ICICIdirect

1. This account facilitates buying and selling of shares online
2. This account also helps in investing in Mutual Funds and IPOs online
3. Since brokerage account is only a facilitator account, it does not require any joint holding or nomination.
4. Brokerage account is opened in the name of the sole holder (Mr. X) only
5. Also there is no nomination for the brokerage account
6. Any or all of the above accounts can be opened with the same application form
7. There is one unique user ID for trading through all the above accounts


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3

Bank Accounts


3.1

Which bank accounts can I link with the brokerage account?

You can link your NRE PINS and Non-PINS and NRO PINS and Non-Pins accounts, where the settlements of funds can be done. All these accounts will be linked to your ICICIdirect NRI account and you can choose the account that you want to transact through while placing orders on ICICIdirect NRI account. Since it is a complete online offering, for all the purchase transactions, monies will be debited from the chosen bank account and for all the sale transactions; monies will be credited to the chosen bank account only.


Combination on ICICIdirect

3.2

Features of bank account to be linked to brokerage account?

1. Bank account to be linked to brokerage account can have joint holder (Mr. J).
2. There can also be a nomination for the said bank accounts.
3. All the bank accounts have to be opened under same customer ID
4. All bank account(s) should have the same name combination
5. The first holder in the bank account should be same as the sole holder in brokerage account i.e. Mr. X.
6. All such bank accounts have to be opened with ICICI Bank Ltd., India only.
7. No separate application form is required for opening bank account. If required, it can be opened along with the application given for ICICIdirect account.
8. These bank accounts can be operated separately as a normal bank account also. Linking these accounts to ICICIdirect only ensures that the flow of funds relating to transactions done on ICICIdirect will happen only through this account.
9. One bank account cannot be linked to more than one brokerage account no., similarly one brokerage account no. cannot be linked to more than one bank account. However all brokerage accounts can be accessed through one user id and password issued for trading.
10. Existing bank accounts can be linked only to Non-PINS account. For PINS, new bank account has to be compulsorily opened along with ICICIdirect application form.


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4

Demat account

 
For each ICICIdirect account, there has to be one corresponding demat account, where the settlements of shares can be done. Since it is a complete online offering, for all the purchase transactions, shares will be credited to the linked demat account and for all the sale transactions, shares will be debited from the linked demat account only.

4.1

Combination on ICICIdirect

 

Features of Demat account to be linked to brokerage account

1. Demat account to be linked to brokerage account can have co-holders (Mr. A, Mr. B or Mr. A and Mr. B).
2. There can also be a nomination for the said demat accounts.
3. The first holder in the demat account should be same as the sole holder in brokerage account i.e. Mr. X.
4. All such demat accounts has to be opened with ICICI Bank Ltd., India only.
5. One such new demat account can be opened with the ICICIdirect application form. If situation warrants and more than 1 demat accounts are required (as up to 16 demat accounts can be opened and linked), separate demat account opening forms have to be filled up. Few such application forms are provided along with the main application form of ICICIdirect.
6. These demat accounts can be operated separately as a normal demat account also. Linking these accounts to ICICIdirect only ensures that the flow of shares relating to transactions done on ICICIdirect will happen only through this account.
7. One demat account cannot be linked to more than one brokerage account no., however one brokerage account no. can be linked to up to 4 demat account(s), in different name combinations, provided the first holder in all the demat accounts is same and there are not more than 2 other unique co-holders
8. Mr. J (joint holder in bank) and Mr. A or Mr. B (co-holders in demat) can be same or different.
9. Existing demat accounts can be linked only to Non-PINS account. For PINS demat account has to be compulsorily opened new along with ICICIdirect application form.


4.2

Do I need separate NRI accounts for repatriation and non-repatriation investments?

No, you need to have one ICICIdirect NRI account for investments with repatriation and non-repatriation basis. However you need to have two separate bank accounts respectively i.e. NRE and NRO, which would be linked with your ICICIdirect NRI account. Your DP account(s) with repatriation and non-repatriation basis shall be accordingly linked with ICICIdirect NRI account.
You need to fill up only one account opening form for opening all the above accounts.


4.3

Can I have multiple Demat Accounts linked to ICICIdirect NRI account?

Yes, you can link multiple Demat accounts to your ICICIdirect NRI account with a maximum of 4 accounts. Your 3-In-1 account shall have following relationship structure.


One ICICIdirect

Login ID and Password
Trading Account #1
Trading Account #2
Trading Account #3
Trading Account #4
PINS NRE account Demat accounts (maximum 4) with Repatriation benefit
PINS NRO account Demat accounts (maximum 4) without Repatriation benefit
Non PINS NRE account Demat accounts (maximum 4) with Repatriation benefit
Non PINS NRO account Demat accounts (maximum 4) without Repatriation benefit

Thus, you can have a maximum of 16 Demat accounts linked with NRO and NRE accounts put together.

4.4

Can I have one Demat account for securities on repatriation & non-repatriation basis?

No. Demat account can be opened either on repatriation or non-repatriation basis. Thus any purchases made on non-repatriation basis has to be credited in the demat account opened on non-repatriation basis and vice-versa.

 
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5

Becoming a Customer

 
5.1

How do I become an ICICIdirect customer?

You can open an ICICIdirect NRI account by filling a single application form. This form will help you open an ICICIdirect Brokerage Account along with the Bank Accounts (NRE and/or NRO accounts) and one or more Demat accounts as required.


5.2

How do I request a form?

Step 1: Go to ICICIdirect.com

Step 2: Go to "Open an Account" under "Customer Service" section.

Step3: Register yourself on the site and get your User Id and password. Please take a note of this User Id and password. This is the same which you would be using for trading after your account is opened with ICICIdirect. While setting your User Id and Password you will be given an Account Reference Number (ARN). Kindly take a note of ARN.

Step 4: You would receive a mail at the email ID provided by you.

Step 5: Download the form from the link given in the email.

Step 6: Take a print of the form, fill the details and send it to us, along with the required documentation as mentioned on the form.

Step 7: Ensure to mention the ARN number on the form.

Alternatively you can send us your request for the account opening form through an email on nri@icicidirect.com (Request a Form). We would be getting in touch with you to help you in filling up the form.

While in India, you can also walk-in in the selected branches of ICICI Bank in India and our executives shall help you in opening the account.

 
5.3

Do I need to apply separately for Portfolio Investment Scheme (PINS)?

No. Our account opening form also contains the requisite details and undertakings required for the approval under the Portfolio Investment Scheme (PINS). Ours is an integrated account opening in a true sense.

 
5.4

How do I know my application has been accepted?

As soon as your application is accepted, we will inform you by e-mail and mail. In case your application is not processed because of lack of some details, you will be contacted by our representative or by an email.

 
5.5

How long does it take to open all the integrated set of accounts by ICICIdirect?

It would take a maximum of 14 days(provided copy of PAN card of all demat holders is supplied) from the date the duly filled in application is received by our office. This also includes time required by the bank to grant the necessary approval under the Portfolio Investment Scheme.

 
5.6

Do I have to maintain any minimum balance in my Bank Accounts?

You would require to maintain an average quarterly balance of Rs. 10,000 in your Bank Accounts linked with e-Invest accounts.. In case such balance has not been maintained, there are certain charges from ICICI Bank, which are subject to change from time to time.

 
5.7

Will one form open all the types of accounts?

Yes, one form can open all the types of brokerage and bank accounts.

 
5.8

What are the documents required to open an ICICIdirect account?

Since opening ICICIdirect account, also opens the bank account with ICICI bank ltd., and demat accounts with ICICI bank ltd., the requirements are such so as to comply with the regulations of SEBI, NSE, BSE, RBI and NSDL.

The document requirements are:

1. Proof of existing relationship with ICICI Bank (This is required for GCC & Singapore residents if the application is made from outside India)

  • Any statement or document, with the relationship/account number and name.
2. Passport copy (for the first holder, joint holder (if any for bank) and co-holder (if any for demat))
  • Name & date of birth on the form is same as on the passport.
  • Indian address page is given (not required in case of foreign passport)
  • Passport is not expired and the photograph on the passport is clear.
3. VISA and/or Local residency proof (for the first holder, joint holder (if any) for bank and co-holder (if any) for demat)
  • VISA is valid and if in any other language is translated into English and attested by a notary public/banker/lawyer
  • Local residency card issued by the government of the country where resident can also be submitted
  • Business Visa is accepted along with a notorised copy of employer's letter (stating posting of prospective customer in the overseas country, for which the visa has been issued) or copy of Income Tax returns filed with the government authorities in the country of residence of the prospective customer (within last 1 year).
4. Address Proof: [To be submitted ONLY if the below conditions are satisfied]
  1. For the First Applicant (for Overseas & Indian address (if any)) Required only if:
    • No existing bank account(s) is/are being linked or
    • The address on the form is different from that in the existing bank account(s) to be linked


    • Documents Accepted: [Any one of the following]
    • Utility Bill (Telephone, Electricity, Gas, Water, Internet & Cable. Mobile bill not accepted)
    • Overseas/Indian Bank Statement§ Residence Permit (Govt. issued Identity card)
    • Credit Card Bill
    • Rent Receipt
    • Driving License
    • Latest premium receipt from any life insurance company
  2. Further required for each of the Co-Holder(s) in the Demat Account Required only If:
    • New demat account(s) is/are being opened and
    • The holder(s) in the new demat account is / are not a holder(s) in any of the bank account(s),


    • Documents Accepted: [Any one of the following]
    • Ration Card
    • Passport
    • Voter ID card
    • Driving License
    • Verified copy of any of the following:
      • Electricity bills (not more than two months old)
      • Residence Telephone bills (not more than two months old)
      • Leave and License agreement/ Agreement for sale.
    • Self-declaration by High Court & Supreme Court judges, giving the new address in respect of their own accounts
    • Flat allotment letter having address issued by any of the following
      • Central/State Government and its Departments
      • Statutory/ Regulatory Authorities
      • Public Sector Undertakings
      • Scheduled Commercial Banks
      • Public Financial Institutions
      • Professional Bodies such as ICAI, ICWAI, ICSI & Bar Council
5. Photographs (Signature across all photographs on the form is mandatory)
  • First holder (1 pasted on page 5 + as many demat accounts as you wish to open)
  • Joint holder Y and/or Z for bank account, if any (1 pasted on page 5)
  • Co-holder A and/or B for Demat account, if any (1 pasted on page 5 + as many demat accounts as you wish to open)
  • Nominee and Guardian if any (1 pasted on page 5 + as many demat accounts as you wish to open)
6. PAN Card copy [separately for First Holder and Co-holder(s) in demat account)

In case any of the holders above do not have a PAN they have to obtain the same from the Income Tax Department in one of the following ways:
  1. Application to get the PAN directly from the Income Tax Department
    • Download the PAN Application Form available at http://www.tin-nsdl.com/downloads/form49a. pdf
    • Go through the instructions for filling up the form and for payment of fees.
    • You may provide the details of a representative assessee in India to act on your behalf in Point no 14. An address in India (of the representative assessee or of the applicant's residence) is required for receipt of PAN card.
    • The Application can be submitted to any of the centers given at http://www.tin-nsdl.com/TINsearch. asp.

    • You / your representative (if mentioned on the form) will receive the PAN card from the Income Tax Authorities after the allotment. You can then submit this 3 in 1 form along with a copy of the PAN card.
  2. Form 49A application facilitated by ICICI Securities (only if the passport has an Indian address)
    ICICI Securities has entered into an arrangement with a firm to provide assistance to facilitate the application for PAN. If you wish to avail this facility, follow the steps given below.
    • Fill the Form 49A annexed with this form or available at https://content.icicidirect.com/nriimages/panapplication.pdf
    • Go through the instructions for filling up the form and also note the following:
      • No separate application fees for PAN and no separate proofs of identity and address are required.
      • Mention an Indian address as residence address along with the proof of address as given in the form 49A. If you do not have a current Indian address mention the Indian address on the passport as residential address.
      • Check for the ward/circle details by using the address as per the residence proof or the Indian address on the Passport (as the case may be) at https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/pan/servlet/AOSearch?display=Y.
      • You are not required to fill the address for communication (point no 6). It is already printed on the form so that the PAN card will be sent to the firm.

      On receipt of this form along with the Form 49A. ICICI Securities will hand over the duly filled-in Form(s) 49A to the firm, who will submit the same to the concerned authorities. Once the PAN card(s) is/are received, the 3 in 1 form will be processed and the original PAN card(s) will be sent to the communication address of the First holder along with the Welcome kit.
5.9

How to fill the account opening application form?

In the printed format a step-by-step presentation will be given. Alternatively it can be downloaded from the following link
http://content.icicidirect.com/nriimages/HowToFill3in1AOF.ppt

 
5.10

Where should one submit the account opening form?

You can send the form directly to:

CUSTOMER SERVICE.
ICICI Securities Ltd,
ICICI Bank Towers
A - Wing, 3rd floor.
Behind Chandivali studio,
Chandivali,
Andheri(E)
Mumbai - 400072.

 
 
5.11

What happens if the documents are not complete and the forms are rejected?

In case the documents are not proper, our customer representatives will get in touch with you to inform you about the problem. We will try and rectify the problem with your help. However, if the forms are rejected after such trial also, then the forms will be sent back to your communication address.

 
5.12

What are the deliverables sent upon account opening?

Once the accounts are opened, one combi cover is sent on 3rd working day following the complete account opening. This combi cover contains: 1. All Cheque books 2. All TIFD booklets 3. PINS approval letter 4. Covering Letter 5. User ID and password for ICICIdirect 6. One small booklet on Demat services 7. Demat request forms 8. PAN card (if applicable)

Note: ATM cards are not issued by default for NRI bank accounts opened with ICICIdirect.

 
5.13

Where can I check my application status?

On www.icicidirect.com, you can check the application status under customer service section. There you can check the status by entering the form number and date of birth.

 
5.14

In case of any query where should I write ?

In case of any query please write to nri@icicidirect.com

 
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6

Existing ICICI Bank Customers

 
6.1

Can I use my existing NRE & NRO bank a/c with ICICI Bank, for online investing?

Yes, you can use these accounts for linking to your Non-PINs account. However for PINS account, you would be required to open new NRE and/or NRO bank accounts with ICICI Bank.

 
6.2

Can I use my existing Demat a/c with ICICI Bank, for online investing?

Yes, you can use these accounts for linking to your Non-PIN account. However for PINS account you would be required to open new NRE and NRO bank accounts with ICICI Bank.

 
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7

Existing Bank/Demat accounts outside ICICI Group

 
7.1

What if I have an existing NRE & NRO a/c with any other bank, which is not a designated account for PINS?

If you are not an existing NRI investor under the Portfolio Investment Scheme and only have your NRE and/or NRO account with any other bank(s), though you can continue to have your existing NRE/NRO account with them, you shall have to open a new NRE and/or NRO account with ICICI Bank.

These new accounts with ICICI Bank shall now be your designated bank accounts under the Portfolio Investment Scheme. Moreover, to avail of the advantage offered by the integration of the brokerage, Bank and the Demat account, all the three accounts will have to be opened with ICICI group.

 
7.2

What if I want to switch my exiting NRE and NRO account under PINS to ICICI Bank?

In such a case, you need to close your investment activities through existing NRE and NRO account and open new accounts with ICICI Bank. You need to apply to your existing designated bank to issue the necessary 'no objection certificate' which would give details of the latest status of your portfolio as on the date of the issue of 'no objection certificate'.

The 'no objection certificate' issued by your existing bank along with previous approval document in original should be submitted to ICICI Bank. Based on the securities, cost of acquisition and date of acquisition mentioned in the certificate, ICICI Bank will create record of your portfolio in its books.

ICICI bank would open your NRE and/or NRO accounts, but the same shall be designated as accounts under the Portfolio Investment Scheme only after receipt of the 'no objection certificate'.

 
7.3

What is the previous approval document?

If you an existing PIN relationship with any other Bank in India, you would have already an approval from RBI for the same. This permission/approval would have been taken by your bank on your behalf. Such permission or approval is referred as previous approval document.

 
7.4

Do I need fresh approvals under PINS after switching from existing bank to ICICI Bank?

Yes, you need to have fresh approvals, as the earlier approvals will no longer be valid. ICICI Bank itself would issue the necessary approval in this regard and you need not fill in any separate request/application for the same.

 
7.5

What if I already have a Demat account with other Depository Participant?

To avail of the advantage offered by the integration of the brokerage, Bank and the Demat account, all the three accounts will have to be opened with ICICI group. You can transfer your holdings from these accounts to the new Demat accounts opened with ICICI Bank.

 
7.6

How do I transfer existing holdings in other DP to new Demat a/c with ICICI Bank?

You need to fill up the regular TIFD (Transfer Instruction For Debit) form available with you / your existing DP and seek transfer of your specific holding to the new Demat account with ICICI Bank (new Demat account number to be given in the TIFD as the destination for transfer) while specifying such transaction as an off-market transaction on the form.

 
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8

Your Bank/Demat account - Online status

 
8.1

How frequently will I be able to know the status of my bank / demat accounts?

The status of your Bank, Demat and e-Invest account shall be available to you online 24 hours a day on the web site. You will also be able to access all details regarding your orders and trades. You can also see the results of your trade reflected in your Bank and Demat account on the very day of the settlement, without waiting for the statements from the DP and the Bank.

 
8.2

What is the ICICI Bank's Online Banking account or infinity?

ICICI Bank's Online banking service is known as Infinity. The Bank account opened with your e-Invest account is an Infinity Bank account. Infinity service can be accessed on the web site www.icicibank.com with a secured User Id and Password. Apart from allowing you to access your transaction history and current balance, Infinity allows you to transfer money from one account to another account in ICICI Bank and various other value-added services.

If you have opted for a new online bank account, your User ID and Password will be mailed to you separately. However, this does not stop you from trading on ICICIdirect.com.

Kindly note that the User Id and password for 'infinity' is different from the User Id and password for trading with ICICIdirect. The Infinity User id and password will be sent in a separate courier and not along with the other ICICIdirect deliverables. This is for security reasons.

 
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9

Charges

 
9.1

What are the charges for account opening?

One time account opening charge of INR 4000/-, which includes:

a. Account opening and stamp duty charges for trading account
b. Account opening and maintenance charges for Demat accounts (up to 16) for the first year.
c. ICICI Bank charges for Portfolio Investment Scheme (PINS) for the first year.

 
9.2

What are the Brokerage charges?

a. Brokerage is charged @ 1.25% of value of transactions subject to a minimum of INR 25/- per trade
b. Securities Transaction Tax (STT) @ 0.125%
c. Service tax @12.36% of the brokerage amount
d. Transaction Charges @ 0.0035% on turnover for NSE and 0.0034% on turnover for BSE
e. Stamp Duty @ 0.01% on turnover

The Brokerage is inclusive of all other charges and the following charges are absorbed in the same:
a) ICICI Bank PINS charges @ 0.50% of value of transactions
b) Demat transaction charges (0.02% for buy and 0.04% for sell)

Brokerage - Turnover Benefit
Slabs (Turnover per calendar month) Brokerage Charges (For next month)
Trades above Rs.50,00,000/ 0.50%
Rs.25,00,001/ 0.75%
Rs.10,00,001/ 0.90%
Rs.5,00,001/ 1.00%
Up to Rs.5,00,000/ 1.25%

 
9.3

What are the Demat Charges?

Annual maintenance charge:

If the correspondence address is overseas then AMC of Rs. 1200 (1150 in case of email given) per demat account is charged by demat services
If the correspondence address is Indian then AMC of Rs. 500 (450 in case of email given) per demat account is charged by demat services

Note: AMC for the first year is waived off for the demat accounts opened along with ICICIdirect

 
9.4

What are the PINS charges?

Annual maintenance charge:

here is an AMC of Rs. 2500 + service tax for the PINS services rendered by ICICI Bank Ltd.

Note: AMC for the first year is waived off for the PINS accounts opened along with ICICIdirect

 
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10

Online trading

 
10.1 

How do I trade on ICICIdirect.com?

There is a step by step guide to help you in trading on ICICIdirect.com on the link provided below.

http://content.icicidirect.com/mailimages/how to get started.ppt

However, answers to some generic queries are also given below.

 
10.2 

How to invest in Mutual Funds using ICICIdirect?

A step-by-step presentation on how to invest in mutual funds is available on the link provided below.
http://content.icicidirect.com/mfstart.ppt

 
10.3 

I want to buy shares but I do not have any money in my Bank Account. What do I do?

NRE account: You can create balance in your NRE account either by remittance from abroad through normal banking channels or transfer from FCNR account or transfer from another NRE account maintained with ICICI Bank or deposit a cheque drawn on NRE account in some other bank.

NRO account: You can create balance in your NRO account either by transferring from another NRO/NRE/FCNR/NRNR/NRSR account maintained with ICICI Bank or deposit a cheque drawn on NRO/NRE/FCNR account in some other bank. All other sources available in case of NRE account will also be available for crediting funds in your NRO account.

In case of a cheque, the money should come into your Bank account as soon as the cheque is cleared. Once you have funds in your bank account, you need to allocate the required amount for trading. You can allocate funds for trading online though modify allocation facility on the trading page. Allocation or de-allocation of funds can take place normally on all working days between 9:30 hours to 17:00 hours IST.

Alternatively you can sell some shares from your Demat Account and use the money to purchase the shares you want to buy. However in case you are crediting the sale proceeds to a PINS NRE/NRO account, the shares sold should have been acquired through PINS. Shares acquired outside of PINS should be credited to the Non PINS NRE/ NRO account.

 
10.4 

I have deposited a cheque but I am still not able to place a purchase order:

There could be two reasons for this, either the cheque is not cleared or you do not have adequate Trading Limit.

Please check your Bank balance to find if you have adequate money in your Bank account. It is possible that there could be some delays in clearance of the cheque. Please contact your ICICI Bank Branch to find the reason.

Even if you have adequate money in your Bank account you will get limit only after you allocate some money for trading through the modify allocation facility on the trading page.

 
10.5 

What happens when I allocate the amount for online investing?

When you allocate any amount from your Bank account, it gets blocked in your bank account and you get a Trading Limit. This money continues to earn the normal interest, which is applicable to the Bank Account. In fact if you have not used this money while trading, you can always reduce the allocation and remove the block. When you unblock the money your trading limit also reduces accordingly.

 
10.6 

How is my trading limit positive when I have not allocated any funds from my Bank A/c?

If you sell some shares, your trading limit would go up by the amount of sell transaction, less TDS (if any).

 
10.7 

I have sold some shares but my trading limit has not gone up?

The possible reason could be the share you sold is currently trading in 'No Delivery' (ND) period and hence the money may be received from the exchange only after 1-2 weeks. Please check the list of stocks in no delivery. However, you need not worry as ICICIdirect will keep track of No Delivery trades and ensure that your Trading Limit gets updated on the appropriate day.

 
10.8 

Do I need to maintain two separate trading limits for NRE and NRO accounts?

Yes. Your NRE and NRO bank accounts are linked as two separate accounts within you ICICIdirect NRI account, which shall carry independent limits.

 
10.9 

How do I distinguish between accounts linked to PINS/ Non PINS NRE/NRO account?

Each PINS account number shall carry a suffix as "NRE" or "NRO" while being displayed on the site. Each non PINS account number shall carry a suffix as "NPNRE" or "NPNRO" while being displayed on the site.

 
10.10 

Do I need to specify my A/c linked to NRE/NRO while placing any buy/sale order?

Yes. While placing any buy/sale order, you need to select the desired combination of bank account (NRE/NRO) and Demat account (in case you have more than one account linked to the ICICIdirect NRI account).

 
10.11 

Can I place a buy order in other linked accounts (NRO) or vice versa if I have trading limit available in one linked account (NRE)?

No. Limits are maintained separately for each of the accounts and cannot be cross utilized or interchanged.

 
10.12 

Can I withdraw the amount allocated for trading?

The way you can allocate funds for trading, you can always reduce the amount allocated by you for trading provided the amount allocated has not been blocked on account of orders placed by you. Once any amount is de-allocated, it can be withdrawn from the bank.

 
10.13 

On which exchanges will I be able to buy and sell shares?

You would be able to buy and sell shares on both NSE & BSE.

 
10.14 

What kind of orders can I place?

You can place both market and limit orders.

Limit Order is an order to buy or sell securities in which you specify the maximum price per unit in case of a Buy order and the minimum price per unit in case of a Sell order. The actual transaction can be at a price more favorable than the price specified.

Market Order is an order to buy or sell securities at the best price obtainable at the time it is matched by the exchange. Therefore, chances of its getting the order executed are better. Where a market order is not executed fully, it becomes a limit order for the balance quantity at the last traded price.

Market orders can be placed only during market hours (i.e. when the Exchange is open for trading)

 
10.15 

Is it possible that an order is accepted by the exchange but a trade does not take place against it? Is an order always executed for the full quantity? Is it always executed at one price?

In case of a limit order, it might remain totally unexecuted if there are no matching orders. For example, if you place a sell order for 100 shares @ Rs.100 per share. It might remain totally unexecuted if there are no buy orders for the share for a price of Rs.100 or more. Further, an order can get executed for any quantity less than or equal to the order quantity. On part execution, the original order is converted into an order for the balance quantity against which another trade can happen. Since these are different trades, it is possible that the trades are executed at different price.
Even a market order might remain unexecuted if there are no matching orders. In such cases, the unexecuted portion of the market order is converted into a limit order at the last traded price for the balance quantity. For example, when the last traded price of a share was Rs.100, if a market order is placed to sell 100 shares, the sell order will be matched against all limit orders for buying the shares. In case there are no or insufficient orders for buying 100 shares, the unexecuted market order is converted automatically into a limit order to buy sell 100 shares at a price of Rs.100 (the last traded price). In case the order was partly executed and the last execution took place at Rs.95, the price of the limit order for the balance quantity would be Rs.95.

 
10.16 

Which shares will I be able to buy and sell?

You will be able to buy and sell any of the scrips that are traded in the compulsory Dematerialised form on the exchanges.

As of date, there are more than 850 such shares available for buying and selling on ICICIdirect. These shares are the most heavily traded shares on the exchanges and account for over 90% of the market capitalisation.

As an NRI, you would be restricted to buy any share, which are notified in the Restrict List/ Watch List by RBI from time to time. For checking what shares are available for trading online, please check "stock list" in the "equity trading section" on the site. There is no restriction on selling such scrips. However currently, those shares which are in the restrict list/watch list are not available for selling online (because of some system restriction). For these shares if you wish to sell, please write to nri@icicidirect.com. We would assist you in doing the said transaction.

 
10.17 

Do I get online confirmation of orders and trades?

Yes. You get online confirmation of orders and trades - the status of any order is updated on real-time basis in the Order Book. As soon as you place your order, it is validated by the system and sent to the exchange for execution on line or when the exchange open for trading next. The entire process is fully automatic and there are no manual interventions. You can also select the options for notifying you the order and trade confirmation by e-mail for every order/trade. You can select/change the option though Change Profile page on the Customer Service section.

 
10.18 

Can I modify my order?

Yes, you can modify an order any time before execution. You can do this by accessing the Order Book page and clicking on the hyperlink for 'Modify' against the order which you wish to modify. However, you cannot modify your order while it is queued with the exchange, i.e., confirmation is awaited from the exchange for the acceptance of the placement of any order or any modification/cancellation request. In case the order is already partly executed, only the unexecuted portion of the order can be modified.

 
10.19 

Can I cancel my order into the system?

Yes, you can cancel an order any time before execution. You can do this by accessing the Order Book page and clicking on the hyperlink for 'Cancel' against the order which you wish to cancel. In case the order is already partly executed, only the unexecuted portion of the order can be cancelled.

 
10.20 

Can I enter orders after the trading hours? What happens to such orders?

Yes, you can enter limit orders after trading hours. Orders placed after trading hours are queued in the system and are send to the exchange whenever the exchange opens for trading. In the Order Book, the status of such orders is shown as 'Requested'.

Buy orders shown as "Requested" can be Rejected/cancelled by our system if at any time you are violating the maximum permissible investments in a single company or the stock is now brought under Restrict List/Watch List by RBI.

 
10.21 

Can I square up my transaction in the same settlement?

As per the Regulations, NRI investors should take delivery of shares purchased and give delivery of shares sold which implies that for sell transaction you have to give delivery irrespective of the fact that the same shares have been bought by you in the same settlement cycle. For buy transaction, the stock would be credited to your Demat account independently.

As long as your sell transaction is backed by actual holdings in your Demat account and the buy transaction is validated against the trading limits available, you can do two independent buy and sell transactions in the same stock in the same settlement cycle.

 
10.22 

Can I trade on margin?

No. NRIs are allowed to do only delivery-based business.

 
10.23 

What is the impact on trading limit on execution of any sale transaction?