This Article was fact checked and last updated for accuracy on July 2, 2025 by Mani Karthik
Remember when I moved back from the USA in 2017?
One of the biggest challenges was setting up our family’s investment portfolio in India.
My wife had zero clue about Indian stock markets.
My elder son kept asking why we couldn’t just use Robinhood.
And I had no idea which Indian investment platform would work for returning NRIs like us.
That’s when I discovered Groww.
Been using it since 2018. Watched it evolve from a simple mutual fund app to a full fledged investment platform.
Today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned.
Why This Review Matters 🎯
When we moved back, I had $87,000 in my 401k.
Converting that to Indian investments was a nightmare.
Traditional banks wanted us to visit branches.
ICICI Direct felt like using Windows 95.
Angel One was too complicated for my wife.
Then my colleague at HappyFox recommended Groww.
Game changer.
What Exactly Is Groww? 🤔
Groww started in 2016 by four ex Flipkart guys.
Initially focused only on mutual funds.
Now they offer everything:
Current Product Suite:
- Stocks (NSE & BSE)
- Mutual funds (3000+ schemes)
- IPOs and NFOs
- F&O trading
- Digital gold
- Fixed deposits
- US stocks (coming soon)
The Numbers:
- 10+ million active users
- 4.5+ rating on app stores
- India’s No.1 stock broker by active clients as per NSE
Pretty impressive for a 8 year old company.
The Good: Why I Keep Using Groww ✅
Zero Fees That Actually Mean Zero
Mutual Fund Investing:
- Truly zero commission on direct mutual funds
- No hidden charges
- No transaction fees
Stock Delivery:
- Zero brokerage on equity delivery
- This is huge for long term investors like me
Real World Impact: I save ₹15,000 annually compared to my old HDFC Securities account.
User Experience That Your Mom Can Use
When I first showed Groww to my wife, she immediately got it.
No jargon.
Clean interface.
Everything in plain English.
Personal Story: My mom started investing through Groww at age 67. She now manages a ₹8 lakh portfolio independently.
If she can do it, anyone can.
Educational Content
Groww’s blog section is gold.
They explain complex concepts simply.
My US born son learned about Indian taxes through their articles.
Account Opening Process
What You Need:
- PAN card
- Aadhaar card
- Bank account details
- 10 minutes of your time
What You Don’t Need:
- Branch visits
- Physical paperwork
- Minimum balance requirements
- Annual maintenance charges
The Bad: Where Groww Falls Short ❌
Limited Trading Features
Coming from US platforms like E*Trade, Groww feels basic.
Missing Features:
- No advanced charting tools
- No commodity trading
- No research reports or stock recommendations
- Basic options trading interface
Customer Support Issues
My Experience:
- Email responses take 24-48 hours
- No phone support for complex queries
- Portfolio analysis feature often shows errors
Recent Issue: Their events section rarely shows accurate information about dividend announcements
This cost me ₹3,500 in missed dividend from Infosys last year.
Platform Reliability
Problems I’ve Faced:
- App crashes during market opening
- Slow order execution during volatile days
- Portfolio features throwing “check network connection” errors
No International Diversification
For NRI families like ours, this is limiting.
We still need separate accounts for:
- US stock investments
- International mutual funds
- Foreign ETFs
Brokerage Comparison: The Real Numbers 📊
| Platform | Equity Delivery | Intraday | Demat AMC | Account Opening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Groww | ₹0 (Free) | ₹20/order | ₹0 (Free) | Free |
| Zerodha | ₹0 (Free) | ₹20/order | ₹300/year | Free |
| Angel One | ₹20/order | ₹20/order | ₹240/year | Free |
Winner: Groww for long term investors. Zerodha for active traders.
User Base Comparison 👥
| Platform | Active Users | Market Share | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zerodha | 1.28 crores | 16.03% | 2010 |
| Groww | 1.29 crores | Growing fast | 2016 |
| Angel One | 75 lakhs | 15.40% | 1987 |
Surprise: Groww now has more users than Angel One despite being much newer.
Feature Comparison: What You Get 🔍
| Feature | Groww | Zerodha | Angel One |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual Funds | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Good | ✅ Good |
| Stock Trading | ✅ Basic | ✅ Advanced | ✅ Advanced |
| Commodity Trading | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Research Reports | ❌ No | ✅ Community driven | ✅ Extensive |
| US Stocks | 🔄 Coming soon | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Educational Content | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Best in class | ✅ Good |
Who Should Use Groww? 🎪
Perfect For:
NRI Families Moving Back:
- Simple onboarding process
- No branch visits required
- Educational content helps understand Indian markets
First Time Investors:
- Zero complexity
- Great mutual fund selection
- Helpful customer support
Long Term Wealth Builders:
- Zero delivery charges save money
- SIP automation works flawlessly
- Portfolio tracking is intuitive
Not Ideal For:
Active Day Traders:
- Basic charting tools
- No advanced order types
- Limited research capabilities
Experienced Traders:
- Missing commodity options
- No algorithmic trading
- Limited derivatives strategies
International Investors:
- No US stock access yet
- Limited global diversification options
My Personal Portfolio Journey 📈
2018: Started with ₹2 lakh mutual fund SIPs
2019: Added individual stocks worth ₹5 lakhs
2021: Participated in 12 IPOs through Groww
2024: Portfolio value: ₹28 lakhs
Total charges paid: Less than ₹5,000 across 6 years
With traditional broker: Would have paid ₹45,000+
That’s ₹40,000 saved. Real money.
Recent Updates You Should Know 🚨
2025 Changes:
Fee Hikes Coming:
- Fee hike planned for June 2025
- Details not yet announced
- Existing users will get advance notice
New Features Added:
- Stop loss orders
- Advanced charts with TradingView integration
- Basket orders for F&O
Platform Issues:
Current Problems:
- Events section showing incorrect information
- Portfolio analysis feature unstable
- Notification delays for corporate actions
Groww vs International Platforms 🌍
Coming from US platforms, here’s my honest comparison:
| Feature | Groww | Robinhood | E*Trade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Research Tools | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cost Structure | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Product Range | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Bottom Line: Groww matches international standards for basic investing.
Hidden Costs Analysis 💸
What Groww Doesn’t Charge:
- Account maintenance (most brokers charge ₹300-500)
- Mutual fund investments (0% commission)
- Portfolio rebalancing
- IPO applications
- Research reports access
What You Still Pay:
Government Charges (Unavoidable):
- STT: 0.1% on delivery, 0.025% on intraday
- GST: 18% on brokerage
- SEBI fees: ₹10 per crore
- Stamp duty: 0.015% on buy transactions
Real Example: ₹1 lakh stock purchase:
- Groww brokerage: ₹0
- Government charges: ₹165
- Total cost: ₹165
With traditional broker:
- Brokerage: ₹500
- Government charges: ₹165
- Total cost: ₹665
Savings: ₹500 per transaction.
Technology & Security 🔐
The Good:
Security Features:
- 128-bit encryption
- Two factor authentication
- Bank grade security protocols
App Performance:
- Fast loading times
- Intuitive navigation
- Regular updates
The Concerning:
Recent Issues:
- Server downtime during market crashes
- Delayed trade confirmations
- App crashes on iOS during heavy usage
My Take: Security is solid. Performance needs improvement.
Customer Support Reality Check 📞
What Works:
- Email support responds in 24 hours
- FAQ section covers most queries
- Video tutorials are helpful
What Doesn’t:
- No phone support for urgent issues
- Generic responses to complex queries
- Long resolution times for technical problems
Personal Experience: When my account was blocked for suspicious activity (I was buying from different cities during travel), it took 3 days to resolve.
Not acceptable for time sensitive trades.
Investment Options Deep Dive 💼
Mutual Funds: Excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What’s Available:
- 3000+ mutual fund schemes
- All AMCs included
- Direct plans only (higher returns)
SIP Features:
- Minimum ₹500 monthly
- Flexible dates
- Auto debit setup
- Easy modifications
Stocks: Good Enough ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Coverage:
- All NSE and BSE listed stocks
- Real time quotes
- Basic fundamental data
Missing:
- Detailed financial analysis
- Peer comparison tools
- Advanced screening options
IPOs: Seamless ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Experience:
- Applied for 15 IPOs in 2023
- Got allotment in 6
- Process is completely digital
- Refunds happen automatically
F&O: Basic ⭐⭐⭐
Available:
- Index options and futures
- Stock options and futures
- Basic option chain
Missing:
- Advanced option strategies
- Comprehensive Greeks data
- Options profit/loss calculators
For NRI Families: Special Considerations 🏠
Moving Back Challenges:
What We Faced:
- Understanding Indian tax implications
- Transferring US investment gains
- Explaining SIPs to kids
How Groww Helped:
- Simple investment education
- Tax saving funds (ELSS) recommendations
- Easy portfolio management for spouse
NRI Account Features:
Good News:
- NRI account opening supported
- PIS facility available
- FEMA compliant transactions
Limitations:
- No NRE/NRO integration
- Manual forex compliance reporting
- Limited international fund options
Competitive Analysis: The Real Picture 📊
Groww vs Zerodha
When to Choose Groww:
- First time investor
- Focus on mutual funds
- Prefer simple interface
- Want zero AMC
When to Choose Zerodha:
- Active trader
- Need advanced tools
- Want commodity exposure
- Prefer educational content
Groww vs Angel One
Groww Advantages:
- Free demat AMC vs Angel’s ₹240
- Better mutual fund experience
- Simpler app interface
Angel One Advantages:
- Portfolio management services
- More research tools
- Better customer support
Future Roadmap: What’s Coming 🚀
Planned Features:
Confirmed:
- US stock trading (2025)
- Enhanced research tools
- Advanced charting
Rumored:
- Cryptocurrency trading
- International mutual funds
- Robo advisory services
My Prediction: Groww will become India’s Robinhood within 3 years.
Red Flags to Watch 🚩
Recent Concerns:
SEBI Issues:
- Groww paid ₹47.85 lakh to settle SEBI case over regulatory lapses
- Minor violations, but worth monitoring
Technical Issues:
- Increasing downtime complaints
- Delayed order executions
- Portfolio sync problems
Fee Changes:
- Upcoming fee hike in June 2025
- Could affect zero cost proposition
Cost Benefit Analysis: Real Numbers 💰
Annual Savings vs Traditional Broker:
For ₹10 Lakh Portfolio:
| Transaction Type | Traditional Broker Cost | Groww Cost | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual Fund SIPs | ₹12,000 | ₹0 | ₹12,000 |
| Stock Delivery | ₹8,000 | ₹0 | ₹8,000 |
| IPO Applications | ₹2,400 | ₹0 | ₹2,400 |
| Account Maintenance | ₹500 | ₹0 | ₹500 |
| Total Savings | ₹22,900 |
ROI of Choosing Groww: 2.3% annually just from saved fees.
My Final Verdict 🏆
The Bottom Line:
Groww is perfect for 70% of Indian investors.
If you’re:
- New to investing
- Building long term wealth
- Focused on mutual funds
- Want simple, clean experience
Choose Groww.
If you’re:
- Active day trader
- Need advanced research
- Trade commodities regularly
- Want premium support
Look elsewhere.
Personal Recommendation:
I continue using Groww for my family’s investments.
My wife uses it exclusively.
My elder son started his first SIP through Groww.
But I also maintain a Zerodha account for F&O trading.
Diversification applies to brokers too.
Practical Tips for Getting Started 🎯
Account Opening Checklist:
✅ Download app and create account
✅ Complete KYC with video verification
✅ Link bank account for auto debit
✅ Start with one mutual fund SIP
✅ Add stocks gradually
✅ Enable two factor authentication
First Month Strategy:
Week 1: Set up SIPs in 2-3 diversified funds
Week 2: Buy 1-2 large cap stocks for learning
Week 3: Apply for upcoming IPO
Week 4: Review and adjust based on experience
Portfolio Allocation:
Conservative (My Mom):
- 80% mutual funds
- 20% blue chip stocks
Balanced (My Approach):
- 60% mutual funds
- 30% individual stocks
- 10% IPOs and gold
Aggressive (My Son’s Goal):
- 40% mutual funds
- 50% growth stocks
- 10% F&O trading
Common Mistakes to Avoid ⚠️
From My Experience:
Don’t:
- Invest all money on day one
- Ignore tax implications
- Chase hot IPOs blindly
- Neglect emergency fund
Do:
- Start small and learn
- Diversify across assets
- Review portfolio quarterly
- Keep learning continuously
Alternatives Worth Considering 🔄
If Groww Doesn’t Fit:
For Beginners: Paytm Money, ET Money
For Traders: Zerodha, Angel One
For HNI: ICICI Direct, HDFC Securities
For NRIs: Kotak Securities, Axis Direct
Hybrid Approach:
Many experienced investors use multiple platforms:
- Groww for mutual funds
- Zerodha for F&O
- Angel One for research
This strategy works well.
The Reality Check 💭
After 7 years of using Groww, here’s my honest take:
What I Love:
- Saved thousands in fees
- Simple enough for my family
- Excellent mutual fund experience
- Zero hassle investing
What Frustrates Me:
- Technical issues during volatile markets
- Limited research capabilities
- Delayed customer support
- Missing advanced features
Overall Rating: 4/5 stars
Would I recommend it?
Yes, to 8 out of 10 people reading this.
The Back to India Connection 🇮🇳
For NRI families moving back, Groww solves several problems:
Before Groww:
- Complex bank investment products
- High fee traditional brokers
- Confusing paperwork processes
- Limited investment education
After Groww:
- Simple digital onboarding
- Zero cost long term investing
- Educational content library
- Family friendly interface
This democratization of investing is exactly what returning NRIs need.
What’s Next for Groww? 🔮
My Predictions:
Short Term (2025):
- US stock trading launch
- Fee structure changes
- Enhanced mobile experience
Medium Term (2026-27):
- International mutual funds
- Robo advisory launch
- Cryptocurrency integration
Long Term (2028+):
- Global expansion
- Banking services
- Wealth management platform
Competitive Threats:
- Zerodha’s education dominance
- Angel One’s research advantage
- New fintech entrants
- Traditional banks modernizing
Groww needs to innovate continuously.
Final Thoughts: The Honest Truth 🤝
Groww transformed how my family invests.
But it’s not perfect.
The platform works brilliantly for basic investing needs.
It fails when you need advanced features.
For most NRI families returning to India, Groww is the right starting point.
You can always expand to other platforms later.
Remember: The best investment platform is the one you’ll actually use consistently.
Groww nails this fundamental requirement.
Action Steps 📝
If you decide to try Groww:
- Download the app this week
- Complete KYC process
- Start with ₹5,000 SIP in one diversified fund
- Learn by doing, not just reading
- Join our Back to India community for ongoing support
Questions about Groww or other investment platforms?
Drop me a line. Always happy to help fellow NRIs navigate the Indian investment landscape.
Because building wealth in India shouldn’t be complicated.
Sources and References:
- Groww features and user base data – Chittorgarh.com
- Platform reviews and charges – Select.finology.in & Infinitebroker.com
- User feedback and app store reviews – Apple App Store & Google Play
- Broker comparison data – InvestorGain.com
- Market share and client data – IPOCentral.in
Last updated: July 2025
Mani Karthik is the founder of the Back to India movement. He moved back from the USA in 2017 with his family and helps NRI families navigate financial decisions during their transition to India. Previously worked at Citrix, SuperMoney, and HappyFox.