Groww vs Pocket Broker (2026): Licences, charges and complaints compared

Groww is a SEBI registered stock broker built for Indian markets, while Pocket Broker is an offshore trading app. We compare their legal status, brokerage charges, phone permissions, and what users complain about to help you understand the risks and costs of each platform.

By Qrates research desk · 2026-10-27

Groww is a regulated discount broker for Indian markets with a verified SEBI stock broker licence. Pocket Broker is an offshore trading app, and we could not match a licence for it on the SEBI or RBI registers we check. You can check the latest figures on the Groww Qrates page and the Pocket Broker Qrates page to verify these details.

Quick answer: Groww vs Pocket Broker

Groww is a SEBI registered stock broker built for Indian markets. Pocket Broker is an offshore trading app that offers binary options trading and forex. We could not match a SEBI or RBI licence for Pocket Broker on the registers we check (Qrates directory).

At a glance: Groww and Pocket Broker compared

Comparing the Groww app vs Pocket Broker app highlights the gap between regulated and offshore platforms. Here is how the two platforms compare on licences, charges and user ratings.

Feature	Groww	Pocket Broker
Licence status	SEBI INZ000301838	None matched on registers we check
Brokerage	₹20	Not stated for Indian markets
Play Store rating	4.79	2.78
Installs	10 crore+	5 crore+
Negative review replies	99%	82%

SEBI registration and legal status in India

The biggest difference between Groww and Pocket Broker is their regulatory status in India. You can find more regulated options in our directory of stock broking and trading apps.

Groww is a registered stock broker

Groww operates legally in India as a registered discount broker. It holds SEBI stock broker licence INZ000301838 under the name Groww Invest Tech Private Limited (Qrates directory). It also holds a Depository Participant licence, number IN-DP-417-2019.

This means the company must follow strict SEBI rules for handling your money and shares. If a technical glitch causes a loss, you can use the SEBI grievance resolution system. Your shares sit safely in a regulated depository, not directly with the broker.

Pocket Broker licences on Indian registers

Pocket Broker is published by an entity called Pocket Investments LLC. For Pocket Broker, we could not match a licence on the SEBI or RBI registers we check (Qrates directory).

Trading on platforms without RBI authorization falls outside FEMA guidelines. This means Indian regulators do not oversee how the app handles your deposits. You cannot complain to SEBI or RBI if you face withdrawal problems. If you are concerned about platform legitimacy, learn how to check if a stock broker is SEBI registered and spot fake trading apps.

Brokerage charges and trading fees

Groww states a flat ₹20 brokerage charge on its pricing page (Qrates directory). This applies to equity orders on Indian stock exchanges. Opening a demat account on the platform is free. To understand how these costs impact your portfolio, see our guide on demat account charges explained: AMC, DP and brokerage.

Because Groww is SEBI registered, users also pay standard regulatory charges. These include Securities Transaction Tax, stamp duty, and exchange transaction fees.

Pocket Broker operates on a different model for binary options and forex. Offshore platforms often have different withdrawal fees and currency conversion charges. Since Pocket Broker is not a registered Indian broker, it does not charge standard Indian regulatory fees.

User complaints and phone permissions

Trading app permissions decide what data the app can see on your phone. Store reviews show what users experience after installing the application.

What Groww users report

Groww requests permission to read your text messages, read your contacts, see your location, record audio, and read phone identity (Qrates directory). The app has a 4.79 rating from over 10 crore installs. Groww replies to 99 percent of one and two star reviews. For a broader look at how it stacks up against competitors, see our Angel One vs Groww: Brokerage, AMC and hidden charges in 2026 analysis.

The most raised problem in recent store reviews is that nobody answers. We found this in 20 of 400 Google Play reviews read (Qrates directory). Other users complain about charges nobody mentioned, seen in 4 of 400 reviews.

Users also praise the app for its interface. We found 28 of 400 Google Play reviews and 31 of 300 App Store reviews calling it easy to use (Qrates directory). The app was updated 8 days ago.

What Pocket Broker users report

Pocket Broker requests fewer permissions, asking only to read your contacts and read phone identity (Qrates directory). The app has a much lower 2.78 rating from over 5 crore installs. The company replies to 82 percent of one and two star reviews.

The most raised problem in recent store reviews is that users feel pushed into things. We found this in 4 of 387 Google Play reviews read (Qrates directory).

Like Groww, some users like the interface. The most praised feature is that the app is easy to use, noted in 17 of 387 reviews (Qrates directory). The app was updated 4 days ago.

Who each one suits, by need

If you are wondering which is better Groww or Pocket Broker, it comes down to what you want to trade and what risks you accept.

If SEBI regulated investing matters to you: Note that Groww has the required Indian licences. We could not match any Indian licence for Pocket Broker.
If you want a highly rated app: Note that Groww has a 4.79 rating from over 10 crore installs. Pocket Broker has a 2.78 rating from over 5 crore installs.
If you want offshore trading: Note that Pocket Broker offers this, but it does not have a matched Indian licence. This means it falls outside SEBI grievance resolution.
If transparent pricing matters: Note that Groww lists a flat ₹20 brokerage on its pricing page. Pocket Broker uses a different model for binary options.

FAQs

Is Pocket Broker legal in India?

We could not match a SEBI or RBI licence for Pocket Broker on the registers we check (Qrates directory). Legal trading apps in India must hold a SEBI registration. Trading forex on unauthorized platforms falls outside FEMA guidelines.

Pocket broker SEBI registered hai ya nahi?

We checked the SEBI and RBI registers and could not match a licence for Pocket Broker. In contrast, Groww is SEBI registered and holds licence INZ000301838.

Groww app charges for trading?

Groww states a flat ₹20 brokerage charge on its pricing page (Qrates directory). This applies to equity orders. There are also standard regulatory charges like STT and stamp duty.

Can I trade forex on Pocket Broker in India?

Pocket Broker offers forex trading. However, we could not match an RBI authorization for it on the registers we check. Trading forex on platforms without RBI approval violates FEMA guidelines.

The short version

Groww is a regulated Indian broker with a SEBI stock broker licence (INZ000301838).
Groww charges a flat ₹20 brokerage for trades.
Pocket Broker is an offshore app published by Pocket Investments LLC.
We could not match a SEBI or RBI licence for Pocket Broker on the registers we check.
Always check SEBI and RBI registers before depositing money into any trading app.

Sources

Disclaimer

Qrates is an information directory. It takes no commission from any company listed and does not recommend products. Figures are taken from the sources named and dated, and they change; check the company's own page before you decide. This is not investment, credit, insurance or tax advice for your situation.