In the last few years, online trading and investment platforms have completely changed the way Indians invest in stocks, mutual funds, IPOs, and other financial instruments. Among these platforms, Groww has emerged as one of the most popular investment apps in India. It has gained a huge customer base due to its simple interface, mobile-first approach, and wide range of investment options.

But like every financial tool, Groww also has its advantages and disadvantages. If you’re considering using Groww as your primary investment app in 2025, it’s important to understand both the benefits and limitations before making a decision.

This article covers Groww’s key features, its pros and cons, and whether it’s the right choice for you.

What is Groww?

Groww is a stockbroking and investment platform that started in 2016. Initially, it was launched as a mutual fund investment app, but over time it expanded its services to include:

• Stock trading (NSE & BSE)
• IPO applications
• Digital gold investments
• US stock investments
• Futures & Options (Derivatives)
• Sovereign gold bonds (SGBs)

Groww is registered with SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) and operates as a discount broker through Groww Securities Private Limited. It has grown rapidly due to its easy-to-use app, simple design, and focus on beginner investors.

Advantages of Groww

Let’s start with the positives that make Groww one of the most popular investment apps in India.

1. User-Friendly Interface

One of the biggest reasons behind Groww’s success is its simple and clean user interface. Even beginners with zero knowledge of trading can open the app, search for stocks or mutual funds, and start investing within minutes.

• Easy navigation
• Clear portfolio tracking
• Simple charts for analysis

For first-time investors, this is a big advantage compared to traditional broker apps.

2. Quick and Paperless Account Opening

Opening a Demat and Trading account with Groww takes only a few minutes. The process is completely online and requires just basic documents like:

• Aadhaar card
• PAN card
• Bank details
• E-sign (via Aadhaar OTP)

No physical paperwork is required, making it convenient and fast.

3. Zero Commission on Mutual Funds

Groww allows direct mutual fund investments with zero commission. This means you don’t have to pay extra fees to distributors, and you get higher returns compared to regular mutual funds.

4. Low Brokerage Charges

Groww operates as a discount broker, meaning it charges minimal fees:

• Equity Delivery – ₹20 or 0.05% per executed order (whichever is lower)
• Equity Intraday & F&O – ₹20 or 0.05% per order
• Mutual Funds – Free
• IPO Application – Free

This makes it a cost-effective platform for traders and investors.

5. Multiple Investment Options

With Groww, users can invest in a variety of assets:

• Stocks (NSE/BSE listed)
• Mutual Funds (Direct)
• IPOs
• US Stocks (like Apple, Google, Tesla)
• Digital Gold
• Futures & Options
• Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs)

This all-in-one platform approach saves investors from managing multiple accounts on different apps.

6. Educational Content for Beginners

Groww provides a lot of blogs, tutorials, and videos that explain investment basics, stock market terms, and strategies in simple language. For beginners, this guidance is very useful.

7. Safe and Regulated Platform

Groww is registered with SEBI, CDSL, and NSE/BSE, making it a safe and regulated platform. Investors’ Demat holdings are kept with CDSL, which ensures security even if Groww faces operational issues.

8. Mobile-First Convenience

Groww’s mobile app is extremely popular among young investors. Since many prefer trading directly from smartphones, Groww’s mobile-first design makes it more appealing compared to traditional brokers.

Disadvantages of Groww

While Groww has several benefits, there are also limitations you should be aware of before making it your primary trading platform.

1. Limited Advanced Features

For professional traders, Groww lacks advanced tools and analytics. Compared to competitors like Zerodha (Kite) or Upstox, it offers only basic charting and technical indicators.

• No advanced screeners
• Limited algorithmic trading support
• Not ideal for high-frequency traders

2. No Call & Trade Facility

Groww does not provide call & trade services, which means you cannot place orders through phone assistance. This can be a drawback for investors who are not comfortable with apps or face internet issues.

3. Customer Support Issues

One of the most common complaints from users is about customer care support. Many investors report:

• Delayed responses
• Email-only support in some cases
• Limited phone assistance

Compared to traditional brokers with branch networks, Groww’s support system can feel slow.

4. Higher Brokerage for Small Traders

While Groww advertises low brokerage, small investors making frequent trades may find charges adding up. Since it charges ₹20 per executed order, even a small order incurs the same cost.

For example:

• Buying 1 stock worth ₹100 will still cost ₹20 as brokerage.
• For high-volume traders, this is fine, but for small trades, it feels expensive.

5. No Commodity or Currency Trading

Currently, Groww only offers Equity and Derivatives trading. Unlike brokers such as Angel One or Zerodha, it does not allow commodity or currency trading, limiting diversification.

6. Limited Features in IPO & US Stocks

Though Groww allows IPO applications and US stock investments, the features are basic:

• IPO dashboard lacks advanced analysis tools.
• US stock investments may include additional forex charges.

This makes Groww less competitive for global investors.

7. Newer Compared to Competitors

Groww is relatively new compared to established players like Zerodha (2008) or ICICI Direct. Some experienced investors may prefer long-established brokers with a proven track record.

Groww Quick Advantages and Disadvantages

Should You Use Groww in 2025?

Groww is an excellent platform for:

• Beginners who want to start investing in stocks and mutual funds.
• Long-term investors who prefer simplicity over complex features.
• Young investors looking for a mobile-first, modern app.
• Mutual fund investors who want zero-commission direct plans.

However, if you are a:

• Professional or active trader who needs advanced charting, algo-trading, or commodities – Groww might feel limited.
• Investor who values strong customer support – Groww may disappoint at times.

Final Verdict

Groww has successfully democratized investing in India by making it easy, simple, and affordable. For 2025, it remains one of the best platforms for new investors and mutual fund enthusiasts. However, if you’re a serious trader looking for advanced features, you may need to complement Groww with another broker like Zerodha or Upstox.

In short:

• ✅ Great for beginners and long-term investors
• ❌ Not ideal for advanced traders