The platform upgrades its retail algo trading API, offering order execution under 50 milliseconds for the benefit of active traders and developers

Mumbai : Kotak Neo, the trading app from Kotak Securities, one of India’s leading brokerage firms, has announced zero-brokerage, zero-fee TRADE APIs across all its digital plans for retail traders. Effective 1st November 2025, all API orders placed under the Trade Free plans on the app will attract no per-order brokerage and API usage charges. This move sets a new benchmark in the broking industry by making retail algo trading entirely cost-free.

The trading app has also done a major upgrade to its retail algo trading APIs for all its active traders and developers. This initiative aligns with SEBI’s recent framework to promote safer and more inclusive retail participation in algorithmic trading, expanding access beyond institutional and advanced players, effectively democratizing the space. The enhanced Kotak Neo APIs now offer improved latency and a scalable infrastructure that boosts speed, performance, and user experience.

With the new upgrade, Kotak Neo users can execute orders in under 50 milliseconds, supporting time-sensitive trades. Developers will also benefit from a step-by-step integration guide for a smooth onboarding experience. Combined with zero brokerage and no API usage fees, Kotak Neo is removing traditional barriers and paving the way for broader adoption of technology-driven trading. While fintech providers charge subscription fees and brokerages levy both API usage fees and brokerage for retail algo trading, Kotak Neo is setting a new standard by making it completely cost-free.

Ashish Nanda, Chief Digital Business Officer, Kotak Securities, said, “Staying in line with SEBI’s new framework of strengthening retail algo trading, Kotak Neo has introduced a ₹0 per-order brokerage benefit for active retail traders and developers using our digital plans. We have also upgraded our trade APIs to deliver speed, scale, and simplicity. By combining precision and automation, we are delivering a faster and cost-effective trading experience. This initiative is expected to accelerate adoption among both new and seasoned retail investors in India. Through our zero brokerage, active traders can run unlimited strategies without brokerage costs.” He further adds, “At Kotak Neo, we are committed to empowering the next generation of market participants with world-class tools. The platform currently handles a high volume of API orders every day, and by adopting a developer-first approach, we align with some of the more advanced trading API ecosystems in the industry.”

Traders and developers can instantly generate API tokens from the Kotak Neo app and start trading immediately. The platform offers broad product coverage including Delivery (CNC), Intraday (MIS), F&O (NRML), Cover Orders, Bracket Orders, and AMO. Built on a language-agnostic REST architecture, Kotak Neo APIs integrate effortlessly with Python, Java, C#, Node.js, Go, and more, with a dedicated Python SDK for quick implementation.

Available APIs on the app include order APIs that allow users to place, modify, or cancel trades with precision and flexibility. Market and quote APIs enable real-time access to prices, bids, asks, and market depth across equities, ETFs, and indices. Users can also track their open positions, monitor holdings, and view real-time profit and loss through portfolio and positions APIs. Additionally, limits and margins APIs provide real-time margin checks and display available funds before executing trades, ensuring informed decision-making.