NSE circular suspending referral programmes

August 20, 2024

NSE published a circular on August 14 that says:

With a view to safeguard the interest of investors, it is hereby clarified that any person referring a client to the Trading Member (broker) shall be appointed as an Authorised Person (AP) of the Trading Member after obtaining specific prior approval from the stock exchange for each such person.

The exchange’s reasoning is that a broker sharing a percentage of the brokerage generated as a referral benefit to clients could lead to individuals inducing their referrals to trade, which is not in the best interest of the customer.

As a result, we will pay out all referral wallet balances >₹10 (as of July 31, 2024; the last time this balance was updated) and stop our referral program. However, you will continue to receive 300 reward points one time for every account you refer that you can redeem against AMC or paid access to other partner products (smallcase, Tickertape, Tijori, MProfit & Quicko).

Meanwhile, we are representing to the exchanges directly and through various forums on why we should continue the referral program. We will keep you informed on any updates we get from the exchanges.

Founder & CEO @ Zerodha


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128 comments
  1. Mukul says:

    Whether it is SEBI or RBI they won’t tolerate at all if common users ( Retailers ) start earning. First they stopped currency trading, then they increased taxes and now ending referral program.

  2. raj says:

    While publishing the post, it was mentioned that all referral fees until August 25th would be sent, and then the referral program would be stopped.

    However, upon checking back, I noticed you changed the post silently, and now it says the fees will only be paid until July 31, 2024. Furthermore, the circular is dated only on August 14th, so why was the payment stopped even before that?

    I would appreciate more information on this matter.

  3. Bidyasing says:

    I never share the link again if we shared the link than only profit by broker so stop sharing the link guys

  4. Akashkumar Panchal says:

    how to get refferal bonus even accout is closed and get the mail from zerotha.

  5. Rajan kumar says:

    It is very bad for zerodha and all broker. The news came that the demet account increasing in India day by day. After this decesion news will come that the demat account decreasing. Very bad deceasion

  6. Dipesh Bhutaiya says:

    Okay,
    Noted as per NSE circular, but what about the balance Reffered amount?
    How can I utilize it ?
    How can I withdraw it ?
    Else please add this amount in buying stocks funds.

    Regards
    Dipesh Bhutaiya

  7. Kuldeep Asiwal says:

    If you stop sharing brokerage than why people share your platform to do trading ?

    From today I will stop sharing you among people.

    • Shubham says:

      Hi Kuldeep, we’re sorry to hear this. We had to take this decision due to the NSE circular and affects all brokers. You can check this ciruclar here. We are also representing to the exchanges directly and through various forums on why we should continue the referral program. We will keep you informed on any updates we get from the exchanges.

  8. Anand Murali says:

    Hey Man:

    How do I get in touch with you regarding the poor performance of your support staff and their cheecky behavior in closing tickets without resolving the issue.

    Honestly, your organization is displaying all the symptoms of bigness and will soon loose its edge and fall on its own weight, if you do not recognize and take steps. Feeling disgusted being your customer. It is so difficult even to reach to you and hence this filthy way. From this you can understand how convoluted your organization is. Customer can’t even reach the CEO if he has a genuine problem

    Terribly shame.

  9. Sangeeta singh says:

    Plz credit my wallet r
    referral bonus balance in my account before 15 August 2024 it’s not credited to my account plz help me.

  10. Sangha says:

    My referral bonus not yet transferred. When it will get credited?

  11. Keshav says:

    Hi zerodha,

    My referral bonus still not received please let me know when it will be transferred

    Thanks

    Keshav

  12. Sheela says:

    Dear zerodha,

    My referral commission is not credited yet, do i need to contact customer service?

  13. Kayal says:

    Dear Zerodha,

    My referal benefit 83000/- still not transferred.

    May i know when it will be credited.

  14. Md Jahangir alam says:

    Dear Zerodha team,

    I have earn referral amount 4300/- but till now not transferring in my account please try to pay.

  15. Prathiba devi says:

    Team,

    Please continue the referral point (10%of brokerage)
    It’s very helpful to us like small traders.

    • Shubham says:

      Hi Pratibha, we had to take this decision due to the NSE circular. You can check this ciruclar here. We are also representing to the exchanges directly and through various forums on why we should continue the referral program. We will keep you informed on any updates we get from the exchanges.

  16. Dipankar Singha says:

    Please continue the referral point (10%of brokerage)
    It’s very helpful to us like small traders. It’s encouraging to refer someone to open demat account with zerodha

    Thanks

    • Shubham says:

      Hi Dipankar, we had to take this decision due to the NSE circular. You can check this ciruclar here. We are also representing to the exchanges directly and through various forums on why we should continue the referral program. We will keep you informed on any updates we get from the exchanges.

  17. Tirupathi Budharapu says:

    I am happy I got my referral commission from zerodha. But I am unhappy why to discontinue our commission instead we can be registered as authorised agents. Also, when I took referral bonus sceme by paying 1200 there was nothing informed about number of accounts we have to refer,.later I was informed after couple of years that I have to do atleast 60 accounts plz let me know

  18. Yuvraj says:

    Zerodha transferred refferal check your bank account

  19. Saurabh Kumar Srivastava says:

    Hi Zerodha team and Nitin Kamath Sir,
    I think you don’t need to stop the referral commission, you don’t know how many people will be unemployed, or how many people and their families are depended upon you.

    My Home Loan EMI, wife pregnancy (progress), 1 girl child’s education (3Y), and other expenses like meal medicine, etc only I am able to afford them by you. We had given too much time since March 2018 and too many clients. In NSE circular they had asked for registration so I am ready for same but if stop I will be completely unemployed.

    This is my humble request please – please ask for registration who want go with you as like me.

    You don’t know how many families are depending upon you and what will impact.

    Everything is not business some show humanity for us also, I am not saying that don’t follow the GOVT Rules I am just saying ask some people for registration and go ahead the next process.

    Thank you

  20. Yuvraj says:

    Shubham @zerodha
    If you not going to pay referral at least reduce brokerage 20 to 10 per order for all clients..today onwards afterall you stopped referral so you can use it for every client

  21. Mrinmoy Goldar says:

    Dear Nithin Kamath, Founder & CEO of Zerodha,
    If you are decided to not paying any Refral Amount. In return you can reduce Brokage Charges and Free AMC.
    Its request, Plz Sir we want to make our Careers throw Zerodha. Hope u can undrastand.

    Thanku Sir

  22. Arnav says:

    BSE, NSE & SEBI (govt) always finds a way to screw up retailers/middle class.
    Getting little amount every year as 10% of the brokerage paid by my friends n family.. was a moral booster.
    Used to feel like an alternative passive income stream, just like those LIC agents but atleast I introduced them with ETF n bluechips wich are way more beneficial than ULIPs.

    System always works against you if your poor/middle class. Now I empathize with rich tax frauds. I know why they do it

  23. Prince jorawar says:

    It’s really very bad from nse and also from.zeeodha ,our home run on zerodha commission earlier they hve not given authorised person ,now if u took our monthly earning where will go

  24. Dinesh Padwal says:

    How to become Authorized Person (AP) and How i continue my previous Referrals..

  25. Mohammed Nouman says:

    Pay my refral amount its > 10 without tax deduction

  26. Chetan Vadodariya says:

    Pay till circular date

  27. Janhavi J Gadkari says:

    Kindly transfer my referral amount in my bank account.

  28. Pranay says:

    The SEBI and Finance Ministry Under Sitharaman’s Governance and Modi’s reign sucks at Providing better Scope and Opportunities to Salaried/Middle Class and Home Makers. Its more of looting because they are earning than not empowering. Their policies sound like cutting the Nose because one is suffering from Running Nose…

  29. Kumar says:

    Is desh me kuch bhi sahi nahi chal raha bus rojgar ke name pr logo ko bevkuf banaya ja raha hai ek tarf bat karta hai rojgar ki or dusre taraf rojgar hi band kar raha hai garib logo ke emotions ke sath sirf khulbar Kiya ja raha hai or kuch bhi nahi sare refferal partner khud ke mehnat se paisa banate hai na ki aapki ya gov. Ke mehnat se to fir is par Aisa ku agar aisa karna tha to sirf lead ke liye kiya ? Ye sab sahi nahi hai bus

  30. Mohit says:

    Kindly transfer my referral wallet amount to my ZERODHA Wallet or my Bank Account..

  31. Ankit Anchliya says:

    There more other way to give benefit to us … think on that

  32. Ankit Anchliya says:

    As per nse you can not give brokerage to others, so change name as commission

  33. Ankit Anchliya says:

    This is not fair ,if you do like this ,we will not promote Zerodha . How can you stop giving reference money after declaration.

    Not happy .

    Will go to another portal for trading.

    • Shubham says:

      Hi Ankit, we had to take this decision due to the NSE circular. You can check this ciruclar here. We are also representing to the exchanges directly and through various forums on why we should continue the referral program. We will keep you informed on any updates we get from the exchanges.

  34. Tilok khatri says:

    Pay atleast after calculating August month payout

    Reply

  35. Manish Kumar says:

    Pay atleast after calculating August month payout

  36. Jeevan sargar says:

    Convert my point into money and credit to my bank account

  37. Atul Sakpal says:

    Previously, Zerodha did something similar when they stopped their referral program and unlinked all the associated accounts. After a few months, they restarted the referral program but didn’t reconnect the previously referred IDs. This could be part of their strategy.

  38. Arjun says:

    Aap log jab tak 1000 nahi hota tab tak dete nahi ho isliye pliz logo ko lalch mat do

  39. Raisul haq says:

    Is it like that you are not paying for any new reference and will continue to pay for old reference?

    • Shubham says:

      Hi Raisul, we will not be paying brokerage for any referrals. NSE circular doesn’t allow this. We are representing to the exchanges directly and through various forums on why we should continue the referral program. We will keep you informed on any updates we get from the exchanges.

  40. Suresh Kumar Singh says:

    I also close zerodha account and I will suggest to my friends to close account of zerodha

  41. Nagarjuna Ravuri says:

    Please look on I have some referral amount plz give that in my wallet

  42. Alexi George says:

    So I’ve always suspected this. With 57 referrals and several others in the process of opening their accounts, I do have some interest in this. But I don’t consider it to be a source of income for me, just a gesture of “thanks” from Zerodha. My Trading itself is enough for me to make a comfortable living for us.

    Yet I can see how there can be a temptation to get people to trade more frequently to earn more from referrals. I run a small Trading group of over 115 people. I’m training them and an increasing number of them are profitable.

    If the payouts are reinstated, good. If not, I’ll continue doing what I do.

    Oh, by the way, Kite is the best Trading app compared to over 12 apps that I’ve tried. Good work.

  43. Amit kumar says:

    Referral income to or bhai company pay karti hai .

    Jase insurance company. Credit card company.

    Fir to sab ki referral income band honi chahiye

  44. Sujal garg says:

    When will you update us regarding your forums presented to sebi… This is wrong… We will close your account and my referral clients will also shift to another broker

  45. Amit kumar says:

    Hello sir
    1. Referral income is a one type of commission. (Commission koi bhi kise ko de sakta hai ) Ager koi kise company ke business ko grow kare me help karta .

    2. It is not brokerage.
    3. You can provide commission ( change the name brokerage income) you can say commission.
    4. You can provide commission.

  46. Sidharth Sharma says:

    This is not fair ,if you do like this ,we will not promote Zerodha . How can you stop giving reference money after declaration.

    Not happy .

    Will go to another portal for trading.

    • Shubham says:

      Hi Sidharth, we’re sorry to hear this. We had to take this decision due to the NSE circular and affects all brokers. You can check this ciruclar here. We are also representing to the exchanges directly and through various forums on why we should continue the referral program. We will keep you informed on any updates we get from the exchanges.

  47. Bibin Varghese says:

    Is it like that you are not paying for any new reference and will continue to pay for old reference?

  48. Sunder Singh Bisht says:

    You already know that there is so many other apps available in the market who is not going to charge any brokerage fees on the transactions with multiple times trade in a day, instead of knowing this we do transactions and paid brokerage as you charged. But now as a SEBI says you stop paying brokerage on the referral person account, it’s totally unfair and injustice. If so it applied then definitely I will close my account and with my family members from this platform. Kindly transfer my referral amount into my savings A/C.
    Thanks

    • Shubham says:

      Hi Sunder, we’re sorry to hear this. We are representing to the exchanges directly and through various forums on why we should continue the referral program. We will keep you informed on any updates we get from the exchanges.

  49. Raeesh Vahora says:

    Circular of NSE Publiced 14 AUG and Zerodha Paid Refreral payout 31 July …Why 14 days referral u can’t not paid client.if You are not Paid Will Claim against U in Future.

  50. Satish kale says:

    Going to closed the account , you will see the big decrease in your business.
    If Zerodha stopped referral program, so need to reduce brokerage charges.
    I will closed my & my families account from Zerodha, and transfer to other broker.

    • Shubham says:

      Hi Satish, we’re sorry to hear this. We had to take this decision due to the NSE circular. You can check this ciruclar here. We are also representing to the exchanges directly and through various forums on why we should continue the referral program. We will keep you informed on any updates we get from the exchanges.

  51. Tanusree Panda says:

    SEBI didn’t tell you to stop brokerages. You only doing this in the name of SEBI. They only mentioned the rule.
    I shall never refer any more.
    You will loose more clients.

  52. Deepak says:

    Dear Zerodha and Mr. Kamath,

    Its injustice with the persons who have done hard work till date, its simple that if circular is in 14th Aug. 24. then you may not consider referrals after that but must consider referrals before Circular date..But its all about honesty of Authorities, At the time introduction all brokers promised about Life time now behind 1 Circular all their Promises Are fake, Persons done work with honesty but These Brokers will always be Dishonest..There are no Rules for Protecting those who are Hard Workers..Andher Nagri Chaupat Raja, Take sher Bhaji, Take sher Khaja..

    • Shubham says:

      Hi Deepak, we are also representing to the exchanges directly and through various forums on why we should continue the referral program. We will keep you informed on any updates we get from the exchanges.

  53. Bharat says:

    Dear ZERODHA,
    SEBI doesn’t tell you to stop brokerage sharing….
    It advised that the authorized person can refer account. But you are allowing your clients to refer accounts and also promise referral points.
    This clearly shows that you are cutting brokerage sharing in the name of SEBI Circular.

  54. Deepika says:

    I checked and found that Zerodha not even showing correct amount earn amount.
    my referal has paid big amount as brokerage and it showing less than 80 as earn amount which means my referral paid only 800 brokerage (@10%) to zerodha,

    Shame on you Zerodha for showing wrong amount.

    Good decision this kind of thing should stop where no clarity instead of this you should pay marketing fees with transparency.

  55. SANJOYSAHA says:

    BAD FOR ZERODHA
    NO BROKER CUT OUT THEIR SERVICE

    YOU EARN BROKERAGE BUT YOU NOT SHARE ANY BROKERAGE FOR WHO PROMOTE YOUR APPLICATION AND SERVICE

    OK
    THEN ALL CLIENT WILL BE TRANSFER THEIR TRADING ACCOUNT OTHERS BROKER ONE WHO HAS NO AMC OR OTHERS BROKERAGE

  56. JATIN says:

    SIR
    I STARTED REFERRING TO REALIVES AND FRIEND BECAUSE OF REFERRAL EARNING.NOW TELL ME WHY I SHALL RECOMEND ZERODHA FOR OPENING DMAT ACCOUNT ,I THOUGHT I WOULD TAKE ZERODHA SUB BROKER AS A BUSINESS.I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS RULE.

    • Shubham says:

      Hi Jatin, we’re sorry to hear this. We had to take this decision due to the NSE circular. You can check this ciruclar here. We are also representing to the exchanges directly and through various forums on why we should continue the referral program. We will keep you informed on any updates we get from the exchanges.

  57. Deepak Singh Negi says:

    Such bad decisions what about time we waisted for opening accounts

  58. Palak says:

    સેબી ને તમારે જણાવવુ જોઈ એ કે અમારા દરેક ગ્રાહકે અથાક પરિશ્રમ કરી ગ્રાહક જોડ્યા છે.તેમના પરિશ્રમ માટે ઝેરોધા એ પર્સનલ નો બ્રોકરેજ જેવો બેનિફિટ આપવો જોઈ એ.નહિ તો ગ્રાહક ટ્રાંન્સફર થઈ જશે

  59. Dayanand saini says:

    Hello Zerodha,
    This is not good decision, you need to consult with Nse regarding this, without any argument you take decision and close the brokerage sharing.

    you need to rethink about this how many family affected from your decision.

    you provide offer and many peoples work according that now you want to earn only you. …..

    what is with partner and how you deal now for referral accounts, if you don’t have any type of orders from nse than how you published the referral schemes.

    • Shubham says:

      Hi Dayanand, we are representing to the exchanges directly and through various forums on why we should continue the referral program. We will keep you informed on any updates we get from the exchanges.

  60. Sanjay S says:

    Hands down a very good decision by Sebi, this will act as a deterrent to the so called finfluencers who were only surviving because of referral income considering their loss making trading capabilities gave them peanuts, they would continue to make videos on youtube showing manipulated PNL screenshots and continue to fleece naive retail investors, other brokers to follow suit, well done Zerodha for being prudent and being first in the lot.

  61. Ajesh says:

    I’m shocked by this dicision. I’ll wait for two months for favourable response from zerodha. Otherwise closing the demat account with the Zerodha will be my response. And I will ensure all the 11 accounts I referred is closed as well. There are better platforms available, and we still stick with zeroda only because of referral bonus amount. Please remember

    • Shubham says:

      Hi Ajesh, we’re sorry to hear this. We had to take this decision due to the NSE circular and affects all brokers. You can check this ciruclar here. We are also representing to the exchanges directly and through various forums on why we should continue the referral program. We will keep you informed on any updates we get from the exchanges.

  62. Mahesh says:

    What about the commission we have earned so far, release that

  63. Ashitosh says:

    This is unfair we will wait for 1 to 2 months for change your decision on sharing 10% brokerage.
    Otherwise we are going to close account n aslo transfer the holding to other account..
    Plz change your dessison on this.

    Other wise zerodha will face havey loss I’m future

    • Shubham says:

      Hi Ashitosh, we’re sorry to hear this. We had to take this decision due to the NSE circular. You can check this ciruclar here. We are also representing to the exchanges directly and through various forums on why we should continue the referral program. We will keep you informed on any updates we get from the exchanges.

  64. Yonus Malik says:

    Sebi always in the favor of those big guys. i wasted enough time for this referral program. is there any option to be AP

  65. Sumit says:

    Going to close the account i have given lot of time for small pasive income 😞

    • Shubham says:

      Hi Sumit, we’re sorry to hear this. We had to take this decision due to the NSE circular. You can check this ciruclar here. We are also representing to the exchanges directly and through various forums on why we should continue the referral program. We will keep you informed on any updates we get from the exchanges.

  66. Israr Qureshi says:

    Going to closed the account , you will see the big decrese in your business i have given a lots of time to open referral account it is my passive income.

    • Shubham says:

      Sorry to hear this, Israr. We had to take this decision due to the NSE circular. You can check this ciruclar here. We are also representing to the exchanges directly and through various forums on why we should continue the referral program. We will keep you informed on any updates we get from the exchanges.

  67. Gaurav kumar says:

    Going to closed the account

  68. Sanjeev Kumar says:

    I will close my account if wallet payment is not credited in my account

    • Shubham says:

      Hi Sanjeev, we’ll be paying out all the referral balance >Rs. 10. We have to stop brokerage sharing from August 25, 2024, due to the NSE circular. You can check this ciruclar here. We are also representing to the exchanges directly and through various forums on why we should continue the referral program. We will keep you informed on any updates we get from the exchanges.

  69. KARTHIK says:

    Nithin sir, I am very happy with the referal brokerage credits.. for me it was turned into passive income. That money is helping for something in my monthly expenses. Very very happy for that.

    I was shocked on seeing the message. Not only me, there are lot many people.

    With this message, people got discharged with zerodha. It’s NSE circular, not ur decision. I know that. That’s ok. I agree..

    Sir, pls make some new decision for us to continue that passive income in some other manner.. pls sir. We love zerodha, we are in the zerodha family. Pls make it sir. Pls. Thank you.🙏

    • Shubham says:

      Hi Karthik, we are representing to the exchanges directly and through various forums on why we should continue the referral program. We will keep you informed on any updates we get from the exchanges.

  70. Vikram says:

    I will closed my account and also my referred member.

    • Shubham says:

      Hi Vikram, we’re sorry to hear this. We had to take this decision due to the NSE circular. You can check this ciruclar here. We are also representing to the exchanges directly and through various forums on why we should continue the referral program. We will keep you informed on any updates we get from the exchanges.

  71. Zahid ahmed says:

    What about the existing authorised person who hav referred the account or opened the account before this circular .will the get their referral benifit as they hav got earlier

  72. Mahesh Savale says:

    Would the payouts be completed for referrals accumulated till 15th Aug?

  73. Avinash says:

    If you stop this program
    So why should i continue on zerodha with my clients

    • Shubham says:

      Hi Avinash, we’re sorry to hear this. We had to take this decision due to the NSE circular and affects all brokers. You can check this ciruclar here. We are also representing to the exchanges directly and through various forums on why we should continue the referral program. We will keep you informed on any updates we get from the exchanges.

  74. Varun says:

    Zerodha is not supported our Hard working
    I became the new client
    Then r
    Earn the points

  75. D says:

    This is really unfair, my entire bread & Butter is from ZERODHA Partner Program, You Dnt even Make AP despite more than 2500+ Clients, i have even 4 People dedicatedly working for this..

  76. Zahid ahmed says:

    What about the existing authorised person who hav referred the account or opened the account before this news .will the get their referral benifit as they r getting on regular.

  77. Abhinav says:

    When is the referral amount likely to be credited

  78. Vikash says:

    This is not fair you promised life time brokerage that’s why i do work for you if this happen i will register court case for fraud

    • Shubham says:

      Hi Vikas, we’re sorry to hear this. We had to take this decision due to the NSE circular. You can check this ciruclar here. We are also representing to the exchanges directly and through various forums on why we should continue the referral program. We will keep you informed on any updates we get from the exchanges.

  79. Divyesh says:

    This is a fraud. If you got the circular on 14 August then why is your refer and earn option still showing refer and get 10% of the brokerage? You should have told us before inviting the referral I referred on 17 August. This is purely misinformation according to section 203. Need an explanation asap

  80. Prasad says:

    I also suggest to my referees to close Zerodha Account

    • Shubham says:

      Hi Prasad, we’re sorry to hear this. We had to take this decision due to the NSE circular. You can check this ciruclar here. We are also representing to the exchanges directly and through various forums on why we should continue the referral program. We will keep you informed on any updates we get from the exchanges.

  81. Sivarenjini says:

    This is not fair, we have put a lot of effort and time in refferimg 1000 of peopleand we are not getting any monitary benefit. How sad is that. Please bring it back

  82. NITIN says:

    Error in withdrawing the amount , when its applicable from 25Aug,2024 thn why we are not able to withdraw it before the date.

  83. vaibhav says:

    If you register authorised person you need minimum 100 referrals then contact zerodha then you should Authorise person enrolled & received referrals i think its not only zerodha all broker same rule up stocks kotak icici etc alll its nse circular not zerodha decision
    Nse doesn’t want received money in small account holder. It’s going only big player as like, who capable hundred plus reference

  84. D. Kumar says:

    I’ll suggest all my referrals to close their accounts. Dear fellow do the same to your referrals 😂

  85. Kalyani Wadnere says:

    How to register as AP Authorized Person?

  86. Manish gohel says:

    Please submit existing referral amount

  87. Suraj ray says:

    Kuch bhi ho general public hi loss hota hai☺️
    Isse to broker ka bolle bolle☺️
    Jin logo ne mehnat kar ke logo ko join koraya
    Unke raato ko nind nahi aayega☺️
    Top level pe all correct hai
    Pehle top level pe tik karna chahiye
    Thn lower level pe ☺️

  88. Mahes says:

    Kindly clarify that the existing wallet amount can able to withdrawal or not? Because these amount generated before this circular, Hence advised zerodha to credit existing amount to respective clients.