The core difference
With delivery you buy shares and hold them in your demat account for as long as you like — days, years, decades. With intraday you buy and sell the same stock within one trading session; positions are squared off before the market closes, so shares are never delivered to your account.
Side by side
The two approaches suit very different goals and temperaments.
| Delivery | Intraday | |
|---|---|---|
| Holding period | No limit | Squared off same day |
| Ownership | Shares in your demat | Only the price difference |
| Margin | Pay full value | Leverage available |
| Risk | Lower, longer-term | Higher, amplified by leverage |
| Best for | Investing | Active short-term trading |
Which should you choose?
If you are building long-term wealth, delivery investing in quality stocks or ETFs is the sensible default. Intraday demands time, discipline and risk tolerance — leverage magnifies both gains and losses, and most new traders lose money. Start with delivery, learn the market, and only consider intraday with risk capital you can afford to lose.
Costs compared
On ROAR, equity delivery is ₹0 brokerage; intraday is ₹20 flat per executed order. Statutory charges (STT, exchange, SEBI, GST, stamp duty) apply to both. Use the brokerage calculator to see your exact cost per trade.
Frequently asked questions
Is intraday riskier than delivery?
Generally yes — intraday uses leverage and relies on same-day price moves, so both gains and losses are amplified. Delivery investing over the long term is typically lower risk.
Can I convert an intraday position to delivery?
Many brokers let you convert an open intraday position to delivery during market hours, provided you have the funds to take delivery. Check your platform’s position options.
Which is better for beginners?
Delivery investing in diversified, quality holdings is the more sensible starting point. Intraday requires experience, time and strict risk management.
Do delivery and intraday cost the same?
On ROAR, delivery is ₹0 brokerage and intraday is ₹20 flat per order; statutory charges apply to both.