Opening all four without a second trip

Requirements vary slightly between institutions, so confirm with yours before you travel. This is the list that covers most cases.

What documents do you need to carry?

• Citizenship certificate, original and photocopies — take more copies than you think.
• Passport-size photographs, several.
• Your bank account details, including the account number and branch.
• Your BOID, once the Demat is open, for the steps that follow.
• A working mobile number and email, which you control and can access on the spot.

The details that cause rejections

1. 1Name spelled differently across bank, Demat and citizenship. Pick the citizenship spelling and use it everywhere.
2. 2A phone number you do not control. Verification codes go there.
3. 3An email you cannot open right now. Several steps need confirmation during the visit.
4. 4Photocopies that are too few. Each institution keeps its own set.

Once all four exist, you can buy your first share. Before you do, read Chapter 3 — knowing what a trade costs changes what is worth trading.