Delivery vs intraday trading: what is the difference?
When you buy shares, you choose how long you plan to hold them. That choice decides whether it's a delivery trade or an intraday trade.
📦 Delivery trading
You buy shares and hold them in your demat account for as long as you like – days, months or years. With T+1 settlement, the shares are usually credited the next working day.
⚡ Intraday trading
You buy and sell the same shares on the same day. Any open intraday position is squared off before the market closes, so the shares never reach your demat account.
⚖️ Side by side
| Delivery | Intraday | |
|---|---|---|
| Holding period | As long as you want | Same day only |
| Shares in demat | Yes | No |
| Goal | Long-term growth | Short-term price moves |
| Risk | Lower, over time | Higher, needs close tracking |
🧭 Which is right for beginners?
Most new investors start with delivery. It gives you time to learn, and you're not forced to sell at the end of the day. Intraday needs experience, time to watch the market and strict risk control.
This article is for general education only and is not investment advice. Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks; read all related documents carefully before investing.