CDSL Easi vs Easiest: Key Differences and Which One to Choose

When you hold securities in a demat account with a depository participant (DP) registered under the Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL), you can use online facilities to view and manage your holdings. Two of CDSL’s most widely used online services are Easi (Electronic Access to Securities Information) and Easiest (Electronic Access to Securities Information and Execution of Secured Transactions).

While both platforms aim to make demat account management convenient, they serve slightly different purposes. Easi focuses on providing an online view of holdings and transaction statements, whereas Easiest enables execution of transactions online, such as transferring securities between accounts. Knowing their differences can help you decide which option aligns better with your requirements.

Both Easi and Easiest are CDSL-managed services designed to enhance transparency and accessibility for demat account holders:

• Easi is mainly an enquiry-based platform. It allows you to check your securities portfolio, monitor transactions, and download statements at your convenience.
  

• Easiest is a more advanced platform. Along with all the viewing features of Easi, it enables you to submit instructions online for off-market, on-market (settlement), inter-depository, and early pay-in transactions without visiting your DP

By offering these services, CDSL aims to reduce reliance on physical paperwork and speed up routine account management tasks.

Easi is well-suited for demat account holders who need quick and secure access to their account information. Its key features include:

• Portfolio View: Check your holdings; valuation is shown based on the previous day’s closing price on the exchange.
  

• Transaction History: Review transactions carried out within a chosen time frame.
  

• Statement Download: Get account statements directly from the portal without having to request them from your DP.
  

• Corporate Action Updates: View details of dividends, bonus shares, rights issues, and other corporate actions credited to your account.

For investors who primarily need account monitoring, Easi provides a straightforward, read-only interface.

Easiest builds on Easi’s capabilities and allows execution of certain instructions online. Its features include:

• All Easi Functions: Access to portfolio view, transaction history, and statements.
  

• Online Transfer of Securities: Initiate off-market, on-market (settlement), inter-depository, and early pay-in transfers to other demat accounts without submitting a physical Delivery Instruction Slip (DIS).
  

• Multiple Account Access: If permitted, operate multiple demat accounts through a single login.
  

• Standing Instructions: Set up pre-defined instructions for certain transactions.
  

Easiest is particularly useful for investors or entities who frequently transfer securities or manage multiple accounts.

Choosing between Easi and Easiest depends on your demat account usage pattern:

• Easi is ideal if you only need to monitor your portfolio, track transactions, or access account statements occasionally. It offers a safe and simple interface without the added responsibility of transaction authorisation.
  

• Easiest is better suited if you regularly transfer securities, manage multiple accounts, or require faster transaction execution without visiting your DP physically.

If you are already using Easi and wish to upgrade to Easiest, you can follow these general steps:

1. Log in to Easi: Use your existing credentials on the CDSL Easi portal.
   

2. Select the Upgrade Option: Find and click on the ‘Upgrade to Easiest’ option.
   

3. Fill the Request Form: Provide required details such as account number, DP ID, and reason for upgrade.
   

4. Submit for DP Approval: Your DP will review and approve the request, often requiring in-person verification.
   

5. Receive Confirmation: Once approved, you can log in and access the transaction features.
   

Always check with your DP for any specific procedural requirements, as they may vary.

• Upgrade without losing features: Moving from Easi to Easiest keeps all Easi’s viewing capabilities and adds online transaction execution. No separate login required.
  

• Optional service: Easiest is not mandatory — stick with Easi if you only need viewing access.
  

• Upgrade time: Usually 2–5 working days after your DP processes and verifies your request.
  

• Not compulsory for demat holders: Both services are optional value-adds from CDSL to make account management easier.

Easi and Easiest are both designed to simplify demat account access and management, but they serve different user requirements. Easi offers a secure and straightforward way to monitor holdings, while Easiest adds the convenience of executing transactions online. By understanding the distinctions, you can choose the service that best aligns with your investment habits and operational needs.

This content is for informational purposes only and the same should not be construed as investment advice. Bajaj Finserv Direct Limited shall not be liable or responsible for any investment decision that you may take based on this content.