Updated on: Jan 11th, 2022
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5 min read
You can invest in direct plans of mutual funds if you are a DIY (do-it-yourself investor). It helps you invest directly with the asset management company (AMC). You must invest in direct mutual funds compared to regular plans as they have a lower expense ratio.
The AMC saves on commission paid to mutual fund distributors and brokers and passes on the benefit of a lower cost to investors. You can identify direct funds as they are prefixed with the word ‘direct’ in these mutual funds’ names.
You find the portfolio of a direct fund to be the same as that of the regular fund. It is managed by the same fund manager and puts money in the same securities. You can invest in direct funds if you have knowledge of mutual funds and can do your research. It also helps you to reduce the expense ratio and earn a higher return than regular plans of mutual funds.
You can invest in direct mutual fund schemes through the fund house. You must visit the website of the AMC and complete your KYC (Know Your Customer). Follow these steps to invest in direct mutual funds online if you have completed KYC.
STEP 1:
STEP 2:
STEP 3:
You may consider investing online in mutual funds through R&T agents. However, you can invest only in the direct funds that are registered with these agents. You may opt for lump sum investments or SIP in the direct funds. You may find Registrar and Transfer (R&T) Agents as a low-cost way of investing in direct funds.
You have mutual fund utilities as a shared platform of different AMCs. You must create an account with the mutual fund utility to transact in mutual funds of different AMCs. You will find the cost of the online platform shared among mutual fund houses.
You can invest in direct funds by visiting the branch office of the AMC. You must complete KYC by submitting the self-attested identity and address proof.
Consider filling the standard application form or SIP form depending on the investment mode after selecting the right mutual fund scheme. You will have to tick the ‘Direct’ option to invest in direct plans with the AMC.
Invest in direct mutual funds as a DIY investor for lower expense ratio as no commission is paid to distributors. You can invest online by creating an account with the fund house, completing KYC, choosing the desired scheme and plan type, and making the payment. Offline investment involves visiting the AMC branch, completing KYC, choosing the scheme, and filling the application form.