I do not understand the Data API at 499 + GST cost stuff. You give lots of stuff like askfuzz/scanx on the data almost for no cost but then I do not understand why you have pricing on Data API?
What is the percentage of people on Dhan opting for Dhan API on regular monthly basis? is that significant that it affects the topline ? Other brokerages make it free for downloading data through their API systems so why does Dhan need to put a price tag on it?
Its confusing to see because its brokerage friendly but not algo friendly?
I think I would like to see your point of views on this but it perhaps lot of sense to make it either very very cheap data sachet packets or make it zero cost (because Christmas is here!) and how does it affect your pricing position in the market?
Looking at the github forks and watches and starred stats, it does not tell me there are too many using the client SDK. and Javascript client SDK is even less than this. So, I am puzzled as to how many are using and paying for this DataAPI ?
I am pretty sure, the moment Data API costs go down to lets say zero, this would sky rocket… but that means you will have to invest in the quality of data framework and engine systems for dhan registered users to use and consume data via API
Hi @mnikhil Well, idea of the community is to collaborate and hope we maintain that.
Can Dhan provide this for free - yes we can. But we do not, because it is subject to abuse. Are we unfair, while this may be subjective.. we priced Data APIs at INR 499 when the competition priced it at INR 2000 for almost a decade. We priced at 75% lower than industry practice, and which later made the industry peers drop to match pricing by Dhan.
Running every business has a cost, to add a price point to it is only fair. Just because someone made it free, doesn’t mean everyone should. We invest a lot in product, tech and infrastructure, and continue to double down on it.
~3 to 5% of all orders on Dhan go via APIs as they continue to be very robust and deliver performance in terms of speed of execution and feature rich at the same time. Data APIs are consumed by thousands of users every day.
First, thank you for building such a powerful API and supporting developers who want to automate trading and innovate in the ecosystem. The availability of a structured, real-time data API is a game-changer for algo traders and fintech developers.
That said, I’d like to highlight why a significantly lower price (or a freemium tier) could benefit both users and Dhan itself:
Unlock Wider Adoption
At 499/month, many independent developers, students, and hobbyist algo traders are priced out. Even a small reduction—or a free limited-tier—could dramatically increase the number of active API users, growing the Dhan ecosystem organically. I see there are about 96 forks and 117 starred watchers on github repo – potential to growth in these stats is very much there that shows there is a huge opportunity on the collaboration aspects you mention
Increase Stickiness and Engagement
APIs are not just a product; they’re a gateway into your platform. Users who start with your API—even at low or zero cost—tend to develop workflows, tools, and strategies within the ecosystem. Over time, they are more likely to convert to paid subscriptions, premium features, or even trade higher volumes on Dhan itself.
Community and Innovation
Lowering the entry barrier fosters innovation. Many creative solutions—from portfolio analytics to automated trading strategies—are being built outside big institutional setups. By enabling developers to experiment affordably, Dhan could become the hub where the next generation of trading apps and tools originates.
Market Positioning
Competitors offering free or lower-cost APIs can attract developers first, who may then become loyal users. A more accessible API positions Dhan as developer-friendly and forward-thinking, building goodwill and long-term retention.
Mitigating Abuse Without High Pricing
Abuse concerns are valid. Agree. However, mechanisms like rate limiting, usage quotas, or freemium models can control overuse without creating a high entry barrier. Many successful platforms (like Alpaca, Polygon.io, and Interactive Brokers) have struck this balance effectively.
Suggested approach:
Introduce a freemium tier with limited calls per day (e.g., 50–100 requests/day).
Offer a student/early-stage developer discount at ₹99–199/month.
Maintain the current â‚ą499 tier for heavier users who need unrestricted access.
Lowering the price—or introducing a freemium tier—would unlock a wave of innovation and collaboration potential.
This way, Dhan gains wider adoption, developer loyalty, and ecosystem growth, while still monetizing heavy users.
It’s not just about price—it’s about opportunity. Every independent developer blocked by cost is a potential idea, app, or trading strategy lost. Free or discounted tiers with rate limits could prevent abuse while still welcoming new users.
I genuinely believe a slightly lower price—or a freemium tier—could unlock a wave of innovation and adoption that benefits both the community and Dhan itself.
