which broker - ipo's and tax free bonds?

Hello All,

First of all a newbie alert.

This is my first foray into this world.

I would like to invest some money in the market for long term by subscribing to IPOs and buying some tax free bonds.

What broker is the best VFM broker for the above in the long run? I would need to open all the requireds account with them. Since it is long term, i am OK with higher upfront costs, if annual charges are reasonable.

I felt the charges on ICICIdirect and HDFCSEC as too high. What are the other brokers who would do IPOs and tax free bonds?

Please help? I am still confused

IPO's subscribing have changed since last 6 months - earlier any broker could offer the same but now you need to provide the same thru your Banker with whom you have your SB account as ASBA has been made compulsory. Physical cheques have been discontinued and the amount applied will be blocked in your SB account till allotment.

AS far as Tax free bonds are concerned you can buy thru any brokers who are members of the Exchanges. You may either go thru Discount brokers who charge on a flat brokerage fee which would reduce your cost and also there will not be much of upfront fees in them