Mutual fund comparison
Direct Plan vs Regular Plan Mutual Funds
Every open-ended mutual fund in India typically offers Direct and Regular plans of the same portfolio. Direct plans have a lower expense ratio because they skip distributor commission. Regular plans route through a distributor or platform that may provide guidance. Compare the cost and service trade-off—Qonfido’s public shortlists use Regular Growth for like-for-like peer comparison.
Direct plans
Investor-initiated plans with no distributor trail in the TER.
- Lower expense ratio than the same fund’s Regular plan
- You (or a fee-only adviser) handle selection and reviews
- Same portfolio as Regular—cost is the main structural difference
- Use AI Fund Discovery to research schemes before you choose a plan
Regular plans
Plans sold via distributors; commission is reflected in a higher TER.
- Higher expense ratio than Direct for the same portfolio
- May include distributor support and servicing
- Qonfido public “best” shortlists standardise on Regular Growth peers
- Compare rated categories, then decide plan channel separately
| Fund | Tier | 3Y |
|---|---|---|
| ITI Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Growth Option | Premier | 17.8% |
| Bajaj Finserv Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Growth | Premier | 15.7% |
| Aditya Birla Sun Life Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Growth | Premier | 15.5% |
| WhiteOak Capital Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Growth Option | Premier | 13.9% |
| Mirae Asset Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Growth | Premier | 12.5% |
This comparison is educational research support only. It is not personalised investment advice, a suitability assessment, or a prediction of returns. Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Read scheme documents and consider your goals, horizon, and risk tolerance before investing.
Frequently asked questions
Is Direct always better than Regular?
Direct is cheaper for the same scheme, so long-run returns are typically higher if you invest the same amount. Regular may still suit investors who want distributor assistance. Cost is not the only decision factor—service and behaviour matter too. Educational only.
Why does Qonfido show Regular Growth on compare pages?
Public shortlists standardise on Regular Growth so peers are compared on a like-for-like plan/option basis. You can still research Direct plans of the same funds when you invest.