Choosing the right cryptocurrency exchange is a critical first step for anyone entering the blockchain space. Fees vary significantly across platforms, and selecting the most cost-effective option can save you substantial value over time. While fees are important, other factors like trading volume, liquidity, security, and additional features (staking, NFT marketplaces) also play a vital role in your decision.
This guide compares fee structures across top crypto exchanges, helping you make an informed choice.
Types of Cryptocurrency Exchange Fees
Crypto exchanges charge fees in various forms. Beginners should focus on:
- Spot trading fees (maker/taker)
- Deposit/withdrawal fees
Advanced traders encounter additional costs like funding rates (for leveraged trades) or interest on margin positions. Here’s a breakdown of common fees:
| Fee Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Maker Fee | Charged when adding liquidity (e.g., via limit orders). Typically lower. |
| Taker Fee | Charged when removing liquidity (e.g., via market orders). Slightly higher. |
| Deposit Fee | Rare for crypto deposits; may apply to fiat funding methods (e.g., credit cards). |
| Withdrawal Fee | Dynamic fees for crypto (based on network congestion); flat fees for fiat. |
Maker vs. Taker Fees
Exchanges incentivize liquidity providers (makers) with lower fees. Takers—those executing immediate trades—pay slightly more. High-volume traders often qualify for discounted rates, and some platforms (e.g., Binance) offer extra discounts for holding native tokens like BNB.
Deposit/Withdrawal Fees
- Crypto deposits: Usually free.
- Fiat deposits: May incur fees (e.g., 3.5% for debit card deposits on Gemini).
- Crypto withdrawals: Dynamic fees (e.g., Bitcoin network gas fees).
- Fiat withdrawals: Flat fees (e.g., $25 for USD withdrawals on Crypto.com).
Crypto Exchange Fee Comparison
Here’s how top exchanges stack up:
| Exchange | Maker Fee | Taker Fee | Deposit Fee | Withdrawal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crypto.com | 0.075% – 0% | 0.075% – 0.05% | Free | $25 (USD), dynamic (crypto) |
| KuCoin | 0.1% – -0.005% | 0.1% – 0.025% | Free | €5 (fiat), dynamic (crypto) |
| Binance | 0.1% – 0.012% | 0.1% – 0.0124% | Varies by currency | Dynamic |
| OKX | 0.08% – -0.005% | 0.1% – 0.015% | Varies by currency | Dynamic |
| ByBit | 0.1% – 0.005% | 0.1% – 0.015% | Varies by currency | Dynamic |
| Kraken | 0.16% – 0% | 0.26% – 0.1% | Varies by currency | Dynamic |
| Coinbase | 0.4% – 0% | 0.6% – 0.05% | $10 (USD) | $25 (USD), dynamic (crypto) |
| Gemini | 0.2% – 0.03% | 0.4% – 0.1% | 0% – 3.49% | Dynamic |
Top 8 Exchanges Reviewed
1. Crypto.com
- Lowest fees: Starts at 0.075% for makers/takers.
- VIP tiers: Reduce fees further by holding CRO tokens.
- Fiat withdrawals: Flat $25 fee.
👉 Explore Crypto.com’s fee structure
2. KuCoin
- Altcoin haven: 800+ cryptocurrencies.
- Fee discounts: Available for KCS token holders.
3. Binance
- Largest exchange: High liquidity and volume.
- Zero-fee trading: On select FDUSD pairs.
4. OKX
- BRC-20 leader: Popular for Bitcoin Ordinals trading.
- Low maker fees: From 0.08%.
5. ByBit
- KYC-friendly: Now mandatory but retains low fees.
- Clean interface: Ideal for beginners.
6. Kraken
- Beginner-friendly: Simple UI.
- Mid-range fees: 0.16%–0.26% for makers/takers.
7. Coinbase
- High fees: Up to 0.6% for takers.
- Reputation: Trusted but costly.
8. Gemini
- Custody fees: Up to $30/month per asset.
- ActiveTrader: Lower fees (0.2%–0.4%).
DeFi vs. CEX Fees
Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) like Uniswap (0.3% fees) or dYdX (0.02% maker fees) can be cheaper but lack security features (2FA, account recovery). Centralized exchanges (CEXs) offer more payment methods and user protections.
Key Trade-offs:
- DEXs: Lower fees, no KYC, wider coin selection.
- CEXs: Better security, fiat support, customer service.
Why Fees Matter
Even small fee differences add up over time. For example:
- A 0.1% vs. 0.5% fee on $10,000 in monthly trades saves **$40/month**.
FAQs
Which exchange has the lowest fees?
Crypto.com offers the lowest starting fees (0.075%).
Is Binance better than Coinbase?
Binance has lower fees, but Coinbase is more beginner-friendly.
Can I buy crypto on Robinhood?
Yes, but withdrawals to private wallets may be restricted.
What’s the best exchange for beginners?
Coinbase and Binance balance ease of use with security.
Are DeFi fees lower?
Sometimes, but CEXs provide better security and support.
Note: Always verify fees directly with exchanges, as rates may change.