Lowest Fee Crypto Exchange Guide: Top Picks for 2025

Key Takeaways:

• Binance and KuCoin charge as low as 0.10% for both maker and taker fees, helping to minimize trading costs.
• Platforms like Phemex and Binance offer fee discounts or zero-fee trading for high-volume traders or those using native tokens (e.g., BNB or KCS).
• Fee structures vary: Be sure to compare the fee schedules, including trading, deposit, withdrawal, and additional charges, before selecting an exchange.

When choosing a crypto exchange, one of the most important factors to consider is trading fees. Many traders, from beginners to experienced ones, look for the lowest-fee crypto exchange to maximize their profits. However, understanding the fee structures of different crypto exchanges can be confusing, as costs vary based on factors like maker fees, taker fees, and withdrawal fees.

In this article, we’ll cover the cheapest crypto exchanges, which platforms have the lowest fees, and the best low-fee exchange options available today. We will also break down crypto trading charges, compare decentralized and centralized exchanges, and explain how high-volume traders can get fee discounts.

What Are Crypto Exchange Fees?

Several crypto exchanges charge fees for different types of transactions, including deposit fees, withdrawal fees, maker fees, taker fees, and others. These fees vary between platforms and can significantly impact your trading costs.

Here’s a breakdown of some key fees you might encounter on different exchanges:

Trading Fees

These are costs traders pay when they buy or sell crypto assets on an exchange. They can be further divided into two categories:

• Maker Fees – Charged when you add liquidity to the order book.
• Taker Fees – Charged when you remove liquidity from the order book.

Additional Fees on Cryptocurrency Exchanges 

Besides trading charges, users may encounter other costs, including:

• Withdrawal Fees: Charged when withdrawing funds to an external wallet or bank account. For example, moving funds off an exchange to a personal wallet may incur withdrawal fees.
• Deposit Fees: Some crypto exchanges charge a fee when users fund their accounts using fiat currencies (such as USD or EUR) or bank transfers.
• Futures Trading Fees: Costs associated with futures contracts, which allow traders to speculate on cryptocurrency price movements.
• Spot Trading Fees: Fees charged for buying and selling cryptocurrencies at current market prices.
• Margin Trading Fees: Applied when traders borrow funds to trade larger positions than their actual capital. These fees are mostly incurred when using leverage for crypto trading.
• Transaction Fees: Costs paid when processing a crypto trade or transferring funds. This usually includes gas fees on decentralized exchanges.

How Do Trading Fees Work?

Trading fees are generally divided into two categories: maker and taker fees. These fees depend on the type of order you place:

1. Maker Fees – Charged when you place a limit order that doesn’t immediately match an existing order. By doing so, you are “making” liquidity in the market. These fees tend to be lower on many exchanges.
2. Taker Fees – Charged when you place an order that matches an existing order on the order book, effectively “taking” liquidity from the market.

The Best Low-Fee Cryptocurrency Exchanges 

Here are the top 8 best low-fee crypto trading platforms; 

1. Binance: Best for Competitive Fees and High Volume Traders 

Binance is one of the leading crypto exchanges globally, known for its competitive trading fees and advanced features. It's often considered one of the cheapest crypto exchanges, charging a flat 0.10% trading fee for both maker and taker orders—relatively low compared to many other platforms.

Binance also offers fee discounts for users who hold its native token, BNB, reducing trading costs even further. Additionally, Binance’s withdrawal fees are competitive, and it supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies.

• Trading Charges: 0.1% (can be reduced with BNB token) 
• Withdrawal Fees: Varies by cryptocurrency 
• Deposit Fees: Free for most methods 
• Maker Fees: 0.1% (lower for high volume traders) 
• Taker Fees: 0.1% 

Why Binance? 

• Offers reduced fees for active traders. 
• Supports futures trading, with some of the lowest spot trading fees. 
• Provides advanced trading tools and order types. 

2. KuCoin: Best for Low-Fee Cryptocurrency Exchanges 

KuCoin is a popular crypto exchange offering lower trading fees and zero-fee trading promotions. It's well-known among crypto enthusiasts for its competitive fees and the availability of fee-free trading options.

KuCoin charges maker and taker fees starting at 0.10% and provides discounts for those who hold its native token, KCS. Additionally, KuCoin offers a variety of low-fee options for both spot and futures trading, making it a top choice for many traders.

• Trading Charges: Starts at 0.1% 
• Withdrawal Fees: Low compared to competitors 
• Deposit Fees: Free for crypto deposits 
• Maker Fees: 0.1% 
• Taker Fees: 0.1% 

Why KuCoin? 

• One of the lowest fee crypto exchanges. 
• Offers fee discounts through KuCoin Shares (KCS). 
• Great for experienced traders, as it offers advanced trading options. 

3. Kraken: Best for Strong Security Measures 

Kraken is another well-known exchange offering competitive fees and low-fee cryptocurrency trading options. It’s a well-established platform known for its strong security measures and competitive pricing.

Kraken uses a maker-taker fee structure, where fees start at 0.26% for taker orders and 0.16% for maker orders. These fees decrease as your 30-day trading volume increases. Kraken also offers zero trading fees on certain pairs and provides futures trading options for more experienced traders.

• Trading Charges:  0.16% (maker) / 0.26% (taker) 
• Withdrawal Fees: Varies by asset 
• Deposit Fees: Free for most crypto deposits 

Why Kraken? 

• One of the lowest-fee cryptocurrency exchanges for security-conscious users. 
• Supports futures trading fees and margin trading. 
• Great for digital assets investors looking for low-fee exchanges. 

4. OKX: Best for Competitive Trading Fees 

OKX is a crypto exchange known for its competitive fee structure, offering low fees for both spot trading and futures trading. It provides low-fee exchange options and fee discounts for users who hold and pay with OKB tokens.

OKX follows a maker-taker fee structure, with trading fees starting at 0.08% for maker fees and 0.10% for taker fees. High-volume traders can enjoy even lower fees based on their 30-day trading volume.

• Trading Charges: Starts at 0.08% 
• Withdrawal Fees: Low for major cryptocurrencies 
• Maker Fees: 0.08% 
• Taker Fees: 0.1% 
• Deposit Fees: Free for most crypto deposits 

Why OKX? 

• One of the lowest-fee crypto trading platforms with competitive trading fees.
• Strong security measures to protect user funds. 
• Offers zero trading charges promotions on select assets. 
• Ideal for crypto trading across multiple trading pairs. 

5. ByBit: Best for Zero Trading Fees on Promotions 

ByBit is a low-fee cryptocurrency exchange offering zero-fee trading on certain promotions. It supports both spot trading and futures trading, catering to both experienced traders and crypto enthusiasts.

ByBit uses a maker-taker fee structure, with maker fees at 0.025% and taker fees at 0.075%. Traders who use ByBit’s token for payments can enjoy discounted fees.

• Trading Charges: 0% on some pairs 
• Withdrawal Fees: Varies by asset 
• Maker Fees: 0.025% rebate 
• Taker Fees: 0.075% 

Why Bybit? 

• Offers lower fees for high-volume traders. 
• Supports margin trading and futures trading fees. 
• Advanced features like limit orders and advanced trading tools. 

6. Gemini: Best for Regulatory Compliance 

Gemini is a regulated crypto exchange known for its competitive fee structure, strong compliance, and robust security measures for crypto trading. It provides both spot and futures trading fees, making it a popular choice for institutional investors.

Gemini’s maker and taker fees start at 0.20% for maker fees and 0.40% for taker fees. High-volume traders can access fee discounts based on their 30-day trading volume.

• Trading Charges: 0.20% (maker) / 0.40% (taker) 
• Withdrawal Fees: Varies by crypto assets 
• Deposit Fees: Free via bank transfer, but card payments incur higher fees 

Why Gemini? 

• One of the best cryptocurrency trading platform for security and compliance. 
• Offers minimal fees for large transactions. 
• Ideal for investors prioritizing regulatory compliance and strong security measures. 

7. Bitstamp: Best for Low-Fee Exchange Options 

Bitstamp is one of the lowest-fee crypto exchanges, known for its competitive trading fees and ease of use. It supports crypto trading with a simple interface, making it a great option for both new and experienced traders.

Bitstamp uses a maker-taker fee model, with maker fees starting at 0.30% and taker fees at 0.40%. These fees decrease based on trading volume, rewarding high-volume traders with reduced rates.

• Trading Charges: 0.30% (maker) / 0.40% (taker) 
• Withdrawal Fees: Low for major crypto assets 
• Deposit Fees: Free for bank transfers, but card payments include higher fees

Why Bitstamp? 

• One of the lowest exchange fees cryptocurrency platforms. 
• Supports margin and futures trading. 
• Ideal for crypto enthusiasts looking for lowest-fee exchange options. 

8. Phemex: Best for Zero Trading Fees on Spot Trading 

Phemex is a fee-free crypto exchange offering zero trading charges for spot trading, making it one of the most cost-effective exchanges for crypto enthusiasts. It also provides advanced trading tools and futures trading options.

Phemex follows a competitive fee structure, with maker fees at 0.01% and taker fees at 0.06%. High-volume traders can access fee discounts, and withdrawal fees vary by crypto assets.

• Trading Charges: 0.01% (maker) / 0.06% (taker) 
• Withdrawal Fees: Varies by crypto assets 
• Deposit Fees: Free for most deposits 
• Maker and Taker Fees: Discounted rates for experienced traders 

Why Phemex? 

• Zero trading fee promotions for new users. 
• Strong security measures to protect user funds. 

Fee-Free Crypto Exchanges and Zero Trading Fees

Some exchanges claim to offer zero-fee trading, which can be an attractive option for traders. However, these fee-free crypto exchanges typically earn revenue through other means, such as spread markup or additional fees.

1. Robinhood: 

Robinhood is famous for its zero trading fees on cryptocurrency trades, meaning users do not pay maker or taker fees when buying or selling cryptocurrencies.

However, it's important to note that Robinhood charges a spread (the difference between the buy and sell price), which could indirectly cost traders more. Additionally, withdrawal fees may apply when transferring funds to external wallets.

2. eToro: 

eToro offers zero-fee trading on certain crypto assets. While eToro does not charge maker or taker fees for crypto transactions, it does impose a spread. Furthermore, withdrawal fees may apply when transferring crypto to an external wallet.

3. Public.com: 

Public offers zero trading fees for crypto, making it an appealing platform for those looking to avoid crypto exchange fees. However, like Robinhood, Public earns money through spreads and other charges, so it’s important to understand the full cost structure.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Crypto Exchange

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a crypto exchange;

1. Fee Structure: 

Some exchanges offer low trading fees, while others provide fee discounts for high-volume traders or for those who hold the platform’s native token. Before choosing a crypto exchange, review the fee schedule to determine which platform offers the lowest fees based on your trading behavior.

2. Withdrawal Fees: 

Withdrawal fees can vary significantly between exchanges. Some exchanges offer free withdrawals, while others charge a fixed fee or a percentage of the transaction amount. It's important to be aware of these fees before making transactions.

3. Supported Trading Pairs: 

A good crypto exchange should offer a variety of trading pairs for both crypto-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat trading. This flexibility allows you to diversify your investments and trade efficiently.

4. Security:

A reliable crypto exchange should have strong security measures in place to protect user funds. Look for platforms that offer:

• Two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Cold storage for digital assets.

5. Customer Support and Reputation

Choose global crypto exchanges with a good reputation and strong customer support. Look for:

• 24/7 live chat or email support.
• Positive reviews from crypto enthusiasts and active traders.
• No history of security breaches or hidden fees.

6. Regulatory Compliance: 

Ensure that the exchange you choose is compliant with local regulations. This is especially important for crypto enthusiasts who wish to engage in legal and secure trading.

Choosing the Best Crypto Exchange for Your Needs

Here are some key factors to consider before choosing the best crypto exchange for your needs;

1. Identify Your Trading Priorities

Before choosing a crypto exchange, it's important to consider your goals:

• Are you looking for the lowest-fee crypto exchange? Focus on platforms with low fees and fee discounts.
• Do you trade frequently? Look for exchanges with low fees and high trading volume.
• Do you prioritize security? Choose an exchange with strong security measures and regulatory compliance.
• Are you a beginner or an experienced trader? Some platforms cater to active traders with advanced tools, while others are more beginner-friendly.

2. Compare Trading Fees and Fee Structure

One of the most important aspects of any exchange is its fee structure. Pay attention to:

• Maker and taker fees: Many exchanges use a maker-taker fee structure, where maker fees are typically lower than taker fees.
• Deposit and withdrawal fees: Some platforms charge higher fees for fiat currency deposits and withdrawals.
• Spot and futures trading fees: Some centralized exchanges charge differently for spot and futures trading.
• Hidden fees: Be cautious of unexpected transaction fees, gas fees, and margin trading fees.

3. Look for Low Fee Crypto

If keeping costs low is a priority, focus on crypto exchanges with the lowest fees. Some platforms offer:

• Zero trading commissions on selected pairs.
• Fee-free crypto exchanges with zero trading fee promotions.
• Low-fee cryptocurrency exchanges for cost-effective trading.

4. Consider Liquidity and Trading Volume

Higher trading volume ensures:

• Faster trade execution.
• Lower slippage when placing large orders.
• Competitive fees for high-volume traders.

5. Review Payment Methods and Fiat Support

If you need to deposit or withdraw fiat currencies, check the available options:

• Bank transfer (usually has minimal fees but may take longer).
• Credit or debit card (faster but may have higher fees).
• Crypto deposits, which are often free or low-cost.

6. Look for Advanced Trading Features

If you're an experienced trader, consider platforms with:

• Advanced trading options, such as margin trading and futures trading.
• Competitive fee structure for high-volume traders.
• Advanced trading tools like limit orders and market analysis.

7. Define Your Trading Goals and Experience

If you’re new to crypto, you might prefer an exchange with a simple, user-friendly interface and robust educational resources. Advanced traders may seek platforms offering sophisticated charting tools, APIs, and margin trading options.

How to Reduce Your Crypto Trading Fees

Trading charges can add up quickly, especially for high-volume traders and active investors. Fortunately, there are several strategies to help minimize costs when using crypto exchanges.

1. Choose a Crypto Exchange with the Lowest Fees

The best way to reduce crypto trading fees is by selecting an exchange with the lowest fees. Some low-fee exchanges offer competitive pricing for both maker and taker fees, helping you reduce your overall trading costs.

2. Use a Fee-Free Crypto Exchange

Some exchanges offer zero trading fees for specific pairs or during promotions. Platforms like Phemex and Binance often waive spot trading fees for certain crypto assets, making them great options for cost-conscious traders.

3. Take Advantage of Fee Discounts

Many global crypto exchanges offer fee discounts for users who:

• Pay fees and hold the exchange’s native token (e.g., Binance BNB or OKX OKB).
• Trade high volumes, rewarding high-volume traders with lower trading charges.
• Use limit orders, which sometimes have lower maker fees.

4. Choose Crypto Exchanges with a Competitive Fee Structure

Some centralized exchanges and decentralized exchanges have better fee structures than others. Look for platforms that:

• Offer reduced fees for market makers.
• Support low-fee cryptocurrency exchanges for cost savings.
• Charge minimal fees for withdrawal fees and deposit fees.

5. Avoid Hidden Fees and Higher Fees on Deposits/Withdrawals

Before selecting a platform, check for additional fees, such as:

• Bank transfer fees for fiat currencies.
• Gas fees on crypto assets withdrawals.
• Margin trading charges, which may be higher than spot trading charges.

How To Sign Up For A Cryptocurrency Exchange Account

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to sign up for a cryptocurrency exchange account;

1: Choose a Cryptocurrency Exchange

Select a reputable exchange based on factors like security, fees, available cryptocurrencies, and user experience. Popular options include Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, and Bybit.

2: Visit the Exchange’s Website

Go to the official website of the exchange to avoid phishing scams. Always double-check the URL to ensure it's legitimate.

3: Click on "Sign Up" or "Register"

You’ll typically find this button at the top-right corner of the homepage.

4: Enter Your Information

Provide your:

• Email address
• Phone number (optional, but recommended for security)
• Username (if required)
• Strong password

5: Verify Your Email or Phone Number

The exchange will send a verification code to your email or phone. Enter the code to confirm your account.

6: Complete KYC Verification (If Required)

Most exchanges require Know Your Customer (KYC) verification for security. You may need to:

• Upload a government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID)
• Take a selfie for identity verification
• Provide proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)

7: Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Enhance security by enabling Google Authenticator or SMS-based 2FA to protect your account.

8: Deposit Funds

Once your account is approved, deposit funds using:

• Bank transfer
• Credit/debit card
• Cryptocurrency transfer from another wallet

9: Start Trading:

After funding your account, you can proceed to buy, sell, or trade cryptocurrencies on the exchange.

Conclusion 

Choosing the right crypto exchange with the lowest fees is crucial for maximizing profits, whether you're a high-volume trader or a beginner. By carefully selecting an exchange that suits your needs, you can avoid excessive fees, hidden costs, and unexpected charges. The right platform will not only help you save on trading fees but also enhance your overall trading experience.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. Any mention of specific crypto exchanges, brands, or products is not an endorsement or recommendation. Always conduct your own research and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.