Table of contents
- Crypto Exchange Fees: Quick Comparison Table
- Types of Crypto Exchange Fees Explained
- Best Crypto Exchange Fees in 2026: Full Breakdown
- 1. MEXC — Lowest Base Fees on the Market
- 2. Binance — Best for High-Volume Traders
- 3. OKX — Competitive Fees with a Strong Feature Set
- 4. Bybit — Solid Fees for Derivatives and Spot Trading
- 5. KuCoin — Best for Altcoin Traders
- 6. Crypto.com — Low Base Fees with CRO Staking Perks
- 7. Kraken — Best Regulated Exchange for US and EU Traders
- 8. Coinbase — Beginner-Friendly but Fees Are the Trade-Off
- 9. Gemini — Higher Fees, Stronger US Compliance
- What About Revolut?
- CEX vs DEX Fees: Is DeFi Cheaper?
- Which Crypto Exchange Has the Lowest Fees in 2026?
Choosing the right crypto exchange can save you hundreds — or thousands — of dollars a year in trading fees. A difference of 0.1% per trade might look small, but over dozens of trades with meaningful position sizes, it adds up fast.
Sponsored
In this guide, we compare maker fees, taker fees, deposit fees, and withdrawal fees across the eight most popular centralized crypto exchanges in 2026, so you can pick the platform that fits how you actually trade.
Crypto Exchange Fees: Quick Comparison Table
| Exchange | Maker Fee | Taker Fee | Fiat Deposit | Fiat Withdrawal | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEXC | 0% | 0.05% | Varies | Varies | Lowest fees overall |
| Binance | 0.1% (0.075% with BNB) | 0.1% (0.075% with BNB) | Varies by region | Dynamic | High-volume traders |
| OKX | 0.08% | 0.1% | Varies | Dynamic | Balanced fees + features |
| Bybit | 0.1% | 0.1% | Varies | Dynamic | Derivatives traders |
| KuCoin | 0.1% | 0.1% | Free | €5 flat (fiat) | Altcoin hunters |
| Crypto.com | 0.075% | 0.075% | Free | $25 (USD) | Casual traders |
| Kraken | 0.16% | 0.26% | Varies | Dynamic | Beginners & US users |
| Coinbase | 0% – 0.4% | 0.05% – 0.6% | $10 (USD) | $25 (USD) | Beginners (despite high fees) |
| Gemini | 0.2% | 0.4% | Free (bank) / 3.49% (card) | Dynamic | US institutional users |
All fees shown are base (tier 1) rates. VIP tiers and native token discounts can reduce fees significantly. Verify current rates directly on each exchange before trading.
Types of Crypto Exchange Fees Explained
Before diving into each exchange, here’s a quick breakdown of every fee type you’ll encounter:
| Fee Type | What It Is |
|---|---|
| Maker Fee | Charged when you add liquidity — typically by placing a limit order that sits on the order book |
| Taker Fee | Charged when you remove liquidity — typically by placing a market order that fills immediately |
| Deposit Fee | Charged when you fund your account with fiat currency (rare for crypto deposits) |
| Withdrawal Fee | Charged when you move crypto off the exchange; varies by network congestion |
| Spread | Hidden markup on buy/sell price — common on beginner platforms like Coinbase’s simple interface |
Most beginners only encounter maker/taker fees and withdrawal fees. The spread is often the hidden cost that catches new traders off guard on simplified platforms.
Best Crypto Exchange Fees in 2026: Full Breakdown
1. MEXC — Lowest Base Fees on the Market
MEXC stands out with a 0% maker fee and a 0.05% taker fee on spot trading — the most competitive fee structure among major centralized exchanges. For traders who place limit orders regularly, the zero maker fee is a genuine money-saver.
The exchange supports over 1,500 trading pairs and has grown its reputation in the altcoin trading community, particularly for listings of newer projects. One trade-off: MEXC has had less regulatory clarity in some regions compared to Binance or Coinbase, so do your own research on availability in your country.
Fee summary: Maker 0% | Taker 0.05% | Crypto deposits free | Withdrawals vary by network
2. Binance — Best for High-Volume Traders
Binance remains the world’s largest crypto exchange by trading volume, and its fee structure reflects that scale. Base maker and taker fees start at 0.1%, but traders can unlock a 25% discount by holding at least 25 BNB and paying fees in BNB — bringing fees down to 0.075% for both sides.
VIP tiers reduce fees further based on 30-day trading volume, with elite traders paying as little as 0.012% maker / 0.0124% taker. Binance also offers zero-fee spot trading on selected FDUSD pairs.
Crypto deposits are free. Fiat deposit and withdrawal fees vary by region and payment method.
Fee summary: Maker 0.1% (0.075% with BNB) | Taker 0.1% (0.075% with BNB) | Crypto deposits free | Fiat varies
3. OKX — Competitive Fees with a Strong Feature Set
OKX has grown into one of the top three exchanges by volume and offers a fee structure that leans in favour of market makers. Base maker fees start at 0.08% — lower than Binance — with taker fees at 0.1%. Holding OKB (OKX’s native token) provides additional discounts across VIP tiers.
OKX is particularly strong for traders who want access to derivatives, copy trading, and a built-in Web3 wallet alongside their spot trading — without paying a premium for those extras.
Crypto deposits are free. Crypto withdrawals are subject to dynamic network fees. Fiat fees depend on method and region.
Fee summary: Maker 0.08% | Taker 0.1% | Crypto deposits free | Withdrawals dynamic
4. Bybit — Solid Fees for Derivatives and Spot Trading
Bybit started as a derivatives-first platform but has expanded into a full-featured spot exchange. Base fees of 0.1% maker and taker are standard, dropping significantly for VIP users (as low as 0.005% maker / 0.015% taker at elite tiers).
Despite making KYC mandatory after years of offering KYC-free trading, Bybit has retained millions of users due to its clean interface, competitive fees, and growing spot market. Crypto deposits are free. Fiat withdrawal fees vary by method.
Fee summary: Maker 0.1% | Taker 0.1% | Crypto deposits free | Fiat withdrawals vary
5. KuCoin — Best for Altcoin Traders
KuCoin supports over 800 cryptocurrencies — one of the widest selections of any major exchange — making it a favourite among traders hunting for early altcoin opportunities. Base fees start at 0.1% for both makers and takers, with the option to pay fees in KCS (KuCoin’s native token) for additional discounts.
Fiat crypto deposits are free. Fiat withdrawals carry a flat €5 fee, with crypto withdrawals subject to network and flat fees.
Fee summary: Maker 0.1% | Taker 0.1% | Fiat deposits free | €5 fiat withdrawal fee
6. Crypto.com — Low Base Fees with CRO Staking Perks
Crypto.com offers one of the better base fee rates among large exchanges, with both maker and taker fees starting at 0.075%. Staking CRO (Crypto.com’s native token) for defined periods unlocks lower tiers, with top VIP users paying effectively 0% on certain pairs.
There are no deposit fees on Crypto.com. Fiat USD withdrawals carry a flat $25 fee, which is on the high side for smaller withdrawal amounts. Crypto withdrawals incur network fees plus a small flat fee depending on the asset.
Fee summary: Maker 0.075% | Taker 0.075% | No deposit fee | $25 USD withdrawal fee
7. Kraken — Best Regulated Exchange for US and EU Traders
Kraken is one of the longest-running and most reputable crypto exchanges, particularly favoured by US and European traders who prioritise regulatory compliance. The base fee structure is slightly higher than competitors — 0.16% maker and 0.26% taker — but drops to 0% maker / 0.1% taker for high-volume traders.
Kraken Pro (now the standard interface) provides a cleaner view of fees and more order types. Crypto deposits are free. Fiat deposit and withdrawal fees vary significantly depending on currency and payment method, so check Kraken’s fee schedule for your region specifically.
Fee summary: Maker 0.16% | Taker 0.26% | Crypto deposits free | Fiat fees vary by region
8. Coinbase — Beginner-Friendly but Fees Are the Trade-Off
Coinbase is the most recognisable exchange in the US and the go-to for many first-time crypto buyers. The trade-off is fees. Coinbase’s simple buy/sell interface charges a spread of up to 0.5% on top of a flat fee, making small purchases relatively expensive.
On Coinbase Advanced Trade (formerly Coinbase Pro), fees are more competitive: maker fees range from 0% to 0.4% and taker fees from 0.05% to 0.6%, depending on 30-day trading volume. If you use Coinbase, always use Advanced Trade for anything beyond casual purchases.
USD deposits carry a $10 fee, and USD withdrawals cost $25. Crypto withdrawals are subject to a flat fee plus dynamic network costs.
Fee summary: Advanced Trade Maker 0%–0.4% | Taker 0.05%–0.6% | $10 USD deposit | $25 USD withdrawal
9. Gemini — Higher Fees, Stronger US Compliance
Gemini, founded by the Winklevoss twins, positions itself as a regulated, compliance-first exchange — particularly appealing to US institutional traders. Standard fees via the website or app are high (minimum 1.49% on order value), but the ActiveTrader platform brings fees down to 0.2% maker / 0.4% taker at the base tier.
One notable feature — and drawback — is Gemini’s custody fee: up to $30 per asset per month for crypto stored on the platform, which adds meaningful cost for long-term holders with diverse portfolios.
Fiat deposits from a bank account are free. Card deposits are charged at 3.49%, and PayPal deposits at 2.5%.
Fee summary: ActiveTrader Maker 0.2% | Taker 0.4% | Free bank deposits | 3.49% card deposits
What About Revolut?
If you’re buying crypto through Revolut rather than a dedicated exchange, be aware that Revolut is not a crypto exchange in the traditional sense — it’s a fintech app that allows crypto exposure at higher effective fees. Standard Revolut accounts pay a 2.5% fee on crypto purchases, which drops to 1.5% on paid plans.
The key limitation: crypto bought through Revolut cannot always be transferred to a private wallet or external address, depending on your plan and region. For anyone planning to trade actively, stake crypto, or move assets between platforms, a dedicated exchange like Binance, Kraken, or OKX will offer dramatically lower fees and full custody flexibility.
Read more: Is Revolut Good for Crypto? Full Review →
CEX vs DEX Fees: Is DeFi Cheaper?
Decentralised exchanges (DEXes) like Uniswap, dYdX, and Jupiter operate differently from centralised platforms. Fees on DEXes are typically charged as a protocol swap fee plus a blockchain gas fee:
- Uniswap: 0.05%–1% depending on liquidity pool
- dYdX: Maker fees as low as 0.02%, taker from 0.05%
- Jupiter (Solana): 0.1%–0.3% depending on route
DEXes can offer lower fees on popular pairs, but gas costs — especially on Ethereum — can make small trades expensive. Solana-based DEXes have much lower gas costs and are worth considering for smaller, frequent trades.
DEXes also carry trade-offs: no customer support, no fiat on-ramps, self-custody required (greater responsibility), and higher risk of interacting with malicious tokens or contracts. For most beginners, a centralised exchange is the safer starting point.
Which Crypto Exchange Has the Lowest Fees in 2026?
For pure spot trading fees, MEXC wins with 0% maker fees and 0.05% taker fees. For high-volume traders, Binance or OKX offer the best combination of low fees, deep liquidity, and reliability. For US-based traders who need regulatory certainty, Kraken offers the best balance of compliance and reasonable fees.
Avoid Coinbase’s simple interface for regular trading — always use Advanced Trade. And avoid Gemini unless you have a specific reason to be on a compliance-first US platform.
Why You Should Care
Trading fees compound. A trader doing $10,000 in monthly volume at 0.5% taker fee pays $600 per year in fees. The same trader on an exchange with 0.1% taker fees pays $120. Over three years, that’s $1,440 saved — without changing a single trade.
On the Flipside
- Lower fees don’t automatically make an exchange better. Security track record, customer support quality, available trading pairs, and withdrawal reliability matter just as much for most traders.
- Always check the current fee schedule directly on an exchange before trading — fees change, VIP thresholds update, and native token discounts come and go.
MEXC currently offers the lowest base spot trading fees among major exchanges, with a 0% maker fee and 0.05% taker fee. Binance and OKX are close behind, especially for users who hold their native tokens (BNB and OKB respectively).
Binance is significantly cheaper for active traders. At standard rates, Binance charges 0.1% vs Coinbase Advanced Trade’s 0.4%–0.6% at the base tier. The gap widens further if you hold BNB. Coinbase’s advantage is its reputation and regulatory standing in the US.
Binance, OKX, and Kraken all serve UK and EU users well on fees. Kraken has particularly strong EUR support and local payment method integration for European users.
Most comparisons focus on maker/taker trading fees, but withdrawal fees can be significant — particularly for fiat. Coinbase and Crypto.com both charge $25 for USD withdrawals. Always factor withdrawal fees in if you move funds regularly.
A maker places a limit order that sits on the order book and adds liquidity — they pay the lower fee. A taker places a market order that fills immediately and removes liquidity — they pay the higher fee. Most casual traders are takers by default.
Yes. The main ways: (1) hold the exchange’s native token for discounts (BNB on Binance, OKB on OKX, KCS on KuCoin, CRO on Crypto.com), (2) increase your 30-day trading volume to unlock VIP tiers, (3) place limit orders instead of market orders to pay maker rates instead of taker rates.
On trading fees alone, sometimes — dYdX and Solana DEXes can be cheaper than CEXes. But gas fees on Ethereum-based DEXes can make small trades expensive. For most retail traders, a low-fee CEX like MEXC or Binance is cheaper overall.
