For cost-conscious investors, finding crypto exchanges with low fees is essential to maximize returns. This article compares five of the most popular low fee exchanges that typically offer some of the lowest cryptocurrency exchange costs as of 2025. Here, “low fees” means competitive maker fees and taker fees for spot trading fees, plus trading fee discounts available through native token discounts or VIP trading tiers. We’ll review fee ranges, how discounts work, regional exchange limits, and where you can verify live fee schedules for each platform.
How to Compare Fees
Maker vs Taker (Simple Explanation)
A maker order adds liquidity by placing an order that isn’t immediately matched, often a limit order. A taker order removes liquidity by trading instantly at market prices. Maker fees tend to be lower than taker fees across most exchanges.
Other Fee Types to Watch
Besides maker and taker fees, deposit fees and withdrawal fees can add significant costs, especially withdrawal network fees, which vary greatly by coin and blockchain network. Also consider the spread—the difference between buy and sell prices—which is a hidden cost. Furthermore, fiat deposit fees or on-ramp and off-ramp fees via credit cards or bank transfers may increase your total cost.
Exchange Deep Dives
1) Binance — Low Base Fees + Many Discount Levers
Binance is a leading name among low fee exchanges due to its very low base trading fees, combined with native token discounts and strong crypto exchange liquidity. Maker fees range from about 0.00% to 0.10%, while taker fees fall between 0.04% and 0.10%. Paying fees using Binance Coin (BNB) grants a 25% discount. Fee tier systems and crypto VIP discount programs based on trading volume can lower costs even further.
Trading options include spot trading, futures trading, margin trading, and fiat on-ramps. Regulatory restrictions apply in some countries due to the evolving crypto regulations 2025 environment. Binance’s 24-hour trading volume often exceeds $30 billion, ensuring excellent crypto market liquidity.
Binance is best for active traders and investors who trade large volumes and want to leverage all available discounts.
2) Kraken — Straightforward Low Fees for Spot Traders
Kraken is known for its transparent crypto exchange fee structure and is often considered one of the clearest low fee exchanges for spot trading. Maker fees range between 0.00% and 0.25%, and taker fees from 0.08% to 0.40%, depending on trading volume. Kraken does not offer native token discounts but provides good fiat currency options for U.S., EU, and other countries.
Deposit fees vary by method, and some fiat withdrawal options include moderate costs. Kraken is ideal for conservative investors who value reliable fiat withdrawals and a straightforward fee schedule.
3) Bybit — Aggressive Pricing for Spot and Derivatives
Bybit offers competitive fees across spot and derivatives with spot and derivatives fees firmly securing its place among affordable exchanges. Maker fees range from 0.02% to 0.04%, while taker fees range from 0.05% to 0.10%. VIP tiers and frequent fee promotions crypto can reduce costs even more, though users should check the latest fee schedules frequently.
Certain regions face limitations due to local regulatory constraints. Bybit is suitable for active traders wanting low fees on both spot and futures markets.
4) KuCoin — Low Fees + Flexible Discount Programs
KuCoin typically charges maker fees from about 0.02% to 0.10% and taker fees between 0.05% and 0.10%. The exchange offers discounts for holders of its native token, KuCoin Shares (KCS), which lowers fees depending on your token balance. KuCoin supports many trading pairs but has variable withdrawal fees.
Fiat on-ramps are less straightforward in some regions, adding small costs. KuCoin is popular among users seeking flexible fee reductions and diverse trading options.
5) MEXC — Promos & Token Discounts
MEXC often runs promotions offering 0% maker fees and 0.05% taker fees on many pairs, making it a strong contender among budget-friendly exchanges for cost-sensitive traders. Fee structures here are frequently promotional with token discount programs.
Because these promotional offers change, it is best to check live fee listings regularly. MEXC fits well for promo-driven traders looking for the lowest available fees.
Practical Examples
Example A: $100 Trade, Market Order (Taker)
| Exchange | Fee Charged (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Binance | $0.05–$0.10 |
| Kraken | $0.08–$0.40 |
| Bybit | $0.05–$0.10 |
| KuCoin | $0.05–$0.10 |
| MEXC | $0.00–$0.05 (promo) |
Example B: $10,000 Trade, Limit Order (Maker)
Maker fees reduce significantly with token discounts. For example, Binance fees might range from $0 (with BNB discount) to $10, while KuCoin fees drop similarly with KCS holdings.
Example C: $500 Trade Including Fiat On-Ramp and Withdrawal
Withdrawal fees, especially for smaller trades, can exceed trading fees. For instance, Kraken’s withdrawal fees vary by coin and network, sometimes adding up to $15 or more.
Risk & Non-Fee Factors to Weigh
When choosing a low fee exchange, also consider security, cold storage policies, and regulatory restrictions that may limit a platform’s availability in your country. Liquidity is crucial because low nominal fees do not help if blockchain transaction fees or wide order book spreads diminish savings. Customer support and Know Your Customer (KYC) processes affect user experience and time costs.
Check each exchange’s security and trust pages to balance fees against reliability.
Lower Your Exchange Costs
Use limit orders to pay lower maker fees available on many low fee exchanges. Enable native token discounts like Binance Coin or KuCoin Shares to save more. High-volume traders should aim for VIP tiers offering reduced rates. Carefully select withdrawal networks with the lowest fees when safe. Consider decentralized exchanges for certain token swaps but factor in blockchain gas fees.
Sources & Live Checks
Refer to official live fee pages for Binance, Kraken, Bybit, KuCoin, and MEXC for the most current information. Fee schedules often change. This article’s data was last validated in August 2025. For tips on managing fees and portfolio strategies, see our recommended portfolio guide.
Conclusion
For investors looking to minimize costs, choosing the right exchange depends on trading style and priorities. Binance and Bybit stand out as the best options for active, high-volume traders due to their deep liquidity and significant VIP tier discounts through native token programs. These exchanges offer some of the lowest fees for frequent and large volume trading.
On the other hand, Kraken is ideal for investors who prefer a transparent, straightforward fee structure combined with reliable fiat currency support. Meanwhile, MEXC and KuCoin cater well to cost-conscious traders who actively leverage promotional offers and token-based discounts. Considering your trading needs and regional access will help you select the best low fee exchange for your portfolio.
FAQs
Which Exchange Has the Absolute Lowest Fees?
It depends on your location, trading pairs, and ongoing promotions. Exchanges like Binance, MEXC, KuCoin, Bybit, and Kraken regularly rank among the best low fee exchanges. Always verify live fee pages.
Are DEXs Always Cheaper Than Centralized Exchanges?
Not necessarily. While DEX fees per swap can be lower, blockchain gas fees may make small trades more expensive.
What Hidden Fees Should I Check?
Look out for withdrawal fees, fiat on-ramp charges, spreads, and currency conversion rates.
