Trading cryptocurrencies without a cost optimization strategy can significantly reduce your profits over time. In 2025, with the digital asset market even more competitive, finding an exchange that combines security, liquidity, and affordable fees is essential for any type of investor — whether they are just occasional buyers or daily traders.
In this article, we present the three best platforms for those looking for low fees, as well as a comparison between some competitors.
Why worry about fees?
In the crypto universe, each transaction (buy, sell or withdrawal) can generate extra charges and erode accumulated profits. Even seemingly small amounts — such as 0.1% or 0.2% — can become significant for those who make multiple trades per week or for those who move large amounts. Therefore, evaluating the cost structure (maker/taker, withdrawal and deposit) becomes a central point in choosing where to operate.
Additionally, different platforms offer discounts if the user uses the exchange’s native token to pay fees, or if they reach a certain monthly trading volume. Some even allow new users to benefit from “zero fee” promotions on specific pairs. In practice, all of this affects the trader’s bottom line and should not be ignored.
Comparison: Top Exchanges and Their Fees
For those who want to have a global view, here is a table with seven of the most popular exchanges, listing the initial value of maker and taker fees in the spot market.
Remembering that a taker is the trader who places a purchase or sale order executed instantly at the available market price, “removing” liquidity from the order book, as the operation is filled immediately. Therefore, the taker fee is usually higher.
The maker then places a limit order at a specific price that does not immediately match, “adding” liquidity by making the asset available for anyone who wants to trade later. In this case, the maker fee is usually lower because the trader helps to strengthen market depth rather than consuming existing liquidity.
Note: Values may be reduced via volume or use of native tokens.
Binance
Fees: 0.1% (can drop to 0.075% with BNB)
Highlight: Largest global volume and widest currency selection
Bybit
Fees: 0.1%
Highlight: Derivatives-focused, intuitive interface
Kraken
Fees: 0.25 - 0.40% (may drop with volume)
Highlight: Strong compliance and variety of fiat on-ramps
Coinbase
Rates: 0.4 - 0.60% (may drop with volume)
Highlight: Ease of use, wide fiat acceptance, but initially higher fees
Kucoin
Fees: 0.1% (0.08% with KCS)
Featured: Large offering of altcoins and copy trading services
Bitget
Fees: 0.1% (0.08% with BGB)
Featured: Advanced tools, focus on derivatives
OKX
Fees: 0.15%
Highlight: Highlight in safety and variety of products
Note: These values are approximate, as each exchange may apply variations in futures, margins or according to the user's volume profile.
Top 3 Exchanges with Low Fees
Now, let's delve deeper into the three platforms that, according to our research, offer competitive rates, a good reputation for security, and a complete set of features for different profiles.
1) Binance: Low Fees and Broad Ecosystem
Binance stands out as the top choice in terms of cost-benefit. Its base fees of 0.1% on the spot market are already among the lowest, but can drop to 0.075% if the user chooses to pay with the BNB token. In addition, the exchange offers different VIP levels that further reduce fees depending on trading volume.
In terms of security, the platform implements features like 2FA and whitelisted withdrawal addresses. And if you want to explore more than just buying and selling crypto, there’s staking, lending, token launches (Launchpad), and an extensive learning library.
Another positive aspect is the huge liquidity, crucial for those who day trade or need to execute large orders without affecting the price.
In terms of coin selection, it’s hard to find another exchange that beats Binance. And if you want to check out promotions or even temporary fee waivers on certain pairs, it’s worth checking the news section regularly.
2) Bybit: Focused on Derivatives and Competitive Fees
Bybit started gaining traction in the derivatives market, offering a user-friendly environment and affordable fee structures. Now, with the spot market consolidated, the exchange maintains its fixed fee stance of 0.1%.
Additionally, if you reach VIP levels or use the native token (if applicable), you can enjoy additional discounts. It is a platform that prioritizes high-frequency traders, as the simplified interface makes it easy to open and close orders in just a few clicks.
Bybit also stands out for features such as copy trading, which allow beginners to “mirror” the operations of more experienced traders. Attractive fees, combined with reasonable liquidity and an intuitive layout, make Bybit a solid alternative for those looking to diversify the exchanges used.
3) Kraken: Top-Notch Transparency and Security
Kraken is recognized for its emphasis on compliance and the quality of its services aimed at spot and futures markets. Its maker fees can start at 0.25%, but potentially drop to 0.00% for large volumes, while taker fees start at 0.40% and can reach 0.10%.
Although at first glance they may seem higher than those of Binance or Bybit, there is the advantage that Kraken offers clear paths to reduction depending on the volume traded.
For many users, the exchange's security robustness and transparency — which always discloses proof of reserves (PoR) and undergoes frequent audits — make up for the seemingly higher starting point fee.
Additionally, Kraken offers multiple fiat on-ramps, allowing you to buy crypto directly with your local currency. If you’re looking for an American exchange with a reputation for integrity, this is a reliable choice.
Zero-Fee Exchanges: Vale a Pena?
Trading crypto without any fees sounds great. However, it’s important to understand the business model of these platforms: they often apply wider spreads (the difference between the buy and sell price), may have more limited functionality, or charge high withdrawal fees. In some cases, the exchange may offer “zero fees” on only a few popular pairs, but charge higher fees on others. So always evaluate the total cost, not just the maker/taker.
How to Reduce Fees in General
Those who trade frequently or trade high amounts can look for strategies to further minimize costs:
Pay fees with native tokens: In the case of Binance, using BNB gives you an automatic discount. A similar situation occurs on other exchanges with their own tokens.
Look for VIP tiers: The higher your trading volume, the lower the platform fees. If you are an active trader, you can reach VIP tiers and pay much less.
Examine withdrawal fees: In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to withdraw your cryptocurrencies on networks like Tron (TRC-20) or Litecoin (LTC) than on Ethereum, for example.
Use limit orders instead of market: On most exchanges, being a maker is cheaper than being a taker, as shown in the table.
Make Smart Choices and Save
Saving on crypto trading fees may seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in the medium and long term, especially if you trade multiple times a month. The three platforms listed — Binance, Bybit, and Kraken — offer a mix of competitive fees, high security, and diverse features. While there are other options, these stand out for their volume, reputation, and user experience.
Remembering that it is not enough to just have low fees; the reliability of the exchange, the range of listed currencies and the available liquidity also weigh heavily.
If you want to combine all of this with an intuitive layout and excellent support, Binance emerges as a leading destination for traders of all profiles. Take advantage of one of the exchanges with the lowest fees and highest global volume.
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