#CryptoFees101 💸 Crypto Fees 101: What Are You Actually Paying For?

Every time you trade, swap, send, or stake crypto, you're likely paying a fee. Understanding these fees can help you trade smarter and save more.

🧠 What Are Crypto Fees?

Crypto fees are small charges you pay to either:

1. Use the blockchain (network fees)

2. Use an exchange or service (platform fees)

⚙️ 1. Network Fees (Gas Fees)

These go to blockchain validators or miners — not to platforms.

Examples:

– Ethereum gas fees

– Bitcoin mining fees

– Solana, Polygon, etc.

What affects them:

– Network congestion (busier = more expensive)

– Blockchain design (ETH gas fees are often higher than on Solana or Polygon)

– Complexity of the transaction (simple send vs smart contract interaction)

Pro Tip: Use Layer 2s or low-fee chains for cheaper transactions.

🏦 2. Exchange/Trading Fees

These are charged by CEXs (like Binance or Coinbase) or DEXs (like Uniswap) when you trade.

Types:

– Trading fee: A small percentage of your trade (e.g., 0.1%)

– Withdrawal fee: Charged when you move funds out

– Swap/slippage fee: Especially on DEXs — difference between expected and actual price

Pro Tip: Lower your trading fees by:

– Using the exchange’s native token (e.g., BNB on Binance)

– Increasing your trading volume (some exchanges offer discounts)

– Setting limit orders instead of market orders

🔍 Hidden or Overlooked Fees

– Bridging fees: When moving assets across chains

– Approval fees: One-time token approvals on DEXs

– Slippage: Especially on low-liquidity tokens

🧭 Final Tip:

Always check the fee estimate before confirming any transaction — especially during busy market times. A small percentage can make a big difference over time