Trading cryptocurrencies can get costly if you pick an exchange with high fees. This guide highlights the best low-fee crypto exchanges in 2025, focusing on maker and taker fees, deposit and withdrawal costs, and ways to save more with discounts. Below, you'll find a clear and simple breakdown to help you choose an exchange that keeps your costs low.
Top Low-Fee Crypto Exchanges
Here are the 8 best exchanges for low fees, with key details to make your decision easier:
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MEXC
- Fees: 0% maker and taker fees—the lowest available.
- Deposit/Withdrawal: No deposit or withdrawal fees listed.
- Discounts: Up to 50% off with MX tokens.
- Why Choose?: Perfect for cost-conscious traders, though it may offer fewer cryptocurrencies than larger platforms.
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Binance
- Fees: 0.1% maker/taker fees.
- Deposit/Withdrawal: Varies by currency and method.
- Discounts: 25% off with BNB tokens; high-volume traders can get as low as 0.009% maker / 0.018% taker.
- Why Choose?: Supports 500+ cryptocurrencies, but check deposit/withdrawal fees.
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Strike
- Fees: 0% maker/taker fees.
- Deposit/Withdrawal: No withdrawal fees; small spread (~1%).
- Discounts: None needed due to zero fees.
- Why Choose?: Ideal for Bitcoin-only traders seeking simplicity.
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River
- Fees: 0% maker/taker fees.
- Deposit/Withdrawal: No withdrawal fees; low spread (~0.15%).
- Discounts: None needed.
- Why Choose?: Great for Bitcoin-only traders, but only available in the United States.
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Gate.io
- Fees: 0.09% maker/taker fees.
- Deposit/Withdrawal: No deposit fees; withdrawal fees vary.
- Discounts: Lower fees with Gatechain tokens; high-volume traders can get 0% maker / 0.02% taker.
- Why Choose?: Affordable with a wide range of cryptocurrencies.
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OKX
- Fees: 0.08% maker / 0.1% taker fees.
- Deposit/Withdrawal: Varies by currency.
- Discounts: Up to 40% off with OKB tokens; high-volume traders can get -0.005% maker / 0.015% taker.
- Why Choose?: Competitive fees with strong discount options.
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WhiteBit
- Fees: 0.1% maker/taker fees.
- Deposit/Withdrawal: Varies by currency and method.
- Discounts: Up to 7.74% off with WBT tokens.
- Why Choose?: Balances low fees with good functionality.
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KuCoin
- Fees: 0.1% maker/taker fees.
- Deposit/Withdrawal: Varies by currency.
- Discounts: Up to 60% off with KCS tokens; high-volume traders can get -0.005% maker / 0.02% taker.
- Why Choose?: Attractive for frequent traders with token discounts.
What Are Maker and Taker Fees?
Understanding these fees can help you save:
- Maker Fees: Apply when you add liquidity by placing a limit order (e.g., setting a specific price for a future trade). These are usually lower.
- Taker Fees: Apply when you remove liquidity by taking an existing order (e.g., buying at the current market price). These are typically higher.
Tip: Use limit orders to qualify for cheaper maker fees.
Other Fees to Watch Out For
Beyond trading fees, exchanges may charge for:
- Deposits: Vary by currency and method (e.g., Binance, OKX, KuCoin).
- Withdrawals: Most platforms charge, but Strike and River have no withdrawal fees.
- Fiat Conversions: Can be costly when converting fiat to crypto.
Always check the fee schedule before trading to avoid surprises.
How to Slash Your Fees
Here are 4 ways to reduce your trading costs:
- Place Limit Orders: Qualify for lower maker fees.
- Hold Exchange Tokens: Tokens like BNB (Binance), MX (MEXC), or KCS (KuCoin) unlock discounts.
- Trade More: High trading volume often leads to VIP tiers with lower fees.
- Pick Zero-Fee Platforms: MEXC, Strike, or River are great for minimal costs.
Tax and Fees: What You Need to Know
Trading fees can affect your taxes:
- Buying Crypto: Add fees to your cost basis to reduce taxable gains.
- Selling Crypto: Subtract fees from your proceeds to lower your tax bill.
Note: Tax rules vary by region, so check local regulations.
Are Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs) Cheaper?
DEXs can be cost-effective but come with trade-offs:
- Trading Fees: Typically 0.1% to 0.5%, often lower than centralized exchanges.
- Gas Fees: Blockchain fees can add up, especially during busy periods.
- Tools: Platforms like 1inch help find the cheapest DEX trades.
Final Thoughts
For the lowest fees, MEXC, Strike, and River are top picks due to their zero-fee structures, though they may have limited cryptocurrency options or availability. Binance, Gate.io, OKX, WhiteBit, and KuCoin offer competitive fees, especially with token discounts or high trading volume. Always review all fees—including deposits, withdrawals, and conversions—and match your trading style to the exchange that saves you the most.