---
title: "Crypto Exchange Fees Compared: Maker, Taker & Hidden Costs"
date: 2026-05-14
author: "Barry Elad"
featured_image: "https://coinlaw.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/crypto-exchange-fees-compared.jpg"
categories:
  - name: "Cryptocurrency"
    url: "/crypto.md"
tags:
  - name: "Insights"
    url: "/tag/insights.md"
---

# Crypto Exchange Fees Compared: Maker, Taker & Hidden Costs

Binance.US charges **0%** maker fees and **0.02%** taker fees on every spot trading pair, from the first trade, with no volume requirements. Coinbase Advanced, by contrast, starts at **0.60%** maker and **1.20%** taker for accounts with less than $1,000 in 30-day volume. That 60x difference at the entry tier tells only part of the story. Coinbase’s simple buy interface adds a spread of approximately **0.50%** on every purchase, and that spread can widen to approximately **2%** during high volatility. The data below breaks down spot fees, hidden spreads, withdrawal costs, and loyalty discounts across 8 major exchanges so traders can identify where their money actually goes.

## Key Takeaways

- Binance.US charges **0%** maker and **0.02%** taker fees on every spot pair for all users from the first trade.
- Coinbase Advanced charges **0.60%** maker and **1.20%** taker for traders under $1,000 in 30-day volume.
- Coinbase’s simple buy interface adds a spread of approximately **0.50%**, which can widen to approximately **2%** during volatile markets.
- Gemini waives all fees on select stablecoin pairs (RLUSD/USD, USDC/GUSD, GUSD/USD) at **0.00%** maker and **0.00%** taker.
- Kraken offers maker rebates on **425+** trading pairs through its maker fee incentive program.
- Crypto.com CRO staking can eliminate maker fees entirely for traders who stake **50,000** CRO.
- [Solana network](https://coinlaw.io/solana-statistics/) transactions generally cost **$0.001 or less**, compared to **$2-$10+** on Ethereum mainnet.

## Editor’s Choice

- Binance.US Tier 0 pairs, such as BNB/USD, trade at **0%** maker and **0.01%** taker fees.
- Gemini ActiveTrader top-tier traders ($250M+ volume) pay just **0.00%** maker and **0.02%** taker.
- [Bybit](https://coinlaw.io/bybit-statistics/)‘s Market Maker Incentive Program pays rebates up to **-0.015%**, meaning the exchange pays liquidity providers.
- Bitstamp’s top tier ($1B+ monthly volume) reaches **0.00%** maker and **0.03%** taker.
- Gemini gives every user **10** free crypto withdrawals per calendar month.
- An analysis of test swaps across 25+ exchanges found that “zero-fee” platforms consistently widened spreads by **1-3%**, translating to **$100-$300** on a $10,000 trade.

## Crypto Exchange Fees: Spot Trading at a Glance

Binance.US charges **0%** maker and **0.02%** taker fees on every spot pair for all users from the first trade, according to its published fee schedule. Coinbase Advanced charges **0.60%** maker and **1.20%** taker for traders below $1,000 in monthly volume.

ExchangeEntry MakerEntry TakerVolume ThresholdSourceBinance.US0.00%0.02%All usersBinance.USOKX0.08%0.10%Regular tier (global)OKXBybit0.10%0.10%Non-VIPBybitGemini ActiveTrader0.20%0.40%<$10K volumeGeminiKraken Pro0.25%0.40%Base tierKrakenCrypto.com0.25%0.50%<$10K, no CROCrypto.comBitstamp Pro0.30%0.40%<$10K volumeBitstampCoinbase Advanced0.60%1.20%<$1K volumeCoinbase*Source: Binance.US, OKX, Bybit, Gemini, Kraken, Crypto.com, Bitstamp, Coinbase*

A $10,000 spot trade at entry-tier rates costs $2 on Binance.US, $10 on OKX, and $120 on Coinbase Advanced. For broader [crypto exchange market data](https://coinlaw.io/crypto-exchange-statistics/), see our full exchange statistics breakdown.

## How Maker and Taker Fees Work

Exchanges charge two different spot trading rates depending on how the order interacts with the order book. Most US-accessible venues publish separate maker and taker fees, with makers typically paying the lower rate.

Kraken Pro charges **0.25%** for makers and **0.40%** for takers at the base tier, a gap of 0.15 percentage points. Crypto.com’s gap is wider at **0.25%** maker vs **0.50%** taker, a 0.25 percentage point spread. The [exchange market share data](https://coinlaw.io/crypto-exchange-market-share-statistics/) shows how volume distribution affects these fee tiers.

## Volume Tier Fee Discounts

Coinbase Advanced fees drop to **0.25%** maker and **0.40%** taker at the $10,000 to $50,000 30-day volume tier, and reach **0.00%** maker and **0.05%** taker at $250 million or more in volume.

Exchange$50K-$100K Maker$50K-$100K Taker$250M+ Maker$250M+ TakerBinance.US0.00%0.02%0.00%0.01%Gemini AT0.20%0.40%0.00%0.02%Kraken Pro0.25%0.40%0.00%0.05%Bitstamp0.03%0.12%0.00%0.03%Coinbase Adv0.25%0.40%0.00%0.05%*Source: Binance.US, Gemini, Kraken, Bitstamp, Coinbase*

Bitstamp reaches **0.03%** maker and **0.12%** taker at $5 million in 30-day volume.

## Coinbase Fees: Advanced vs Simple

Coinbase’s simple buy/sell interface includes a spread of approximately **0.50%** on every cryptocurrency purchase, with that spread widening to approximately **2%** during high volatility, according to Coinbase’s help documentation. The Advanced Trade interface starts at **0.60%** maker and **1.20%** taker but drops to **0.25%** maker and **0.40%** taker at the $10,000 volume tier.

- Coinbase Simple (debit card): approximately **0.50%** spread + additional fees ranging from $0.99 to $2.99 or a percentage-based fee depending on payment method
- Coinbase Advanced (ACH-funded, limit order at $10K tier): **0.25%** maker fee
- Savings: on a $10,000 trade, the spread cost alone drops from approximately $50 (Simple) to $25 (Advanced maker at $10K tier), before additional Simple interface fees

A trader who never switches from Simple to Advanced pays roughly 18x more per trade.

## Instant Buy and Spread Markups

An investigation analyzing over $1 million in test swaps across 25+ exchanges revealed that “zero-fee” platforms consistently widened spreads by **1-3%**, translating to **$100-$300** on a $10,000 trade.

ExchangeInstant Buy/Simple Effective CostAdvanced Order Book CostCost Difference on $10KCoinbase Simple~0.50-2% spread + fees0.25-0.60% (maker)~$200-$400Gemini Basic1.49% + 1% convenience fee0.20% (maker)~$229Kraken Instant~1.5% flat0.25% (maker)~$125Crypto.com App~0.50-1.50% spread0.25% (maker)~$75-$125*Source: Coinbase, Gemini, Kraken, Crypto.com*

> **By the numbers:** According to Coinbase’s official documentation, the simple buy/sell interface includes a spread of approximately **0.50%** that can widen to approximately **2%** during periods of high market volatility. On a $10,000 purchase, that spread alone costs $50 to $200 before any additional fees apply.

## Crypto Withdrawal Fees by Exchange

Gemini provides **10** free crypto withdrawals per calendar month for all users, according to its platform documentation.

- Binance.US: dynamic withdrawal fees based on order volume, gas costs, and transaction amounts. Crypto deposits are complimentary. Exchange [crypto security and fraud statistics](https://coinlaw.io/cryptocurrency-security-fraud-statistics/) also factor into the total cost equation.
- Bitstamp: International wire withdrawals charge **0.10%** with a $25 minimum. SEPA withdrawals cost a fixed **3 EUR**.

## Network Selection Saves on Withdrawal Costs

A transaction on the Solana network generally costs **$0.001 or less**, compared to [Ethereum mainnet fees](https://coinlaw.io/ethereum-gas-fees-statistics/) that typically range from **$2 to $10** or more per transaction, depending on network congestion.

NetworkApproximate Transaction CostBest ForSolana$0.001 or lessUSDC, SOL transfersPolygonfraction of a centUSDC, MATIC transfersArbitrumfraction of a centETH L2 transfersEthereum L1$2-$10+Large ERC-20 transfers*Source: Network fee data, Backpack Exchange*

## Stablecoin Trading Fee Waivers

Gemini ActiveTrader charges **0.00%** maker and **0.00%** taker on select stablecoin pairs, including RLUSD/USD, USDC/GUSD, and GUSD/USD, according to its published fee schedule. Bitstamp offers stable pair fees of **0.00%** maker and **0.01%** taker. Binance.US Tier 0 pairs, including BNB/USD, trade at **0.00%** maker and **0.01%** taker.

On Gemini, a $100,000 USDC-to-GUSD conversion costs nothing. The same conversion on an exchange charging 0.50% taker would cost $500.

## Fee Reduction Programs and Loyalty Discounts

[Crypto.com](https://coinlaw.io/crypto-com-statistics/)‘s CRO staking program reduces trading fees at several thresholds: staking 5,000 CRO lowers fees to approximately **0.0725%**; staking **50,000** CRO removes maker fees entirely; staking **1,000,000** CRO or more unlocks negative maker rebates, according to Crypto.com’s fee documentation.

- Binance.US: a **5%** discount on Advanced Trading spot fees when paying with BNB. Staked BNB cannot be used for fee payments.
- Kraken: maker rebates on **425+** trading pairs. Effective January 2, 2026, 6 trading pairs that achieved sufficient liquidity graduated to the regular spot maker schedule.
- Bybit: Market Maker Incentive Program offers rebates up to **-0.015%**, though access requires institutional-level participation and application approval.

> **Key finding:** According to Kraken’s January 2026 announcement, the exchange offers maker rebates on **425+** trading pairs and has graduated 6 pairs that achieved sufficient liquidity to the regular fee schedule. New pairs listed from August 2025 onward automatically qualify for the maker fee incentive.

Our coverage of 200+ exchange articles shows that promotional fee programs change quarterly, so verifying rates before large trades remains essential.

## Head-to-Head Fee Comparison Table

ExchangeEntry MakerEntry TakerTop MakerTop TakerInstant Buy CostBTC WithdrawalStablecoin WaiverUnique PerkBinance.US0.00%0.02%0.00%0.01%N/ADynamicBNB/USD 0%/0.01%5% BNB discount on Advanced TradingOKX0.08%0.10%~0.02%~0.04%~1%Dynamic (low)N/A9 VIP tiersBybit0.10%0.10%-0.015%~0.03%N/ADynamicN/AMM rebates -0.015%Gemini AT0.20%0.40%0.00%0.02%1.49%+1%10 free/month0%/0% select pairsDerivatives rebatesKraken Pro0.25%0.40%0.00%0.05%~1.5%DynamicN/ARebates on 425+ pairsCrypto.com0.25%0.50%0.00%~0.04%~0.50-1.50%DynamicN/ACRO staking discountsBitstamp0.30%0.40%0.00%0.03%N/AWire 0.10% ($25 min)0%/0.01%SEPA integrationCoinbase Adv0.60%1.20%0.00%0.05%~0.50-2% spreadDynamicStable pair ratesFree ACH*Source: Binance.US, OKX, Bybit, Gemini, Kraken, Crypto.com, Bitstamp, Coinbase*

## Verdict by Use Case

Best for beginners prioritizing simplicity: Fees start high at **0.60%**/**1.20%** but drop meaningfully at the $10,000 volume tier to **0.25%**/**0.40%**.

Best for active traders seeking the lowest spot fees: Binance.US at **0%** maker and **0.02%** taker offers the cheapest entry-tier rates among US-accessible exchanges.

Best for high-volume and market makers: Bybit’s Market Maker program pays rebates up to **-0.015%**, and Gemini ActiveTrader reaches **0.00%**/**0.02%** at the $250M+ tier with derivatives maker rebates of **-0.01%**.

Best for stablecoin traders: Gemini’s **0.00%**/**0.00%** fees on RLUSD/USD, USDC/GUSD, and GUSD/USD make it the clear choice for stablecoin conversions with zero trading cost.

Best for minimizing withdrawal costs: Gemini’s **10** free monthly withdrawals stand out among major exchanges. Traders moving crypto to [self-custody wallets](https://coinlaw.io/self-custody-wallet-statistics/) benefit most from this perk.

Best for fee reduction through loyalty: Crypto.com’s CRO staking program can eliminate maker fees at the **50,000** CRO tier among major exchanges.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Which crypto exchange has the lowest trading fees?**Binance.US charges **0%** maker and **0.02%** taker fees on every spot pair for all users from the first trade, with no volume requirement. Spread markups, withdrawal fees, and fiat deposit charges also affect total cost, so comparing all-in costs matters more than headline rates.

 

**What is the difference between maker and taker fees?**Exchanges publish two different rates for spot trades depending on how the order interacts with the order book. Makers typically pay the lower rate at most venues, while takers pay the higher rate. Kraken Pro, for example, charges **0.25%** for makers and **0.40%** for takers at the base tier.

 

**Are crypto exchange fees tax-deductible?**Trading fees are generally added to the cost basis of the asset when purchased, or subtracted from proceeds when sold, for US tax purposes. This effectively reduces the taxable gain or increases the deductible loss. Consult a tax professional for specific guidance, as treatment varies by jurisdiction.

 

**How do I avoid high fees on Coinbase?**On Coinbase Advanced Trade, taker fees drop from **1.20%** at the entry tier to **0.40%** at the $10,000 to $50,000 volume tier, and maker fees drop from **0.60%** to **0.25%** at the same thresholds. Additional fees of $0.99 to $2.99, or a percentage-based fee, may apply depending on payment method and transaction size on the simple interface. Placing limit orders instead of market orders applies the lower maker rate.

 

**What are hidden fees on crypto exchanges?**Hidden fees include spread markups that can add **1-3%** to trades on “zero-fee” platforms, converting to approximately **$100-$300** on a $10,000 trade. Coinbase’s simple interface includes a spread of approximately **0.50%** on top of listed fees.

 

 

## Conclusion

Binance.US charges **0%** maker and **0.02%** taker on every spot pair from the first trade, while Coinbase Advanced starts at **0.60%** and **1.20%** for low-volume accounts. Spread markups, withdrawal models, network selection, stablecoin waivers, and loyalty programs all shape the true cost. Broader [crypto adoption data](https://coinlaw.io/cryptocurrency-adoption-by-country-statistics/) shows that fee sensitivity rises as retail investing in crypto grows globally. Checking the exchange’s official fee page before large trades remains the safest approach as structures evolve throughout this year.

Definition of Staking. Link to full glossary entry follows the description.**Staking**Staking is the process of locking cryptocurrency in a proof-of-stake network to help validate transactions and earn rewards, replacing energy-intensive mining.

[Read more](https://coinlaw.io/glossary/staking/)

Definition of Layer 1. Link to full glossary entry follows the description.**Layer 1**A Layer 1 is the base blockchain layer that settles its own transactions, enforces its own consensus, and secures its own ledger. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana.

[Read more](https://coinlaw.io/glossary/layer-1/)

Definition of Layer 2. Link to full glossary entry follows the description.**Layer 2**A Layer 2 is a secondary blockchain built on top of Ethereum that bundles transactions off-chain and posts compressed data back to the main chain, cutting fees and raising throughput.

[Read more](https://coinlaw.io/glossary/layer-2/)

Definition of Gas Fee. Link to full glossary entry follows the description.**Gas Fee**A gas fee is the transaction cost paid to Ethereum validators for the computational effort needed to process and confirm blockchain operations.

[Read more](https://coinlaw.io/glossary/gas-fee/)

Definition of Stablecoin. Link to full glossary entry follows the description.**Stablecoin**A stablecoin is a cryptocurrency tied to a reserve asset like the US dollar, designed to maintain a stable value for trading, payments, and transfers.

[Read more](https://coinlaw.io/glossary/stablecoin/)

Definition of ERC-20. Link to full glossary entry follows the description.**ERC-20**An Ethereum technical standard defining a common interface for fungible tokens, specifying six core methods and two events so wallets, exchanges, and contracts can interact with any token uniformly.

[Read more](https://coinlaw.io/glossary/erc-20/)