Cryptocurrency trading has surged in popularity, making the choice of an exchange more critical than ever. Among the key considerations are trading fees, which can significantly impact your profits. This guide evaluates over 50 top exchanges to identify the 12 most cost-effective platforms for 2025, based on comprehensive fee structures, security, and user experience.
How We Evaluated the Cheapest Crypto Exchanges
Our selection criteria focused on the following metrics:
- Trading Fees: Maker/taker fees, futures/options costs, and volume-based discounts.
- Deposit & Withdrawal Fees: Platforms with zero deposit fees and low crypto withdrawal costs ranked higher.
- Payment Fees: Exchanges with competitive credit/debit card processing fees (under 3.5%).
- Spreads: Tight bid-ask spreads for better price execution.
- Promotions: Time-limited fee reductions or rebate programs.
Top 12 Lowest-Fee Crypto Exchanges
1. FTX
- Trading Fees: 0% maker fee (with FTT token), 0.07% taker fee.
- Deposit/Withdrawal: Free for crypto; 5% for credit card purchases (free deposits planned).
- Standout Feature: Best-in-class margin trading (0.07% fee).
👉 Explore FTX’s zero-fee maker trades
2. Gemini
- Trading Fees: 0.25% maker, 0.35% taker (volume discounts down to 0%).
- Deposit/Withdrawal: Free crypto withdrawals; $10-$20 wire transfer fees.
- Standout Feature: Bank-level security and insurance.
3. Crypto.com
- Trading Fees: 0%-0.4% maker (CRO token discounts), 0.1%-0.5% taker.
- Deposit/Withdrawal: Free deposits; network fees for withdrawals.
- Standout Feature: Ultra-low margin trading (0.02%-0.1%).
4. KuCoin
- Trading Fees: 0.02%-0.1% maker (KCS token discounts), 0.08% taker.
- Deposit/Withdrawal: Free deposits; variable withdrawal fees.
- Standout Feature: Wide altcoin selection.
5. Binance
- Trading Fees: 0.1% standard (0.05% with BNB token).
- Deposit/Withdrawal: Free crypto deposits; 0.0005 BTC withdrawal fee.
- Standout Feature: Highest liquidity and coin variety.
👉 Trade on Binance with BNB discounts
6. Coinbase Pro
- Trading Fees: 0.5% maker/taker (down to 0% for high volume).
- Deposit/Withdrawal: Free deposits; network fees for withdrawals.
- Standout Feature: Seamless integration with Coinbase.
7. OKX
- Trading Fees: 0.1% maker, 0.15% taker.
- Deposit/Withdrawal: Free deposits; 0.0005 BTC withdrawal fee.
- Standout Feature: Advanced derivatives (futures, options).
8. Bitfinex
- Trading Fees: 0.1% maker, 0.2% taker (volume discounts).
- Deposit/Withdrawal: Free crypto deposits; 1%-3% fiat fees.
- Standout Feature: High-speed order execution.
9. HitBTC
- Trading Fees: 0.1% maker, 0.2% taker (50% discount with HT token).
- Deposit/Withdrawal: Free deposits; 0.0006 BTC withdrawal fee.
- Standout Feature: Early altcoin listings.
10. Phemex
- Trading Fees: -0.025% maker rebate, 0.075% taker.
- Deposit/Withdrawal: Free crypto deposits/withdrawals.
- Standout Feature: Negative maker fees for liquidity providers.
11. Bitstamp
- Trading Fees: 0.25% maker, 0.5% taker (discounts for high volume).
- Deposit/Withdrawal: 5% card deposit fee; 0.09% withdrawal fee.
- Standout Feature: Strong EU focus.
12. Liquid
- Trading Fees: -0.025% maker rebate, 0.15% taker.
- Deposit/Withdrawal: Free deposits (1.8% card fee).
- Standout Feature: Institutional-grade tools.
Key Takeaways
- Lowest Maker Fees: FTX (0%), Phemex (-0.025%), Liquid (-0.025%).
- Lowest Taker Fees: FTX (0.07%), Crypto.com (0.1%).
- Zero Deposit Fees: Most exchanges charge no crypto deposit fees.
- Avoid High Card Fees: Use ACH/wire transfers instead (e.g., Gemini, Coinbase Pro).
FAQ
Q: Which exchange is best for high-frequency trading?
A: FTX (0% maker fees) or Phemex (negative maker fees).
Q: Are there exchanges with free withdrawals?
A: Gemini (free crypto withdrawals), KuCoin (select coins).
Q: How do I reduce fees on Binance?
A: Use BNB token for 50% fee discounts.