When it comes to choosing a cryptocurrency exchange, trading fees are one of the most critical factors for both new and experienced traders. Even small differences in fee structures can significantly impact long-term profitability, especially for active traders. In 2025, leading platforms continue to refine their pricing models, offering competitive rates and incentives like native token discounts to attract users.
This article provides a detailed comparison of trading fees across five of the most popular crypto exchanges: Binance, MEXC, OKX, Bybit, and Bitget. We'll break down spot and futures fees, highlight key advantages, and help you decide which platform best fits your trading strategy.
Understanding Trading Fees: Maker vs. Taker
Before diving into the comparison, it’s essential to understand how trading fees work. Most exchanges use a maker-taker model:
- Maker fees apply when you place an order that doesn’t immediately execute — adding liquidity to the market (e.g., placing a limit order).
- Taker fees apply when you place an order that does execute immediately — removing liquidity (e.g., placing a market order).
Fees vary depending on your trading volume, user tier, and whether you use the platform’s native token for fee discounts.
1. Binance: The Global Leader in Liquidity
- Spot Trading Fees: 0.10% for both maker and taker
- Futures Trading Fees: 0.02% (maker), 0.04% (taker)
- Fee Discount: Yes — up to 25% off when paying with BNB
Binance remains the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, offering deep liquidity and a vast selection of trading pairs. Its fee structure is straightforward and competitive, particularly for high-volume traders.
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One of Binance’s standout features is the BNB fee discount, which reduces trading costs by 25% when users pay fees with Binance Coin (BNB). This incentive not only lowers costs but also increases demand for BNB.
Pros:
- High liquidity across major and altcoin pairs
- Comprehensive suite of trading tools and products
- Strong security track record
Cons:
- Slightly higher spot fees compared to some competitors
- Regulatory scrutiny in certain regions
2. MEXC: Ultra-Low Futures Fees for Active Traders
- Spot Trading Fees: 0.20% for both maker and taker
- Futures Trading Fees: 0.00% (maker), 0.01% (taker)
- Fee Discount: Yes — reduced fees when using MX token
MEXC stands out with one of the lowest futures fee structures in the industry. For traders who frequently open and close leveraged positions, this can translate into substantial savings over time.
However, MEXC’s spot trading fees are less competitive at 0.20%, which may deter casual spot traders. That said, the platform often runs promotional campaigns and zero-fee events to attract new users.
Pros:
- Among the lowest futures fees available
- Frequent promotions and listing of new altcoins
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Lower spot market liquidity compared to top-tier exchanges
- Higher spot fees than rivals like OKX or Binance
3. OKX: Competitive Spot Rates and Robust Ecosystem
- Spot Trading Fees: 0.08% (maker), 0.10% (taker)
- Futures Trading Fees: 0.02% (maker), 0.05% (taker)
- Fee Discount: Yes — reduced fees for OKB holders
OKX offers one of the most balanced fee structures in the market. Its spot trading fees are among the lowest, making it ideal for frequent spot traders. Additionally, holding OKB — OKX’s native token — unlocks tier-based fee reductions.
The platform excels in derivatives trading, offering advanced order types, high leverage options, and deep order books. It also supports a wide range of financial products, including staking, yield earning, and DeFi integrations.
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Pros:
- Low base spot fees
- Strong derivatives offerings
- Multiple ways to reduce fees via OKB
Cons:
- Futures taker fee is slightly higher than MEXC
- Interface may feel complex for beginners
4. Bybit: A Favorite Among Futures Traders
- Spot Trading Fees: 0.10% for both maker and taker
- Futures Trading Fees: 0.01% (maker), 0.06% (taker)
- Fee Discount: No native token discount program
Bybit has built a strong reputation in the futures market, known for its clean interface, fast execution, and reliable infrastructure. While it doesn’t offer a native token discount system, its fee structure remains attractive — especially for makers.
The 0.01% maker fee in futures trading is highly competitive, though the 0.06% taker fee is on the higher side compared to MEXC or OKX.
Pros:
- Excellent liquidity in major futures contracts
- Intuitive trading interface with powerful tools
- Strong support for copy trading and grid bots
Cons:
- No native token for fee reduction
- Limited spot trading features compared to peers
5. Bitget: Growing Platform with Aggressive Incentives
- Spot Trading Fees: 0.10% for both maker and taker
- Futures Trading Fees: 0.02% (maker), 0.06% (taker)
- Fee Discount: Yes — reduced fees when using BGB token
Bitget has rapidly gained popularity through aggressive marketing and user incentives. It offers a copy trading feature that appeals to beginners learning from experienced traders.
While its base fees are standard, Bitget frequently runs campaigns offering zero-fee trading periods and bonus rewards for new users. Holding BGB, its native token, provides additional fee discounts.
Pros:
- Strong social trading features
- Regular promotional events
- BGB token offers tangible benefits
Cons:
- Lower liquidity than top-tier exchanges
- Brand recognition still growing globally
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which exchange has the lowest overall trading fees in 2025?
A: For futures trading, MEXC offers the lowest maker fee at 0.00%. For spot trading, OKX leads with a 0.08% maker fee — among the lowest in the industry.
Q: Can I reduce my trading fees on these platforms?
A: Yes — Binance (BNB), OKX (OKB), MEXC (MX), and Bitget (BGB) all offer fee discounts when you use their native tokens. Bybit currently does not have a native token discount program.
Q: Are lower fees always better when choosing an exchange?
A: Not necessarily. While low fees are important, factors like liquidity, security, user interface, customer support, and available trading tools should also influence your decision.
Q: Is futures trading cheaper than spot trading?
A: It depends on the platform. Some exchanges like MEXC offer nearly free maker futures trades, while spot fees tend to be higher. Always compare both markets based on your strategy.
Q: Do these exchanges charge withdrawal or deposit fees?
A: Most do charge network-based withdrawal fees (which vary by blockchain), but deposits are typically free. Always check each exchange’s fee schedule before transacting.
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Final Thoughts: Choose Based on Your Trading Style
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when selecting a crypto exchange — the best choice depends on your trading habits:
- Active futures traders should consider MEXC or Bybit for low maker fees and strong derivatives support.
- Frequent spot traders will benefit most from OKX’s competitive 0.08% maker rate.
- Long-term Binance users appreciate its ecosystem breadth and BNB-based savings.
- Beginners exploring copy trading might prefer Bitget for its social features and onboarding incentives.
Regardless of your preference, always evaluate total costs — including hidden spreads and withdrawal fees — not just headline rates.
By aligning your exchange choice with your strategy and leveraging native token discounts where available, you can significantly improve your net returns in the dynamic world of cryptocurrency trading.
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