Choosing the right cryptocurrency exchange can significantly impact your trading profitability. While high trading volume and platform reputation matter, one of the most crucial factors—especially for active traders—is the fee structure. Maker and taker fees may seem small individually, but over time, they can erode profits if not carefully managed.
To help you make smarter decisions, we’ve analyzed the top 50 crypto exchanges by trading volume and identified those with the lowest maker and taker fees. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trader, minimizing transaction costs is essential for maximizing returns.
Understanding Maker and Taker Fees
Before diving into the list, it's important to understand what maker and taker fees are:
- Maker fees apply when you place a limit order that adds liquidity to the order book—your order doesn’t execute immediately but waits to be matched.
- Taker fees are charged when you place a market order (or a limit order that executes instantly), thereby removing liquidity from the market.
Generally, maker fees are lower than taker fees because exchanges incentivize users to provide liquidity.
👉 Discover how low-fee trading can boost your crypto profits today.
Top 10 Exchanges with the Lowest Fees
10. BitForex
Ranked #7 by trading volume on CoinMarketCap, BitForex serves users in over 186 countries with a daily volume exceeding $2.3 billion. Despite its popularity, it lands at number 10 due to relatively higher fees compared to others on this list.
- Maker fee: 0.1% – 0.04%
- Taker fee: 0.1% – 0.06%
- Popular pairs: LTC/USDT, BTX/USDT, ZEC/ETH
Backed by major investors like Genesis Capital and TRON, BitForex offers solid infrastructure and growing global adoption.
9. HBTC (formerly BHEX)
HBTC, founded by the former CTO of Huobi, has gained traction thanks to its low fees and decentralized model. With a daily trading volume of $361 million, it remains competitive despite lower visibility.
- Maker fee: 0.1% – 0.02%
- Taker fee: 0.1% – 0.05%
- Popular pairs: BTC/USDT, ETH/USDT, BCH/USDT
Its focus on decentralization appeals to privacy-conscious traders.
8. Binance
As the world’s largest crypto exchange by volume ($4.5B daily), Binance offers tiered fees based on 30-day trading volume and BNB holdings. While not the cheapest by default, frequent traders benefit from significant discounts.
- Maker fee: 0.1% – 0.02%
- Taker fee: 0.1% – 0.04%
- Popular pairs: BTC/USDT, ETH/USDT, LINK/USDT
Binance also supports spot, futures, staking, and more—making it a one-stop platform for diverse trading needs.
👉 See how top-tier platforms balance low fees with powerful trading tools.
7. HitBTC
Operating since 2014, HitBTC is one of the industry’s early players. Known for its user-friendly interface and extensive coin selection, it attracts both new and seasoned traders.
- Maker fee: 0.07% – 0.01%
- Taker fee: 0.07% – 0.02%
- Popular pairs: BTC/USDT, ETH/USDT, ETH/BTC
With over $422 million in daily volume, HitBTC maintains strong liquidity and reliability.
6. VinDAX
Launched in Vietnam in 2019, VinDAX has rapidly climbed the ranks with a trader-first approach and simple, intuitive tools.
- Maker fee: 0.05%
- Taker fee: 0.05%
- Popular pairs: BTC/USDT, ETH/USDT, XRP/USDT
Its flat-rate fee structure makes cost prediction easy for active traders.
5. Bybit
Focused on derivatives trading, Bybit has built impressive liquidity since its 2018 launch. It caters primarily to futures and perpetual contract traders.
- Maker fee: 0.025%
- Taker fee: 0.075%
- Popular pairs: BTC/USD, ETH/USD, EOS/USD
Bybit’s advanced tech stack and responsive customer support enhance the overall trading experience.
4. FTX
Built “by traders for traders,” FTX emphasizes security, innovation, and low fees. Though ranked #47 by volume ($436M daily), its pricing model stands out.
- Maker fee: 0.02% – -0.01% (yes, negative fees for makers!)
- Taker fee: 0.07% – 0.04%
- Popular pairs: BTC/USD, ETH/USD, BSV/USD
Negative maker fees mean you earn rebates for providing liquidity—a rare perk in the exchange space.
3. Hoo
Ranked #36 by volume ($796M daily), Hoo combines robust security with competitive pricing. It uses bank-grade encryption and decentralized servers for enhanced reliability.
- Maker fee: 0.02%
- Taker fee: 0.04%
- Popular pairs: BTC/USDT, ETH/USDT, BSV/USDT
Hoo’s focus on institutional-grade security makes it ideal for risk-aware traders.
2. Ecxx
Based in Singapore and fully licensed, Ecxx is reportedly the only exchange granted access to the national MyInfo database—highlighting its regulatory compliance.
- Maker fee: 0.01%
- Taker fee: 0.01%
- Popular pairs: BTC/USDT, BCH/USDT, ETH/USDT
With $502 million in daily volume, Ecxx appeals to traders seeking a secure, regulated environment with ultra-low costs.
1. TAGZ
Our top pick for lowest fees is TAGZ—an Australian-based exchange launched in March 2019. Despite being relatively new, it ranks #17 by volume ($1.74B daily) and offers exceptional value.
- Maker fee: 0.01%
- Taker fee: 0.01%
- Popular pairs: BTC/USDT, ETH/BTC, ETH/USDT
TAGZ combines simplicity, speed (instant deposits/withdrawals), and transparency—making it perfect for cost-sensitive traders.
Why USDT Dominates Trading Pairs
You may have noticed that most popular trading pairs involve USDT (Tether). As a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar, USDT provides stability amid crypto’s volatility. Traders use it as a safe haven during market swings and as a base currency for arbitrage and liquidity provision.
However, while USDT offers short-term stability, concerns about its long-term backing persist—reminding users that even dollar-pegged assets carry counterparty risks.
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These terms align with common search intents related to cost-effective crypto trading solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are maker and taker fees?
Maker fees apply when you place a limit order that adds liquidity to the order book. Taker fees are charged when you place an order that immediately matches an existing one, removing liquidity.
Which exchange has the lowest overall fees?
TAGZ and Ecxx both offer maker and taker fees as low as 0.01%, making them the most cost-efficient options among top-volume exchanges.
Can you earn money by placing maker orders?
Yes—some exchanges like FTX offer negative maker fees, meaning you get paid (a rebate) for placing limit orders that add liquidity.
Do trading volumes affect fee rates?
Yes—many platforms like Binance and Huobi offer tiered pricing where higher 30-day trading volumes result in lower maker and taker fees.
Are low fees always better?
Not necessarily. While low fees reduce costs, consider other factors like security, liquidity, customer support, and regulatory compliance before choosing an exchange.
Is USDT safe for everyday trading?
USDT is widely accepted and generally stable for short-term use, but long-term holders should be aware of potential risks related to its reserves and transparency.
👉 Compare real-time fee structures across leading exchanges now.
By prioritizing platforms with optimized fee models, traders can preserve capital and enhance long-term profitability. Always evaluate exchanges holistically—balancing cost efficiency with reliability and functionality—for sustainable success in the crypto market.