Choosing a cryptocurrency exchange with low fees is essential for reducing your overall investment costs. The right platform can significantly impact your trading profitability through its fee structure for deposits, withdrawals, and transactions. This guide provides a detailed review of the top low-fee exchanges, helping you make an informed and trusted decision for your crypto trading needs.
After over 80 hours of meticulous research into more than 30 platforms, I have curated this list of the best cryptocurrency exchanges renowned for their low fees, popular features, and overall reliability.
Top Low-Fee Cryptocurrency Exchanges
1) Zengo: Most Secure All-in-One Self-Custody Wallet
Zengo stands out as a highly secure, non-custodial wallet with no reported hacking incidents. It allows users to buy, sell, and swap over 380 different crypto assets. The platform supports multiple payment methods, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), bank transfers (SEPA and Swift), and Maestro debit cards.
I was particularly impressed with Zengo's transparent and fair trading fees for currency conversion, spreads, processing, and network commissions. You can create an account on this secure wallet to truly own your cryptocurrencies without mandatory KYC checks.
Key Features:
- MPC-based 3FA Security: Zengo’s MPC wallet combines threshold cryptography with three-factor authentication, eliminating single points of failure. Features like email codes, a cloud recovery file, and FaceLock biometrics meet strong FCA authentication standards.
- Biometric Recovery Without Seed Phrases: Zengo removes seed phrases, making wallet recovery stress-free and resistant to tampering. Funds can be recovered within minutes using FaceLock and iCloud encryption.
- GBP On-/Off-Ramps for 380+ Assets: UK users can buy and withdraw funds for over 380 cryptocurrencies in GBP via Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and instant GBP bank transfers.
- WalletConnect & Web3 Firewall: The built-in WalletConnect feature lets you sign DeFi transactions, create NFTs, or launch Polygon games directly from Zengo. The Web3 firewall scans every contract connection and warns of phishing signatures.
- 24/7 Live Chat & FaceLock Bitcoin Vaults: Both iOS and Android versions feature 24/7 live chat support. The FaceLock-gated Bitcoin Vault locks fund withdrawals during travel for added peace of mind.
Pros:
- Guaranteed wallet recovery
- Robust 3FA security
- Ability to sell or buy directly within the Bitcoin wallet app
Cons:
- Limited cryptocurrency selection can be disappointing
Trading Fees:
Zengo Essentials is free. Storing, receiving, and sending transactions are free. The minimum trade value is $50. The total fee for bank transfer purchases ranges from 1.99% to 2.99%, inclusive of spread, handling fee, and gateway. Both deposits and withdrawals are free.
| Minimum Purchase Amount | Maker Fee | Taker Fee | Custody Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | 0.75% of total trade volume | 0.75% of total trade volume | None |
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2) Kraken: Best Exchange with High Deposit and Withdrawal Limits
Kraken is a specialized cryptocurrency trading exchange excellent for learning about and trading Bitcoin and other digital assets. It supports over 200 cryptocurrencies, and you can start trading with as little as $10. The platform is beginner-friendly, offering helpful tutorials for those new to crypto.
I found the mobile app excellent for tracking everything, and the instant withdrawals and deposits are a major advantage. Kraken maintains regulatory compliance and strong banking relationships, ensuring platform stability. Its 24/7 customer support is also highly responsive.
Key Features:
- Extensive Crypto Offerings: Supports over 200 cryptocurrencies, including many altcoins not found elsewhere, aiding in portfolio diversification.
- Futures and Spot Trading: Provides flexibility for different trading strategies by offering both futures and spot markets.
- Blockchain Wallet Users: Trusted by over 6 million users relying on Kraken wallets, indicating strong reliability and security.
- High-Level Security: Features advanced security measures, a global security team, regular Proof of Reserves audits, and an ISO/IEC 20071:2013 certification.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Offers uninterrupted customer service with fast live chat support for urgent issues.
Pros:
- Low trading fees
- Wide selection of trading tools
- Offers options trading
- No fees for depositing funds
Cons:
- Fees are applied to all trading actions
- Lacks extensive educational materials
Trading Fees:
Kraken's taker fees start at 0.40% for lower trading volumes and can decrease significantly for higher volumes, potentially reaching 0.000% for the highest tiers. This structure incentivizes higher trading activity. Deposits are free, and withdrawals have a fixed fee of 0.00002 BTC.
| Trading Volume | Taker Fee | Deposit Fee | Withdrawal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Volumes | 0.40% | Free | 0.00002 BTC |
| Higher Volumes | As low as 0.000% | Free | 0.00002 BTC |
3) PrimeXBT: Best Anonymous Exchange Without KYC Requirements
PrimeXBT is a cryptocurrency exchange that provides access to multiple markets from a single account. It offers easy entry into cryptocurrencies, stock indices, commodities, and Forex.
It is one of the best cryptocurrency exchanges with the lowest fees, offering over 100 cryptocurrencies for trading. Its reputation is reinforced by an extensive user base of over 10 million people who trust its blockchain wallet with their digital assets.
Key Features:
- Trading View Interface: Features an advanced Trading View interface with comprehensive charting tools and analytical functions suitable for all trader levels.
- Regulated Leverage: Allows trading with leverage, enabling users to trade positions larger than their initial capital, offering up to 100x leverage on cryptocurrencies.
- Isolated/Cross Margin: Traders can choose between isolated margin (limits risk to individual positions) and cross-margin (uses entire account balance to prevent liquidations).
- Automated Trading: The copy trading feature allows users to automatically mirror the moves of top traders without constant chart analysis.
- Low Trading Fees: Offers some of the lowest fees in margin trading, especially for frequent users, with costs remaining low even for high-volume transactions.
- Fixed Deposit Interest: The fixed deposit option can earn nearly 14% interest, with flexible withdrawals that do not lock funds.
Pros:
- Leverage can enhance potential investment returns
- Enables trading of both cryptocurrencies and traditional assets on margin
- Easy to set stop-loss and take-profit orders
Cons:
- A noticeable lack of educational materials
Trading Fees:
PrimeXBT has a user-friendly fee structure. Futures and options (F&O) trading is free. While deposit fees do not apply, withdrawals are subject to a 0.0005 BTC fee. The platform also maintains a minimum trade value of $1.
| Minimum Deposit Amount | Maker Fee | Taker Fee | Deposit Fee | Withdrawal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| From $1 | 0.01% | 0.02% | Free | Starting from $0.5 |
4) Uphold: Trade and Discover Cryptocurrencies
Uphold is a top-tier platform with over 10 million users across 184 countries. It is excellent for buying, trading, and holding over 250 cryptocurrencies, traditional currencies, and precious metals. The platform emphasizes transparency, updating asset and liability data in real-time every 30 seconds. Its 100% reserve model secures user funds.
Uphold impressively balances ease of use with regulatory strength, making it a great first crypto exchange for beginners looking to avoid high transaction fees stress.
Key Features:
- Broad Token Support: Hosts over 250 cryptocurrencies, ideal for diversified portfolios, often listing new tokens earlier than other platforms.
- Exchange Connectivity: Connected to 26 exchanges, ensuring competitive market-wide prices.
- Global Spending: The Uphold Card allows direct spending of cryptocurrencies at stores in over 184 countries without prior conversion to fiat.
- Recurring Transactions: Allows for setting up weekly purchases of Bitcoin and ETH, making dollar-cost averaging easy.
- Advanced Trading Features: Supports take profit, stop loss, and trailing orders, useful for securing profits automatically in volatile markets.
- Easy Fund Transfers: Sending cryptocurrency to friends is as simple as entering their email address, working instantly even for small amounts.
Pros:
- Simple account setup process
- Trading between multiple asset classes (crypto, fiat currencies, metals)
- New altcoins with low liquidity are regularly added
Cons:
- Charting tools are simple and lack detailed features
Trading Fees:
Deposits via debit/credit card and Google/Apple Pay incur a 3.99% fee. Withdrawals are free with a 0% fee, except for debit card withdrawals, which have a 1.75% fee. The minimum trade value is $1 for all transactions. A fixed fee of $0.99 applies to transactions under $500.
| Daily Deposit Limit | Weekly Withdrawal Limit | Maker Fee | Taker Fee | Custody Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,000 | $25,000 | 0.5% to 1.0% (spread) | 0.5% to 1.0% (spread) | 1.75% (minimum $1) |
5) Binance: Trusted Exchange with a Plethora of Features
Binance is a top choice for low fees among cryptocurrency exchanges. I created a web-based crypto wallet on the platform, which helped me trade other cryptocurrencies and NFTs, and even earn interest as a user.
Binance has its native token, BNB, which utilizes the Binance blockchain for tools like smart contracts. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced crypto traders looking to leverage the platform's analytics and trading options.
Key Features:
- Low Fees: One of the lowest cryptocurrency fees on the market.
- BNB Payments: BNB can be used for payments on the exchange, offering additional discounts, and is supported in all regions.
- Debit Card Purchases: Allows for buying Bitcoin in less than five minutes with a debit card, a convenient option for beginners.
- Global Cryptocurrency Count: Supports over 600 cryptocurrencies, offering flexibility to traders at every level.
- Blockchain Wallet Users: Over 28.5 million blockchain wallet users, providing a secure and user-friendly environment.
- Debit Card Purchases: Simple and fast for buying cryptocurrencies, supporting various currencies and providing instant access to major coins.
Pros:
- Offers peer-to-peer (P2P) trading
- Hosts the most cryptocurrencies of any exchange platform
- Provides a seamless user experience
- Enables instant trading of cryptocurrencies using a debit card
Cons:
- Not available in seven US states
- Lacks transparency in its organizational structure
Trading Fees:
Binance has a structured fee system. It charges both Maker and Taker fees at 0.1% each. Futures and options (F&O) trading incurs a 0.02% fee. Deposits are free, while withdrawals have a 3.5% fee. Volume-based pricing is $0.0007007 per (VOL/USD), and the minimum trade value is $10.
| Trading Limits | Maker Fee | Taker Fee | Custody Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varies by trading pair | 0.10% | 0.10% | *Varies by cryptocurrency |
6) Bybit: Best for Fiat-Based Cryptocurrency Traders
Bybit specializes in active online cryptocurrency trading. It accepts short selling through margin trading and futures markets and offers services like staking, loans, and NFT trading. The exchange provides leveraged trading to accelerate returns, with traders able to access leverage up to 100x on Bitcoin and 50x on other currencies.
Bybit is a well-known name offering extremely low transaction fees that help traders keep more of their earnings. The panel is simple yet efficient, with competitive maker-taker rates even for derivatives trading.
Key Features:
- Real-Time Data: Displays price movements and liquidity updates without delays, crucial for reacting instantly in volatile trading hours.
- Supported Coins: Supports major derivatives like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and EOS, providing solid diversity for traders.
- Verification: Allows starting trading simply by verifying a phone number or email, a process that can be completed in under five minutes.
- Pricing System: Bybit's mark and index prices help minimize manipulation and provide fair entry and exit points.
- Unified Account: Offers a unified trading account for a personalized trading experience and risk management.
- Security: The platform is encrypted and secure, ensuring the safety of transactions and user data.
Pros:
- High available leverage can increase trading profits
- User-friendly interface, easy for beginners to navigate
- Low transaction fees are very appealing
- Advanced charting tools allow for deep market analysis
Cons:
- Limited support for fiat currencies makes money deposits and withdrawals less convenient
- Not available to users in some countries due to regulations
Trading Fees:
Bybit's transaction fees vary by market, covering spot transactions, derivatives, and options to institutional service fees. Fees are adjusted based on the user profile, from VIP0 (regular user) to PRO-5 level.
| Deposit Fee | Maker Fee | Taker Fee | Custody Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | 0.1000% | 0.1000% | Depends on cryptocurrencies |
*Note: Maker and Taker fees for spot trading pairs
7) Crypto.com: Best for Beginners with Multiple Features
Crypto.com is a centralized exchange with a strong cryptocurrency wallet. It is user-friendly, has low fees, and the platform is powered by CRO, maintaining financial liquidity. Users trading on the platform receive rewards from CRO. You can buy cryptocurrency using debit cards like Visa or MasterCard.
It lists over 100 reputable cryptocurrencies and maintains top-tier security to protect users from hackers and fraud. The platform also ensures the recovery of all cryptocurrencies in case of losses.
Key Features:
- Best for Advanced Traders: Ideal for advanced traders needing robust trading tools, with a charting package that rivals many institutional platforms.
- Exclusive Crypto Offerings: Offers tokens not available on major exchanges, aiding in early diversification.
- Convenient Portfolio Diversification: Easy to maintain a balance between high-risk and stable assets with access to a wide range of coins.
- Advanced Trading Features: Supports derivatives, spot, margin, and even NFTs under one roof.
- Reward Chain Benefits: The CRO-based reward system provides benefits like discounts and reduced fees.
- Cryptocurrency Offerings: Includes over 100 coins globally, from BTC to niche tokens.
Pros:
- Offers users a simple interface
- Flexibility in payment methods with easy acceptance of Visa and MasterCard
- Facilitates easy conversion of cryptocurrencies for users
- Users receive gift cards in addition to their crypto wallets
Cons:
- Customer support can be inefficient
- The discount structure is overly complicated
Trading Fees:
Crypto.com offers a competitive fee system. Both Maker and Taker are charged a 0.4% fee. Futures & Options (F&O) incur a 0.07% fee. Deposits are free, and withdrawals have a minimum fee of 0.0001 BTC. There is no volume-based pricing fee, and the minimum trade threshold is $1.
| Fee Type | Maker Fee | Taker Fee | Futures & Options (F&O) Fee | Deposit Fee | Withdrawal Fee | Volume-Based Pricing Fee | Minimum Trade Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Details | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.07% | Free | 0.0001 BTC | Free | $1 |
8) OKX: All-in-One for Trading Cryptocurrencies, Stocks, and More
OKX is an excellent exchange that provides advanced financial services using blockchain technology. The platform offers a wide range of tokens, helping to optimize crypto-derivative strategies effectively.
It offers competitive trading with a standard taker fee of 0.075% and a maker fee of 0.025%. Traders can leverage their positions up to 100x, and the platform supports only cryptocurrency withdrawals and token trading deposits.
Key Features:
- Secure Trading Environment: Provides a secure, reliable interface for trading digital assets with no downtime.
- Transaction Efficiency: Streamlines trading operations and shortens the settlement process for all investors.
- Quick Technical Support: Customer support is highly responsive, typically resolving issues within minutes via chat.
- Instant Cryptocurrency Trading: Trading is smooth and nearly instantaneous, even during market rallies.
- Supported Coins for Derivatives: Supports BTC, ETH, and LTC for derivatives, offering leverage options and deep liquidity.
- Verification: No mandatory KYC for basic transactions is a major plus for speed and privacy.
Pros:
- Industry-best security measures protect user assets
- The interface is easy to use
- Offers a variety of crypto products and trading pairs
- Innovative implementation of blockchain technology
Cons:
- Occasional delays in response time can be noticed
- Advanced trading tools might overwhelm new users
Trading Fees:
OKX categorizes users into Regular and VIP tiers based on trading volume and assets held. Regular users pay from 0.060% to 0.080% for makers and 0.060% to 0.100% for takers. VIP users get lower rates, with fees from 0% to 0.045% for makers and 0.015% to 0.050% for takers.
| Category | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Users | 0.060% to 0.080% | 0.060% to 0.100% |
| VIP Users | 0% to 0.045% | 0.015% to 0.050% |
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How We Selected the Best Cryptocurrency Exchange with the Lowest Fees
Selecting the best cryptocurrency exchange with the lowest fees is crucial because fees directly impact overall profitability. Our team spent over 80 hours reviewing more than 30 cryptocurrency exchanges to identify platforms offering competitive fees, robust security, user-friendly interfaces, and reliable service. This carefully curated list includes exchanges with the lowest costs and most useful features to ensure a secure and satisfying trading experience. We focused on the following factors:
- Fee Transparency: We chose platforms that clearly display trading, deposit, and withdrawal fees without hidden terms.
- Competitive Rates: Our team selected tools based on consistently lower transaction fees compared to other leading exchanges.
- Volume Discounts: Our list includes exchanges that reward high-volume trading by lowering maker-taker fees or zeroing them out.
- Bonus Offers: Our team experts selected platforms that often offer promotional fee discounts and loyalty rewards.
- Security Standards: We made our choice considering robust security frameworks that guarantee the safety of your assets during every transaction.
- User Experience: Our team selected highly responsive platforms that simplify trading and guarantee smooth transactions for all users.
How to Buy Cryptocurrency on an Exchange
Buying cryptocurrency is straightforward. I suggest following these steps:
- Register: First, you need to register on your preferred platform to create a cryptocurrency exchange account.
- Log In: After completing registration, log in with your credentials. You will likely be prompted to confirm your phone number or email for two-factor authentication.
- Select 'Buy Crypto': On the dashboard, you will see a call to action for "Buy Crypto." Select the credit/debit card option to be redirected to the purchase page. Other options may include third-party payment, cash balance, recurring purchases, P2P trading, and credit/debit card.
- Select Cryptocurrency and Fiat Currency: On the purchase page, select your regular currency and the cryptocurrency you wish to buy. The variety of cryptocurrencies depends on your chosen platform.
- Add Amount: Add the amount of cryptocurrency you want to purchase. Different platforms have different minimum deposit funds.
- Add Payment Method: Add your preferred payment method.
- Confirm Purchase: Click Continue to confirm the purchase, and the cryptocurrency will be delivered to your wallet.
You can now start trading cryptocurrency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to buy cryptocurrency?
The cheapest way to buy cryptocurrency is typically through a low-fee exchange using a bank transfer (ACH/SEPA) for deposits, as these methods often have minimal or zero fees. Exchanges that offer low or zero maker fees for high-volume traders also help reduce costs. Avoiding methods like credit card purchases, which carry higher processing fees (often 3-4%), will also keep costs down.
Which crypto exchange has the lowest withdrawal fees?
Exchanges like Kraken and Binance are known for their competitive and low withdrawal fees. Kraken, for instance, has a fixed BTC withdrawal fee of 0.00002 BTC, which is very low compared to industry averages. It's always important to check the specific withdrawal fees for the cryptocurrency you are using, as they can vary.
Are there any crypto exchanges with no trading fees?
While most major exchanges charge trading fees, some platforms offer zero-fee trading for specific pairs or under certain conditions. For example, some exchanges may promote zero-maker fees to attract high-volume traders or have promotional periods. However, "no trading fee" platforms often make money through spreads or other mechanisms, so it's essential to understand the complete cost structure.
How can I reduce my trading fees on an exchange?
You can reduce trading fees by: using limit orders (which often qualify as maker orders with lower fees) instead of market orders (taker orders); increasing your trading volume to qualify for VIP tiers with discounted fees; using the exchange's native utility token (e.g., BNB on Binance) to pay for fees, which often provides a discount; and choosing deposit methods like bank transfers that have no fees.
What is the difference between a maker fee and a taker fee?
A maker fee is charged when you add liquidity to the order book by placing a limit order that is not immediately matched (e.g., placing a buy order below the current market price). A taker fee is charged when you remove liquidity by placing an order that is immediately matched with an existing order (e.g., a market order). Maker fees are generally lower than taker fees to incentivize providing liquidity.
Final Recommendation
When considering the ideal cryptocurrency exchange, I prioritize low fees to maximize investment returns. All the platforms listed above are reliable; however, based on security, features, and fee structures, my top recommendations are:
- Zengo provides an excellent non-custodial wallet with robust security features, ensuring a secure and reliable trading experience.
- Kraken is a specialized cryptocurrency exchange that is excellent for learning about and trading Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
- PrimeXBT is a versatile exchange that provides access to many markets from a single account, including cryptocurrencies, stock indices, commodities, and Forex.