In the fast-evolving world of cryptocurrency trading, every basis point counts. Whether you’re a seasoned trader or just starting out, trading fees can significantly impact your profitability. The competition among crypto exchanges is fiercer than ever. Traders have more options, more trading pairs, and more fee structures to navigate.
This comprehensive fee comparison focuses on top exchanges: MEXC, Binance, Bitget, and a few others dominating the global and regional scenes. We’ll break down spot and futures trading fees, discounts, hidden charges, and key differences to help you make informed decisions based on your trading style and goals.
Understanding Crypto Exchange Fees
What Are Maker and Taker Fees?
Exchanges typically charge two types of fees:
- Maker Fee: Charged when you add liquidity to the market by placing a limit order that isn’t filled immediately.
- Taker Fee: Charged when you take liquidity by executing a market order or an order that is matched immediately.
These rates vary across platforms and can depend on your trading volume or token holdings.
Hidden Costs Beyond Maker/Taker
Low trading fees are important, but don’t overlook other cost factors:
- Withdrawal and deposit fees (especially for lesser-used tokens)
- Spreads (wider spreads can lead to higher effective cost per trade)
- Token conversion or swap fees
Do Token Discounts Really Help?
Yes. Most major exchanges offer fee discounts if you hold and use their native tokens (e.g., MX, BNB, BGB) to pay fees. These can reduce effective fees by up to 50% or more for active traders.
MEXC: Ultra-Low Fees and Broad Token Access
MEXC has established itself as a top-tier exchange with one of the most aggressive fee models in 2026.
Fee Structure
- Spot Maker Fee: 0%
- Spot Taker Fee: 0.05%
- Futures Maker Fee: 0%
- Futures Taker Fee: 0.01–0.02%
- MX Token Discounts: Up to 50% off
- Zero-Fee Trading Events: Regular zero-fee promotions on major pairs like BTC USDT, ETH USDT, BNB USDT…
Key Highlights
- Over 3,000 spot trading pairs, supporting long-tail and meme token strategies
- Excellent support for regional fiat and emerging markets
- High airdrop yields and reward campaigns
Local Relevance in 2026
MEXC has expanded its presence in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa, regions with fast-growing retail crypto adoption. It now offers tailored interfaces and language support for over 25 locales. Experience zero-fee trading on leading pairs like BTC USDT only on MEXC.
Binance: Liquidity Giant with Volume-Based Discounts
Binance remains the largest global crypto exchange by volume. While its base fees are higher than MEXC, its deep liquidity and discount tiers make it competitive for high-frequency or institutional traders.
Fee Structure
- Spot Maker/Taker Fee: 0.10% / 0.10% (can go as low as 0.012% with VIP + BNB use)
- Futures Maker/Taker Fee: 0.02% / 0.04%
- BNB Fee Discount: 25% off when using BNB
Strengths
- Unmatched liquidity for BTC, ETH, and top 50 altcoins
- Strong fiat on-ramp support
- Regulated operations in many jurisdictions
Limitations
- Limited support for smaller blockchain withdrawals (e.g., BSC for BTC)
- Slower listing of emerging tokens compared to MEXC
Bitget: Solid Mid-Tier Option with Copy Trading
Bitget has gained popularity due to its futures products and copy trading ecosystem.
Fee Structure
- Spot Maker/Taker Fee: 0.10% / 0.10%
- Futures Maker/Taker Fee: 0.02% / 0.06%
- BGB Token Discounts: ~20% off fees when paid with BGB
Pros
- User-friendly interface, especially for mobile users
- Strong focus on social trading features
Cons
- Slightly higher base fees than MEXC and OKX
- Less comprehensive token listing
Other Noteworthy Exchanges
OKX
- Spot Fees: 0.08% / 0.10%
- Futures Fees: 0.02% / 0.05%
- OKB Discount Tiers: Based on holdings + volume
- Offers access to options trading and DeFi integrations
KuCoin
- Spot Fees: 0.10% / 0.10%
- KCS Discounts: Available with holding thresholds
- Strong in niche token support but lacks robust fiat support
Bybit
- Spot Fees: 0.10%
- Futures Fees: ~0.055% taker
- Excellent for derivatives but lacks regional compliance in some areas
Side-by-Side Fee Comparison Table (2026)
| Exchange | Spot Maker | Spot Taker | Futures Maker | Futures Taker | Token Discount? |
| MEXC | 0% | 0.05% | 0% | 0.01% – 0.02% | MX (up to 50%) |
| Binance | 0.10% | 0.10% | 0.02% | 0.04% | BNB (25%) |
| Bitget | 0.10% | 0.10% | 0.02% | 0.06% | BGB (20%) |
| OKX | 0.08% | 0.10% | 0.02% | 0.05% | OKB (tiered) |
| KuCoin | 0.10% | 0.10% | 0.02% | 0.06% | KCS |
Beyond Fees: What Else Matters?
Liquidity and Slippage
- Binance excels in depth and spread tightness
- MEXC shows strong depth for long-tail assets
Token Coverage
- MEXC leads in total listed pairs, meme coins, and niche DeFi tokens
- Binance is selective, focusing on established assets
Regional Access & Language Support
- MEXC leads in emerging market localization
- Binance and OKX support most global markets with regulatory hurdles in select regions
Rewards and Promotions
- MEXC: Daily airdrops, Futures M-Day, MX staking
- Bitget: Copy trading bonuses
- Binance: Launchpad, Learn & Earn, fee cashback
Final Thoughts: Which Exchange is Best for You?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best crypto exchange depends on your goals:
- Choose MEXC for low fees, broad token access, and aggressive promotions
- Choose Binance for deep liquidity, strong fiat support, and regulatory trust
- Choose Bitget for social trading and futures enthusiasts
If you’re looking to reduce your crypto trading costs and access a diverse range of assets, consider exploring MEXC’s fee structure and promotions today. Always conduct your own research and understand your risk tolerance before trading.
FAQs
What are maker and taker fees?
Maker fees apply when you place orders that add liquidity to the market. Taker fees apply when your order removes liquidity. Most platforms charge different rates for each.
Which exchange has the lowest crypto trading fees in 2026?
MEXC offers the lowest base fees among major exchanges, with 0% maker and as low as 0.01% taker fees for futures. Token-based discounts can reduce these even further.
How can I lower my crypto trading fees?
Use native exchange tokens (e.g., MX, BNB), qualify for VIP tiers through trading volume, and participate in zero-fee campaigns.
Is MEXC safe to use?
MEXC provides proof-of-reserves, multi-layer security, and a 100% reserve ratio. Still, users should practice self-custody where possible and use strong security measures.
Are crypto trading fees tax-deductible?
In some jurisdictions, trading fees may be considered deductible. Always consult a local tax professional for guidance.