5 crypto exchanges that offer unbeatable low fees in 2025

High fees and hidden charges still plague the crypto space, but these five exchanges prove that low costs don’t have to come at the expense of quality.

If there’s one recurrent complaint arising from crypto enthusiasts, it’s high fees and hidden charges on crypto exchanges. Not only does this issue of overcharging dissuade traders from engaging effectively with the services on platforms, but it also erodes the trust that platforms work so hard on building. This is perhaps one of the reasons many up-and coming platforms today offer low or even zero fees.

However, this is a double-edged sword. Many newer crypto exchanges boast of low fees but compromise on speed, security and user experience. Lower fees should not mean lower-quality services. This is not something users look forward to experiencing. To gain lasting user trust, crypto platforms need to strike the right balance of minimal fees coupled with transparency and security.

Today, we’re exploring five platforms that have managed to maintain this balance in their services. Read on to find out where users are trading freely without being bogged down with crushing fees.  

Crypto platforms 

• KuCoin
• ChangeNow
• Binance
• Kraken
• Bybit

Comparison table: Fee structures at a glance

Exchange	Spot Fee (Maker/Taker)	Futures Fee	Deposit Fee	Custodial	Promotions
KuCoin	0.1% / 0.1%	0.02% / 0.06%	Free	Yes	Yes
ChangeNOW	Included in rate	N/A	N/A	No	No Hidden
Binance	0.1% / 0.1%	0.02% / 0.05%	Free	Yes	Frequent
Kraken	0.16% / 0.26%	Tiered	Varies	Yes	Volume-Based
Bybit	0.1% / 0.1%	0.02% / 0.055%	Free	Yes	VIP Program

KuCoin

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is beginner friendly crypto exchange that outshines most new platforms with its intuitive features and attractive design. Despite being one of the newer players, KuCoin is no less technologically progressive in terms of advancement. The platform introduced KuCoin Pay, a crypto payment solution earlier this year and even went on to announce a strategic partnership with AEON to advance web3 mobile payment solutions.

Looking at fees, KuCoin does not charge deposit fees for most cryptos. Users can freely add funds to their accounts without bearing additional costs. Withdrawal fees, however, vary depending on the cryptocurrency that users are planning to withdraw and the network they opt for.  

With respect to trading fees, KuCoin charges trading fees for every completed trade. The rates differ across various categories. Some of the factors that affect these fees are maker or taker status, VIP level, trading pair the investor opts for, etc.

As for maker and taker fees on KuCoin, like everywhere else, users pay less as a maker and slightly more as a taker. For crypto newbies: Maker fees are charged when users place an order that adds liquidity to the order book, while taker fees are charged when users place an order that removes liquidity from the order book.

Another key feature on KuCoin is its VIP program. This tier-based rewards system can drastically alter KuCoin fees. It’s primarily in place to reward traders for trading higher volumes and being more active on the platform.

KuCoin fees are competitive: with spot trading starting at just 0.1% for both makers and takers. For futures trading, fees are slightly different: 0.02% for makers and 0.06% for takers. Options trading on KuCoin is based on European-style contracts.

KuCoin also hosts regular trading competitions, offers lending and staking services, and integrates with third-party tools. This makes it a must-use for serious traders.

Overall, KuCoin has very low trading fees, rewards regular traders, has a wide range of tokens, is popular among international users and is great for advanced trading options. Our verdict: 4 on 5.

ChangeNOW

Second on our list of crypto exchanges offering unbeatable low fees in 2025 is ChangeNOW. This is an up-and-coming non-custodial cryptocurrency exchange that offers fast, secure, and account-free crypto swaps. The platform’s users can exchange over 1,500 coins with no upper limits on exchange amounts.

Now, it’s important to note that this crypto exchange platform offers crypto swaps, not trading. And it offers over 1,500 digital assets and 70+ fiat options. ChangeNOW includes meme tokens, DeFi tokens, AI coins, GameFi coins, stablecoins, LST coins, L1 and L2 tokens, privacy coins, utility tokens, PolitiFi, DePIN, and RWA.

Moreover, ChangNow facilitates exchanges across 110+ blockchains, including popular ones like ETH, BSC, SOL, MATIC, AVAX, and OP, as well as less known ones like zkSync, Linea, ALGO, Near, and EOS.

When it comes to custody of assets, crypto enthusiasts have varying perspectives. And this matter appears to be a personal choice. However, a large majority of crypto users believe that non-custodial agents are the safest bet in a market plagued by scams and hacks. ChangeNOW does not store customer funds, ensuring users have full control over their assets. In a market still reeling from the effects of the FTX crash, enhanced security is always a bonus point.

Fee transparency is another point in ChangeNOW’s favor. There are no hidden fees or charges that pop up at the very last minute. All costs are built into the rate shown upfront, with no additional charges post-swap. ChangeNOW offers both fixed and floating rate modes, with no hidden fees. With the floating rate mode, clients can currently get the lowest fee per exchange on the market.

When it comes to transaction efficiency, ChangeNOW is a step above the rest. There are no upper limits for swaps. While minimal amounts are required, they are incredibly low (as little as $2). Regarding triumph rate, 98% of swaps are completed at a better rate than estimated or with a deviation of less than 0.5%. Transaction speeds are also optimal, most exchanges are completed within 2 minutes, with real-time tracking available.

A growing number of customers have reviewed that ChangeNOW offers considerably better returns than several of its competitors. Over 50% of users receive better returns than initially estimated.

It’s also notable that the platform is accessible via the website, mobile apps (Android & iOS), and Telegram bot (@ChangeNOW_Cryptobot) for on-the-go transactions.

Overall, ChangeNOW provides a one-stop solution based on fintech’s best practices. The products retain the freedom and flexibility of web3 and the trust, speed and comfortable environment of web2 financial services. Our rating: 4.5 on 5.

To learn more about ChangeNOW, please check out the official website, or check out ChangeNOW’s X, Telegram and Youtube.

Binance

The third name on our list, Binance, needs no introduction. As the industry leader with high liquidity, Binance is top of the game. Binance did have its own grim period when its CEO Changpeng Zhao pleaded guilty to money-laundering charges and was sentenced to a few months in prison. However, with the release of Changpeng Zhao and the new crypto-friendly US administration, things are looking up for Binance. And with the US Securities and Exchange Commission dropping its long-running lawsuit against Binance, Binance has the market in its favor. 

But how does Binance fare in terms of fees? The deposit fee when directly transferring coins to users’ account is non-existent, however, each crypto has minimum deposit requirements. Withdrawal fee for crypto is determined by network conditions. Binance modifies the prices based on how busy the network is. This means that the costs could sway.

As for trading fees, Binance calculates its trading fees on a per-transaction basis, which means the amount is a percentage of the trade’s total value. And the fees fluctuate across trading categories. Spot, margin, futures, options, NFT, P2P, and fiat trading, all have their own different fee plan.

Like with KuCoin, market makers enjoy lower fees while market takers face marginally higher fees, for obvious reasons.

One standout aspect about Binance is that Binance often conducts massive promotions and reward offers that can lower fees in the different trading categories mentioned above. With these promotions, users can have their fees reduced considerably. 

Binance Spot fees are set at a standard rate of 0.1% for regular users, and this is the rate for makers and takers. Similar to the spot trading fees, Binance margin trading fee structure adopts the same maker-taker model. The maker-taker fees start at 0.1%. Nevertheless, with rewards and promotions, that pretty much always runs on Binance, the rates can be further cut down.

In short, the Maker/taker fees on Binance starts at 0.1% or lower, with discounts for using BNB tokens. Binance seems like an ideal choice for high-volume traders. Plus, Binance offers auto-invest plans, dual investment products, and crypto loans, all tied into its main platform. Our rating: 4 on 5.

Kraken

Kraken burst onto the scene in 2011, and has since made a serious impact in the crypto space. Recently, the platform has even started to back smaller crypto exchange startups, funding new and interesting ventures. Kraken’s educational resources and personalized account management for pro users also give it an edge among platforms that eye both beginners and institutions.

With respect to fees, Kraken advertises fees as low as 0% on its website. Kraken uses a maker-taker fee schedule with volume incentives based on trader activity in the past 30 days. Its fee schedules are built to encourage traders to engage with the market and to drive maximum liquidity.

Kraken’s deposit and withdrawal fees vary depending on the specific currency and chosen payment method.

When compared with Binance, however, Kraken offers a far more convenient tiered fee structure. One interesting aspect about Kraken is that its VIP benefits can be accessed quicker with less trading volume, bringing down the maker fees to 0.08%. At higher tiers, Kraken brings that down to the advertised 0%.

While this is true, for regular traders who don’t trade with massive volumes, Binance could be a better choice. Kraken’s fees for casual traders tend to be higher.

Overall, with a transparent fee structure, low spreads and trading fees, strong regulatory compliance and security, Kraken is a good option for both spot and futures traders. Our verdict: 3.5 on 5.

Bybit

Headquartered in Dubai, Bybit is a new but promising name in the crypto exchange space. Despite the recent block in Thailand, Bybit has moved forward with confidence. Just last week, Bybit obtained a Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation license from Austria’s Financial Market Authority. This means that Bybit will now be able to capture the European market.

Bybit also offers a testnet for new users to practice trading with fake funds, helping them build skills before using real assets.

Bybit’s fee structure is similar to that of Binance. The platform makes use of a similarly built tier system that provides users with discounts, rewarding them for their trading activity. However, attaining VIP status on Bybit is not the same as it is done on Binance. On Bybit, traders become part of a particular VIP level by either having a certain asset balance or attaining a previously-set trading volume in the past 30 days.

However, for regular users who don’t trade huge volumes, the VIP tier might not be as attractive a deal. Casual traders can instead opt for the non-VIP or regular fees. With a 0.1% fee for both makers and takers on spot trades, Bybit keeps it simple. For perpetual and futures trading, takers pay 0.055% and makers 0.02%. 

When it comes to deposits, Bybit goes charge-free for adding assets to accounts. And regarding withdrawal, the cost varies just as in the other exchanges discussed above. 

Overall, Bybit is a smart and approachable trading platform for new traders and those in the beginning stages of their trading journey. Our verdict: 3.5 on 5.

Conclusion

Hidden charges and exorbitant fees are a concern deterring new users from entering the crypto space. However, not all crypto exchanges are heavy on the pocket. As discussed in this article, ChangeNOW offers both fixed and floating rate modes, with no hidden fees. KuCoin has very low trading fees, rewards regular traders, and has a wide range of tokens. Binance runs various promotions and reward systems to bring down fees. Kraken offers a convenient tiered fee structure. And Bybit keeps things simple with flat fees and a smart VIP program.

Nevertheless, crypto traders must note that while low fees are important, it’s not the only thing that matters. A good crypto exchange must also be safe, easy to use, and honest about its charges. The five platforms in this article, KuCoin, ChangeNOW, Binance, Kraken, and Bybit, each offer strong features with competitive fees. Some focus on fast swaps, others on advanced trading tools, but all provide value for different types of users. In a market where trust is hard to earn, these platforms show that low fees don’t have to mean low quality. Choosing the right exchange depends on the trader’s needs, goals, and trading style.