If you are an active crypto trader, you already know that trading fees can eat into your profits. Even small differences in fees can add up over time, especially if you trade frequently or work with large volumes. In 2025, competition among exchanges has pushed fees lower than ever before, with some platforms offering zero maker fees, deep volume discounts, or special token-based reductions.
This guide compares the trading fees of five of the top low-cost exchanges in 2025: MEXC, Gemini (Active Trader), Kraken, Robinhood, and Bybit/BingX. Whether you are a beginner buying your first Bitcoin or a futures trader chasing high-leverage plays, you will find a platform here that fits your style and budget.
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Why Fees Matter in Crypto Trading
Trading fees are typically charged in two ways: as maker fees and taker fees. A maker fee is charged when you place an order that adds liquidity to the order book, while a taker fee is charged when you remove liquidity by filling an existing order.
For day traders, even a difference of 0.05% per trade can mean hundreds or thousands of dollars saved over a year. Long-term investors might care less about frequent trading costs but should still be aware of hidden charges such as wide spreads or high withdrawal fees. Choosing the right platform is not only about finding the lowest numbers on paper but also about understanding how the fee structure matches your trading habits.
MEXC
MEXC has earned a reputation in 2025 as one of the most cost-efficient exchanges in the market. For spot trading, MEXC charges a maker fee of 0% and a taker fee of just 0.05%, significantly below the industry average of 0.10% for makers and 0.15% for takers. Many traders monitoring key pairs such as the ETH USDT price find MEXC especially appealing thanks to its transparent and low-cost structure.
For futures trading, the fees are even more competitive. MEXC futures have a maker fee of 0% and a taker fee of 0.01%, compared to an industry average of 0.02% for makers and 0.05% for takers. Traders can reduce costs further by paying with MEXC’s native MX token, which gives an extra 20% discount. On top of that, MEXC frequently runs zero-fee campaigns on trending pairs like BTC/USDT and ETH/USDC. This is why even traders following assets such as the XRP USDT price often choose MEXC as their primary trading hub.
Combined with its deep liquidity, wide selection of over 3,000 listed cryptocurrencies, and strong security measures, MEXC is a top choice for active traders who want to minimize costs.
Gemini (Active Trader)
Gemini offers two main fee structures. The standard Gemini app is designed for casual users and charges higher fees, but the Gemini Active Trader platform is built for serious traders and has significantly lower rates.
On Active Trader, fees start at a maker fee of 0.40% and a taker fee of 0.20%, with rates dropping as your monthly trading volume increases. High-volume traders can see their maker fees approach zero. The platform is regulated in the United States and is known for its robust security and compliance, making it a good fit for traders who want a trustworthy and legally solid option.
Kraken
Kraken is a veteran in the crypto exchange space and continues to offer competitive rates in 2025. Maker fees start at 0.25% and can drop to zero with enough volume. Taker fees start at 0.40% and can go down to around 0.22% for high-volume accounts.
Kraken supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and offers advanced features such as staking and margin trading. Its global presence and focus on security make it a strong choice for traders who want to balance low costs with reliability and breadth of service.
Robinhood
Robinhood keeps things simple with a flat trading fee of 0.55% for buying, selling, and trading crypto. While this is higher than MEXC or Kraken for active traders, the simplicity is appealing to beginners. Robinhood also offers zero fees for debit card deposits, which can save money for users who fund accounts frequently.
The platform is designed for ease of use, with a clean interface and mobile-first experience. For small-scale traders or those who prioritize convenience over raw fee savings, Robinhood is an easy gateway into the crypto world.
Bybit and BingX
Bybit and BingX are both popular with futures traders and high-volume spot traders who want low, transparent fees.
Bybit charges 0.10% for both maker and taker fees on spot trades. Its futures platform is more competitive, with a maker fee of 0.01% and a taker fee of 0.06%.
BingX matches the 0.10% maker and taker fees for spot but edges out Bybit slightly on futures, with a maker fee of 0.02% and a taker fee of 0.05%. Both exchanges offer VIP tier systems that reward higher volume with fee reductions, and neither charges fees for crypto deposits.
Side-by-Side Fee Comparison
| Exchange | Spot Maker Fee | Spot Taker Fee | Futures Maker Fee | Futures Taker Fee | Special Discounts |
| MEXC | 0% | 0.05% | 0% | 0.02% | MX token fee cuts, zero-fee promos |
| Gemini (Active Trader) | 0.40% | 0.20% | N/A | N/A | Volume-based discounts |
| Kraken | 0.25% to 0% | 0.40% to 0.22% | N/A | N/A | Volume-based discounts |
| Robinhood | 0.55% | 0.55% | N/A | N/A | Free debit card deposits |
| Bybit | 0.10% | 0.10% | 0.01% | 0.06% | VIP tiers |
| BingX | 0.10% | 0.10% | 0.02% | 0.05% | VIP tiers |
Which Exchange is Best for You
If your main goal is to get the lowest fees possible and you trade frequently, MEXC stands out with its zero maker fees and ultra-low taker rates on both spot and futures markets. The extra discounts for MX token holders make it even more appealing.
If you are new to crypto and prefer a straightforward interface with minimal complexity, Robinhood might be the most comfortable starting point.
Kraken and Gemini (Active Trader) are strong picks for those who value regulation, security, and established reputations, especially if you plan to scale up your trading volume to take advantage of tiered discounts.
For futures-focused traders, Bybit and BingX both deliver strong value with low maker and taker fees, high liquidity, and advanced trading features.
Conclusion
The best low-fee crypto exchange in 2025 depends on your trading style and priorities. MEXC offers the most aggressive fee structure for active traders, Robinhood is beginner-friendly, Kraken and Gemini cater to security-conscious traders with volume-based savings, and Bybit/BingX excel in the futures market.
Before committing to a platform, consider not only the fees but also liquidity, security, ease of use, and the range of assets available. The cheapest exchange on paper might not be the best fit for your needs if it lacks the trading pairs or features you require. By weighing all these factors, you can choose an exchange that saves you money while giving you the tools and confidence to trade successfully in 2025.
