Maker vs Taker Fees on Crypto Exchanges, Explained

Two traders buy the same amount of the same coin on the same exchange. One pays six times more in fees. The difference is not a VIP tier — it is how their orders hit the book.

Makers add liquidity, takers remove it

A limit order that rests on the order book “makes” liquidity: other traders can now trade against it. A market order “takes” liquidity by consuming those resting orders instantly. Exchanges want deep books, so they charge makers less — sometimes zero or even a rebate — and takers more.

What the numbers look like

Typical base tiers among the majors sit around 0.10% maker / 0.10% taker, with beginner-focused interfaces charging far more per click. Fee tokens (like paying with the exchange token) and 30-day volume tiers push effective rates down further. On large positions the maker/taker gap compounds into real money.

Paying the lower fee on purpose

Use limit orders placed at or inside the spread instead of market orders when you are not in a hurry. You wait seconds longer and often get a better price AND the lower fee. Our exchange comparison table lists maker and taker rates side by side so the gap is visible before you sign up.