When you trade crypto, you’re not just paying for the price of the coin—you’re paying the maker taker fees, the charges exchanges apply based on whether you add or remove liquidity. These fees aren’t hidden—they’re built into every trade, and they can eat into your profits faster than you think. The difference between a maker fee, the discount you get for placing an order that adds liquidity to the order book and a taker fee, the charge you pay when you immediately match with an existing order and remove liquidity can mean the difference between breaking even and losing money over time.
Think of it like a marketplace. If you put up a sign saying "I’ll buy BTC at $60,000," you’re a maker—you’re giving others a price to trade against. Exchanges reward you with lower fees because you help keep the market liquid. But if you walk in and say "I’ll buy BTC right now at the best price," you’re a taker—you’re snapping up what’s already there. That’s when you pay the higher fee. Most exchanges charge takers 0.1% and give makers 0.02% or even negative fees (meaning you get paid). It’s not random—it’s a system designed to keep trading active and prices stable.
This isn’t just theory. Platforms like Echobit and Firebird Finance use maker-taker models to attract active traders. Meanwhile, exchanges with flat fees or no distinction between maker and taker—like the defunct TOPBTC—often lack depth and reliability. If you’re trading on Syncswap or Hermes Protocol, knowing which role you’re playing helps you pick the right time to enter or exit. Even xSigma, which focuses on stablecoin swaps, uses this model to keep slippage low. And if you’re into low-cap tokens like LOAFCAT or WIT, where liquidity is thin, getting hit with taker fees can be brutal.
Most people don’t realize how much this affects their returns. A 0.1% fee might seem small, but if you trade $10,000 a week, that’s $520 a year just in taker fees. Switching to maker orders—even just sometimes—can cut that in half. You don’t need to be a pro. Just set limit orders instead of market orders. Wait for the price you want. Let others come to you. That’s how the smart traders save money.
Below, you’ll find real reviews and breakdowns of exchanges that treat maker and taker fees differently—some that reward you, others that bury you in costs. You’ll also see how platforms like KyberSwap Elastic and DeSpace Protocol handle liquidity incentives, and why some exchanges, like EQONEX, failed because they ignored the basics. Whether you’re trading Bitcoin or meme coins, understanding this system isn’t optional—it’s your first line of defense against hidden fees.
Compare spot trading fees across top crypto exchanges in 2025. Learn how maker-taker fees work, which platforms offer the lowest rates, and how to save hundreds per month with smart trading strategies.