Trading
Maker Fee
The trading fee charged when you add liquidity to an exchange's order book by placing a limit order that doesn't immediately fill.
Last updated: January 5, 2025
What is a Maker Fee?
A maker fee is the trading fee you pay when you “make” liquidity by placing an order that doesn’t fill immediately. When you place a limit order that goes into the order book waiting to be matched, you’re a market maker—and you typically pay lower fees than takers.
Maker vs Taker
Maker (Adds Liquidity)
- Places limit orders below market (buys) or above market (sells)
- Order waits in the order book
- Provides liquidity to other traders
- Lower fees as a reward
Taker (Removes Liquidity)
- Places market orders or limit orders that fill immediately
- Takes liquidity from the order book
- Pays higher fees
Maker Fee Example
Scenario: Bitcoin is trading at $70,000
- You place a limit buy at $69,500
- Order enters the order book (doesn’t fill immediately)
- When someone sells to your order, you’re the maker
- You pay the maker fee (e.g., 0.10%)
Typical Maker Fees
| Exchange | Maker Fee |
|---|---|
| Binance | 0.10% |
| Coinbase | 0.40% |
| Kraken | 0.16% |
| Bybit | 0.10% |
Saving on Maker Fees
- Use limit orders instead of market orders
- Hold exchange tokens (BNB, KCS) for discounts
- Increase volume for VIP tier discounts
- Compare exchanges for best rates
Why Exchanges Reward Makers
Makers provide:
- Deeper order books
- Tighter spreads
- Better prices for everyone
- More liquid markets
Lower maker fees incentivize this behavior.
Ready to Start Trading?
Now that you understand maker fee, explore the best exchanges to begin your crypto journey.