Crypto Exchanges with the Lowest Maker/Taker Fees

The UK cryptocurrency market has grown significantly in recent years. In 2025, a survey conducted by Gemini showed that digital asset ownership had reached 24% in the UK, a substantial increase from 2024, when only 18% of the population participated in the crypto market.

This demand has led to a surge in the number of crypto exchanges tailoring their services to UK clients. One key difference between these exchanges is their fee structure, particularly maker and taker fees.

Below, we look in more detail at crypto exchanges offering low maker and taker fees to UK traders:

Kraken uses a volume-based fee structure for Kraken Pro, charging maker fees from 0.00% to 0.25% on spot transactions, while taker fees range from 0.08% to 0.40%. Clients in the lowest tier, with a monthly crypto futures trading volume of up to $2.5 million, pay maker and taker fees of 0.0200% and 0.0500%, respectively. Fees for pegged tokens and stablecoins start at 0.20%.
Coinbase may suit UK crypto traders looking to reduce their overall costs, as it charges competitive maker and taker fees of 0.40% and 0.60%, respectively, for monthly trading volumes of up to $10,000. The fees drop to 0.00% (maker) and 0.05% (taker) for volumes exceeding $400 million.
Uphold uses a percentage-based fee structure, with charges varying according to the assets clients trade. Rates for altcoins typically range from 2.5% to 2.95%, while those for Bitcoin and Ethereum range from 1.4% to 1.6%.
Bitstamp offers low fees, charging 0.1000% in maker and taker fees for spot transactions in the lowest tier (a monthly volume below $1 million). These rates decrease to 0.0110% and 0.0230%, respectively, in the highest tier (VIP 9).

UK crypto exchanges with low maker and taker fees are becoming increasingly popular among traders. They offer a more cost-effective way to buy and sell digital currencies through fee structures designed to minimise trading costs.

Note: While low trading fees may seem the main consideration, always check that an exchange is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and transparent about additional costs such as deposit, withdrawal and inactivity charges. A platform that combines competitive maker and taker fees with appropriate regulatory oversight and robust security features may prove less costly in the long run than an unregistered exchange offering headline-grabbing discounts.

As cryptocurrency trading in the UK grows, traders need to understand maker and taker fees and how they can affect their trading experience. Choosing an exchange with low fees can help traders retain more of any profits and limit the costs that add to losses.

What Are Maker and Taker Fees, and Why Do They Matter?

Maker and taker fees are charged by cryptocurrency exchanges for facilitating trades. Maker fees apply to traders who provide liquidity to the market, while taker fees apply to those who reduce market liquidity.

These fees are an important consideration in crypto trading, as they can eat into profits, especially for high-frequency traders. High fees can also discourage traders from using a particular exchange, which can lead to reduced liquidity and lower trading volumes.

As well as affecting the overall trading experience, maker and taker fees can create a higher barrier to entry for new traders. Understanding this fee structure helps traders make informed decisions about which exchanges to use and how to optimise their strategies. The next section explains when these charges apply.

When Are Maker and Taker Fees Charged?

Maker and taker fees apply in different circumstances:

Maker fees apply when a trader places a new buy or sell order that is not immediately matched with an existing order in the exchange’s order book and is subsequently executed. This can occur when a trader places a limit order to buy or sell a cryptocurrency at a specific price. If the order rests in the order book before being matched, the trader is considered a maker, and the exchange charges a maker fee when the order is executed.
By contrast, taker fees apply when a trader places an order that is immediately matched with an existing order in the exchange’s order book. This can occur when a trader places a market order to buy or sell a cryptocurrency at the current market price. In this scenario, the trader is considered a taker, and the exchange deducts a taker fee from their balance. Taker fees relate to the execution of a matched order, which removes liquidity from the market, rather than the cancellation of an unfilled order.

Maker Fees vs Taker Fees

Maker and taker fees have distinct characteristics. Maker fees are typically lower than taker fees, as makers provide liquidity to the market. By contrast, taker fees are usually higher, as takers reduce market liquidity. The following table illustrates the key differences between maker and taker fees.

Fee Type	Description	Fee Rate	Example
Maker Fee	Charged when a new buy or sell order rests in the order book before being matched and executed.	Typically lower (0.1% to 0.3%)	A trader places a limit order to buy 1 BTC at £62,042, which is not immediately matched.
Taker Fee	Charged to traders who place an order that is immediately matched with an existing order.	Typically higher (0.2% to 0.5%)	A trader places a market order to buy 1 BTC at the current market price of £62,042, which is immediately matched with an existing sell order.

How Can Traders Reduce Maker and Taker Fees on Crypto Exchanges?

Traders can reduce maker and taker fees through several strategies. One common approach is to use limit orders instead of market orders, as limit orders can attract maker fees rather than taker fees if they rest in the order book before being matched.

Traders can also consider exchanges with tiered fee structures, which offer lower fees for higher trading volumes. Some exchanges also offer discounts to clients holding specified amounts of their native tokens.

By taking advantage of these options, traders can lower their long-term costs and increase their potential profits. Below, we summarise the main ways to reduce maker and taker fees:

Choose a low-fee exchange: Research and compare different exchanges’ charges to find the lowest fees for your budget and trading style.
Use limit orders instead of market orders: Limit orders can help you avoid taker fees, which are typically higher than maker fees. Placing a limit order rather than a market order allows you to specify the price at which you want to buy or sell a cryptocurrency. The exchange will charge a maker fee when executing the order if it rested in the order book before being matched.
Trade during off-peak hours: Where an exchange offers lower fees during off-peak periods, such as at night or at weekends, trading at those times can help reduce costs.
Find an exchange with tiered fees: Some exchanges use tiered fee structures, allowing clients to reduce their costs by increasing their trading volume or holding a specified amount of native tokens.
Hold the exchange’s native token: Some exchanges offer trading fee discounts to clients who hold their native tokens. For example, Binance Coin (BNB) holders can qualify for discounts on maker and taker fees on Binance, subject to the exchange’s requirements.
Use a trading bot: Trading bots can help automate your strategy and reduce fees if they are configured to minimise the number of positions you open and close.
Use a decentralised exchange (DEX): Decentralised exchanges (DEXs) can have lower fees than their traditional centralised counterparts because they do not rely on intermediaries to facilitate trades.
Trade in bulk: Where fees are charged per order, trading in bulk can help reduce costs by placing fewer orders and incurring fewer charges.
Monitor and adjust your trading strategy: Monitor your trading fees and adjust your strategy accordingly. If you find that you are incurring high fees, consider changing your approach or using a different exchange.

Hidden Fees at Crypto Exchanges Serving UK Clients

UK traders should check for potential hidden fees when choosing a crypto exchange. Some platforms may apply additional charges to deposits and withdrawals made using certain payment methods. These costs can add up quickly and eat into profits.

Some exchanges may also charge inactivity fees. These apply to clients who have not traded for prolonged periods, usually 3-12 months.

UK traders should carefully review an exchange’s fee structure before opening an account to ensure they understand all charges associated with its services. It is also essential to read reviews and research the exchange to check that it is reputable and transparent about its trading charges.

Are Low-Cost Crypto Exchanges Safe and Compliant With UK Regulations?

Low-cost crypto exchanges can operate safely in the UK, but traders must verify their regulatory status and security measures, as low fees alone do not establish an exchange’s reputation. UK crypto investors should prioritise platforms registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) that comply with UK anti-money laundering and know your customer (KYC) requirements. Reputable exchanges will clearly explain their fee structures, custody arrangements and any insurance protection.

The FCA maintains a warning list that includes unregistered crypto firms, which traders should check before depositing funds with an exchange. For additional security, prioritise exchanges that offer segregated client accounts. Be aware that crypto assets are generally not protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

The following checks can help you assess the security and reputation of your chosen crypto exchange:

FCA Registration: Confirm the exchange’s regulatory status on the official FCA Register.
Transparent Fees: Check for hidden costs such as inactivity, deposit and withdrawal fees.
Security Features: Prioritise exchanges that offer two-factor authentication (2FA) and biometric login options. Ideally, your chosen exchange should undergo regular proof-of-reserves (PoR) audits.

Is It Free to Store Your Crypto Assets on an Exchange?

Storing crypto assets on an exchange is not always free, so this is another potential cost to consider when trading digital currencies. Some exchanges may charge storage fees, also known as wallet or custody fees, for holding cryptocurrencies on their platforms. In some cases, you may also incur fees for transferring funds between wallets or using certain wallet services.

Storage and transfer fees vary depending on the exchange and the type of cryptocurrency held. Some exchanges offer free storage, especially for popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.

UK traders should carefully review a platform’s fee structure before storing their crypto assets to ensure they understand all associated costs. It is also essential to consider the security and ease of use of the exchange’s wallet services.

How UK Traders Should Choose a Crypto Exchange With Low Maker and Taker Fees

UK traders should consider several factors before choosing an exchange. First, they should check that its maker and taker fees are genuinely low, particularly compared with those of its closest competitors.

Before opening an account, traders should assess a few additional factors to ensure a low-cost exchange also meets their individual needs and provides a secure, reliable and intuitive trading experience:

Fee Structure: Understand the exchange’s fee structure, including maker and taker fees, deposit and withdrawal charges and any other potential costs. Look for exchanges with transparent and competitive fee structures.
Security: Ensure the exchange has a strong security and compliance track record. It should use security measures such as two-factor authentication, cold storage and regular security audits.
Reputation: Research the exchange’s reputation online, read reviews and check for any negative feedback or instances of non-compliance.
Regulatory Compliance: Verify that the exchange complies with applicable FCA requirements and UK anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing laws.
Liquidity: Choose an exchange with high liquidity to help you buy and sell cryptocurrencies quickly and at fair prices.
User Interface: Choose an exchange with a user-friendly interface so you can place trades as smoothly as possible.
Customer Support: Look for an exchange with reliable and responsive customer support, available through multiple channels, including email, phone and live chat.
Storage and Wallet Services: Consider the exchange’s storage and wallet services and ensure they are secure and easy to use.
Mobile App: If you plan to trade on the go, consider an exchange with a reliable and user-friendly app available to download from Google Play or the App Store.
Fiat Currency Support: If you intend to trade using fiat currencies, ensure the exchange supports your preferred currency and offers competitive exchange rates.
Compliance With UK Tax Laws: Verify that the exchange complies with UK tax laws and provides the necessary documentation for tax purposes.

FAQs

What Are the Tax Implications of Trading Cryptocurrencies in the UK?

Profits from selling, exchanging or spending cryptocurrencies that have increased in value are generally subject to capital gains tax in the UK. The annual tax-free allowance is £3,000 for the 2025/2026 tax year, with capital gains tax rates determined by your taxable income and gains. The rates are 18% on gains falling within any unused portion of the £37,700 basic-rate income tax band and 24% on gains above that threshold.

Income tax bands can change slightly between tax years, which may affect the rates applicable to your gains. Income tax applies to crypto earnings treated as income, including mining profits. Accurate record-keeping is essential, and HMRC provides detailed guidance. Crypto traders and investors are generally advised to consult a UK tax professional to ensure they comply with UK tax laws.

Can UK-Registered Crypto Exchanges Be Used by Traders Based in Other Countries?

Whether non-UK residents can use FCA-registered crypto exchanges depends on the exchange’s policies and the user’s country of residence. Many UK-registered exchanges follow strict KYC and AML requirements, which require them to verify all users’ identities and countries of residence. Access from certain jurisdictions may be restricted because of regulatory differences or higher assessed risks.

How Do I Protect My Cryptocurrencies From Hackers and Other Security Threats?

It is essential to use a reputable and secure UK crypto exchange. Look for exchanges with strong regulatory compliance records that use two-factor authentication and offer cold storage options. Consider using a hardware wallet as well.

Can I Use a UK Crypto Exchange to Buy and Sell Tokens, Including Those Issued Through ICOs?

Yes, many UK crypto exchanges allow you to buy and sell other digital assets, such as tokens and NFTs, including tokens issued through initial coin offerings (ICOs). The availability of these assets varies by exchange.

How Do I Know if a Crypto Exchange Complies With UK Financial Regulations?

To check a crypto exchange’s regulatory status, verify its registration with the FCA, the UK financial regulator. You can also check the exchange’s website for information about its regulatory compliance and look for certifications from reputable third-party auditors.