Understanding Crypto Fees: Spreads, Maker/Taker and Network Fees
The single biggest avoidable cost in crypto is not a crash — it is fees you did not realise you were paying. They hide in spreads, trading screens, withdrawals and the blockchain itself. Learn the four types and you can cut your costs dramatically.
Key takeaways
- The one-tap "instant buy" carries a wide spread — often 10x the cost of a normal trade.
- Trading fees come as "maker" and "taker" rates; makers usually pay less.
- Deposit/withdrawal and on-chain network (gas) fees are separate again.
- A few simple habits can slash what you pay.
1. The spread (instant buy)
Most apps offer a one-tap "instant buy". It is convenient and it is the most expensive way to buy crypto. The cost is hidden in the spread — the gap between the price you pay and the true market price — often around 1% or more. Using the exchange's market or "pro" trading screen instead typically cuts this to a fraction. On a large buy, that difference is real money.
2. Maker and taker fees
On the trading screen, fees usually come in two flavours. A taker fee applies when you take an existing order off the book (a market order, filled instantly). A maker fee — usually lower, sometimes zero — applies when you place a limit order that adds liquidity and waits to be filled. If you are patient, using limit orders can lower your fees. Rates commonly range from around 0.1% to 0.6% depending on the exchange and your volume.
3. Deposit and withdrawal fees
How you fund and remove money matters. Bank transfers and services like PayID are usually free; card deposits often carry an extra fee. Withdrawing crypto to your own wallet may carry a fixed fee that varies by coin and network. Always check before you move funds.
4. Network (gas) fees
Separate from any exchange, the blockchain itself charges a fee — often called "gas" on Ethereum — to process on-chain transactions. This goes to the network, not the exchange, and rises and falls with congestion. It applies whenever you send crypto between wallets. Some networks are far cheaper than others, which is worth knowing before you transfer.
How to pay far less
- Use the market/pro screen, never the instant buy, for anything beyond a token amount.
- Use limit orders to pay the lower maker fee where you can.
- Fund with free methods (bank transfer/PayID) rather than card.
- Choose a genuinely low-fee exchange — compare them in our best exchanges guide and side-by-side comparison tool.
- Batch your withdrawals and move on-chain when the network is quieter to save on gas.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the "instant buy" more expensive than trading?
The one-tap instant buy bakes a wide spread into the price — often around 1% or more — as the cost of convenience. Using an exchange's market or "pro" trading screen instead typically drops the fee to a fraction of that, commonly around 0.1–0.6%.
What are network or gas fees?
Network fees (often called "gas" on Ethereum) are paid to the blockchain itself to process your transaction, not to the exchange. They vary with network congestion and have nothing to do with which exchange you use — they apply whenever you move crypto on-chain.
Related reading
This article is general information for Australian and global crypto users, not financial, tax or legal advice. Crypto is volatile and you can lose money. Always do your own research and, where relevant, speak to a licensed adviser or registered tax agent. We may earn a commission from some links, at no cost to you — it never changes what we recommend.