SideBySideCrypto
Fee Guide December 2025

Hidden Crypto Exchange Fees: What They Don't Tell You

That "low fee" exchange might be costing you more than you think. Here's where the hidden costs lurk.

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The Hidden Truth

Exchanges make money from spreads, conversion markups, withdrawal fees, and staking commissions—not just the trading fee they advertise. Total costs can be 2-5x the stated fee.

The 5 Hidden Fee Types

1. The Spread

The difference between buy and sell price. On "simple buy" interfaces, the spread can be 0.5-2% ON TOP of the stated fee.

Example: Coinbase shows 1.49% fee but the spread adds another 0.5-1%. True cost: ~2-2.5%.

2. Conversion Markup

When you "convert" between cryptos (BTC → ETH), exchanges often use worse rates than market. No fee shown, but you get less crypto.

Example: Crypto.com app shows "0% fee" for conversions but has 1-2% spread baked into the rate.

3. Deposit Fees

Debit cards (2-4.5%), wire transfers ($10-35), and even some bank deposits have fees. ACH is usually free but not always.

Example: Binance.US debit cards cost 4.5%. A $1,000 deposit loses $45 before you even trade.

4. Withdrawal Fees

Flat fees that can be excessive for small withdrawals. BTC withdrawals often cost $10-20+, ETH can be $15-30.

Example: Withdrawing $100 of BTC with a $15 fee = 15% effective cost on that withdrawal.

5. Staking Commissions

Exchanges advertise "5% APY staking" but take 20-35% of the actual rewards. You could earn 6-7% staking directly.

Example: Coinbase takes 25-35% of staking rewards. Your "5% APY" could be 7%+ native.

True Cost Examples

Scenario Stated Fee True Cost
Coinbase simple buy 1.49% ~2-2.5%
Crypto.com app swap "0%" 1-2% spread
Debit card + trade "2.49% + 0.60%" 3.5-4%+
Small withdrawal ($100 BTC) "Network fee" 10-20%

How to See Real Prices

  1. 1. Use pro/advanced interfaces — They show actual order book prices, not spread-inflated quotes
  2. 2. Compare to market price — Check CoinGecko/CoinMarketCap before buying
  3. 3. Calculate total cost — Add deposit + trading + (eventual) withdrawal fees
  4. 4. Check withdrawal fees before depositing — Know your exit costs upfront

Most Transparent Exchanges

  • Kraken — Clear maker/taker fees, minimal spread on pro interface
  • Binance.US — Simple 0.10% with no hidden spread on limit orders
  • Gemini ActiveTrader — Transparent fees, 10 free withdrawals offset exit costs

The Bottom Line

The "stated fee" is often just the beginning. Always calculate deposit + trading + spread + withdrawal to know your true cost. Use pro interfaces, ACH deposits, and batch withdrawals to minimize what you actually pay.

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