Zero-Fee Crypto Trading: Which Exchanges Actually Offer It?
"Free" trading sounds great. But is it really free? Let's examine the fine print.
Reality Check
True zero-fee trading is rare and usually comes with catches: wider spreads, no withdrawals, or limited coins. Low-fee exchanges (0.10%) are often better than "free" ones when you account for spread.
"Zero Fee" Options Examined
Robinhood Crypto
Advertises "commission-free" crypto trading.
No stated trading fee, easy UI, stocks + crypto in one app
~0.5-1% spread, limited coins, can't withdraw crypto to wallet
Verdict: Not truly free—spread costs more than low-fee exchanges.
Coinbase One ($29.99/month)
Subscription removes trading fees on simple buy/sell.
$0 trading fees, priority support, account protection
$30/month cost, spread still applies, only worth it if trading $2K+/month
Verdict: Only makes sense for high-volume simple-buy users. Advanced Trade is cheaper for most.
Promotional Zero-Fee Periods
Some exchanges temporarily offer 0% fees for new users or specific pairs.
Actually free while it lasts
Temporary, specific pairs only, regular fees return
Verdict: Take advantage when available, but don't count on it long-term.
DEX Limit Orders
Some DEXs like dYdX offer 0% maker fees on limit orders.
True 0% trading fee, self-custody
Gas fees to get in/out, learning curve, limited to DeFi users
Verdict: Actually free trading, but requires DeFi knowledge and has other costs.
The Spread Problem
⚠️ "Free" Often Means Hidden Spread
When there's no stated fee, the cost is usually in the spread (difference between buy and sell price). A 0.5% spread on a "free" platform costs more than 0.10% fees on Binance.US.
• Robinhood "free" + 0.5% spread = $5 cost
• Binance.US 0.10% fee + minimal spread = $1 cost
Better Than "Free"
| Exchange | Fee | Spread | True Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Binance.US | 0.10% | Minimal | ~0.10% |
| Kraken Pro | 0.16% | Minimal | ~0.16% |
| Robinhood | "Free" | 0.5-1% | ~0.5-1% |
When "Free" Makes Sense
- ✓ Very small amounts — On a $50 trade, spread difference is under $0.50
- ✓ You won't withdraw — Robinhood users keeping crypto on-platform
- ✓ Convenience matters most — All-in-one stock + crypto in one app
- ✓ Limited-time promotions — True 0% fee periods from major exchanges
The Bottom Line
"Free" usually isn't free—it's hidden in the spread. Low-fee exchanges like Binance.US (0.10%) and Kraken (0.16%) typically cost less than "commission-free" platforms. Do the math on your actual execution price, not just the stated fee.
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