Trading Education

Understanding Maker vs. Taker Fees

The difference between these two fee types can cost you thousands. Learn how the order book works and how to always pay the lower fee.

10 min read
Updated: January 2026

Maker

Lower Fees

Adds liquidity to the order book
Uses limit orders that don't fill immediately
"Makes" the market by providing prices
Typically 50-80% lower fees
Typical Fee
0.08%
with TRADEOFF20

Taker

Higher Fees

Removes liquidity from the order book
Uses market orders or aggressive limits
"Takes" existing orders from the book
Instant execution at higher cost
Typical Fee
0.10%
standard rate

Interactive Order Book Demo

See how maker and taker orders interact with the order book in real-time.

Asks (Sell Orders)
$50,1001.5 BTC
$50,0502.3 BTC
$50,0250.8 BTC
$50,0103.2 BTC
$50,0051.1 BTC
Bids (Buy Orders)
$49,9952.1 BTC
$49,9901.8 BTC
$49,9754.2 BTC
$49,9502.5 BTC
$49,9005 BTC
Click "Run Demo" to see a maker order in action

How to Always Pay Maker Fees

Follow these simple rules to ensure you're paying the lowest fees on every trade.

1

Use Limit Orders, Not Market Orders

Market orders always execute as taker. Limit orders can be maker if set correctly.

Set your buy price below the current price, or sell price above.
2

Enable "Post Only" Mode

Most exchanges have a "Post Only" option that ensures your order is maker only.

If the order would execute immediately, it gets rejected instead.
3

Check the Order Book Spread

Place your order within the spread (between best bid and ask) to guarantee maker status.

Example: If bid is $50,000 and ask is $50,010, place at $50,005.
4

Be Patient

Maker orders may take time to fill. This is the trade-off for lower fees.

For urgent trades, taker fees might be worth the instant execution.

Exchange Fee Comparison

Compare maker and taker fees across major exchanges. Use our referral codes for extra savings!

ExchangeMaker FeeTaker FeeWith CodeAction
Binance
Code: TRADEOFF20
0.1%0.1%0.08%/0.08%Sign Up
OKX
Code: TRADEOFF20
0.08%0.1%0.064%/0.08%Sign Up
Bybit
Code: J61ZYG
0.1%0.1%0.1%/0.1%Sign Up
Gate.io
Code: MAXSAVER
0.2%0.2%0.16%/0.16%Sign Up

Real Savings Example

Monthly Volume
$100,000
With Taker Fees
$100/mo
With Maker Fees
$64/mo
$432/year saved

just by using limit orders + TRADEOFF20 code

Binance - 20% OFFOKX - 20% OFF

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Articles

How to Lower Your Crypto Trading Fees

Complete guide to reducing trading costs by up to 80%.

Spot vs. Futures Trading

Compare fee structures and risks of both trading types.

Transfer USDT with Low Fees

Learn which networks have the lowest transfer fees.

How to Read a Crypto Order Book

Understand order books to place better maker and taker orders.