Understanding Fee Tiers

Most exchanges offer tiered fee structures that reward higher trading volumes with lower fees. Learn how these tiers work and how to qualify for better rates.

How Fee Tiers Work

Exchanges calculate your fee tier based on your trading activity over the past 30 days. Higher volume means lower fees. Some exchanges also consider token holdings (like BNB or OKB) when determining your tier.

Example: Binance VIP Tiers

Regular< $1M
Maker: 0.100%Taker: 0.100%
VIP 1>= $1M
Maker: 0.090%Taker: 0.100%
VIP 2>= $5M
Maker: 0.080%Taker: 0.100%
VIP 3>= $20M
Maker: 0.070%Taker: 0.090%
VIP 9>= $4B
Maker: 0.020%Taker: 0.040%

Factors That Affect Your Tier

  • Trading Volume:Your total trading volume over the past 30 days (usually in USD or BTC)
  • Token Holdings:Some exchanges offer better tiers if you hold their native token
  • Account Balance:A few exchanges consider your total account balance
  • Market Type:Spot and futures often have separate tier calculations

Tips for Better Fee Tiers

1. Consolidate Trading

Instead of spreading volume across multiple exchanges, focus your trading on one or two platforms to reach higher tiers faster.

2. Consider Token Holdings

If you trade frequently on an exchange, holding their token might qualify you for a better tier with less volume required.

3. Apply for Market Maker Programs

Professional traders can apply for market maker programs that offer significantly better rates than standard VIP tiers.

Start with Referral Discounts

While building up your trading volume for better tiers, use referral codes to get immediate discounts. These stack with tier-based reductions, giving you the best possible rates from day one.