Lowest Fee Crypto Perpetual Exchanges

Finding the most cost-effective perpetual exchanges requires analyzing more than just base trading rates. Our selection focuses on platforms offering 0% maker fees, specialized USDC promotions, and unique decentralized models that eliminate standard transaction costs for retail participants.

We segmented this list by evaluating centralized leaders against emerging decentralized protocols to provide a balanced overview. Each exchange was chosen based on specific fee nuances, including native token discounts, payment for order flow systems, and high-leverage risk management tools.

The following table summarizes the fee structures and max leverage for our top 6 picks:

Lowest Fee Crypto Perpetual Exchanges

We filtered perpetual platforms by all-in execution cost: headline maker and taker rates, how maker versus taker is assigned, and whether discounts or tiers meaningfully change real fees. We also checked when special schedules apply and how quickly they can change.

Next, we segmented by venue type, CEX versus perpetual DEX, and prioritized venues with consistently low taker fees, true zero or near-zero maker, and transparent funding and liquidation mechanics. Only official documentation was used, with Datawallet as the sole cross-check source.

1. MEXC

We rank MEXC as the number one low-cost perpetual exchange because of its attractive 0% maker fee structure. This unique policy allows traders to provide liquidity without incurring any costs, making it the most cost-effective option for professional limit order strategies.

For market takers, the 0.02% fee is highly competitive compared to industry giants. Users can further reduce these expenses by holding MX tokens, which typically unlocks a 50% discount on all trading activities, ensuring high-volume traders maximize their profitability.

MEXC leads the market with 500x leverage on major assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. This extreme flexibility is paired with an 8 hour funding cycle, though dynamic adjustments occur during periods of intense market volatility to maintain stable contract pricing.

Pros

• Maker fees are permanently maintained at 0% for everyone.
• Holding MX tokens provides a massive 50% fee discount.
• Traders can access 500x leverage on major perpetual pairs.

Cons

• Taker fees apply to all market order execution types.
• Funding rates may increase during extreme market volatility periods.
• Regional restrictions limit availability for certain international trading jurisdictions.

2. Lighter

Lighter is the leading perpetual DEX for low fees because it offers a 0% fee model for retail traders. Built on its own Ethereum Layer 2, it provides decentralized security with centralized speed, allowing participants to trade without any maker or taker costs.

While standard accounts pay nothing, the platform uses a payment for order flow system to maintain this free tier. Premium high-frequency traders can opt for a paid tier with 0.002% maker and 0.02% taker fees to access lower latency and execution advantages.

Traders can access up to 50x leverage on major assets through a verifiable order book. This architecture uses ZK-rollups to ensure every liquidation and trade remains transparent on-chain, bridging the gap between high-performance execution and the trustless nature of DeFi.

Pros

• Standard accounts enjoy 0% maker and taker fees.
• ZK-rollup technology ensures decentralized security for all users.
• High throughput matching engine provides near-instant trade execution.

Cons

• Maximum leverage is capped at 50x for majors.
• Forced liquidations incur a 1% fee on notional value.
• HFT traders must pay for low latency premium tiers.

3. KCEX

KCEX is the third most economical perpetual exchange because its fee schedule targets high-frequency traders. By offering a 0% maker fee, the platform allows limit order traders to maintain deep liquidity without paying for position entry.

Market takers are charged a flat 0.01% fee, which is currently one of the lowest rates available on a centralized platform. This fee structure works well for traders who execute large market orders and need to keep transaction overhead at a minimum.

Traders can access up to 100x leverage on major assets without mandatory KYC requirements, though withdrawal limits apply to unverified accounts. The platform uses an 8 hour funding interval to ensure that perpetual contract prices remain closely aligned with the spot market.

Pros

• Maker fees are permanently fixed at 0% for perps.
• Taker fees are set at a low 0.01% rate.
• No mandatory KYC is required to start trading derivatives.

Cons

• Users report frequent account freezes during periods of volatility.
• Platform history is much shorter than established global competitors.
• Customer support response times are often inconsistent during peaks.

4. Binance

Binance, another excellent low-fee centralized perpetuals exchange, offers a specialized USDC futures fee promotion. This limited-time structure provides a 0% maker fee for all users, enabling high-frequency traders to provide liquidity without incurring any execution costs on their trades.

Taker orders for regular participants currently carry a 0.04% fee, which is lower than the standard USDT market rates. By holding and using BNB for fees, users can access an additional 10% discount, further reducing their net taker costs on Binance.

The platform supports 125x leverage on major assets with funding cycles occurring every 8 hours for most pairs. This deep liquidity environment ensures minimal slippage for large positions, while the secure insurance fund protects users from extreme market volatility risks.

Pros

• Maker fees are set at 0% for USDC perps.
• BNB holders receive an additional 10% trading fee discount.
• Deep liquidity ensures minimal slippage for large position sizes.

Cons

• Mandatory KYC verification is required for all global accounts.
• Complex VIP tier systems are difficult for beginners to navigate.
• Promotional fee periods are temporary and subject to change.

5. edgeX

We rank EdgeX next for its professional-grade decentralized perps. Built on StarkEx Layer 2, it delivers centralized exchange performance while ensuring users maintain full self-custody of their digital assets through cryptographically secure on-chain settlement protocols.

The platform offers a competitive fee structure starting at 0.015% for makers and 0.038% for takers. These low rates, combined with institutional-grade liquidity, allow active traders to execute high-volume strategies with minimal slippage and significantly lower overhead than traditional DEX alternatives.

Traders can access up to 100x leverage on over 95 trading pairs without mandatory KYC requirements. The exchange utilizes a central limit order book and supports advanced sub-account management, making it an ideal choice for algorithmic traders seeking privacy and transparency.

Pros

• Maker fees are highly competitive at 0.015% rates.
• Users maintain full self-custody through ZK-rollup technology.
• No KYC is required for global derivative trading access.

Cons

• Withdrawal fees vary based on Ethereum network congestion levels.
• Platform liquidity is primarily concentrated in major trading pairs.
• Mobile application features are still evolving for pro users.

6. Aster

Final on our list is Aster because it intersects crypto and global equities. Traders can access traditional stocks like Tesla 24/7 with yield-bearing collateral. Its multi-chain infrastructure eliminates the need for bridging assets while maintaining high performance execution.

The platform offers a low 0.005% maker fee and a 0.04% taker fee for perpetual futures. Users can secure an additional 5% discount by paying fees with the native $ASTER token, making it 1 of the most efficient decentralized options.

Aster stands out with Shield Mode, which provides 1001x leverage for extreme market exposure. This feature is paired with MEV resistance to protect traders from front-running, ensuring that private high-leverage positions remain secure from predatory on-chain liquidation bots.

Pros

• Maker fees are remarkably low at just 0.005% rates.
• Traders earn passive yield on their active margin collateral.
• Stock perpetuals allow 24/7 exposure to global equity markets.

Cons

• Extreme 1001x leverage significantly increases the risk of liquidation.
• Promotional zero fee tiers are restricted to specific stock pairs.
• Platform complexity may be overwhelming for most retail traders.

What is a Crypto Perpetual Exchange?

A crypto perpetual exchange allows traders to speculate on asset prices without an expiration date. Unlike traditional futures, these contracts use a funding rate mechanism to keep the price aligned with the spot market, enabling long-term position management with high capital efficiency and leverage.

Centralized exchanges (CEX) like Binance provide high liquidity and fiat access through custodial order books. In contrast, decentralized exchanges (DEX) such as Lighter or EdgeX use on-chain smart contracts. This allows for full self-custody, privacy, and trading directly from a user's wallet.

Recent data shows how quickly onchain perps are scaling. The Block reported perpetual futures DEX volume topping $1 trillion in September 2025, then hitting a record $1.2 trillion in October 2025, driven by incentives and liquidation flows alongside heavier retail participation.

How Do Fees Work in Crypto Perpetual Exchanges?

In crypto perpetual exchanges, fees are essential for maintaining liquidity and market stability. They typically include execution costs, interest payments, and liquidation penalties across platforms.

Understanding these costs is vital for maximizing your trading profits:

• Maker Fees: Traders pay 0% to 0.02% when adding liquidity via limit orders that are not filled immediately by the engine.
• Taker Fees: These range from 0.01% to 0.06% and apply when market orders remove existing liquidity from the current order book.
• Funding Rates: Periodic payments exchanged between long and short positions every 8 hours to keep perpetual prices aligned with spot markets.
• Liquidation Fees: Penalty charges of 0.5% to 1.5% applied when a position's margin falls below the required maintenance level for safety.
• Execution Gas: Decentralized platforms may require small network gas fees to process smart contract transactions on the underlying blockchain layer.
• Withdrawal Fees: Fixed or percentage-based costs incurred when moving assets from the exchange wallet to an external private storage system.
• Token Discounts: Many exchanges offer 10% to 50% fee reductions if users hold or pay using the platform's native utility token.
• Slippage Costs: Indirect expenses caused by the difference between the expected price and the actual execution price during high market volatility.

How to Save on Fees When Trading Crypto Perps

To maximize your trading capital, you must actively manage the various costs associated with perpetual contracts. While individual fees may seem small, high-frequency trading or large positions can quickly erode your realized profits if you ignore the platform's specific fee structure.

One of the most effective strategies is utilizing native exchange tokens like BNB or ASTER to pay for transaction costs. Most major platforms offer a 10% to 25% discount when fees are settled using their internal utility assets rather than stablecoins.

Prioritizing limit orders instead of market orders can considerably reduce your overhead by earning maker rebates or paying lower rates. Many exchanges, such as KCEX or MEXC, offer 0% maker fees, allowing you to enter and exit positions for free.

Finally, always monitor funding rates before opening long-term positions to avoid paying high interest to the opposing side. Switching to USDC-margined pairs during promotional periods can also provide temporary 0% fee windows, further lowering the total cost of your trades.

Risks of Using Low-Fee Crypto Perpetual Exchanges

While low-fee exchanges reduce trading costs, they often introduce specific risks that can impact your capital. Understanding these trade-offs is essential for long-term safety.

Be aware of these potential dangers before trading:

• Liquidation Risk: High leverage combined with low fees can lead to sudden account liquidation during even minor market price fluctuations.
• Platform Security: Some low-cost exchanges may prioritize aggressive fee structures over solid security protocols, increasing the risk of potential hacks.
• Limited Liquidity: Lower fees do not always guarantee deep order books, which can result in significant slippage during large trades.
• Regulatory Uncertainty: Many budget-friendly platforms operate in gray areas, posing risks of sudden service interruptions or account freezes by authorities.
• Insurance Fund: Smaller exchanges might have insufficient insurance funds to cover systemic losses during extreme and volatile market "black swan" events.
• Operational Downtime: High-traffic periods can cause technical lag or system outages on platforms that underinvest in their primary server infrastructure.
• Oracle Vulnerability: Decentralized low-fee options may rely on specific price oracles that are susceptible to manipulation or temporary data feed errors.
• Counterparty Risk: In some models, the exchange or other traders act as the counterparty, potentially leading to conflicts of interest.

Bottom Line

Choosing the right perpetual exchange depends on whether you prioritize absolute 0% fees on Lighter or the deep liquidity found on top centralized exchanges.

For most retail traders, KCEX and MEXC offer the best balance between low taker costs and a wide variety of available assets, while Binance is a great option if you are willing to trade using USDC.

Ultimately, your decision should align with your specific trading frequency and whether you require the security of self-custody or centralized exchange convenience.