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Finding crypto exchanges with no fees: a guide for new investors

Crypto Trading | Users Seek Zero-Fee Exchanges Amid Rising Frustration

By

Emily Chang

May 20, 2025, 09:41 AM

Edited By

Ali Khan

2 minutes needed to read

A person looking at a computer screen displaying a list of cryptocurrency exchanges with zero fees, emphasizing user-friendly options for new investors.
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A growing number of investors are questioning the fees associated with popular crypto exchanges. Recent talks on forums reveal a wave of discontent as traders report unexpected charges when buying or transferring Bitcoin. Are there exchanges that truly offer no fees?

User Experiences with Hidden Fees

Many new investors are struggling with the reality of fees as they embark on their crypto journey. One user recently voiced their frustration, stating, "As I kept buying more bitcoin, the app starts to show its true colors."

This sentiment echoes throughout various discussions where individuals express a desire for exchanges that charge no fees or are at least upfront about their costs.

Market Landscape and Fee Structures

In the comments, several users shared their insights on fee structures:

  • Most established exchanges charge low single-digit percentages.

  • For example, Coinbase Advanced has a maker fee of 0.6%, while standard Coinbase can reach around 7%.

  • Another option noted is Kraken Pro, which waives fees after setting up recurring buys.

One user quipped, "Buy a time machine then,” reflecting the frustration of those wishing to avoid these costs entirely.

"Make sure you're using the advanced/pro version of whatever exchange," one commentator advised.

Ongoing Concerns and Caution

Amid these discussions, there’s a clear warning about scammers targeting new investors who may be uninformed. "Scammers are particularly active If you receive private messages, be careful," cautioned one user in an automated response.

Key Takeaways

  • ◀️ Users express dissatisfaction with unexpected fees from exchanges.

  • ➀ Coinbase Advanced offers a competitive maker fee of 0.6%, while some exchanges may charge more.

  • ⚠️ Caution advised due to active scam operations targeting unsuspecting traders.

Coinbase and Kraken offer some of the best-known fee structures, but investors are still searching for an option that allows trading without any hidden charges. The demand for transparent and low-cost platforms seems likely to grow as the interest in crypto continues to rise.

Future Trends in Zero-Fee Crypto Trading

There’s a strong chance that the demand for zero-fee crypto exchanges will push established players to lower their fees in the coming months. As complaints about hidden charges circulate among investors, exchanges might feel the pressure to enhance transparency. A significant number of traders could shift to platforms that offer no fees or clear pricing models, potentially creating a scenario where around 30% of users migrate to these alternatives in the next year. With crypto trading gaining more mainstream momentum under President Trump’s administration, the competitive landscape will likely heat up as more players enter the market seeking to attract this growing base of investors.

A Lesson from the Dot-Com Boom

Looking back, the dot-com boom of the late 1990s offers an interesting parallel. Startups emerged rapidly, many with unclear cost structures or hidden fees, luring users with the promise of a digital revolution. Just as unclear pricing led to distrust among consumers then, today’s investors face similar frustrations with fees. This historical context highlights the importance of transparency, suggesting that crypto exchanges without clear fee structures may face a rough road aheadβ€”much like those early tech companies that faltered when trust was broken.