Most platforms that advertise "zero fees" use one of three models to offset their operating costs:
: Platforms like Coinbase One (at $29.99/month ) eliminate trading fees for users but charge a flat monthly subscription instead.
Traders often use a "barbell strategy" to minimize total costs: How to Buy Crypto Without Any Fees? - OKX buying cryptocurrency without fees
: While it may be free to buy the crypto, some exchanges charge high fees to move that crypto to your own private wallet.
: Some platforms charge "dormant account fees" ranging from $5 to $10 per month if you don't trade for a set period. Most platforms that advertise "zero fees" use one
: "Zero-fee" platforms often have slightly higher prices when you buy and lower prices when you sell compared to the actual market rate.
The "deep story" of no-fee trading is often found in the fine print, where costs reappear in different forms: : Some platforms charge "dormant account fees" ranging
: Exchanges such as MEXC and Revolut X offer 0% maker fees (for limit orders that add liquidity), but they often still charge a "taker fee" (around 0.05% to 0.09%) for market orders that remove liquidity.