Best Free Crypto Trading Platform

Bybit has become a prominent name in the crypto world, especially as one of the best free crypto trading platforms, thanks to its fee structure.

It started out as a crypto exchange that specialized only in derivatives trading (and it still does), but it has also developed a robust spot market that enables users to trade, exchange, deposit, and withdraw multiple cryptocurrencies.

One of the primary factors driving Bybit's growth is its ability to offer a significant advantage as one of the most affordable cryptocurrency exchanges available. To shed light on this matter, let's talk about how the Bybit fee structure works.

Bybit operates on a tiered fee system based on your trading volume. Depending on how many cryptocurrencies you trade, you may fall into one of 12 tiers. The tiers go from VIP 0 to Supreme VIP (essentially, the sixth level), after which you start at Pro 1 and go to Pro 5.

When trading at the VIP 0 level on Bybit:

• Spot market makers and takers incur a 0.1% trading fee;
• Futures market makers incur a 0.02% fee, while takers - a 0.055% fee;
• Options market makers and takers incur a 0.02% fee.

However, by trading larger sums of cryptocurrencies and advancing to higher tiers, traders can reduce their fees.

Spot market makers can reduce their fees to as low as 0.005% at the Pro 5 level, while takers reduce them to 0.015% at the same level. The derivatives market is where things get exciting, though. Perpetual and futures market makers don't have to pay any fees once they reach the Pro 3 level, while option market makers have no fees at the Pro 5 level.

So, that’s exactly why Bybit should be included in any list of the best free crypto trading platforms.

Setting the fee structure aside, Bybit is also known for providing access to one of the broadest selections of cryptocurrencies - over 1,100.

Moreover, when it comes to security, Bybit doesn’t stay behind as well. The platform uses multi-signature wallets to ensure that all transactions are secure and protected. Additionally, it offers two-factor authentication (2FA) to all users, adding an extra layer of security to their accounts.

Furthermore, if you're seeking a platform that's both easy and intuitive, Bybit could be your perfect choice. Thanks to its streamlined interface and straightforward navigation, it's widely regarded as user-friendly.

This is mainly due to its customizable trading interface, which allows users to tailor the platform to their individual needs, making it a comfortable and seamless trading experience. Pretty nice, huh?

So, Bybit is undoubtedly one of the best free crypto trading platforms currently available. Its zero trading fee policy for high-volume derivatives market makers, advanced trading tools, excellent security measures, and user-friendly platform, make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to trade cryptocurrencies.

When talking about the best free crypto trading platforms available, you can’t forget to mention Binance! The platform was launched in 2017, and since then, it has built a good reputation and a loyal community.

This is all due to the fact that Binance has some pretty interesting benefits and features.

For example, this well-known platform has a large selection of cryptocurrencies, allowing users to trade, buy and hold more than 500 digital assets and trade thousands of trading pairs. When it comes to the diversity of digital assets, Binance is a top-notch exchange platform!

Furthermore, Binance is renowned for its high trading volume, which translates to excellent liquidity for customers. That said, Binance might seem overly complicated and not suitable for beginners. However, that’s not the case at all!

On the contrary, one of Binance's key features is its user-friendly interface, which makes the trading experience easy for new and experienced users alike!

When it comes to Binance’s perks, though, it doesn’t end there, because I still have to mention the reason why Binance is included in this list of best free crypto exchanges: it has a zero-fee trading program.

This program allows you to trade BTC on the BTC/TUSD spot trading pair offered by the platform. Keep in mind that in this program, makers don't have to pay any trading fees, while for takers, the fees apply as usual.

By the way, for those of you who don't know, trading pairs are created by pairing two currencies together and assigning them an exchange rate. It refers to the simultaneous buying and selling of two different cryptocurrencies on the spot market, with immediate delivery of the assets.

What’s more, Binance also had a zero trading fee promotion for the BUSD/USDT stablecoin pair. While the program has no expiration date, the promotion, on the other hand, was only available until June 2023. Those interested in Bitcoin trading had to hurry up so they would not miss out on the opportunity to trade without any costs.

If you missed it, that's okay. Binance tends to launch many promotions like this one, which you can find on their website.

That said, even though Binance offers a wide selection of digital assets eligible for trading, the platform only extends its zero-fee program to a very small portion of crypto pairs. This can be a disadvantage to some.

If this doesn’t fit your profile and goals, though, don’t dismiss Binance just yet, as this platform is known for having some of the lowest trading fees on the market and ways to reduce them close to zero.

Initially, the fees start at 0.1% (which is already a great price, by the way). If you use the BNB token to cover these fees, you can get a 25% discount. But that's not all, by increasing your 30-day trading volume and BNB balance, you increase your VIP level, which decreases the fees further.

Once you reach the 9th VIP level, maker fees are reduced to 0.012%, while taker fees are reduced to 0.024% (plus, you can use BNB to reduce them by an additional 25%).

Therefore, as a popular exchange platform with low fees, Binance surely deserves a shot, especially if you are interested in trading Bitcoin for free.

Coinbase is one of the most used exchange platforms worldwide and it also deserves the title of one of the best free crypto trading platforms. This comes as no surprise, considering it’s a well-rounded platform where users can buy, trade, discover, and manage digital assets.

In addition, Coinbase is very strict with its security protocols, making it one of the safest crypto exchanges out there. The simplicity of its interface is also worth mentioning – it’s very clean, which helps users not feel overwhelmed when navigating through the platform. This is especially good for beginners.

Now, when it comes to fees, Coinbase crypto purchasing fees depend on the number of assets being purchased or the user’s country of residence and can vary from 1.49% to 3.99%. As for spot trading fees, maker fees start at 0.4%, while taker fees start at 0.6%.

Yes, these initial fees are pretty high. So, you might wonder, “Why is Coinbase on a list of the best free crypto trading platforms?”. Well, that’s because the platform provides special benefits for high-volume traders and members of Coinbase One.

Let's start with the former. While the trading fees start at 0.4% for makers and 0.6% for takers, they can be reduced by increasing your 30-day trading volume. Taker fees can be reduced to as low as 0.05% (with $400,000,000+ 30-day trading volume), while maker fees can be reduced to ZERO (with $250,000,000+ 30-day trading volume).

I know the volumes are pretty high, but then you have the second option for fee-free trading – Coinbase One, a subscription product launched in 2022. For $29.99 a month, eligible users can trade with zero fees. They also get other benefits, such as access to phone support 24/7, a $1M account protection, and a pre-filled form 8949 in Coinbase Taxes.

Seems like a deal, right? Admittedly, it’s quite appealing, considering you know you will be investing in a great exchange platform. However, it does have some downsides.

Firstly, there is a limit to the amount of money you can trade for free - if you surpass it, you will have to pay regular trading fees. The volume limit is provided in the account settings, so, if you already have a Coinbase account and are interested in this product, don’t forget to check that out.

Secondly, Coinbase One is only accessible to US-based users. Though, that is the only requirement for this product - besides having to sign up on Coinbase, of course.

Thirdly, Coinbase fee-free trading is only available for the Simple Trade feature on Coinbase. This feature is the straightforward process of buying and selling cryptocurrencies specifically targeted toward novice traders. However, this is not as much of a downside if Simple Trade fits your profile!

For those who want more advanced trading possibilities, there is Coinbase's Advanced Trade feature. As the name suggests, it is made for experienced traders who might want to use more complex trading strategies and tools. Though it does not offer zero fees.

Overall, regardless if you are a new or an experienced trader, Coinbase's option of free-of-charge crypto trading is a great option, especially if you're looking for a platform that delivers high liquidity in a safe and secure system.

Kraken enables users to buy and sell various cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies. It was founded in 2011 and has built quite a good reputation, especially as one of the cheapest exchanges in the market. In fact, Kraken, without a doubt, deserves the spot of one of the best free crypto trading platforms.

Yes, Kraken’s fees go as low as zero - in other words, you can trade with a 0% fee!

However, the fees actually range from 0% to 0.4% and depend on several factors. For one, they depend on whether you are buying or selling. When buying, the initial fee is 0.25%, while when selling, it's 0.4%. However, the fees get lower as you increase your personal 30-day trading volume.

If you want to trade for free on Kraken, you'll have to increase your trading volume to $10,000,000+. Thus, only high-volume traders can benefit from zero-fee trading.

However, even if you don't get zero fees, the discounts you get by increasing your trading volume over $10,000 and up are pretty decent, too.

Now, regarding the range of crypto assets available, Kraken might not compare to exchanges like Binance, as it offers as little over 200 cryptocurrencies. However, let’s be real, most people focus on 2 or 3 assets, so having a huge range is not really necessary for most traders.

Moreover, one of Kraken's most important attributes is its high level of security. The platform uses a multi-layered security approach to protect users' funds, including two-factor authentication, cold storage, and encrypted data storage.

Additionally, Kraken is fully regulated and compliant with applicable laws, giving users peace of mind regarding the safety of their funds.

It also offers advanced trading features, such as margin trading and futures trading.

On the other hand, Kraken's customer support has been criticized as less than optimal compared to other platforms. However, the company improved it over time, so the situation has changed.

Overall, Kraken allows cryptocurrency trading free of charge and provides secure and advanced trading tools, making it an attractive option for traders of all skill levels.

KuCoin, the altcoin exchange that made its debut in 2017, has made a name for itself in the market as one of the best free crypto trading platforms.

What started as a platform for trading cryptocurrencies and derivatives has grown into a versatile platform that also allows the purchase of crypto with fiat currencies, including the more niche assets.

KuCoin even ventures into the world of non-fungible tokens, providing a platform for buying, selling, and trading these digital collectibles.

Besides, this exchange has captured the attention of both novice and seasoned traders due to its range of cryptocurrencies - it supports more than 700 - and user-friendly interface.

Furthermore, KuCoin's commitment to protecting user accounts and funds is also noteworthy, with a two-factor authentication system and significant storage of funds in cold storage to ward off hacking attempts.

However, what truly catches the eye when it comes to KuCoin is its competitive trading fees, which begin at 0.1% for both market makers and takers. As if that is not low enough, the platform even allows this rate to drop, going down to -0.005% for makers. Yup, that's a negative fee rate.

Now, let's get into more detail. Initially, both maker and taker fees for spot trading on Kraken are 0.1%. However, they can be decreased by increasing your 30-day trading volume or KCS holdings.

You can decrease maker fees to as low as -0.005% by holding over 150,000 KCS tokens or trading over 950,000,000 in USDT. With the same numbers, taker fees can be reduced to 0.025%. Then, you can also reduce the fees further by using KCS to cover them (by 20%, to be exact).

By the way, makers reach the 0% trading fee mark once they have at least 80,000 KCS tokens or a trading volume of over 350,000,000 in USDT.  This certainly makes KuCoin an ideal choice for frequent traders, right?

What’s more, KuCoin has even introduced the 'KuCoin Convert' feature that allows free swaps of crypto assets. This is another reason that makes KuCoin a great platform for cryptocurrency trading free of charge.

All in all, KuCoin is a reliable and secure platform that offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies. It’s a great option for anyone looking to trade cryptocurrencies without incurring high fees.

HTX (previously Huobi), established in 2013, is one of the longest-running cryptocurrency exchanges. Its longevity is a testament to its efficiency and safety. What’s more, HTX's fee structure further justifies its inclusion on this list of the best free crypto trading platforms.

Here’s why: you can trade with no fees via HTX's P2P trading feature. Besides, the platform sometimes introduces fee-free trading promotions.

Speaking of the usual spot trading fee structure, HTX charges a maximum fee rate of 0.2% for both market makers and takers. Note that I said ‘maximum’ – that’s right. It doesn’t go beyond that!

If you already think this is good, would you believe it if I told you that it actually gets better? HT tokens (or those who increase their trading volume) are provided with a unique benefit: the more HT held in their account, the more the fees can be reduced. By holding over 5,000 HT, you can reduce your fees to 0.07%.

Besides that, professional traders have access to different fee levels that are determined by the volume of crypto traded in a 30-day period (measured in BTC), or HT holdings, as well. Professional market makers who trade over 100,000 BTC or hold over 2,000 HT can reduce their fees to 0.0097%, while takers - to 0.0193%. That's pretty close to zero, for sure.

Now, beyond its great fee rates, HTX also has other good qualities, such as its security features. The platform has a range of multi-layered security protocols designed to safeguard both user funds and personal information.

One of them is regarding the use of cold wallet devices, where up to 98% of users' crypto assets are stored. This provides a robust layer of protection against potential security breaches, further solidifying HTX's commitment to safeguarding user funds.

Additionally, HTX Security Reserve provides insurance coverage in the unlikely event of a security compromise, ensuring that users are compensated for any losses incurred.

Another noteworthy feature is HTX's live customer support, which is quite uncommon when it comes to cryptocurrency platforms. Thus, HTX users don’t have to worry about extensive waiting, as the platform provides support 24/7.

Beyond that, HTX offers an extensive selection of over 700 different cryptocurrencies available for trading. However, one potential drawback is that the platform only supports cryptocurrency trading, with no options for fiat or other asset trading.

That surely elicits mixed feelings among users, as some traders may perceive it as a disadvantage, while others who exclusively trade in cryptocurrencies may not find it problematic at all.

While there are some potential drawbacks, the platform's ease of use, security features, and low fees make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to trade cryptocurrencies. In other words, HTX is definitely a decent option for users who are looking for the best free crypto exchange, as it charges only pennies (or nothing, in P2P trading).

Bitfinex is a veteran in the crypto world. Over the years, it managed to become one of the best free crypto trading platforms, offering traders several free or low-cost features that make it stand out from the competition.

For starters, Bitfinex offers the new token listing discount that results in a 0.4% fee for takers and a 0% fee for makers. This discount is valid for specific token pairs for 6 months after they are listed on the exchange.

Secondly, as of writing, there is a promotion: zero fees for the USDt/USD pair for users who reach a trailing 30-day trading volume of more than $15,000,000. This promotion applies to both makers and takers.

Besides that, though, Bitfinex has pretty decent fees overall. The exchange charges a standard maker fee of 0.1% and a taker fee of 0.2% for spot trading. For derivatives trading, it charges a 0.02% fee for makers and 0.065% for takers.

However, by increasing your volume, you can even reduce these maker fees to zero. Thus, for high-volume traders, Bitfinex is, in fact, one of the best free crypto exchanges. Also, those who hold Unus Sed LEO tokens can get from 15% to 25% discount on fees.

Setting fees aside, it's worth noting that Bitfinex is especially good for experienced traders, due to its advanced-level functionality. Moreover, Bitfinex offers another advantage to advanced crypto traders by allowing them to customize their trading interface according to their preferences.

This feature is especially valuable because it gives you access to more informative charts that aren't always available on other trading platforms. This is something that definitely makes Bitfinex stand out.

Compared to the other best free cryptocurrency trading platforms included in my list, Bitfinex may not be as suitable for beginners. Of course, this is not necessarily a bad thing since it depends on your profile and specific needs. Besides, maybe you are a beginner who tends to go big or go home. Then, Bitfinex might be a great choice for you.

Another thing I should mention is that Bitfinex doesn't offer the widest range of cryptocurrencies. It offers a little over 170 crypto assets that form over 400 trading pairs, including both fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-crypto. Speaking of fiat, the platform supports 5 different currencies - USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, and CNH.

Besides, when it comes to security, there is one thing worth mentioning: Bitfinex has a controversial past regarding two historical break-ins. However, those breaches happened back in 2015 and 2016, and since then, Bitfinex has made significant efforts to improve its security measures.

In fact, many current users have reported feeling confident in the platform's security features!

Thus, although you should know this, you can rest assured because the platform now has various safety measures in place. These include two-factor authentication (2FA), email encryption with OpenPGP (Pretty Good Privacy), and withdrawal protection, among other features.

So, don’t let the past prevent you from trying out Bitfinex if the platform’s opportunities have piqued your interest. It’s definitely one of the best free crypto exchanges available today (or, at least, partially free), offering traders a low fee structure for advanced trading features.

Bitstamp is considered one of the best free crypto trading platforms available, but what sets it apart from other exchanges?

Well, first of all, it supports fiat currencies, which makes it ideal for beginners who are just starting out in the world of crypto. This excludes the need to depend on different platforms to buy and trade your digital assets.

Another significant advantage of Bitstamp is its security features. The platform uses cold storage to keep its users' assets safe from hackers. It is also fully insured and has two-factor authentication and text message alerts, which add an extra layer of security. Additionally, Bitstamp uses PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) to encrypt its communications.

Seems reliable, right? And, it is! Though, it is essential to note that Bitstamp was actually hacked in 2015, which resulted in significant damage to the platform at the time.

However, the team at Bitstamp acted quickly and responsibly and, due to that, no customer funds were lost. What’s more, the platform was entirely rebuilt to prevent a similar attack from happening again. So, this event did not harm Bitstamp's reputation in any way, indicating the company's strong commitment to its community.

Now, regarding the most significant aspect of this article, Bitstamp's spot trading fees range from 0% to 0.4%.

If you land on the lower end of the fee spectrum, Bitstamp is undoubtedly a free crypto exchange. But how can you achieve the lowest fee possible?

Bitstamp fees depend on whether you're a maker or a taker and your 30-day trading volume. Maker fees start at 0.3%, while taker fees start at 0.4%.

By increasing their trading volume, takers can decrease their fees to 0.03%. Makers, on the other hand, can decrease their fees to 0% once they surpass $100,000,000 trading volume. The same goes for FX fees. Maker fees start at 0.060%, while taker fees at 0.080%, but the former can be reduced to 0% after reaching the same trading volume.

Given that, Bitstamp definitely earns a spot on my list of the best free exchanges.

Bitstamp crypto purchasing fees are a bit higher, though, and can go up to 5%. They depend on which payment method you use. The best one is probably the International Wire Transfer method. By depositing funds, you are charged a fee of only 0.05%, whereas to withdraw, you need to pay a fee of 0.1%. That's a pretty good deal, isn't it?

The only disadvantage of Bitstamp is that it might fall a bit short compared to other exchanges in terms of its limited selection of cryptocurrencies and trading pairs.

Nonetheless, Bitstamp is a reliable and trustworthy trading platform that can be called one of the best free cryptocurrency trading platforms for high-volume market makers.