Virtual Currency Platform Fee Analysis: Zero-Fee and Low-Fee Platforms
In the virtual currency trading sphere, "zero fees" is an eye-catching marketing point, but it usually doesn't mean all fees are waived. Trading platforms may recoup costs through specific transaction types (e.g., Maker fees), during promotional periods, or via other forms (e.g., wider spreads, conversion fees, withdrawal fees, derivative funding rates). Therefore, when choosing a platform, it is crucial to carefully review its complete fee structure, not just the trading fees section.
Platforms Offering Zero or Extremely Low Fees
- MEXC: As of August 2025, its spot trading Maker fee is 0%, and the Taker fee is 0.05%. For regular fixed investment users, the 0% Maker fee can effectively reduce costs.
- Phemex: Was once considered one of the zero-fee platforms to watch in 2025, supporting zero fees for spot trading of various mainstream cryptocurrencies.
- KCEX: As of May 2026, spot trading fees are 0%, and futures market maker fees are 0%.
- Lighter: As a decentralized spot and perpetual contract exchange based on Ethereum, as of May 2026, its standard account charges 0% fees for both Maker and Taker orders in spot and futures trading.
- Ourbit: This platform, launched in 2023, offers zero-fee spot trading for all users as of May 2026.
- Bitfinex: Established in 2012, it claims to offer zero-fee trading and is known for its deep liquidity.
- ChangeNOW: This is a non-custodial exchange platform. As of August 2025, all fees are displayed upfront in the quote, with no hidden fees, offering both fixed and floating rate models.
- Strike: As of March 2022, this platform only supported Bitcoin trading, with 0% buy/sell fees and no hidden fees in the price, offering 0-fee fixed investments. Please note that this data is historical information, and the latest situation may have changed.
- Gemini Active Trader: As of March 2022, there were 10 free withdrawals per currency per month, and the platform reimbursed BTC miner fees or ETH Gas fees, achieving truly 0 withdrawal fees. This data is also historical information.
Other Mainstream Low-Fee Platforms
In addition to the platforms claiming zero fees mentioned above, many mainstream exchanges also offer relatively low rates and usually provide additional discounts by holding exchange tokens or achieving VIP status. For example, Binance's Maker/Taker starting fee is typically 0.10%, with discounts available for paying with BNB; OKX and KuCoin also offer similar mechanisms. Kraken uses a tiered fee system, where fees decrease with higher trading volume.
Virtual Currency Trading Platforms and Regulatory Status in Mainland China
Mainland China implements strict prohibition policies on virtual currency trading and related commercial activities. Since September 2021, ten departments including the People's Bank of China (PBOC) jointly issued a notice, clarifying that virtual currency-related business activities are illegal financial activities and prohibiting overseas virtual currency exchanges from providing services to residents within China. In February 2026, seven departments including the People's Bank of China (PBOC) reiterated this stance and strictly regulated domestic entities and their controlled overseas entities from conducting virtual currency business overseas.
Policy Impact and Platform Withdrawal
Affected by this policy, several mainstream virtual currency trading platforms, including HTX, Binance, OKX, and Bitget, announced their withdrawal from the mainland Chinese market before the end of 2021, ceasing to provide services to mainland Chinese users. Most of the domestic affiliated companies of these exchanges have been deregistered or are planned for deregistration.
Legal Risks of Personal Holding and Trading
Although mainland Chinese law recognizes personally held cryptocurrencies as "virtual property" and protects them by law (e.g., the Shanghai Songjiang Court's ruling in November 2024), commercial operations and participation in virtual currency trading activities are still considered illegal. For mainland Chinese residents, participating in virtual currency trading may face serious policy risks, including but not limited to account freezing, restrictions on fund withdrawals, etc. For related developments, please pay attention to Svmuu's continuous reports.
Access to Overseas Platforms and Compliance
Although mainstream exchanges have withdrawn from the mainland Chinese market, some overseas platforms may still be accessed by mainland Chinese users through unofficial or circumvention methods. For example, information indicates that some platforms began accepting mainland Chinese passports, second-generation ID cards, and mainland mobile phone numbers for real-name verification (KYC) in 2025-2026, and even allowed direct access to official websites from mainland browsers without a VPN. However, all these operations carry extremely high legal and financial risks. If a platform detects an abnormal mainland IP, it may restrict withdrawals or freeze accounts. This site reminds users to strictly abide by local laws and regulations and does not encourage any circumvention of regulatory behavior.
Chinese Government's Blockchain Development Direction
In contrast to the strict restrictions on virtual currency trading, the Chinese government actively supports the research and development of blockchain technology and vigorously promotes the development and implementation of the state-owned digital currency—the Digital Yuan (DCEP)—aiming to strengthen control over financial flows and improve the efficiency of payment systems.
