When choosing a cryptocurrency exchange, fees are one of the most critical considerations. Binance, OKX, and HTX (formerly Huobi) are three of the most commonly used exchanges. So which one actually has the cheapest fees? Let's do a head-to-head comparison today.
To experience Binance's fee rates, register an account through our referral link — new users get additional fee discounts. Download the app installer to check actual fee tiers anytime.
Spot Trading Fee Comparison
Let's start with the most basic spot trading fees. All three exchanges use a Maker/Taker tiered fee structure. Here are the standard rates for regular users (lowest VIP tier):
| Exchange | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Binance | 0.1000% | 0.1000% |
| OKX | 0.0800% | 0.1000% |
| HTX | 0.2000% | 0.2000% |
By the numbers, HTX's base rate is the highest — double that of Binance and OKX. OKX's Maker fee is slightly lower than Binance's, while Taker fees are tied between Binance and OKX.
However, these are just the base rates. Actual trading also involves various discount factors.
After Platform Token Discounts
All three exchanges support using their native tokens for fee deductions:
- Binance: Use BNB for a 25% discount on spot fees
- OKX: Use OKB for various tier-based discounts
- HTX: Use HT for available discounts
Effective rates after platform token deduction:
| Exchange | Effective Maker Fee | Effective Taker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Binance (BNB) | 0.0750% | 0.0750% |
| OKX (OKB) | ~0.0640% | ~0.0800% |
| HTX (HT) | ~0.1500% | ~0.1500% |
With platform token discounts enabled, Binance and OKX are fairly close, while HTX remains notably higher even after the discount.
Futures Trading Fee Comparison
Futures trading is the area many active users care about most. Using USDT-Margined perpetual contracts as an example, here are the regular user rates:
| Exchange | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Binance | 0.0200% | 0.0500% |
| OKX | 0.0200% | 0.0500% |
| HTX | 0.0200% | 0.0500% |
Interestingly, all three exchanges have nearly identical base futures rates. This shows that in the competitive futures market, platforms have compressed fees to roughly the same level.
However, at higher VIP tiers, rates start to diverge. Using VIP 3 (or equivalent) as an example:
| Exchange | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Binance VIP 3 | 0.0120% | 0.0320% |
| OKX VIP 3 | 0.0100% | 0.0300% |
| HTX VIP 3 | 0.0130% | 0.0340% |
At higher VIP tiers, OKX has a slight edge on futures fees, though the difference is small.
Withdrawal Fee Comparison
Withdrawal fee differences can be even larger than trading fees, as each platform prices different networks differently. Using USDT as an example:
USDT Withdrawal Fees
| Network | Binance | OKX | HTX |
|---|---|---|---|
| ERC-20 | ~15 USDT | ~10 USDT | ~10 USDT |
| TRC-20 | ~1 USDT | ~1 USDT | ~1 USDT |
| BEP-20 | ~0.8 USDT | N/A | N/A |
On TRC-20, all three are about the same, but Binance is slightly more expensive on ERC-20. However, Binance exclusively offers BEP-20 (BSC) network, which is one of the cheapest withdrawal options.
BTC Withdrawal Fees
| Exchange | Bitcoin Mainnet |
|---|---|
| Binance | ~0.0005 BTC |
| OKX | ~0.0005 BTC |
| HTX | ~0.0004 BTC |
BTC withdrawal fees are on the same level across all three, with negligible differences.
VIP Tier Threshold Comparison
VIP tier directly affects long-term trading costs, so upgrade thresholds matter too. Using VIP 1 as an example:
| Exchange | Volume Requirement | Or Holding Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Binance | 1M USDT/30 days | 25 BNB |
| OKX | 1M USDT/30 days | No separate holding path |
| HTX | 1M USDT/30 days | Based on HT holdings |
Binance's BNB holding path for upgrades is a great option for users whose trading volume isn't high enough — just holding 25 BNB qualifies for VIP 1. OKX has relatively fewer options in this regard.
Zero-Fee Event Comparison
All three exchanges periodically run zero-fee trading events, but with varying levels of generosity.
Binance has consistently been quite generous with zero-fee events. It has repeatedly offered extended zero-fee trading on major pairs like BTC/USDT. For users who primarily trade BTC, this benefit is very substantial.
OKX and HTX also run similar events, but typically with narrower scope and shorter durations.
Comprehensive Analysis
Putting all factors together:
If You Primarily Trade Spot
Binance and OKX have similar rates, both significantly lower than HTX. Considering BNB deduction convenience and Binance's frequent zero-fee events, Binance has a slight edge in overall spot trading costs.
If You Primarily Trade Futures
Base rates are nearly identical across all three. The difference mainly appears at higher VIP tiers, where OKX has a slight advantage. However, Binance typically offers the best liquidity and lower slippage, meaning actual costs for large trades may actually be lower.
A note on "slippage": when a market order executes, the difference between the actual fill price and the price you saw when ordering is slippage. Better liquidity means less slippage. For large orders, slippage costs can far exceed the fee rate difference itself.
If You Frequently Withdraw
Platforms supporting the most low-cost networks have an advantage. Binance supports the most withdrawal networks (including its own BSC), giving it a clear edge in withdrawal flexibility.
If You're a New User
Both Binance and OKX offer robust new user incentive programs, including referral rebates, trading bonus credits, and fee discount coupons. HTX is relatively less competitive in this area.
Beyond Fees: What Else to Consider
Choosing an exchange isn't just about fees. Several other important factors include:
Security: As the world's largest exchange, Binance has the largest security investment and insurance fund. OKX and HTX also have security measures, but their scale differs.
Liquidity: Binance typically has the best order book depth, meaning minimal slippage on large trades. For high-volume traders, liquidity advantages can save more than fee rate differences.
Product range: Binance offers the most comprehensive financial products, including spot, futures, options, earn products, Launchpad, NFT marketplace, and more. More products mean more investment options for you.
User experience: This is more subjective. All three platforms have solid apps and web interfaces, but with different operational habits and design styles. Try each to find your preference.
My Recommendation
If I had to give a simple conclusion:
For most users, Binance has a slight edge in overall trading costs, especially after factoring in BNB deductions, zero-fee events, withdrawal network options, and liquidity.
However, if your trading volume is very high (VIP 3 and above), OKX may be slightly lower at certain fee tiers.
As for HTX, it doesn't have a strong competitive advantage on fees — its base rates are the highest among the three.
Ultimately, the choice should be based on your own usage habits and specific needs. Fees are only part of the cost equation — security, liquidity, and product experience are equally important. If possible, opening accounts on multiple platforms and choosing flexibly based on different needs is also a solid strategy.