Bitcoin buzzes loudly in 2025 and with rising prices, every fraction of a percent matters. Let’s break down the best platforms offering the lowest real cost for buying Bitcoin.
1. Luno – Transparent, Tiered Fees, Avoid the Instant Buy
Luno employs a tiered maker/taker model based on your 30-day trading volume, with maker fees ranging roughly from 0.03% to 0.6%, depending on region and tier.
Pro tip: Skip the “Instant Buy” option – it typically costs around 2%, versus ~0.2% if you use limit orders via their exchange interface.
2. Valr – Strong for South African Users
South Africa’s Valr offers competitive fees that get progressively lower with higher volume. Maker fees can be as low as 0%, while taker fees generally fall between 0.05%–0.10% on spot and stablecoin trades.
What’s great: no account fees, free storage – just be mindful of deposit method charges (e.g., 3.9% for ZAR card deposits).
3. KCEX – Zero Spot Fees, Ultra-Low Futures Costs
KCEX is a standout with 0% spot trading fees and extremely low futures fees (maker: 0%; taker: ~0.01–0.02%).
It even offers zero-fee withdrawals during certain promotions – great for cost-conscious active traders.
4. MEXC – Flat 0.05% Spot & Tiered Discounts
MEXC’s standard trading fee is a flat 0.05% for both maker and taker orders on the spot market.
Hodl at least 500 MX tokens and you can score 50% off fees, or use their MX deduction tool for additional savings.
5. BingX – Volume-Based Fee Structure
BingX starts with 0.10% spot trading fees but lowers them based on your 30-day trade volume and VIP tier.
Perfect for traders scaling up – fees decline as your volume grows.
6. Tapbit – Simple Low Flat Fees
Tapbit charges a flat 0.1% maker/taker fee on spot trades, and 0.02% maker / 0.06% taker on futures trades.
No deposit fees, though withdrawals vary by network, and fiat deposit fees range from 1%–3.95%.
7. Bitunix – Deep Discounts for High-Volume Users
Bitunix’s tiered VIP system scales down spot fees to as low as 0.01% maker and 0.03% taker for top-tier users.
Spot trading starts around 0.08% / 0.10% (maker/taker) for VIP level 0, already cheaper than Kraken or Coinbase.
Plus, deposits are free; withdrawals carry network-based fees.
| Exchange | Spot Maker/Taker | Special Angle |
|---|---|---|
| Luno | ~0.03%–0.6% (tiered); Instant Buy ~2% | Instant vs exchange properly matters |
| Valr | Maker 0%; Taker ~0.05%–0.10% | South Africa + tiered discounts |
| KCEX | 0% / 0%; Futures Taker ~0.01% | Zero-cost spot trading |
| MEXC | 0.05% / 0.05% – discount for MX holders | Clear flat rate + token perks |
| BingX | ~0.05%–0.10% (tiered) | Benefits scale with volume & VIP |
| Tapbit | 0.1% / 0.1%; Futures 0.02%/0.06% | Low flat fees, beginner-friendly |
| Bitunix | ~0.08% / 0.10%; as low as 0.01%/0.03% (VIP) | Excellent for heavy traders |
Buying Strategy Tips to Minimize Costs
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Use Limit Orders, Not Instant Buys
Instant purchases typically cost more. Using exchange order books (maker orders) can lower fees significantly. -
Leverage Fee Discounts & Tokens
Platforms like MEXC and Valr offer discounts tied to platform tokens or trading volume – you can slash costs considerably. -
Beware of Hidden Charges
Fiat deposit fees (e.g., 3.9% for cards on Valr) can sneak in – always check the total cost before confirming. -
Choose Platform Based on Trade Volume
Heavy users benefit from KCEX zero spot fees or Bitunix deep VIP discounts; occasional buyers might prefer simple, regional options like Luno. -
Watch Withdrawal Costs Separately
Some exchanges offer cheap trading but high crypto withdrawal fees – factor these in, especially if planning frequent withdrawals.
Key Takeaways
If your goal is the absolute cheapest way to buy Bitcoin:
