How to Choose a Crypto Exchange (and Pay 20% Less)
Pay 20% less on every trade
Most people just share a referral link. We give you 20% of our commission back — automatically, through the fee discount. Pick your exchange; the code is built into the button.
Pick an exchange by matching four things to your own situation: the fees you'll actually pay at your trading volume, whether it lists the coins you want, how it handles withdrawals for your preferred network, and how quickly you can complete its KYC. No single exchange wins on all four for every trader.
The Decision Checklist
| Question | Where to check |
|---|---|
| What will I actually pay in fees at my volume? | Spot fees · Futures fees · VIP tiers |
| Does it list the coins I actually want to trade? | Coin listings |
| What does it cost to get funds out? | Withdrawal fees |
| How long will identity verification take? | What is KYC |
Once You've Chosen
Each exchange has a step-by-step registration guide: the Gate.io sign up guide, how to register on MEXC, and guides for Bitget, Bybit and OKX.
Compare the Bonus With the Fees
A sign-up bonus is a one-time reward; fees apply on every trade you make afterward. If you plan to trade regularly, weigh the sign-up bonus together with the fees at your expected volume.
Coin Availability Beats Marginal Fee Differences
A 0.02 percentage point fee difference is irrelevant if the exchange doesn't list the coin you want at all. Check coin availability first — it's a harder constraint than fees, which you can often reduce anyway through VIP tiers or fee-token discounts.
Read Each Exchange’s Full Review
Using More Than One Exchange Is Normal
Many traders hold accounts on two or three exchanges — one for its coin selection, another for lower futures fees, a third because it's where a specific token first listed. There's no rule that says you have to pick just one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I pick the exchange with the lowest fees?
Fees matter most if you trade often; for occasional trading, coin availability and withdrawal cost for your specific needs usually matter more than a fraction of a percent in fees.
Is it normal to use more than one crypto exchange?
Yes. Many traders split activity across two or three exchanges based on which lists a coin they want, which has lower fees for their trading style, or which they verified first.