In virtual asset futures trading, you can invest in price fluctuations without holding actual coins. However, many beginner traders overlook one key aspect: trading fees.

If you do not understand the fee structure, no matter how good your strategy is, long-term profitability may be diminished. It is particularly important to know the difference between maker fees and taker fees, and how to calculate and minimize them.

Key Summary

  • Maker fees: Charged when adding liquidity to the order book, generally cheaper.

  • Taker fees: Charged for immediate execution from the order book, usually more expensive than maker fees.

  • Accurate fee calculations are key to trading strategy and risk management.

1. What is futures trading?

Virtual asset futures trading is a contract to buy and sell virtual assets at a fixed price at a specific future time. You do not need to hold actual coins, and it is used for capitalizing on price differences or hedging risks.

  • Leverage can be utilized: You can manage large positions with little capital, but the risks also increase.

  • Bidirectional trading available: You can take positions in both bull and bear markets.

  • Increased liquidity: The futures market attracts various participants (institutions and individuals), enhancing market stability.

2. What is the fee structure for futures trading?

Exchanges impose fees as compensation for mediating trades. Particularly on platforms like Binance Futures, the maker-taker structure is common.

2.1 Maker Fees

  • Applies when adding new liquidity to the order book

  • Example: Place a buy order below the market price and a sell order above the market price to wait for execution

  • Generally lower than taker (because exchanges encourage liquidity provision)

2.2 Taker Fees

  • Applies when taking existing liquidity from the order book for immediate execution

  • Example: Place a market order for immediate execution

  • Usually higher than maker, fast but costly

3. How much are Binance futures fees?

Binance Futures applies different fees based on various margin products.

  • USDT and coin margin products: Taker starts from 0.045%, maker starts from 0.018%

  • USDC margin products: Taker starts from 0.036%, maker is 0% (applies to all USDC perpetual contracts)

  • The fee rate is gradually reduced based on trading volume and BNB holdings.

4. How to calculate fees?

Accurate calculations are essential for optimizing trading strategies.

Calculation formula

  • Entry fee = (contract quantity × entry price) × fee rate

  • Liquidation fee = (contract quantity × liquidation price) × fee rate

Example
Assuming to buy a 1 BTCUSDC contract at $40,000 and sell at $40,500

  • Taker fee rate: 0.05%

  • Maker fee rate: 0.02%

If both entry and exit are conducted as takers, about 40.25 USDT will be incurred. Conversely, if both entry and exit are conducted as makers, it can be reduced to about 16.1 USDT, saving more than half.

5. Fee reduction strategies

  1. Actively use maker orders
    If immediate execution is not required, you can use limit orders to lower fees.

  2. Discounts for holding BNB
    Binance offers a certain percentage discount on fees if you hold BNB.

  3. Increase trading volume to rise VIP level
    Achieving a certain trading volume raises your VIP level, reducing the fee rate.

  4. Join through a referral link
    This linkallows you to get the maximum discount on trading fees when signing up for Binance.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Are there cases where the maker fee is 0%?
A. Yes, the Binance USDC perpetual contract temporarily has a maker fee of 0%.

Q2. Is it not possible to only use taker orders?
A. It is possible, but the fees are high, leading to a significant cost burden in the long run.

Q3. Does increasing leverage also increase fees?
A. Yes, as the contract amount increases, the fees also increase.

Q4. Are there additional costs besides fees?
A. Funding fees, withdrawal fees, etc., may incur additionally.

Q5. Are the fee rates fixed?
A. No. They vary based on trading volume and BNB holdings.

8. Conclusion

In virtual asset futures trading, fees are not just incidental costs but are a key factor that influences long-term trading efficiency.


Understanding the maker-taker structure and using it appropriately can significantly reduce costs, and Binance offers various benefits and discount policies for this.