Key Takeaways
- Low spreads = lower trading costs and better profit margins.
- FXGT.com offers some of the tightest spreads in the market, starting at 0.00014 pips.
- Paybis is beginner-friendly, with fee-free first transactions.
- YouHodler excels at crypto loans with up to 90% LTV and no spread-based profit model.
- Coinbase is ideal for simplicity, while Kraken caters to advanced traders.
- OKX combines low fees with a broad selection of assets, though spreads may be hidden.
- BYDFi is great for leverage and high-frequency trading, with spreads as low as 0.020% for BTC.
Introduction
In the fast-paced and often volatile world of cryptocurrency trading, the difference between profit and loss can come down to fractions of a cent. That’s why finding a trustworthy exchange with consistently low spreads is essential. Low spreads mean you keep more of your gains and pay less in trading costs, especially when markets move quickly.
In this 2025 guide, we’ve compiled a list of the best crypto exchanges with lowest spreads — ensuring you can fully capitalize on market opportunities while keeping costs in check.
What Are Spreads in Crypto Trading?
A spread is a basic yet crucial concept in trading. In cryptocurrency markets, it’s the difference between the buying price (the “bid”) and the selling price (the “ask”) of a digital asset.
- Bid price – the highest price a buyer is willing to pay for a cryptocurrency.
- Ask price – the lowest price at which a seller is willing to part with it.
When you make a trade, the spread effectively acts as part of your trading cost. Most exchanges keep this as revenue. The wider the spread, the more you pay, and vice versa. For active traders, even tiny percentage differences can add up over time, making low spreads a key advantage.
Best Crypto Exchanges With the Lowest Spreads
FXGT.com
FXGT.com stands out as one of the most competitive platforms for low-spread trading. It’s especially attractive to seasoned traders, offering advanced features like high leverage and negative balance protection.
- Spreads: From as low as 0.00014 pips.
- Commission: Zero commissions on PRO accounts.
- Minimum Deposit: Just $5 (or equivalent), making it more accessible than many competitors.
- Leverage: Up to 1:1000 depending on trade volume.
FXGT.com’s MT5 standard account combines tight spreads, high leverage, and robust protections, creating an optimal environment for diverse trading strategies. Keep in mind, spreads can vary depending on the instrument and market conditions.
Paybis
Founded in 2014 and headquartered in the UK, Paybis is well-known for its strong customer service and global reach.
- Fee Structure: Ranges from 0.49% to 2.49%, depending on transaction type and payment method.
- Special Offer: First transaction is fee-free.
- Coverage: Available in 180+ countries, with restrictions in certain U.S. states.
- Fiat Support: Over 40 fiat currencies supported.
Paybis is a particularly strong choice for newcomers thanks to its ease of use and beginner-friendly terms.
YouHodler
YouHodler bridges the gap between traditional finance and crypto, making it popular for those interested in crypto-backed loans and earning interest on holdings.
- Loan-to-Value (LTV): Up to 90%, one of the highest in the industry.
- Unique Features: “Turbocharge” loans for leveraged crypto positions, and “Multi-HODL” for managing exposure.
- Spread Policy: The platform doesn’t determine spreads and does not profit from them.
Serving 2.2 million users across 110 countries (with U.S. and Canadian restrictions), YouHodler offers both savings opportunities and flexible borrowing solutions.
Coinbase
Coinbase is a user-friendly exchange that appeals to both beginners and advanced traders.
- Core Platform: Simple interface for buying crypto with USD.
- Advanced Trade: Includes charting tools, crypto-to-crypto transactions, and advanced order types.
- Subscription Service: Coinbase One for zero-fee trades (~$30/month).
- Spread: Around 0.5%, but may vary.
- Extra Features: “Learn to earn” rewards, instant withdrawals to use purchased crypto elsewhere.
While Coinbase’s fee structure can be complex, it’s a convenient option for those prioritizing speed and usability.
Kraken
With its robust suite of advanced trading tools, Kraken is a favorite for professional traders.
- Trading Types: Spot, margin, and futures trading.
- Fee Structure: Maker-taker model with decreasing fees for higher volumes.
- Instant Buy Spread: Varies based on asset, payment method, and order size.
Kraken is also highly regarded for its regulatory compliance, transparency, and strong security measures.
OKX
OKX offers a blend of low fees and a user-friendly experience.
- Spot Fees: 0.10%–0.15% (below industry average).
- Futures Fees: 0.02%–0.05%.
- Spread Charges: May apply but aren’t always shown upfront.
- Crypto Support: Nearly 350 cryptocurrencies.
- Other Features: Staking, P2P trading, and project investments.
OKX stands out for transparency in most fees, although spreads can still be a hidden cost to watch for.
BYDFi
Launched in 2020 as BitYard, BYDFi is rapidly growing thanks to its mix of professional features and beginner-friendly options.
- Spreads: Variable — as tight as 0.020% for BTC pairs, and around 0.050% for more volatile altcoins.
- Spot Fees: 0.1%–0.3%, depending on maker/taker status.
- Convert Fees: 0.1%–0.15%.
- Perpetual Contracts: 0.02%–0.06% fees.
- Leverage: Up to 100x.
- User Base: 500,000 traders; $213 million 24h trading volume.
- Support: 228 cryptocurrencies, ~400 trading pairs.
BYDFi also offers copy trading, leveraged tokens, and token listing support, making it appealing for high-frequency and experimental traders.
How to Choose the Right Low-Spread Exchange
- Assess Your Trading Experience – Beginners may prefer Coinbase or Paybis, while advanced traders could benefit more from FXGT.com or Kraken.
- Check Geographic Availability – Some exchanges have country-specific restrictions; ensure your chosen platform operates in your region.
- Understand the Full Fee Structure – Look beyond spreads to withdrawal, conversion, and maker-taker fees.
- Prioritize Security – Choose exchanges with strong safeguards like 2FA, cold storage, and regulatory compliance.
- Match Features to Goals – Want loans? Try YouHodler. Need ultra-tight spreads? FXGT.com. Prefer high leverage? BYDFi might fit best.
Conclusion
Low spreads can make a significant difference to your trading results, especially in volatile markets. Each platform in this list offers unique benefits — from FXGT.com’s razor-thin spreads to YouHodler’s loan options and Kraken’s professional-grade tools. The key is to align your exchange choice with your experience level, location, trading goals, and security needs to maximize profitability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a spread in crypto?
It’s the difference between the bid and ask price of a cryptocurrency. This is essentially the cost of entering a trade and part of how exchanges make money.
What does a high spread mean?
It means a larger gap between buy and sell prices, leading to higher trading costs. High spreads are often due to low liquidity, high volatility, or exchange policies.
Which crypto exchange has the smallest spread?
FXGT.com offer spreads which can start from as low as 0.00014 pips, making it a favorable choice for traders looking for minimal trading costs.