Why fees decide arbitrage
A cross-exchange trade is at least two orders, and four on futures: in and out on both legs. With a 0.5% spread and a 0.1% taker fee on each side, 0.3% is left. On an exchange charging 0.2% the same trade leaves 0.1%. That is why a few hundredths of a percent between exchanges often matter more than the spread itself.
How to choose exchanges for arbitrage
Accounts on 4-6 exchanges work best: more pairs, more trades. What to look at:
- The taker fee: arbitrage usually enters at market, so that is the fee you pay
- Liquidity: big exchanges have deeper books, so size fills without slippage
- Deposit and withdrawal chains: spot arbitrage with a transfer needs a shared open chain
- Verification and availability in your country: without it withdrawals may be limited
Maker and taker - the difference
A taker takes an order already in the book and pays the higher fee. A maker places a limit order that waits to be filled and pays less, on some exchanges nothing. Arbitrage usually needs speed, so count with the taker fee; if you can wait for limit orders to fill, costs come down.
Questions about exchanges
Which exchange is best for arbitrage?
There is no single best one: a trade happens between two exchanges, and the more accounts you have, the more chances. A good start is 2-3 large exchanges with low fees and deep liquidity plus 2-3 smaller ones where prices drift apart more often.
Why might the fee in the screener differ from mine?
We use base rates. If you have a VIP tier, a token discount or a promo period, enter your own fees in the screener settings and the calculation follows them.
What does DEX mean in the list?
Decentralised futures exchanges (Hyperliquid, AsterDex). You trade from a wallet without a classic sign-up, and fees are usually lower than on large centralised exchanges.
Do I need verification on every exchange?
It depends on the exchange and the amount. Many allow trading without verification or with a basic level but limit withdrawals. Withdrawals matter for arbitrage with a coin transfer, so verify in advance.
Are these affiliate links?
Some are. Your terms do not change, and we receive a small share of the exchange fee. It helps keep the subscription cheap.