Coinbase Advanced Fees Explained: How to Trade Crypto for Less
If you’ve ever used the regular Coinbase interface, you know the fees can add up fast. That’s because the platform charges a spread and a transaction fee on each trade—costs that are often hidden from view. But with Coinbase Advanced, the fee structure is different, and in most cases, significantly cheaper.
Instead of flat fees and vague pricing, Coinbase Advanced uses a maker-taker model. It’s transparent, flexible, and designed to reward users who trade smarter. This makes it ideal for beginners who want to reduce costs, control their trades, and keep more of what they buy.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how Coinbase Advanced fees work, how they compare to regular Coinbase fees, and how you can use simple strategies—like limit orders—to pay less on every trade.
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Understanding the Maker-Taker Fee Model
The maker-taker fee model is used by most professional trading platforms, and now it’s available to beginners through Coinbase Advanced. Unlike standard Coinbase, which bundles your fees into the quoted price, Advanced separates fees clearly—and rewards you for providing liquidity.
Here’s how it works:
- Maker: You place an order that adds liquidity to the order book (like a limit order). These usually come with lower fees.
- Taker: You place an order that removes liquidity by executing against an existing order (like a market order). This comes with a slightly higher fee.
This model benefits people who plan ahead. If you’re willing to wait for your trade to hit your target price, you can qualify for lower maker fees—and even deeper discounts if your trading volume increases over time.
Fees are tiered, based on your 30-day trading volume, and range from:
- 0.40% to 0.05% for taker orders
- 0.25% to 0.00% for maker orders
Most beginners start in the top tier (the highest fee), but by using limit orders, they’re already paying less than standard Coinbase users.
How Coinbase Advanced Fees Compare to Standard Coinbase
Standard Coinbase is known for its simplicity—but also for high fees. When you buy crypto through the basic interface, you’re paying both:
- A spread (usually 0.5%–2%) built into the price
- A transaction fee, depending on the amount and payment method
That means a $100 crypto purchase on Coinbase could cost you $3–$5 in fees without realizing it.
Now compare that to Coinbase Advanced:
- No hidden spread markup
- Transparent maker-taker fees
- Often 50%–80% lower costs for the same trade
Here’s a real-world example:
| Platform | Order Type | Trade Amount | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coinbase (Standard) | Market Buy | $100 | $2.99–$4.99 |
| Coinbase Advanced | Limit Buy | $100 | $0.25–$0.40 |
The difference adds up fast. Over 10 trades, that could be $30+ saved just by using Coinbase Advanced.
Tips to Pay the Lowest Fees on Coinbase Advanced
Want to reduce your trading costs even further? Here are beginner-friendly strategies to make the most of Coinbase Advanced’s fee structure:
1. Use Limit Orders
Placing limit orders makes you a maker, which typically qualifies you for the lowest fees. Plus, you can choose your price and avoid slippage.
2. Avoid Instant Market Buys
Market orders fill immediately, but they make you a taker, which comes with higher fees. Use them only when price movement is urgent.
3. Watch Your Trading Volume
As your 30-day trading volume increases, your fees drop. While this mostly applies to higher-volume users, even beginners benefit from knowing the structure.
4. Monitor Fee Tiers
You can view the fee tiers directly in the Coinbase Advanced interface. The more you understand them, the better you’ll plan your trades.
By combining these tips, even a casual user can start saving real money—and avoid the silent cost creep of using regular Coinbase.
How Fee Tiers Work on Coinbase Advanced
Coinbase Advanced uses a tiered fee schedule, which means the more you trade, the less you pay. This system is based on your 30-day trading volume across your account. Even though most beginners won’t hit the higher tiers immediately, it’s useful to understand how it works.
Coinbase Advanced Fee Tiers (as of this writing):
| 30-Day Volume | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| $0 – $10K | 0.40% | 0.60% |
| $10K – $50K | 0.25% | 0.40% |
| $50K – $100K | 0.15% | 0.25% |
| $100K+ | 0.05%–0.00% | 0.20%–0.05% |
These fees are automatically calculated and applied when you trade on Coinbase Advanced. If you place limit orders, you’re acting as a maker, and you’ll get the lower fee even at the beginner level.
This is important because you don’t need to be a high-volume trader to save. Just using limit orders instead of market buys can help you reduce costs—even at the top tier.
To check your current fee tier, log into Coinbase Advanced and look under the “Fees” or “Account” section. It updates in real time based on your recent trading history.
Why These Fees Matter for Beginners in the Long Run
Many beginners assume that paying a few extra dollars in fees doesn’t matter—but over time, it adds up. Whether you’re investing $50 or $5,000, your goal is to keep as much of your money as possible, and that starts with understanding the fee structure.
Here’s why fees are especially important for new users:
- You’re still learning – Mistakes cost more when fees are high.
- You’re likely to trade small amounts – So percentage-based fees hit harder.
- You may be buying in regular intervals – And consistent fees eat away at your holdings.
With Coinbase Advanced, you have the tools to minimize those costs early on. Even placing a basic limit order can cut your fee in half. And if you trade regularly or build a portfolio over time, these savings could easily cover an extra crypto purchase or offset market volatility.
Starting with low-fee habits now sets you up for long-term success. It’s not about being a pro trader—it’s about making smart decisions from the start.
FAQ: Coinbase Advanced Fees for Beginners
What’s the difference between a maker and a taker fee?
A maker adds liquidity (like a limit order), and usually pays a lower fee. A taker removes liquidity (like a market order), and pays a slightly higher fee.
Are Coinbase Advanced fees shown before I place a trade?
Yes. The estimated fee appears before you confirm your order, so there are no surprises.
Can I avoid fees completely?
While you can’t eliminate all fees, you can often reduce them significantly by using limit orders and increasing your volume over time.
Is there a fee for switching to Coinbase Advanced?
No. Accessing Coinbase Advanced is completely free. You only pay fees on actual trades.
Why are the fees lower on Coinbase Advanced than regular Coinbase?
Because Advanced is designed for more engaged users, it uses a transparent pricing model. Regular Coinbase hides fees in spreads and charges fixed transaction costs.
Do I need a certain account type to use Advanced?
No. All Coinbase users can access Advanced instantly through the same login.
Conclusion: Start Saving on Fees Today with Coinbase Advanced
If you’ve been trading on regular Coinbase, you’ve probably been overpaying without realizing it. But now that you understand the maker-taker fee model, the benefits of limit orders, and how to track fee tiers, you’re ready to trade smarter.
Coinbase Advanced offers real savings, greater transparency, and beginner-accessible tools to reduce your costs starting today. Whether you trade occasionally or plan to grow a portfolio over time, understanding fees is a must—and this platform gives you the control to act on that knowledge. For a full overview of everything Coinbase Advanced offers, visit the main Coinbase Advanced page.
You don’t have to be a pro. You just have to be aware.
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