The rate is a multiplier inside the cost
With the notional fixed, fees are strictly proportional to the rate — no tiers and no caps. Comparing rates is therefore comparing a single coefficient in the same multiplication.
Subtract the cumulative fee at the old rate from the one at the new rate to get the amount saved or paid extra over the period.
Formulas
notional × ratenotional × rate × 2notional × rate × 2 × round trips per day × dayscumulative fee × (new rate ÷ old rate − 1)Worked example (recompute it yourself)
1,000 USDT per trade, 6 round trips a day, for 200 days:
At a 0.1% rate: single-side 1.00 USDT, round trip 2.00 USDT, cumulative = 2.00 × 6 × 200 = 2,400 USDT.
At a 0.05% rate: single-side 0.50 USDT, round trip 1.00 USDT, cumulative = 1.00 × 6 × 200 = 1,200 USDT — exactly half.
So halving the rate saves 2,400 − 1,200 = 1,200 USDT, which is 50% of the original cost.
Across several rates
| Rate (single side) | Single-side fee | One round trip | 200-day total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.02% | 0.20 USDT | 0.40 USDT | 480 USDT |
| 0.05% | 0.50 USDT | 1.00 USDT | 1,200 USDT |
| 0.10% | 1.00 USDT | 2.00 USDT | 2,400 USDT |
| 0.20% | 2.00 USDT | 4.00 USDT | 4,800 USDT |
| 0.30% | 3.00 USDT | 6.00 USDT | 7,200 USDT |
1,000 USDT per trade, 6 round trips a day, 200 days, excluding other costs.
What the rate costs relative to gross profit
The fee hit is fixed in absolute money terms, but its relative weight depends on the gross profit per trade:
If a round trip is expected to earn 0.5% gross, a 0.1% two-sided fee takes about 40% of that gross. If the gross is 2%, the fee takes about 10%.
So "is this rate high" is not answerable on its own — put the rate next to your own frequency and expected move to get the cost share.
Notes
Real rates differ by venue and VIP tier, and maker and taker rates may differ. Use your own account rate.
This page covers trading fees only, not slippage, funding or withdrawal fees. A lower rate reduces cost; it does not change the direction of the price move itself.
No venue or rate level is being judged here — only the arithmetic of cost.
FAQ
Does halving the rate always halve the cost?
Yes, provided the notional and trade count are unchanged. Fees are proportional to the rate, so the single-side, round-trip and cumulative figures all halve together.
Will a lower rate meaningfully improve returns?
It depends on frequency and expected profit per trade. The higher your frequency and the smaller your expected gross, the larger the fee share — and the more a rate cut helps.
How do I estimate my own cost share?
Divide cumulative fees by cumulative gross profit. First get the round-trip cost as notional × rate × 2, then divide by the expected gross on that trade.