Tired of hidden deposit fees? After hands-on testing, we selected the 6 best crypto exchanges that let you fund your account for free. This article covers standout features, platform strengths and weaknesses, and expert advice for fee-free trading.
Exchange | Ranking | Taker/Maker | Available Crypto | Accepts Fiat | Payment Methods | KYC |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kraken | 4.2 Read Review | 0.4% / 0.25% | 461 | Yes | +3 | Yes |
Bitstamp | 3.6 Read Review | 0.3% / 0.2% | 100 | Yes | +5 | Yes |
BingX | 4.1 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.1% | 1010 | No | +4 | Yes |
BTCC | No Rating Read Review | 0.3% / 0.2% | 245 | No | Optional KYC (Required for Fiat Services) | |
Bitget | 4.7 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.1% | 670 | Yes | +2 | Yes |
Blofin | 3.8 Read Review | 0.6% / 0.6% | 409 | No | +8 | No |
Kraken is one of the oldest and most trusted exchanges in the industry, with a flawless operational track record and no history of customer fund losses. It directly supports a range of major fiat currencies, eliminating the need to rely on third-party payment providers.
Launched in 2011, Bitstamp is the longest-running exchange in the industry. In 2024, it was acquired by Robinhood, the popular U.S. stock trading platform. Bitstamp offers a full suite of services for U.S. users, operating in full compliance with both federal and state laws through licenses from FinCEN and the New York Department of Financial Services.
BingX is a Singapore-based exchange known that offers major cryptos, trending memecoins, and niche altcoins. Beyond crypto, it also offers futures trading on forex, indices, and commodities.
BTCC is a leading non-KYC exchange known for offering zero-fee card deposits (EUR and USD), while many competitors charge up to 4% for the same service. It provides access to a wide range of derivative markets with up to 500x leverage, alongside 250 spot markets, and boasts a flawless operational history with no reported security breaches.
Bitget is a Singapore-based exchange known for advanced trading tools and strong P2P support. It allows users to buy crypto with local currencies using over 500 payment methods in 75+ fiat currencies. Bitget also offers top-tier security and a $650 million insurance fund.
Blofin is a non-KYC exchange offering futures trading, advanced platform, high leverage, and strong liquidity. It also offers a standout Quick Buy service with instant crypto purchases and no platform fees.
Zero-fee fiat deposits are especially valuable for beginners because they lower the barrier to entry. They allow users to start small without worrying about losing money to hidden charges. This is particularly helpful for dollar-cost averaging (DCA) investors who want to make multiple small deposits instead of one large one.
Leading platforms like Kraken support direct fiat deposits in major currencies such as USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, CHF, and JPY. Others allow Quick Buy in over 70 fiat currencies. However, Quick Buy often involves higher fees compared to standard bank transfers.
Fiat support depends heavily on licensing and partnerships with local banks and payment processors. If your local currency is not supported, you may face high conversion costs and slower transfers. Always verify fiat options before registering.
Payment Method | Typical Fee | Processing Time | Minimum Deposit* |
Bank Transfer (SEPA, SWIFT, ACH, FPS) | Usually free | Instant to 3 business days | ~$5 |
Bank Cards | Up to 4% | Instant | ~$15 |
Apple/Google Pay | Up to 4% | Instant | ~$15 |
Digital Wallets (PayPal, etc.) | 2-4% | Instant | ~$15 |
*Minimum and maximum deposit amounts will vary by platform, even for the same payment method
One-Click Buy is a simplified service that allows users to purchase crypto instantly using a bank card or mobile wallet. It’s convenient and beginner-friendly, but often comes with higher fees or less favorable exchange rates compared to using a bank transfer followed by a market or limit order.
P2P trading lets users buy and sell crypto directly with each other, using local payment methods not typically supported by the exchange. Exchanges provide escrow services to ensure security. P2P is especially useful in countries with restricted banking access or limited exchange support, but it carries higher risk and requires due diligence.
Yes. Some crypto exchanges place a temporary hold, typically up to 72 hours, on withdrawals of crypto purchased with newly deposited fiat, even if the deposit was fee-free. This is a standard security measure to prevent fraud, especially for new accounts or first-time deposits. While users can usually trade immediately, withdrawals may be delayed until the hold period ends. Always check an exchange’s withdrawal policy in advance.
To stay safe, look for platforms that provide:
Before depositing fiat to buy crypto, be aware of:
Shennon Hewa is a crypto trader and crypto journalist based in London. Active in the crypto space since 2017, he specializes in scalping, derivatives day trading, and swing trading. At FXEmpire, he has reviewed dozens of crypto exchanges and has extensive knowledge of platform strengths and weaknesses.
At FXEmpire, we strive to provide unbiased, thorough, and accurate exchange reviews by industry experts to help our users make smarter financial decisions.