You've probably noticed when checking Binance's fee schedule that rates are split into Maker and Taker — and Maker is usually lower. What do these terms actually mean, and how can you use this difference to save money?
What Are Maker and Taker
Maker (order placer): Your order doesn't execute immediately. Instead, it sits on the order book waiting for someone else to fill it. You're "making" liquidity for the market.
Taker (order taker): Your order executes immediately against an existing order on the book. You're "taking" liquidity from the market.
A simple way to tell: a limit order that doesn't fill immediately (set at a price away from the current market price) makes you a Maker. A market order is always a Taker, because it fills instantly at the best available price.
How Big Is the Fee Difference
Binance's default spot trading rates: Maker 0.1%, Taker 0.1% — for VIP 0 users, they're the same. But starting from VIP 1, a gap appears: VIP 1 Maker is 0.09% while Taker remains 0.1%.
The difference is even more pronounced in futures: USDT-margined contracts default to Maker 0.02% and Taker 0.05%. The Maker rate is less than half of the Taker rate. If you trade futures, consistently being a Maker can save you a substantial amount in fees.
How to Become a Maker
The technique is simple — use limit orders and set the price on the other side of the current market price.
For example, if BTC is currently at 60,000 USDT:
- Place a buy limit order at 59,800 — this is below market price and won't fill immediately, making you a Maker
- Place a sell limit order at 60,200 — this is above market price and won't fill immediately, also making you a Maker
Conversely, if your limit order price matches or is better than the current market price (e.g., placing a buy at 60,100 when the best ask is exactly 60,100), the order fills instantly and you become a Taker.
Practical Tips
For regular spot traders at VIP 0, Maker and Taker fees are the same, so using market orders for convenience is perfectly fine.
But if you trade futures, it's highly recommended to build the habit of using limit orders. The 0.03% you save per trade might seem small, but with leverage amplifying your position size, the savings add up quickly. If you've also signed up with a referral code for an extra discount, combined with the Maker rate advantage, your futures trading costs can be pushed very low.