Bitstamp futures trading fees explained

Bitstamp futures fees vary by maker/taker status and trading volume, ranging from 0.02%–0.05% for makers and 0.04%–0.07% for takers, with lower fees for higher volume tiers.

Jul 29, 2025 at 07:42 pm

What Are Bitstamp Futures Trading Fees?

Bitstamp futures trading fees refer to the costs incurred when opening or closing futures contracts on the Bitstamp platform. These fees are distinct from spot trading fees and are structured based on whether you are a maker or a taker. A maker adds liquidity by placing limit orders that do not execute immediately, while a taker removes liquidity by executing against existing orders.

• Maker fees are typically lower than taker fees because they contribute to market depth.
• Taker fees are slightly higher due to the immediate execution of orders.
  Understanding this distinction is essential for traders who want to minimize costs while maximizing trade efficiency.
  

  Fee Structure Breakdown

  
  Bitstamp uses a tiered fee model based on your 30-day trading volume in USD or BTC equivalent. The more you trade, the lower your fees become.
• Tier 0 (0–$100,000): Makers pay 0.05%, takers pay 0.07%.
• Tier 1 ($100,001–$1M): Makers pay 0.04%, takers pay 0.06%.
• Tier 2 ($1M–$5M): Makers pay 0.03%, takers pay 0.05%.
• Tier 3 ($5M+): Makers pay 0.02%, takers pay 0.04%.
  This structure rewards high-volume traders and encourages consistent platform usage. Always check your current tier in your account dashboard to ensure you’re being charged correctly.
  

  How to Calculate Futures Fees on Bitstamp

  
  Calculating your fees is straightforward once you know your order type and volume tier.
• For a maker order: Multiply the contract value by your maker fee rate.
  Example: If you open a $10,000 BTC-PERP contract as a maker at Tier 0, your fee is **$10,000 × 0.0005 = $5**.
• For a taker order: Multiply the contract value by your taker fee rate.
  Example: Same $10,000 contract as a taker at Tier 0: **$10,000 × 0.0007 = $7**.
  Fees are deducted from your futures wallet balance in real time when the trade executes. You can view these in your transaction history under “Futures Fees.”
  

  Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Fee Tier

  
  To verify your current fee tier on Bitstamp:
• Log into your Bitstamp account.
• Navigate to the “Futures” section.
• Click on “Account Overview” or “Trading Fees”.
• Locate the “30-Day Volume” metric — this shows your rolling volume in USD or BTC.
• Match your volume to the corresponding tier in the fee schedule.
  If your volume changes mid-month, your tier updates automatically. No manual action is required. This transparency ensures you always know what you’re paying.
  

  Fees for Closing vs. Opening Positions

  
  Bitstamp charges fees on both opening and closing futures positions. Each leg of the trade is treated independently:
• Opening a position: Fee applied based on whether the opening order is a maker or taker.
• Closing a position: Fee applied again based on whether the closing order is a maker or taker.
  For example, if you open with a taker order ($10k trade at 0.07%) and close with a maker order (same size at 0.05%), total fees are **$7 + $5 = $12**. Traders often optimize by using limit orders to both enter and exit, ensuring both sides qualify as maker trades and reduce overall costs.
  

  Common Misconceptions About Bitstamp Futures Fees

  
  Some users assume futures fees are the same as spot fees — they are not.
• Futures fees are separate and often more competitive due to Bitstamp’s liquidity incentives.
• No hidden fees: Bitstamp does not charge withdrawal, funding, or settlement fees for futures.
• No minimum fee per trade: Even small contracts are charged proportionally — a $100 trade at 0.05% costs just **$0.05**.
  These clarifications help traders avoid surprises and plan strategies around actual cost structures.
  

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Do I pay fees if my futures order doesn’t execute?
  
  No. Bitstamp only charges fees when an order is fully or partially filled. If your limit order sits on the book without matching, no fee is incurred.

  Can I reduce my futures fees by holding Bitstamp’s native token?
  
  As of now, Bitstamp does not offer token-based fee discounts for futures trading. Fee reductions are based solely on 30-day volume tiers.

  Are fees different for perpetual vs. quarterly futures contracts?
  
  No. Bitstamp applies the same maker and taker fee structure across all futures products, including perpetual and quarterly contracts.

  How do I see a breakdown of all my futures fees in one place?
  
  Go to your account’s “Futures” tab, then click “Transaction History.” Filter by “Fees” to see a detailed list of all futures-related charges, including timestamps, contract types, and amounts.