Bitstamp maker vs taker fees for contracts

On Bitstamp, using limit orders to add liquidity can earn you maker rebates (e.g., -0.01%), while market orders that remove liquidity incur taker fees (up to 0.05%)—a key difference that can save or cost hundreds per trade.

Jul 24, 2025 at 05:35 am

Understanding Maker and Taker Fees on Bitstamp

When trading contracts on Bitstamp, users encounter two types of fees: maker fees and taker fees. These fees are not arbitrary—they are tied directly to how your order interacts with the order book. A maker is someone who places a limit order that does not immediately execute; it adds liquidity to the market. A taker is someone who places an order that executes immediately against an existing order, removing liquidity from the market. Bitstamp uses this model to incentivize liquidity provision, which stabilizes the platform’s trading environment.

Detailed Fee Structure for Contracts

Bitstamp applies different fee rates depending on whether you are a maker or a taker in the contracts market. As of the latest update:

• Maker fees are typically negative or zero, meaning you may receive a rebate for placing a limit order that adds depth to the order book. For example, if the maker fee is -0.01%, Bitstamp will actually pay you 0.01% of the trade value as a reward.
• Taker fees are positive and usually range from 0.02% to 0.05%, depending on your 30-day trading volume tier. The higher your volume, the lower the taker fee.
  These percentages directly impact your net profit or loss per trade, so understanding them is critical for cost-efficient contract trading.
  

  How to Determine If You’re a Maker or Taker

  
  To know which fee applies to your trade, you must understand how your order is processed:
• If you place a limit order at a price that is not currently available in the order book (i.e., it doesn’t match any existing bid or ask), it will sit in the book until filled—this makes you a maker.
• If you place a market order or a limit order that matches an existing order instantly, you are a taker.
  Bitstamp’s trading engine automatically classifies your order based on this logic. You can verify this in your trade history, where each transaction will be labeled as “Maker” or “Taker.”
  

  Step-by-Step Guide to Minimize Fees on Bitstamp Contracts

  
  To reduce costs when trading contracts on Bitstamp:
• Always use limit orders instead of market orders when entering or exiting positions. This ensures you act as a maker and benefit from rebates or zero fees.
• Set your limit price slightly away from the current market to avoid immediate execution. For example, if the best bid is $50,000, place your sell limit at $50,010 to avoid being a taker.
• Monitor your 30-day trading volume. Bitstamp offers tiered fee structures—higher volume leads to lower taker fees. If you’re near a tier threshold, consider consolidating trades to unlock better rates.
• Avoid placing orders at the top of the order book if you want to remain a maker. Even a small slippage or fast-moving market can cause your order to execute instantly, turning you into a taker.
  

  Impact of Fee Differences on Profitability

  
  The difference between maker and taker fees on Bitstamp can significantly affect your trading strategy. For instance, if you execute 100 contracts with a notional value of $10,000 each:
• As a taker at 0.02%, you pay $200 in fees (100 × $10,000 × 0.0002).
• As a maker at -0.01%, you earn $100 in rebates (100 × $10,000 × 0.0001).
  That’s a $300 swing in cost just based on order type. For high-frequency or scalping strategies, this gap becomes even more pronounced. Traders who ignore this distinction may unknowingly erode their margins.
  

  Common Misconceptions About Bitstamp Contract Fees

  
  Some users assume that all contract trades incur the same fee, but this is incorrect. Others believe that only professional traders benefit from maker rebates—this is also false. Any user placing a qualifying limit order receives the maker treatment. A third myth is that Bitstamp applies taker fees universally across spot and derivatives; in reality, contract fees are separate from spot trading fees, and Bitstamp publishes distinct fee schedules for each product.
  

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Can I switch from taker to maker after placing an order?
  
  No. Once an order executes, Bitstamp’s system determines its classification based on whether it added or removed liquidity at the time of execution. You cannot change this retroactively.

  Do I need to verify my account to access maker rebates?
  
  No. Maker rebates are available to all users regardless of verification level. However, higher verification tiers may unlock lower taker fees based on volume tiers.

  Are fees different for perpetual vs. futures contracts on Bitstamp?
  
  As of current policy, Bitstamp applies the same maker/taker fee structure across all contract types—including perpetual and futures. Always check the official fee schedule for updates.

  Why did my limit order become a taker?
  
  This usually happens if the market moved quickly and your limit price matched an existing order upon submission. To avoid this, place your limit order further from the current bid/ask spread or use post-only orders if available.