Step Exchange Fee Calculator
Your Estimated Fees
Enter your trading volume and click Calculate
Fee Tiers Overview
Standard Tier
Up to 10 BTC/month
Maker Fee: 0.09%
Taker Fee: 0.12%
Volume Discount Tier
Over 10 BTC/month
Maker Fee: 0.07%
Taker Fee: 0.09%
Note on Step Exchange Fees
Step Exchange uses a tiered maker-taker fee structure. Makers provide liquidity by placing limit orders, while takers remove liquidity by filling existing orders. Higher trading volumes qualify for reduced fees.
You’re probably wondering whether Step Exchange lives up to the hype or is just another flash‑in‑the‑pan platform. With so many crypto brokers vying for attention, it helps to break down the essentials-fees, safety, coin selection, and how the service stacks up against the big names.
Key Takeaways
- Step Exchange charges a tiered maker‑taker fee that starts at 0.09% for makers and 0.12% for takers.
- Security relies on cold‑storage for 98% of assets, hardware‑wallet integration, and optional biometric 2FA.
- More than 250 crypto assets are listed, but the platform focuses on top‑100 market‑cap coins.
- It operates under a Malta‑based e‑money licence, meeting EU AML/KYC standards.
- Customer support is 24/7 live chat with a 2‑hour average response time.
What is Step Exchange?
Step Exchange is a crypto exchange platform that launched in 2022, targeting retail traders who want a balance of low fees and strong security. The service is headquartered in Malta and offers a web portal plus mobile apps for iOS and Android.
How Step Exchange compares to the market leaders
To see where Step Exchange stands, we’ll line it up against three heavyweight competitors: Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken. These three cover a range of fee structures, asset breadth, and regulatory footprints.
| Feature | Step Exchange | Binance | Coinbase | Kraken |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base trading fee (taker) | 0.12% | 0.10% | 0.40% | 0.26% |
| Maker fee | 0.09% | 0.06% | 0.00% (first $10k/mo) | 0.16% |
| Supported assets | 250+ | 1,800+ | 620+ | 500+ |
| Cold‑storage ratio | 98% | 95% | 98% | 99% |
| Regulatory licence | Malta e‑money licence | Various global licences | US FinCEN, EU licences | US Money Services Business |
| Customer support (avg. response) | 2hours (live chat) | 24hours (ticket) | 1hour (phone) | 3hours (email) |
Fee structure explained
Step Exchange follows a classic maker‑taker model. If you add liquidity to the order book (maker), you pay 0.09%; if you take existing liquidity (taker), the fee rises to 0.12%. Volume discounts kick in at 10BTC/month, dropping the taker fee to 0.09% and the maker fee to 0.07%.
Unlike some rivals that charge a flat 0.40% on every trade, Step’s tiered system rewards active traders. The platform also offers a zero‑fee tier for market‑making bots that sustain a 30‑day average spread of less than 0.1%.
Security measures
Security is the biggest deciding factor for most users. Step Exchange adopts three layers of protection:
- Cold‑storage: Cold‑storage holds 98% of user funds in offline hardware vaults, inaccessible to internet attacks.
- Two‑factor authentication: Users can enable SMS, authenticator‑app, or biometric (fingerprint/Face ID) 2FA. The biometric option is optional but highly recommended.
- Withdrawal whitelist: Once enabled, funds can only leave the account to pre‑approved wallet addresses.
The exchange suffered a minor phishing incident in Q12024, but no funds were lost because of the withdrawal whitelist. The episode prompted a rollout of mandatory anti‑phishing codes for every login attempt.
Supported cryptocurrencies
Step Exchange lists over 250 crypto assets, covering the top 100 market‑cap coins and a curated selection of DeFi tokens. Notable inclusions are Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Polkadot (DOT), and newer entrants like Aptos (APT). The platform deliberately avoids obscure meme coins to keep compliance risk low.
New listings undergo a three‑step vetting process: on‑chain analytics, smart‑contract audit, and regulatory review. Listings are announced on the official blog and usually go live within 48hours of approval.
Regulatory compliance and licensing
Step Exchange operates under a Malta e‑money licence (EML‑2022‑04) and adheres to the EU’s Fifth AML Directive. The platform enforces Know‑Your‑Customer (KYC) checks using a KYC/AML provider that verifies identity documents, source‑of‑funds, and sanctions screening. Users from non‑EU jurisdictions can register, but they face stricter withdrawal limits until additional verification is completed.
In November2024, the Malta Financial Services Authority approved Step’s request to expand its licence to include custodial services for institutional clients, a move that should boost confidence among larger traders.
User experience and customer support
The web app sports a clean, dark‑mode‑ready design. Navigation is intuitive: the dashboard shows portfolio value, recent trades, and a “quick trade” widget. Mobile apps mirror the desktop layout and support push notifications for price alerts.
Customer support is reachable via live chat, email, and a dedicated phone line for premium users. Average first‑response time sits at about two hours, and the support team boasts a 96% satisfaction rating on Trustpilot (as of August2025).
Pros and cons checklist
- Pros
- Low maker‑taker fees compared with most retail‑focused exchanges.
- Robust cold‑storage strategy (98% of funds offline).
- Clear regulatory footing under a Malta e‑money licence.
- Responsive 24/7 live‑chat support.
- Selective asset list keeps the platform focused.
- Cons
- Fewer exotic altcoins than Binance or KuCoin.
- No built‑in fiat on‑ramp for all European currencies (only EUR and GBP).
- Withdrawal whitelist can feel restrictive for occasional traders.
- Advanced order types (e.g., trailing stop) are missing.
Bottom line
If you value a transparent fee schedule, solid security, and a regulated environment, Step Exchange checks most of the boxes. It won’t satisfy a trader hunting the latest meme coin, but for anyone focused on the top‑tier market and wants a platform that takes compliance seriously, it’s a solid choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Step Exchange support fiat deposits?
Yes, the exchange accepts EUR and GBP via bank transfer. USD deposits are planned for early 2026.
What is the minimum withdrawal amount?
The minimum is 0.001BTC, 0.02ETH, or the equivalent in the selected token.
Is there a mobile app for Android and iOS?
Both platforms have native apps with full trading functionality and push‑notification alerts.
How does Step Exchange handle regulatory reporting?
The exchange files AML reports with the Maltese regulator and provides annual tax statements for EU users.
Can I trade using API keys?
Yes, Step Exchange offers a REST API with rate limits of 30 requests per second for authenticated accounts.
Fiona Lam
Step Exchange’s fee structure might look slick, but honestly it feels like a gimmick to lure the low‑volume crowd. The maker‑taker split of 0.09%/0.12% is only marginally better than Coinbase’s 0.40%, and the volume discount only kicks in after you’re already dealing with double‑digit BTC amounts. Plus, the “Malta e‑money licence” isn’t exactly a badge of trust when you compare it to a US‑regulated broker. If you’re serious about security, you’d want a platform with a proven track record, not a newcomer still polishing its UI.
Bottom line: unless you love paying for “premium” support, there are better options out there.
OLAOLUWAPO SANDA
i think you’re overreacting, step exchange is just doing what every other platform does and it’s fine.
Alex Yepes
From a quantitative perspective, the tiered fee model presented by Step Exchange aligns with industry standards, offering incremental reductions for higher monthly volumes. The cold‑storage ratio of 98% is comparable to leading custodians, which mitigates systemic risk. Regulatory compliance under a Malta e‑money licence satisfies EU AML directives, although it may not fulfill the expectations of U.S. investors seeking SEC oversight. Overall, the platform presents a balanced proposition for retail traders focusing on major assets, provided they accept the limited fiat on‑ramp.
Sumedha Nag
yeah, but the thing is most people don’t care about those technicalities, they just want cheap trades and a simple app, and step actually nails that simplicity.
Holly Harrar
hey guys, just wanted to add that the withdrawal whitelist feature is a real lifesaver-once you set it up, you’re protected from phishing attempts trying to drain your account. also, the 24/7 live chat usually gets you a response in under two hours, which is pretty solid for a mid‑size exchange. if you’re trading on the go, the mobile push alerts for price spikes are super handy. just make sure you enable the biometric 2FA; it’s a tiny extra step for a huge security boost.
Vijay Kumar
Totally agree! I’ve been using the app for a few months, and the mixed‑mode UI feels both clean and functional. The charting tools could use more advanced indicators, but for most spot trades they’re more than enough. Also, the API rate limit of 30 requests per second is generous for most hobbyist bots.
Bianca Giagante
While reviewing the platform, I noticed that the user‑interface adopts a dark‑mode‑ready layout, which is aesthetically pleasing; however, the navigation hierarchy could be streamlined, as new users may find the “quick trade” widget slightly hidden behind the portfolio overview. Additionally, the support team’s average response time of two hours is commendable; still, a more robust ticketing system would improve traceability. Overall, the design choices reflect an intent to cater to both novices and seasoned traders, albeit with room for refinement.
Andrew Else
yeah, sure, the UI is “nice” if you ignore the fact that they still don’t support trailing stops.
Susan Brindle Kerr
Step Exchange presents itself as a middle‑ground solution between the behemoths and the niche altcoin havens, but the reality is far more nuanced. First, the fee schedule, while modest on the surface, only becomes truly competitive after you cross the ten‑BTC threshold, a barrier many retail traders never reach. Second, the platform’s asset roster, capped at roughly 250 coins, deliberately excludes the speculative meme tokens that drive volume on sites like Binance, which may disappoint hunt‑for‑high‑risk users. Third, the cold‑storage ratio of 98 % mirrors that of larger exchanges, yet the remaining 2 % in hot wallets remains a potential attack vector. Fourth, the Malta e‑money licence offers a degree of regulatory oversight, but it lacks the stringent capital requirements enforced by U.S. fiduciaries. Fifth, the biometric 2FA option is a plus, but its optional nature means many users stick with weaker SMS codes. Sixth, the withdrawal whitelist, while effective against phishing, can frustrate occasional traders who move funds between multiple wallets. Seventh, their customer service, though boasting a two‑hour live‑chat response, still falls short of the one‑hour benchmark set by Coinbase. Eighth, the lack of a built‑in fiat on‑ramp for currencies beyond EUR and GBP limits accessibility for non‑European users. Ninth, the API, though well‑documented, imposes a modest rate limit that may hinder high‑frequency strategies. Tenth, the platform’s UI, though sleek, suffers from occasional latency spikes during peak market hours. Eleventh, the compliance team’s recent phishing incident response was swift, but the episode highlighted the necessity of mandatory anti‑phishing codes for all logins. Twelfth, the absence of advanced order types like trailing stops or conditional orders reduces flexibility for sophisticated traders. Thirteenth, the regulatory expansion to custodial services for institutions is promising, yet it remains to be seen how this will translate to retail benefits. Fourteenth, the community feedback loop appears limited, with few public channels for feature requests. Finally, for users prioritizing low fees, solid security, and a regulated environment, Step Exchange does fulfill many expectations, but it certainly isn’t the universal solution for every crypto enthusiast.
Jared Carline
Whilst the foregoing exposition is thorough, one must consider that the comparative analysis neglects to address the intrinsic geopolitical implications of operating under a Maltese e‑money licence, which may not suffice for jurisdictions demanding stricter sovereign oversight. Consequently, the argument that Step Exchange is universally suitable appears overstated.
raghavan veera
Ever think about how most exchanges just chase the next hype wave, and step exchange actually seems to sit back and let the market settle? It’s like they’re saying “we don’t need to be the flashiest, we just want to be reliable.” That mindset is rare these days, and maybe that’s why their security focus feels more genuine.
Danielle Thompson
Exactly! Keep it simple, stay safe 😊
Eric Levesque
Look, the only reason I’d even consider Step Exchange over a home‑grown solution is because they’re pushing a nationalist narrative that aligns with protecting local crypto assets. If you’re not from the US, you should dump it.
alex demaisip
From a technical standpoint, the platform’s architecture employs a micro‑services paradigm with containerized deployment, which theoretically enables horizontal scaling; however, the observed latency during order book updates suggests suboptimal load‑balancing configurations, potentially impacting high‑throughput use cases.