Binance vs MEXC – which to choose in 2026

Binance

9.5

since 2017

VS

MEXC

8.8

since 2018

Detailed comparison

What sets them apart

BinanceBest liquidity

The world's largest exchange. 25% fee discount when paying with BNB

Restricted in some regions

MEXCLowest fees

Zero maker fees. Huge selection of coins – 2,500+

Binance (rated 9.5/10) versus MEXC (8.8/10) – who wins in 2026? Both exchanges are actively competing for users: updating interfaces, cutting fees, adding new coins. But they suit different traders. We broke down both platforms in detail: spot and futures fees, security, fiat support, trading tools, pros and cons. All based on hands-on experience.

A Quick Look at Each Exchange

Binance

Binance has been operating since 2017, registered in Abu Dhabi (UAE). The platform lists 450+ cryptocurrencies. Binance is a centralized cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2017 by Changpeng Zhao (CZ). The largest in the world by daily trading volume, headquartered in Abu Dhabi. On Binance you can trade spot, futures, and options, use staking, lending, and the Launchpad platform. Our rating – 9.5/10.

MEXC

MEXC has been operating since 2018, registered in Seychelles. The platform lists 2500+ cryptocurrencies. MEXC is a centralized crypto exchange founded in 2018 and registered in the Seychelles. The platform's main advantage is a zero maker fee on both spot and futures. It lists over 2,500 cryptocurrencies, making it one of the leaders by token count. Our rating – 8.8/10.

Binance vs MEXC Fees – Who Is Cheaper

Fees are the first thing traders look at when choosing an exchange. A 0.05% difference may seem trivial, but on $10,000 in monthly volume that is already $5. And if you trade actively, it adds up fast. On spot, Binance charges 0.1%/0.1% (maker/taker), while MEXC charges 0%/0.05%. In terms of spot fees, MEXC is the better deal. On futures the picture is different. Binance charges 0.02% maker / 0.05% taker. MEXC – 0% maker / 0.02% taker. For those trading with leverage, MEXC will cost less. Withdrawal fees are a separate expense. For BTC: Binance charges 0.0005 BTC (~$35), MEXC – 0.0005 BTC (~$35). For USDT on the TRC-20 network (the cheapest option): Binance – 1 USDT (TRC-20), MEXC – 1 USDT (TRC-20). Both platforms incentivize using their native tokens. Binance offers a discount when paying fees with its BNB token. MEXC – with its MX token. If you trade a lot, the discount is significant.

The trading fee is only part of the expense. The real cost of a trade is made up of five elements: spread (the difference between buy and sell price), trading fee, withdrawal fee, currency conversion, and slippage on order execution. MEXC advertises zero maker fees – and it is true. However, zero fees are partly offset by wider spreads on less liquid pairs. On BTC/USDT and ETH/USDT this is barely noticeable, but on rare tokens the spread can be 2–3 times wider than on Binance. If you trade major coins, MEXC is genuinely cheaper. If you hunt altcoins, calculate the total cost. Our tip: for small transfers, use the TRC-20 network (USDT) – the fee is minimal. For larger amounts, compare withdrawal costs across different networks directly in the exchange interface.

Trading Tools and Features

Beyond fees, it is important to understand what you can actually do on each exchange. Spot trading is available on both platforms. In terms of coin count, MEXC leads with 2500+ cryptocurrencies. Binance offers 450+. If you are looking for a specific altcoin, check the listing catalog beforehand. Futures are available on both exchanges. These are leveraged contracts – you can earn (and lose) multiples of what you would in spot trading. Maximum leverage on major pairs: up to 100x–125x. We recommend starting at 2x–5x, especially if you are new to it. Staking is available on both platforms. You can earn passive income on crypto held on the exchange. Rates depend on the coin and the lock-up period.

P2P and Fiat Trading

P2P is a popular way to buy crypto with local currency. You trade directly with another user: send fiat payment and receive crypto. No intermediaries – the exchange acts as an escrow to protect both sides. Binance: Binance exited several markets in 2023. P2P availability varies by region. Check the official site for your area before signing up. MEXC: P2P exchange supports multiple local currencies and payment methods. P2P liquidity is moderate – sufficient for buying USDT, but large amounts are best split across several trades. Important: Binance has restricted access in certain regions. MEXC operates in most jurisdictions. Tip: when buying large amounts on P2P, split the transaction into several parts – this reduces risk and keeps things smooth.

Security and KYC

Security is something you do not think about until you run into a problem. Exchange hacks, frozen accounts, phishing emails – in crypto these are real risks. Here is what both platforms offer. Binance: Binance uses two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage for the majority of funds, the SAFU (Secure Asset Fund for Users) worth $1B for compensation in case of a hack, a suspicious transaction monitoring system, and withdrawal address whitelisting. In 2019 the exchange was hacked for $40M but fully compensated user losses from the SAFU fund. MEXC: MEXC applies standard security measures: cold storage for the majority of funds, two-factor authentication, anti-phishing codes, and withdrawal address whitelisting. The exchange does not publish regular Proof of Reserves reports, which reduces transparency compared to market leaders. In terms of market tenure, Binance leads – it has been operating since 2017. The longer an exchange runs without major incidents, the greater the trust. Verification (KYC) on Binance: Verification is mandatory for all users. A passport or driver's license plus a selfie is required. The process takes from 10 minutes to a few hours. Without KYC, trading and withdrawals are not possible. Verification (KYC) on MEXC: Basic trading is available without verification, with withdrawal limits. For full access, a passport plus selfie is required. Processing usually takes 15–60 minutes. Our advice: enable two-factor authentication (2FA) right after signing up. Set up an anti-phishing code – it appears in every email from the exchange and helps you tell genuine notifications from scams. For storing large amounts, use a hardware wallet – only keep on the exchange what you are actively trading.

Who Should You Choose

Binance

Binance suits experienced traders who value liquidity and a wide range of tools. An excellent choice for futures trading and working with Launchpad. Keep in mind: the exchange exited certain markets in 2023. Note: access is restricted in some regions – check availability before signing up.

Open Binance

MEXC

MEXC is ideal for those hunting for new tokens at an early stage who want to pay minimal fees. The zero maker rate attracts active traders placing limit orders. It also suits altcoin hunters – the 2,500+ coin catalog covers virtually everything.

Open MEXC

Pros and cons

Binance

+Highest liquidity on the market – orders execute instantly

+Over 450 coins and hundreds of trading pairs

+25% fee discount when paying with the BNB token

+Wide product range: staking, lending, Launchpad, NFT

–Exited certain markets in 2023 – P2P restricted in some regions

–Complex interface for beginners – too many features

–Periodic regulatory issues in various countries

MEXC

+Zero maker fee – 0% on spot and futures

+Over 3,000 cryptocurrencies – one of the largest selections on the market

+New tokens appear earlier than on other exchanges

+Low futures taker fee – just 0.02%

–Zero fees are offset by wider spreads on rare pairs

–Liquidity on obscure coins is notably lower than on Binance

–Cluttered interface – many sections, easy to get lost

Our Verdict

Updated: April 2026

This article contains affiliate links. Not financial advice.