If you want to survive long-term on an exchange, trading fees are definitely the first hurdle to overcome. Many newcomers only realize after opening an account that every trade is contributing profits to the exchange for free—this adds up to a shocking amount over a year.

The fee structure is actually quite simple: it’s the exchange’s fixed fee plus an additional platform markup. The mainstream approach in the market is to add about 1 basis point to the exchange’s base rate, but this isn’t a hard and fast rule. What’s the key? **You must discuss this thoroughly with your account manager before opening an account**. Many people regret after opening an account, and by then, it’s hard to make changes. The most aggressive bargaining tactic is to directly negotiate for the exchange’s original fee rate, skipping the platform’s markup altogether.

The same logic applies to margin costs. Total cost = exchange margin + platform markup. The exchange’s part is fixed, while the floating part is on the platform side. Usually, platforms add around 5 basis points on top of the exchange rate, but if you have bargaining leverage (such as high trading volume or being a long-term user), you can negotiate downward or even secure the original exchange margin requirements.

The principle is simple: **Lowering the rate by 1 basis point can save you enough money in a year to make several good trades**. Therefore, before officially opening an account, be sure to consult multiple exchanges, compare fee terms openly, and sit down with your account manager to negotiate. This isn’t being stingy; it’s about taking responsibility for your trading career.