How Do Crypto Exchanges Make Money? — A Complete Analysis
How do Crypto Exchanges Makes Money
In the booming cryptocurrency world, the question “How Crypto Exchanges Make Money?” keeps popping up more often than ever. With over 560 million crypto users according to Triple-a.io, the demand for crypto exchange platforms is at an all-time high. This growth creates a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs to start a crypto exchange business and tap into multiple revenue streams.
Well, a crypto exchange is the medium through which customers trade cryptocurrencies for various assets. The process of trading becomes easier through several platform services and add-on integrations. This not only helps in revenue aspects but also user acquisition.
If you are planning to launch your exchange, understanding crypto exchange revenue models is crucial. This guide explores how crypto exchanges earn money, the different revenue streams, real ROI numbers of top exchanges, and the best ways to build your profitable platform. Finally, it concludes with a solution to help you build a profitable crypto exchange. First, let us begin with…
What is a Crypto Exchange and Why is it Profitable?
A crypto exchange is a digital platform where users can trade cryptocurrencies for other digital assets or fiat. These platforms make trading faster, more secure, and more accessible with features like wallets, staking, and IEO launchpads.
Exchanges like Binance (over 200M users in 2025) and Coinbase prove how profitable this business model can be. Their billions in annual revenue show that building a crypto exchange is not just a tech venture but a highly rewarding business. Now let’s see..
How Crypto Exchanges Make Money?
Here are the top revenue models of crypto exchanges in 2025:
Trading feesDeposit FeesWithdrawal FeesMargin TradingCrypto StakingIntegrating IEO LaunchpadAdd-on Services and Promotions
The biggest answer to “How do crypto exchanges makes money?” is Yes… Any startup or entrepreneur is curious to know the revenue potential of proceeding business. As far as crypto exchanges are considered to be lucrative business models, the hype has always been higher. Here we break down the money-making methods of crypto exchanges one by one.
1. Trading Fees
Crypto Exchange platforms facilitate a lot of trading at high speed and are enabled in a way to set their profit revenue system. Although only a small percent of the trade amount is charged as a fee, the number of trades overall is large hence, multiplying the profit earned for the owner. Arguably, most returns originate for crypto exchanges through trading fees.
2. Deposit Fees
Many exchanges do not charge a deposit fee but it remains a valid source of crypto exchanges make money. For each deposit into the user’s account, a small portion of the digital currency is recorded as a commission for the owner. On the larger picture, depositing cryptocurrencies in the exchange is done regularly by users, and the revenue gradually keeps increasing.
3. Withdrawal Fees
Crypto users can move or withdraw their cryptocurrencies at their convenience, but it doesn’t come for free. A small fee is charged every time a withdrawal action takes place from the platform. Withdrawal rates are determined by the blockchain network and can vary depending on different factors. Each Crypto Exchange has a minimum withdrawal number to ensure a smooth process.
4. Margin Trading
Users have the privilege of borrowing funds from the administrator of the Crypto Exchange through a feature called Margin Trading. This feature is availed by customers who have an eye on cryptocurrency profits and lever up a crypto trade but hesitate to invest completely. A third party can help out a user with funds or the exchange itself provides the facility for which they make money through interests.
5. Crypto Staking
Crypto Staking has taken a giant stride in the market as a lot of users are considering holding or locking their assets for a period of time to get rewards from the network. The Staking feature has turned out to be a passive income source for users. The locked-up funds can be used by the owner for developing other business needs and enhancing his revenue through other streams.
6. Integrating IEO Launchpad
By integrating an Initial Exchange Offering (IEO) launchpad on the platform, the crypto exchanges make money while helping the customers to earn. This is one of the latest modules when it comes to revenue methods and has had excellent success already.
7. Add-on Services and Promotions
Additional revenue streams include:
Crypto wallet servicesNFT marketplace integrationsPromotions for partners/projectsAdvertising on the platform
These crypto exchange business models ensure that exchanges stay profitable while offering users valuable services. Popular exchanges have different money-making strategies and lead the market competition. Let us now comprehend how they perform in real time.
Popular Crypto Exchanges of 2025 in the Market
The crypto market in 2025 has grown more competitive, and different exchanges now lead the space in specific categories. Here are the list of best crypto exchanges based on user needs and revenue potential:
KrakenGeminiCoinbaseCrypto.comBitMart
Considering the demand and supply, many crypto exchanges have entered the crypto space in recent years. The above-mentioned are the top crypto exchanges in terms of revenue and success. Elaborating on their practical outcomes could boost your interest in creating a competitive crypto exchange business.
ROI Numbers of Top Crypto Exchange Platforms
The popular crypto exchanges make money in real time and can blow any investor’s mind. The numbers tell the money-making strategies of crypto exchanges peaking in the market. Recognizing this fact, a lot of business minds will look forward to developing a crypto exchange in the future.
Kraken: Known for strong revenue generation from futures and derivatives trading and low-fee spot markets. Its global adoption and affordable trading costs contribute significantly to its profitability. Specific ROI data is not publicly detailed, but its diverse revenue streams drive consistent returns.
Gemini: Earns revenue mainly through trading fees, custody services, and partnerships with institutions. Its reputation for security attracts high-value traders. Precise ROI figures are not published, but its value proposition supports steady income.
Coinbase: Continues to generate high ROI due to its beginner-friendly platform, subscription services like Coinbase One, and staking solutions. Coinbase has been historically profitable, with growing revenues linked to increasing user adoption.
Crypto.com: Growing strongly through a mobile-first approach, Visa card services, and a leading role in Bitcoin trading. Turbocharged by expanded institutional services in 2025, Crypto.com projects robust revenue growth backed by strategic partnerships and new product launches. For instance, trading volume grew nearly 970% in 2024. Crypto credit and card markets are expanding rapidly with projected growth at a CAGR near 18.4%.
BitMart: Generates significant income from listing fees and trading of thousands of altcoins and tokens across emerging projects. Specific ROI data is limited, but the exchange’s extensive token ecosystem translates to high trading activity and revenues.
The baffling numbers and data interpretations highlight how crypto exchanges make money in profitable ways. Taking the trading volume into account, developing a crypto exchange is the best option for startups and entrepreneurs. However, consider integrating the latest trading modules and robust security features in the crypto exchange platform. Now that you know how exchanges make money, let’s see how you can build one.
How to Start a Crypto Exchange?
Starting a crypto exchange needs extensive fluency in developing, selecting tech stacks, and understanding market demands. Also, security aspects and legal challenges necessitate professional assistance in Crypto exchange development company. Additionally, you can choose the right development methods based on your budget and time frame.
There are two ways to develop a crypto exchange and make money profitably.
Building from ScratchWhite-label Crypto Exchange Software
Let me elaborate on these methods one by one.
1. Building from Scratch
Building from scratch is the first method that requires ample time and high capital.
Cost: $70,000 (Based on your requirements)
Time: 9–12 months
Best for: Unique, custom exchanges with long-term funding
2. White-label Crypto Exchange Software
The second method is to use renowned white-label crypto exchange software. This method is quite time-saving and profitable for budding startups with an area of focus on efficiency.
Cost: $7,000 — $15,000
Time: 1–2 weeks
Best for: Startups & entrepreneurs who want fast, cost-effective launch
After weighing both sides of the coin in a thorough analysis, I personally recommend picking White-label Exchange software for promising startups. The reason behind backing the second method is the lucrative profit earned through a cost-effective solution. Certainly, the other aspect is the attractive features of the White Label Crypto Exchange. So investors may choose white label solutions to let your crypto exchanges make money through diverse revenue streams.
Final Thoughts…
Coming to the final part, there are various factors before picking the best White label Crypto Exchange software development company in the industry. As a beginner in the crypto exchanges, remain the most profitable business model. With trading fees, staking, IEOs, and lending features, exchanges have multiple revenue streams that ensure long-term profitability. It gives a more profound idea of their current status in the market as well as the quality service they can provide.
Secondly, take a demo to ensure your needs can be fulfilled completely by the company. Therefore, go for the reputed White Label Crypto Exchange Software provider that has a graphical flowchart of how their software works and the additional features they provide. Besides, have a clear picture of how crypto exchanges make money in a distributed manner before finalizing your decision on the development company.
How Crypto Exchanges Make Money? — A Complete Analysis was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.