Gate.io Review: Most listed tokens
Gate.io (originally launched as Bter in 2013) operates the largest catalog of cryptocurrency pairs among major exchanges, listing 2,500+ tokens as of May 2026. Standard spot trading fee is 0.10% maker/taker; USDT-margined perpetual fee is 0.02% maker, 0.05% taker.
- Standard spot trading fee: 0.10% (verified 2026-09-07)
- USDT-margined futures fee: 0.02% maker / 0.05% taker
- Lifetime referral rebate via code UlAXAA8: 40% rebate
- Welcome bonus tier ceiling: Up to $6,666
Why Gate.io ranks #5 in our index
Gate.io ranks #5 of 11 major cryptocurrency exchanges in our index (cycle 2026-09-07), primarily on the basis of most listed tokens. Our scoring is composite-weighted across liquidity, fee competitiveness, product breadth, regulatory standing, security record, and referral value — see our methodology for details.
Strengths
- 12+ years operating since 2013 (originally Bter)
- 2,500+ tokens listed — most among major exchanges
- 16 VIP tiers with 0% maker fee at the top
- GT token gives an additional 1-28% fee discount
Limitations
- Fee ladder is almost flat below VIP 9 (0.10% → 0.095% across VIP 1–4)
- User interface is information-dense for beginners
Gate.io fee schedule, entry tier
| Fee | Rate | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Spot maker | 0.10% | Entry tier, before referral discount |
| Spot taker | 0.10% | Entry tier, before referral discount |
| Futures maker | 0.02% | USDT-margined perpetuals, entry tier |
| Futures taker | 0.05% | USDT-margined perpetuals, entry tier |
Table 2 · Transcribed from the Gate.io fee schedule, cycle 2026-09-07. Exchanges revise these tables without notice; the linked page is authoritative.
How to claim the Gate.io fee discount
The lifetime fee discount and welcome bonus on Gate.io can only be activated at registration. Existing accounts cannot retroactively attach a referral code. To claim:
- Register through the link on this page. Referral code
UlAXAA8is carried in the URL, so it is applied without being typed. - Complete identity verification. Gate.io classifies KYC as Required, so withdrawals stay locked until a government ID and selfie are on file.
- Fund the account. The minimum deposit recorded for Gate.io is $1; welcome-bonus tiers above that carry their own thresholds on the exchange's promotion page.
- Execute one qualifying trade. At the entry tier that costs 0.10% on spot and 0.05% as a futures taker, before the referral reduction is applied.
- The 40% rebate reduction then attaches to the account for its lifetime. It is not a promotional window and does not need to be renewed.
References
- Gate.io official fee schedule, last accessed 2026-09-07: https://www.gate.com/fee
- Headquarters and founding year cross-referenced against the CoinGecko exchange API and Wikipedia, cycle 2026-09-07.
- Welcome bonus and rebate figures sourced directly from Gate.io's official referral / partner program page.