Crypto swap fees explained: network cost, spread and final amount
Reviewed September 13, 2026 · Orbiswap editorial
SHORT ANSWER
A crypto swap can involve a sending-wallet fee, exchange pricing and payout costs. Compare the quoted destination amount under the same network and rate conditions, then account for costs charged separately. An illustrative percentage cannot establish what a real exchange will cost.
01
The sending wallet pays a blockchain fee
For a transfer from a wallet you control, the source blockchain determines the resources needed. Ethereum gas is paid in ETH, including for an ERC-20 token transfer. Keep the fee’s asset and amount separate from the token amount being sent, and check the wallet preview before confirming.
02
The exchange quote reflects liquidity and execution
The quote can reflect exchange commission, liquidity and delivery costs. Some costs are already reflected in the output rather than shown as an additional deduction. A reference-price calculation does not establish an executable amount, and a difference from that reference is not automatically a separately charged fee.
03
Compare the net amount received on the same route
Compare the same source asset, source network, amount, destination asset and destination network at the same time. Keep the rate type consistent. Record the quoted output and any separate costs, then check the actual delivered amount after completion rather than treating an initial estimate as a receipt.
- Compare at the same time because markets move
- Check minimum deposit requirements
- Include the cost of acquiring the source-network gas asset
- Treat “zero fee” claims cautiously if the spread is not shown
CONCRETE EXAMPLE
Illustrative calculation: a 0.38% fee on 1,000 USDT
Assume a hypothetical amount of 1,000 USDT and a single fee of 0.38%, with no conversion or other deductions. The fee is 1,000 × 0.0038 = 3.80 USDT. Subtracting it leaves a net amount of 996.20 USDT in this example. These figures explain the arithmetic only: 0.38% is not a universal Orbiswap or ChangeNOW tariff, and 996.20 USDT is not a live payout quote. Sending-wallet costs, other quoted costs and any conversion can change a real result.
CHECK THIS CASE
- 1Convert the illustrative percentage: 0.38 ÷ 100 = 0.0038.
- 2Calculate the fee and remainder: 1,000 × 0.0038 = 3.80; 1,000 − 3.80 = 996.20 USDT.
- 3For an actual exchange, read the current quote and wallet fee; do not subtract costs already included in the displayed output.
ACTION CHECKLIST
Before you continue
- Check the wallet fee before sending.
- Compare the final estimated amount received.
- Use identical networks when comparing quotes.
- Read the fixed or floating rate conditions.
- Refresh the estimate if it expires.
FAQ
Questions about this topic
Is the wallet network fee included in the quote?+
The source-wallet fee is normally chosen and paid by the wallet. Review the live quote and wallet send screen separately.
Why does a market converter show more crypto?+
A market converter can ignore executable liquidity, spread, network selection and payout cost. Use the live destination estimate for the route.
Can I claim the advertised fee-reimbursement offer on a new exchange?+
The Orbiswap offer ending on 31 January 2025 has expired; it is not an active benefit for new exchanges. A fee reimbursement is also different from a possible return of an exchange deposit. Do not include an expired promotion when comparing current costs.
RELATED ROUTES AND ASSETS
Continue with the exact intent
Educational information only. The live route, wallet instructions and provider notice shown for an exchange take precedence over general examples.