How Arbitrage Works (Simple)
Numeric Example
Sell BTC at $40,600
Gross spread: $600 (1.50%)
Fees + slippage (example): $180
Estimated net: $420
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How much money can you make from crypto arbitrage? +
A 0.30% spread on a $10,000 trade yields roughly $10 net profit after fees. With $100,000 capital the same opportunity earns ~$100. Most retail arbitrage trades yield $5–$50. Larger capital, more trades per day = meaningful monthly income.
Which exchange is best for crypto arbitrage? +
Binance is the best "buy" exchange — most liquid, tightest spreads. MEXC and Gate.io often show higher prices on altcoins, making them good "sell" exchanges. Compare Binance vs MEXC →
Is crypto arbitrage legal? +
Yes. Cross-exchange crypto arbitrage is legal in most jurisdictions — it's a normal market activity that helps equalize prices. Always comply with your local tax regulations and exchange KYC/AML requirements.
When might a spread cover estimated costs? +
Fees vary by exchange and account tier. Many retail spot accounts charge around 0.05%–0.20% per leg, plus withdrawal and slippage. A gross spread above ~0.30% is a common starting screen — then use Check Real Profit to estimate your own costs. Estimates are not guarantees.
Is CoinNavigator free? +
Yes, completely free. The spread monitor, all guides, and comparison tools are free forever. We earn a small affiliate commission when you open an exchange account through our links — at no extra cost to you.
What is slippage and does it affect arbitrage? +
Slippage occurs when the actual execution price differs from the quoted price, usually due to low liquidity or large order size. For arbitrage, slippage on either leg can erode or eliminate your spread. To minimize slippage: trade coins with high volume, use limit orders where possible, and keep your trade size well within the order book depth. As a rule of thumb, keep your trade below 0.5% of the 24h volume.
Do I need to complete KYC to do crypto arbitrage? +
Most major exchanges (Binance, MEXC, Bybit) require at least basic KYC (email + ID) to enable withdrawals. Without withdrawal access you cannot move assets between exchanges. Complete KYC on both your buy and sell exchange before attempting arbitrage. For smaller amounts some exchanges offer limited withdrawal limits without full KYC, but this restricts your trading capacity.
Is crypto arbitrage profit taxable? +
In most jurisdictions, yes. Crypto arbitrage profits are treated as capital gains or ordinary income, depending on how long you hold the asset and your local tax laws. Each buy and sell is typically a taxable event. We strongly recommend keeping records of every trade (entry price, exit price, fees, timestamps) and consulting a tax professional in your country. CoinNavigator does not provide tax advice.