metaratesWhen you buy or sell USDT through P2P you pay not one fee but several components. Some are obvious, some are hidden in the price. Let us split them into groups.
1. The exchange fee
Exchanges charge for P2P differently: on one side of the deal, on both, or not at all. Usually the fee is paid by the person who posts the ad (the maker), while the buyer or seller who accepts it is not charged directly. Details change, so check the tariffs on the exchange itself. More on the roles in our article on maker and taker.
2. The spread: the gap between buying and selling
This is the biggest and least visible cost. Sellers set the price above the market, buyers below it, and the gap between the best buy and sell price of USDT in P2P is usually a few percent. In our samples for early October 2026 the average gap between the best sell and buy price across six exchanges was about 6% (see the market report). That means you cannot buy and sell straight back without a loss.
3. The network fee
If you transfer USDT between an exchange and a wallet or another exchange, the network charges a fee. For TRC20 it is usually around 1 USDT; for ERC20 it is much higher and depends on network load. See our article on TRC20 vs ERC20.
4. The bank
A transfer to a card of another bank may carry a fee, and limits on incoming transfers can force you to split the amount. A transfer within one bank (for example Monobank to Monobank) is usually cheaper or free, so ads with your bank are often better.
How to compare honestly
- Compare the final amount you receive, not the percentage on the screen.
- Add the network fee if you transfer USDT.
- Keep in mind that the cheapest ad may belong to an unreliable seller.
- For arbitrage routes use the calculator in the app: it computes the net result after fees.
This is not financial advice; exchange and bank fees change.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on the exchange: a buyer who opens an order on someone else's ad is often not charged, but terms change. Check on the exchange.
That is the P2P spread: sellers price above, buyers below, and the gap between them is the main cost of a buy-and-sell round trip.
On TRC20 usually about 1 USDT; on ERC20 it is higher and fluctuates. Check the amount on the exchange before transferring.
Check the numbers on live prices
Open MetaRates: P2P orders from six exchanges, an arbitrage calculator and rate alerts.
This material is for information only and is not financial advice.