metaratesIn P2P arbitrage you buy USDT where it is cheaper and sell it where it is more expensive. On the screen the difference looks attractive, but the real result is smaller: fees eat part of it, only part of your amount fits the limits, and the price manages to move. Below is a step-by-step formula.
What the result consists of
- The spread. The difference between the sell price on one exchange and the buy price on another.
- The USDT transfer fee between exchanges. It is a fixed amount in USDT depending on the network (on TRC20 it is usually about 1 USDT, but check the current value in the withdrawal screen). It does not depend on the trade size, so it hits small amounts hard.
- Exchange and bank fees. In P2P the fee is often zero for the person placing the ad, but bank transfer fees, card limits and incoming payment limits are possible.
- Taxes. They depend on your status and the law: ask an accountant.
The formula
Let you invest S hryvnia. The buy price is Pb, the sell price Ps, the transfer fee F USDT.
- USDT after buying:
U = S / Pb - After transfer between exchanges:
U − F - Proceeds after selling:
R = (U − F) × Ps - Profit:
R − S, in percent:(R − S) / S × 100
A worked example (illustration, not a forecast)
You invest 20,000 UAH. You buy USDT at 45.50: that is 439.56 USDT. The transfer costs 1 USDT, leaving 438.56 USDT. You sell at 46.80 and receive 20,523 UAH. Profit is about 523 UAH, or about 2.6%. If the sell price turns out to be 46.00, proceeds are 20,172 UAH and profit is only 172 UAH (0.9%). Your prices will be different.
Break-even
The transfer fee is fixed, so there is a minimum amount below which the trade loses money. It equals F × Ps / (Ps / Pb − 1) in hryvnia, provided Ps is above Pb. For a 2.6% spread and F = 1 USDT it is roughly 1,800 UAH. For a 0.5% spread break-even is already a few thousand hryvnia. That is why arbitrage on small amounts often does not pay off.
What else affects the result
- Ad limits. The best price may have a limit below your amount, so you have to split the trade.
- Time. While you buy, transfer and sell, the rate moves. Leave a margin.
- Abnormal prices. An ad whose price differs sharply from the market is often a trap or already stale. Check the seller before trading and read the signs of fake ads.
- Bank delays. Frozen funds do not work, and sometimes a payment goes to review.
How to automate the calculation
In the MetaRates app the Arbitrage section finds bundles itself and calculates net profit for your amount using the transfer fee you set (there are TRC20 and BEP20 presets). There is also a calculator for a quick check of your own prices. It is an estimate based on ads at the moment of calculation, not a guaranteed result. This is not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on the spread and the transfer fee. For a 1% spread and a 1 USDT fee, break-even is a few thousand hryvnia, and real sense appears on larger amounts. Calculate with the formula or the calculator.
For the person placing the ad the P2P fee is usually zero, but the policy depends on the exchange and can change. Check the current terms on the exchange.
Because of price changes during the trade, limits, bank fees and payment delays. That is why it is worth leaving a margin in calculations.
No. Arbitrage carries risks: rate moves, fake ads, card blocking. The material is informational and is not financial advice.
Partner links: if you register, we may receive a reward from the exchange. Your terms do not change.
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.