The relationship between order type and fee classification is central to understanding maker vs taker fees. A market order always makes you a taker — it executes immediately against resting limit orders on the book, removing liquidity. A limit order typically makes you a maker, but only if it does not match an existing order immediately. If a limit order is placed at or beyond the current market price, it may fill immediately and be classified as a taker order.
This distinction is critically important: using a limit order does not automatically guarantee maker status. If you place a limit buy order at or above the current lowest ask, the order fills immediately, and you pay the taker fee despite using a limit order format. To qualify as a maker, your limit order price must be placed so that no immediate match exists on the order book at the time of placement.
MARKET ORDER
TAKERAlways Classified as Taker
Market orders execute immediately against the best available prices on the order book. Because they consume existing liquidity, they always incur the higher taker fee regardless of exchange or asset.
LIMIT ORDER (NON-AGGRESSIVE)
MAKERRests on Book = Maker Status
A limit buy placed below the current ask, or a limit sell placed above the current bid, does not match immediately. It enters the order book as a resting order and qualifies for the lower maker fee when eventually filled.
LIMIT ORDER (AGGRESSIVE)
TAKERImmediate Fill = Taker Fee
A limit buy at or above the current ask fills immediately, just like a market order. Despite the limit format, this is classified as a taker trade and incurs the higher taker fee.
STOP ORDERS
TAKERStop-Loss Orders Are Takers
Stop-loss and stop-market orders trigger as market orders when the stop price is hit. They always result in taker fee classification. Stop-limit orders may or may not qualify as maker depending on execution conditions.
