OKX vs Bybit 2026: the two MiCA-licensed heavyweights compared
Since 1 July 2026 the choice of an exchange has become much simpler for anyone living in the EEA, because most of the big names can no longer open an account for you. Two heavyweights remain with a European authorisation in order. Here is what actually separates them, with both official grids on the table.
The table, official figures on both sides
| Criterion | OKX Europe | Bybit EU |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | Malta MFSA, 27 Jan 2025 | Austria FMA, 28 May 2025 |
| Entry-tier taker | 0.1000% | 0.2500% |
| Entry-tier maker | 0.0800% | 0.1000% |
| First VIP tier taker | 0.0800% | 0.1000% |
| First VIP tier threshold | 100,001 EUR in assets | 100,000 EUR in assets |
| Top tier taker | 0.0175% | 0.0450% |
On spot, the gap is wide
At the entry tier, where almost every retail account sits, a taker order costs 0.1000 percent on OKX against 0.2500 percent on Bybit. On a 1,000 euro purchase that is 1 euro against 2.50 euros. Taken alone it looks trivial, but for someone buying every week over a year the difference becomes real money.
The gap never reverses at any tier. Bybit closes some of the distance higher up the ladder, yet even at its top level its taker rate stays above OKX. The full OKX ladder is broken down in our tier-by-tier OKX fee guide.
Where Bybit keeps the edge
This comparison covers spot, and that needs saying plainly. Bybit built its business on perpetual contracts and copy trading, with a schedule and a product depth that have little to do with the spot table above. A trader working mostly in derivatives, or looking to mirror other traders, should not settle this on spot fees. That is also why both platforms coexist here rather than one replacing the other.
On regulation, it is a draw
Both hold a MiCA authorisation passported across the EEA: the Malta MFSA for OKX since January 2025, the Austrian FMA for Bybit since May 2025, with a place on the French AMF whitelist on top. Neither exposes you to waking up with an account at an entity that has lost the right to serve you. Their track records are another matter, and we went through OKX's in our trust and reputation evaluation.
Frequently asked
Is OKX or Bybit cheaper in 2026?
On spot, OKX is cheaper at every tier. At the entry level a taker order costs 0.1000 percent on OKX Europe against 0.2500 percent on Bybit EU, two and a half times more. The gap narrows as you climb but never flips: 0.0800 against 0.1000 percent at the first VIP tier, 0.0175 against 0.0450 percent at the top. Compared on the official euro-denominated grids of both European entities, read on 11 August 2026.
Are both legal for an EU resident?
Yes, and that is what separates them from most competitors since the MiCA transition closed on 1 July 2026. OKX operates through OKX Europe Ltd, authorised by the Malta MFSA on 27 January 2025. Bybit operates through Bybit EU GmbH, authorised by the Austrian FMA on 28 May 2025 and listed on the French AMF whitelist. Both authorisations are passported across the European Economic Area.
When does Bybit make more sense than OKX?
The comparison above covers spot only. Bybit built its business on perpetual contracts and copy trading, two areas with their own fee schedule and product depth. A trader whose activity is mostly derivatives, or who wants to mirror other traders, should not decide on spot fees alone. For buying and holding, the pricing gap clearly favours OKX.
How do you move up a tier on each platform?
The mechanism is the same on both sides: a tier is granted on 30-day traded volume or on assets held, whichever is more favourable. Bybit recalculates the VIP level daily at 7AM UTC. Entry VIP thresholds are close, around 100,000 euros in assets on both.
Transparency: both links on this page are affiliate links, paying us a commission if you register, at no extra cost to you. Schedules move, and Bybit's page even carries a note that its table applies before 5 October 2026, so check the official pages before deciding. Crypto assets can wipe out your capital. Only commit money you have no other use for.
Sources: official OKX Europe fee page and Bybit EU help centre, both read on 11 August 2026.