HTX (formerly Huobi) is one of the oldest and largest global exchanges — a deep, liquid venue with a broad altcoin list and strong Asian order flow, which makes it a reliable leg for cross-exchange arbitrage.
Where MEXC and Gate.io win on fresh, thin listings, HTX brings liquidity and reach: a long-established book, hundreds of pairs, and regional demand that can push its prices away from Western venues. The catch is fees — HTX’s default spot taker of 0.20% is higher than most, so the HT-token discount and fee-aware trading matter here more than anywhere. This guide covers HTX arbitrage in plain language: the fees you actually pay, the strategies that fit, the withdrawal traps, and how it compares to other exchanges.
0.20%
spot taker (default)
Why HTX Is a Veteran Venue for Crypto Arbitrage
HTX has run since 2013 and remains a top-tier exchange by volume, with especially strong liquidity across Asian trading hours. For arbitrage that matters two ways: deep books make HTX a dependable exit leg for larger size, and its regional order flow can move HTX prices out of line with Binance or OKX — creating cross-exchange gaps you can capture. A broad altcoin list widens the field of pairs to scan.
HTX Fee Structure — What You Actually Pay
This is the section to read twice, because HTX’s default spot fee is higher than its rivals and can eat a thin spread:
| Fee | HTX rate | Why it matters for arbitrage |
|---|
| Spot taker (default) | ~0.20% | Higher than most — a spread must clear this on both legs |
| Spot with HT discount | lower | Holding/paying fees in HT cuts the rate meaningfully |
| Futures taker | ~0.05% | Competitive for holding perps in funding trades |
| USDT withdrawal | ≈ $1 (varies by network) | Pick a cheap network (e.g. TRC-20) to protect the spread |
Mind the 0.20%
At the default rate, a two-leg spot trade pays ~0.40% in trading fees alone — before withdrawal and gas. On HTX, either use the HT discount or only take spreads wide enough to clear that cost. Always read the net number.
Best Arbitrage Strategies on HTX
1
HTX-vs-major spot gaps
Compare HTX prices to Binance/OKX/Bybit. Regional flow can push HTX out of line — capture the gap when it clears fees.
2
HT-discounted trading
Activate the HT fee discount before you trade actively, so more of every spread survives.
4
Use HTX as the deep leg
When you find a gap on a thin exchange, HTX’s liquidity makes it a solid venue to execute the larger side.
Withdrawals & Networks — the Silent Profit-Killer
As on every exchange, confirm the withdrawal path before you buy: is the coin withdrawable right now, on a network your other exchange accepts, at a fee small enough to keep the spread profitable? HTX supports major networks for popular coins, but always verify the exact chain and current status — a gap you can’t settle is not a real opportunity.
HTX vs Other Major Exchanges
| Exchange | Spot taker | Edge | Best for |
|---|
| HTX | 0.20% (HT discount) | Deep liquidity, Asian flow | Reliable exit leg, regional gaps |
| Binance | 0.10% | Deepest overall liquidity | Majors, tight execution |
| MEXC | 0.05% | Lowest fees, fresh listings | Alt spreads on a budget |
| Gate.io | 0.10% (GT discount) | Largest long-tail catalog | Obscure/Startup coins |
HTX is a liquidity play, not a low-fee one — pair it with a thin discovery venue like MEXC or Gate.io, and compare execution with Binance and OKX.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
1
Higher default spot fee
Without the HT discount, 0.20% per leg erases many spreads. Factor it in every time.
2
Liquidity varies by pair
Majors are deep; some altcoins are thin — check order-book depth before sizing up.
3
Regional availability
HTX access and features vary by jurisdiction; confirm what applies to you.
How ArbiScreen Tracks HTX — and Every Other Exchange
HTX’s higher fees make the net number decisive — a spread that looks good gross can be a loss after 0.20% on each leg. ArbiScreen streams live prices from HTX and 16 other exchanges and calculates the net profit after every fee, so you only see HTX arbitrage opportunities that actually pay. Spot spreads, funding rates and geo premiums, all in one place; your funds stay on your own accounts.
Open the live arbitrage scanner or learn the basics in spot arbitrage.
How to Start Arbitraging on HTX
1
Fund HTX and one other exchange
Pre-fund both sides so you can buy and sell instantly without waiting on a transfer.
2
Turn on the HT fee discount
Cut your per-leg fee before trading actively — essential given HTX’s 0.20% default.
3
Scan for net-positive gaps
Find HTX prices that differ from other venues after fees; only spreads that clear ~0.40% round-trip are worth it.
4
Verify withdrawal & depth
Confirm the coin is withdrawable on a compatible network with enough volume to fill your order.
5
Execute fast, start small
Buy the cheap side, sell the expensive side quickly; trade small first to learn HTX’s fills.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HTX good for crypto arbitrage?▼
Yes, mainly for its liquidity and reach. HTX (formerly Huobi) is one of the oldest, highest-volume exchanges with strong Asian order flow, making it a reliable exit leg and a source of regional price gaps. The main caveat is its higher default spot fee (~0.20%), so use the HT discount and trade fee-aware.
What are HTX's trading fees?▼
HTX's default spot taker fee is around 0.20% — higher than most rivals — though holding or paying fees in the HT token lowers it. Futures taker fees are around 0.05%. Because arbitrage uses two trades, budget for the round-trip fee plus a network withdrawal fee.
Why is HTX's spot fee higher than MEXC or Binance?▼
HTX's standard rate is simply set higher (~0.20% vs 0.05–0.10%), with discounts tied to its HT token. For arbitrage this means a spread must be wider to clear costs on HTX — the HT discount closes much of the gap for active traders.
What's the biggest risk of HTX arbitrage?▼
Fees eating a thin spread. At 0.20% per leg, a two-leg trade pays ~0.40% before withdrawal costs, so marginal gaps turn into losses. Use the HT discount, confirm withdrawal networks, and always check the net-of-fee figure.
How do I find HTX arbitrage opportunities?▼
Compare HTX prices to other exchanges in real time and check profit after fees. ArbiScreen scans HTX and 16 other exchanges live, calculates net profit after all fees, and surfaces the best spot, funding and geo opportunities automatically.
Does ArbiScreen support HTX?▼
Yes. HTX is one of the 17 exchanges ArbiScreen tracks for spot spreads, futures and funding rates, with net-of-fee calculations so you only act on gaps that actually pay after HTX's fees.
