
Binance is the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by daily trading volume. In this guide, we’ll walk you through creating an account with a lifetime fee discount applied automatically.
Before You Start
You’ll need:
- A valid email address or phone number
- A government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID)
- A smartphone for two-factor authentication
Step 1: Use a Referral Link
The most important step is to start with a referral link. This locks in a permanent 20% discount on all trading fees. There’s no catch — you get the exact same account, just cheaper.
If you sign up without a referral link, you cannot add one later. So don’t skip this step.
Step 2: Create Your Account
Enter your email address and choose a strong password. Binance requires at least 8 characters with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, and numbers.
You’ll receive a verification code via email — enter it to confirm.
Step 3: Complete KYC Verification

KYC (Know Your Customer) verification is mandatory for all Binance accounts. Upload a clear photo of your ID and take a selfie. The automated system typically approves you in under 5 minutes.
Without KYC, you won’t be able to deposit, withdraw, or trade.
Step 4: Set Up Security
This is non-negotiable. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) using Google Authenticator. SMS 2FA is also available but less secure.
Additional security measures to enable:
- Anti-phishing code: A custom word that appears in all legitimate Binance emails
- Withdrawal whitelist: Only allow withdrawals to pre-approved addresses
- Device management: Review and remove unknown devices
Step 5: Make Your First Deposit
You have several options:
- Crypto transfer: Send BTC, ETH, or USDT from another wallet
- P2P trading: Buy crypto directly from other users with local payment methods
- Credit card: Buy crypto with a card (higher fees apply)
Maximizing Your Fee Discount
Once your account is set up, take these extra steps to minimize fees:
- Buy some BNB — Enable “Use BNB for fees” in settings for an extra 25% off
- Use limit orders — Maker fees are often lower than taker fees at higher VIP levels
- Check your fee tier — As your trading volume increases, you’ll automatically unlock lower fee tiers
With the referral discount + BNB payment, your effective trading fee drops to approximately 0.06% — among the lowest in the industry.
Before you create an account
A final signup check, before any first trade
Binance must display SmallDrift, RATE20, and the 20% fee discount in its signup flow. If it does not, do not assume the offer will be applied after account creation.
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