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What is a spread when swapping crypto?

A spread is the difference between the price the seller is asking for and what the buyer is willing to pay.

Updated over a month ago

Everything you need to know about spreads.

Would you like to swap crypto in Exodus? You can download Exodus here.


In this article:


What is a spread?

A spread, also known as a bid-ask spread, is the difference between the price the seller is asking and what the buyer is willing to pay.

There’s no fixed spread, even when swapping the same two assets. Spreads change based on liquidity and market conditions at the time you're making a swap. In times of high market volatility, spreads tend to widen.

Although spreads can vary greatly based on market conditions, in Exodus, you'll always see the exact amount of crypto you're sending and receiving before you confirm the swap. This way, you can decide whether or not to proceed with full transparency.


What causes a spread to be higher?

A high spread means there's a larger difference between what the seller is asking and what the buyer is willing to pay.

Higher spreads can happen when:

  • The market is volatile: Prices are changing rapidly, making it harder to match buyers and sellers

  • You're swapping less popular assets: These have lower liquidity, meaning fewer buyers and sellers are available


What causes a spread to be lower?

A low spread means there's a smaller difference between the seller's ask price and the buyer's offer.

Lower spreads can happen when:

  • The market is stable: Prices aren't fluctuating much, so it's easier to match trades

  • You're swapping popular assets: These have higher liquidity, with many buyers and sellers in the market


Will I see the spread before I swap in Exodus?

Yes, Exodus shows you the full details of your swap before you confirm.

You’ll see exactly how much crypto you’re sending and receiving, along with the equivalent value in your chosen fiat currency.

This lets you review the spread and decide whether to proceed with the swap.


What if I find a better rate somewhere else?

Swap rates can vary across platforms, and you're always free to choose the one that works best for you.

For more information on the pros and cons of Exodus Swap, visit: What are the benefits of swapping crypto in Exodus vs. centralized exchanges?

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