Introduction
In the dynamic world of NFT trading, the final price you pay or receive is rarely the listed price. Consequently, a complex interplay of fees, commissions, and network costs can significantly impact the profitability of a sale or the true cost of a purchase. Therefore, for both creators and collectors, understanding this fee structure is not just accounting—it’s a critical factor in choosing where to trade and how to maximize returns.
This guide will demystify the cost components of an NFT transaction, provide a clear comparison of major marketplace fee structures in 2025, and offer practical tips for navigating the economics of NFT trading.
1. Deconstructing an NFT Transaction: The Three Layers of Cost
When an NFT sells, the payment is typically split three ways:
a) Creator Royalty (aka Artist Fee)
This is a percentage of the sale price paid directly to the original creator of the NFT on every secondary market sale. Fundamentally, this is a foundational feature of Web3, enabling artists to earn ongoing revenue from their work.
- Typical Range: 5% – 10%. This is set by the creator at the time the collection is deployed.
- Who it benefits: The creator/artist.
b) Platform Commission (aka Marketplace Fee)
This is the fee charged by the marketplace itself for facilitating the transaction, providing the platform, and promoting liquidity. Ultimately, this is how marketplaces generate revenue.
- Typical Range: 2% – 2.5%.
- Who it benefits: The marketplace (e.g., OpenSea, Magic Eden).
c) Network Gas Fee
This is a transaction fee paid to the blockchain network (e.g., Ethereum, Solana) to process and validate the transaction. Importantly, this is not controlled by the marketplace. Furthermore, it fluctuates based on network congestion.
- Cost Varies Wildly: Can be a few dollars on low-cost chains like Polygon or Solana, or hundreds of dollars during congestion on Ethereum.
- Who it benefits: Blockchain validators/miners.
- Paid by: The seller (for listing and accepting offers) and the buyer (for minting and purchasing).
2. The Royalty Revolution: A Shift in the Landscape
The enforcement of creator royalties has been the biggest fee-related debate in NFTs.
- The Old Model (2021-2023): Initially, major marketplaces like OpenSea fully enforced creator royalties, making them non-optional for traders.
- The Shift: However, the rise of “royalty-optional” marketplaces (like Blur) that allowed buyers and sellers to avoid paying royalties pressured the entire ecosystem.
- The 2025 Equilibrium: As a result, most major platforms have now found a middle ground. Specifically, they enforce royalties for collections that adopt on-chain enforcement tools (like OpenSea’s Operator Filter) while simultaneously offering lower fees for collections that do not.
3. Marketplace Fees Comparison (2025)
Note: Fees are for secondary sales. Additionally, minting (gas) fees are separate and depend on the blockchain.
| Marketplace | Platform Commission | Creator Royalty Policy | Key Fee Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| OpenSea | 2.5% | Enforced for eligible collections. For example, it uses tools like Operator Filter to require royalties on all sales across major marketplaces. | The premium choice for creators seeking guaranteed royalty revenue. |
| Magic Eden | 2% | Enforced on most chains. As a result, it is a strong supporter of creator royalties, making them a default and enforced feature. | Offers a lower platform commission than OpenSea while still protecting creators. |
| Blur | 0.5% | Optional. Conversely, royalties are not enforced. Therefore, traders can choose to pay them, but often don’t. | Built for pro traders seeking the lowest possible fees, not for maximizing creator earnings. |
| LooksRare | 2% | Optional. Similarly, like Blur, royalties are not enforced by the platform protocol. | Additionally, it rewards traders with its native token, $LOOKS, for trading activity. |
| Rarible | Varies | Creator Choice. Ultimately, Rarible allows creators to set their preferred marketplace fee and royalty structure when minting. | Focuses on creator empowerment and flexible fee models. |
4. Hidden Costs and Considerations
Gas Fees Are Unavoidable: For instance, the marketplace with the lowest commission might be on a high-gas blockchain, thereby negating any savings. Therefore, always factor in network costs.
Bidding and Offers: Similarly, some platforms charge a gas fee to place a bid or make an offer, while others only charge upon acceptance.
Listing Fees: Furthermore, most major marketplaces no longer charge a fee to simply list an NFT for sale. Instead, you only pay gas to list and then gas again + commissions upon sale.
Currency Conversion: Finally, if you are buying with a credit card or converting fiat, the platform’s payment processor (e.g., MoonPay) will charge an additional conversion fee.
A Practical Guide for Traders
For Buyers:
- Look Beyond the List Price: Specifically, the true cost is
List Price + Platform Fee (if any) + Gas Fee. Consequently, a cheaper NFT on a high-gas chain might be more expensive overall. - Choose Your Chain: For smaller purchases, consider marketplaces on low-gas chains like Polygon, Solana, or Base to avoid fees eclipsing the cost of the asset itself.
- Understand the Royalty Impact: On the other hand, buying a royalty-optional NFT might be cheaper upfront, but it harms the project’s creator and could impact its long-term value.
For Sellers:
- Calculate Your Take-Home: Specifically, your earnings are
Sale Price - Platform Commission - Creator Royalty - Gas Fees. - Factor in Gas: Additionally, you will pay gas fees to list and to sell. Therefore, ensure your sale price factors this in so you still turn a profit.
- Choose a Creator-Friendly Platform: If you value the ecosystem and your collection’s creator, prioritize marketplaces that enforce royalties.
For Creators:
- Build on Supported Platforms: If ongoing royalties are important to you, deploy your collection on a blockchain and with tools (like OpenSea’s Operator Filter) that enforce them.
- Be Transparent: Clearly communicate your royalty percentage and your reasons for it to your community.
Conclusion: Trade Smart, Not Just Often
In conclusion, navigating NFT marketplace fees is a key skill for any savvy participant in the space. However, there’s no single “best” platform; ultimately, the optimal choice depends on your priorities as a creator, collector, or trader.
By understanding the breakdown of costs—from creator royalties that fuel innovation to gas fees that power the network—you can make informed decisions that align with your financial goals and your values. As a result, in the maturing NFT market of 2025, knowledge of fees isn’t just power; it’s profit.
FAQ
Q: Who pays the gas fee?
A: Typically, both parties incur gas fees. For example, the seller pays gas to list the item and to finalize the sale. Similarly, the buyer pays gas to execute the purchase transaction. Additionally, minting an NFT also requires the minter to pay a gas fee.
Q: Can I avoid paying creator royalties?
A: On some marketplaces like Blur, it is technically possible, as royalties are optional. However, this practice is widely frowned upon within the community as it directly harms the artists and developers building the projects you invest in. Therefore, most major marketplaces now have systems to enforce them.
Q: Why are Solana and Polygon fees so much lower than Ethereum?
A: Different blockchains use different consensus mechanisms and scaling solutions. Specifically, Ethereum’s fees are high due to network demand and its security model. In contrast, Solana and Polygon are designed for higher throughput and lower costs, though this can sometimes come with trade-offs in decentralization or uptime.
Q: Are there any completely free NFT marketplaces?
A: No. While a platform may offer a “0% commission” promotion, someone always pays for the blockchain transaction (gas). In fact, there is no way to write data to a blockchain for free. Therefore, always be wary of platforms claiming to be completely free, as they may have hidden costs or be scams.