Fixed Rate vs Float Rate — Which Crypto Exchange Rate Should You Choose?

November 6, 2026  ·  5 min read

When you create an order on FixedFloat (FF Swap), you choose between two rate types: fixed and float. Both have advantages — the right choice depends on your priorities and market conditions.

What Is a Fixed Rate?

A fixed rate locks in the exchange rate at the moment you create the order. The rate is guaranteed for 10 minutes. If you send your funds within that window and in the exact amount shown, you will receive precisely the amount quoted — no matter what happens to the market price in the meantime.

• Fee: 1% + network fee
• Rate locked for 10 minutes
• You receive exactly the displayed amount
• If the market moves more than 1.2% before your transaction arrives, you are offered a refund or the market rate

What Is a Float Rate?

A float rate is set only when your transaction receives the required number of blockchain confirmations. The final amount you receive depends on the market price at that moment — it can be slightly more or less than the estimate shown when you created the order.

• Fee: 0.5% + network fee
• Rate is not locked — it reflects the market at confirmation time
• No time pressure on sending your transaction
• Lower fee makes it better for large amounts

Practical Example

Scenario: You want to swap 1 BTC. The current rate shows 28.5 ETH.

• With Fixed rate: you receive exactly 28.5 ETH as long as you send within 10 minutes.
• With Float rate: if BTC price rises 2% by confirmation time, you might receive 29.07 ETH. If it falls 2%, you might get 27.93 ETH.

When to Use Fixed Rate

• The market is highly volatile and you want price certainty
• You are exchanging a small amount and the 0.5% fee difference is negligible
• You need to plan the exact output amount in advance

When to Use Float Rate

• The market is stable or trending upward
• You are exchanging a large amount where the 0.5% saving matters
• You need flexibility on when to send your transaction
• Your sending wallet is slow and 10 minutes is tight (hardware wallet, cold storage)

What Happens if the Fixed Rate Expires?

If your transaction does not arrive within 10 minutes, or if the market moves more than 1.2%, FixedFloat will offer you two options:

• Continue at the current market rate (effectively switching to float)
• Request a refund — your original coins are returned minus the network fee

Fee Summary

• Fixed rate: 1% + network fee
• Float rate: 0.5% + network fee

For amounts above ~$5,000, the fee difference becomes significant. At $10,000, that is a $50 saving — worth considering if markets are calm.