Fixed vs Floating Rate Crypto Swaps: Which Should You Choose?

Short answer: choose a fixed rate when you need to know exactly what you'll receive, for example when paying someone, on volatile coins, or on slow blockchains. Choose a floating rate when the market is calm, the chain is fast and you're happy to accept small moves either way. On SecureShift both cost the same 1% service fee, so the choice is about certainty, not price.

How each rate type works

Floating rate

The quote you see is an estimate. The final rate is set when your deposit is confirmed. If the market moves in your favour you receive more, and if it moves against you, you receive less.

Fixed rate

The rate is locked when you create the order. On SecureShift the lock lasts 20 minutes. If your deposit arrives within that window, you get exactly the quoted amount, whatever the market does.

Worked example: 0.1 BTC to XMR

Say the quote is 0.1 BTC → 40.00 XMR, and BTC drops 2% against XMR while your Bitcoin deposit confirms.

• Fixed: you receive 40.00 XMR. The rate was locked.
• Floating: you receive about 39.20 XMR. The 2% move came out of your side.

Had BTC risen 2% instead, the floating order would have paid about 40.80 XMR. Floating gives you the upside and the downside.

When a fixed rate makes sense

• Slow blockchains. A BTC deposit can take 10–30 minutes, which is plenty of time for prices to move.
• Volatile or low-liquidity coins. Meme coins, small caps, and news-driven moves.
• Exact amounts. When you're paying an invoice or need a precise balance at the other end.

When floating can be the better choice

• Fast chains (Tron, Solana, Ethereum L2s) where deposits confirm in seconds.
• Stablecoin-to-stablecoin swaps such as USDT to USDC.
• When your wallet may send late, because a fixed order that misses its 20-minute window must be re-quoted or refunded.

What happens if a fixed-rate deposit arrives late?

If your funds arrive after the 20-minute window, for example because of a low network fee, the locked rate can no longer be honoured. The order may then be recalculated at the current market rate or refunded. Our support team will confirm which applies to your order. To avoid this, send promptly with a normal or high network fee. See why swaps get delayed.

FAQ

Is a fixed rate more expensive on SecureShift?

No. Fixed and floating swaps both have a 1% service fee. Network fees are separate.

How long does SecureShift lock a fixed rate?

20 minutes from the moment you press Exchange.

Which rate is better for Monero?

For BTC→XMR, a fixed rate is usually safer, because Bitcoin confirmations can take a while.

Try a fixed-rate swap →

Fixed vs Floating Rates: A Quick Comparison

Both rate types have their place. A fixed rate gives certainty, which is valuable during volatile markets or for large swaps. A floating rate usually offers a slightly better price and suits smaller swaps or calm markets.

Remember that fixed rates come with a time window. If your deposit arrives late, the order may be recalculated or refunded.

• Fixed: guaranteed amount, slightly higher cost.
• Floating: market price at execution.
• Fixed suits volatile markets and large swaps.
• Floating suits calm markets and small swaps.

More Questions Answered

When should I choose a fixed rate?

Choose fixed when you want to know exactly how much you will receive, especially during volatile markets.

When is a floating rate better?

A floating rate is usually slightly better and works well when markets are calm or you can wait for the final amount.

Does a fixed rate expire?

Yes. You must send your deposit within the order time window, or the fixed rate may no longer apply.

Related on Secureshift

• Fixed rate vs floating rate glossary
• Swap BTC to ETH
• How Secureshift works