When registering on Binance for the first time, many users either overlook the referral code or don’t think it’s important. However, this small detail can have a direct impact on how much money you pay in fees over time.

So, what exactly do you lose if you sign up without a Binance referral code? Let’s break it down clearly.

1️⃣ You Pay Higher Trading Fees

Every transaction on Binance comes with a trading fee. These fees apply across multiple products, including:

  • Spot trading

  • Futures (derivatives)

  • Margin trading

  • Binance Pool (mining and pool-related earnings)

If you register without a referral code:

  • You trade with the default, non-discounted fee rates

  • You pay more fees than users who signed up with a referral code

The difference may seem small per trade, but it adds up significantly over time.

2️⃣ Referral Codes Cannot Be Added Later (Most Important Point)

This is the most critical detail many users miss:

⚠️ A Binance referral code cannot be added after registration.

In other words:

  • If you don’t enter a referral code during sign-up

  • There is no way to add it once your account is created

That means skipping the referral code results in a permanent loss of fee discounts.

3️⃣ You Miss Fee Discounts on Spot Trading

In the Spot market:

  • Frequent traders

  • Daily or weekly traders

feel the impact of higher fees very quickly.

With a referral code:

  • You can receive up to 20% trading fee discount

Without a referral code:

  • You lose access to this discount completely

4️⃣ Losses Are Even Bigger in Futures Trading

Futures trading involves:

  • Opening and closing multiple positions throughout the day

  • Scalping strategies where trades can be opened within minutes

This means:

  • More trades = more fees

  • No referral code = higher fees on every single trade

For Futures traders, not using a referral code can be one of the most costly mistakes.

5️⃣ You Also Miss Benefits on Margin and Binance Pool

Referral code discounts are not limited to Spot trading.

They also apply to:

  • Margin trading

  • Binance Pool (mining and pool-related products)

So registering without a referral code doesn’t just affect trading—it puts you at a disadvantage across multiple Binance services.

6️⃣ You Earn Less Net Profit in the Long Run

Many traders focus on:

  • Better strategies

  • Better indicators

  • Better entry points

But in reality:

  • Two traders using the same strategy

  • Making the same trades

  • With one paying lower fees

The trader with lower fees will always have higher net profit over time.

Not using a referral code means silently reducing your long-term profitability.

Quick Summary

If you register on Binance without a referral code, you:

  • ❌ Pay higher trading fees

  • ❌ Lose up to 20% fee discounts

  • ❌ Cannot add the referral code later

  • ❌ Miss advantages on Spot, Futures, Margin, and Pool

  • ❌ Earn less net profit over time

Final Thoughts

Using a Binance referral code when registering:

  • Comes with no extra risk

  • Is completely free

  • Only provides benefits

Not using one:

  • Gives you nothing in return

  • But causes a permanent financial disadvantage