The rate at an exchange service almost never matches the price on an exchange chart. That is normal: the final figure is made up of the market price, the spread, network fees and the cost of the operation itself. Here is what an exchange rate consists of, why it is locked and how to compare offers properly.

The market price

The basis of any rate is the market value of the asset. Services take it from exchange quotes or aggregators. At Brothers Exchange, the rate is calculated from market rates provided by the BestChange rate aggregator, and for the zloty and the tenge from a cross rate based on data from the European Central Bank, the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan and CoinMarketCap.

The spread and the cost of the operation

The spread is the difference between the buying and selling price. It covers the service's costs: the risk of the price changing while the order is being processed, storing and delivering cash, the work of operators and representatives in cities, and AML checks. That is why the rate for exchanging into cash usually differs from the rate for a transfer between exchange accounts.

Network fees

When you send crypto, you pay a network fee to miners or validators. Its size depends on the network and its load: transfers on Ethereum are usually more expensive than on TRON or TON. This fee is charged by your wallet or exchange when you send, and it is not part of the service's rate. If you send funds from an exchange, allow for its withdrawal fee as well: the full amount must arrive to pay for the order.

A fixed service fee, if one applies to a direction, is shown in the exchange form and in the order. It is known in advance and cannot “appear” after the order is created.

Why the rate is locked

The crypto market runs around the clock, and prices change every minute. If the rate were not locked, the final amount could change while you are sending your transfer. That is why at Brothers Exchange the rate is locked for 60 minutes when the order is created, and the amount you will receive is calculated at that rate.

An order paid within 60 minutes and in the amount specified in the order is executed at the locked rate.
For crypto, what counts is when you send: a transaction broadcast before the order expires counts as timely, even if network confirmations arrive later.
If the payment arrives later or in a different amount, the operator may offer a recalculation at the current rate. The offer is sent to the email address or Telegram account specified in the order. The new rate applies only with your explicit consent; otherwise the funds are refunded.
No payout is made at a rate changed without your consent.

How to compare rates properly

Look at the amount you will receive, not just the rate: that figure reflects all the terms of the direction.
Allow for the network fee when sending: a transfer on Ethereum can cost noticeably more than on TRON or TON.
Check the limits — the minimum and maximum amount for the direction.
Assess reliability, not just numbers. A rate that is too good is a common scammer's bait. Transparent rules, a clear refund procedure, exchanger monitoring sites and reviews help you understand who you are dealing with.

Summary

An exchange rate is the market price plus the cost of the operation. An honest service shows you the final amount before you create an order, locks the rate for a clear period and does not change it without your consent. All Brothers Exchange terms are described in the Exchange Rules.

What Makes Up a Crypto Exchange Rate and Why It Gets Locked