Some of the links on this site may be affiliate links. ICOBench may receive advertising commissions when users visit recommended platforms via our affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. All recommendations are based on a comprehensive review process. With a decade of experience in the industry, Gemini has been operating since 2015. The company offers a crypto super app for trading, investing, and earning. If you want access to the Web3 world, the platform is also a good fit, as you’ll see subsequently in our Gemini review.
Besides being built to support individual trades, Gemini also has notable features to support institutional trades, such as OTC support and staking, which also cut across the individual trading section.
Gemini delivers a certified and regulated crypto trading platform that can fit into your palm via its mobile app. In this review, we explore all the notable features of Gemini and highligh the one worth paying attention to.
Gemini was founded in 2014, but it wasn’t until 2015 that it opened its doors to U.S. residents. A few years later, the company expanded its operations to Canada and the United Kingdom. Today, you will find it in several leading countries like Singapore, South Korea, Australia, Japan, etc. At the time of writing, Gemini is available in over 60 countries and it is still pushing to reach more countries. Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, the majority owners of the company, are well known for their case against Facebook in 2008. They subsequently accepted a $65 million settlement before moving forward to establish Gemini. In December 2025, Gemini has over 500,000 users. The platform also reportedly has $6,243,020,295 in its reserves. The user funds are 1:1, and you can withdraw at any time. Gemini has made some notable progress over the years, expanding to different countries and acquiring other crypto-based companies. Earlier in 2025, it filed its S1 registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The filing signaled its interest and push to go public and be listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market with the ticker symbol GEMI. A few months later, the company achieved this goal and began trading on Nasdaq. The opening share price was $28 during the IPO, but the stock moved up to $37.01 during trading. That moved the company’s valuation to $3.3 billion. In August 2025, Gemini obtained the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) license for Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA). That granted it the regulatory approval needed to operate across the 27 European Union member states. And yes, the milestone added momentum to its IPO that came shortly after. During our Gemini review, we found several licenses that have been instrumental to the company’s growing presence both locally and internationally. These licenses are as follows: While not as robust as some other crypto exchanges we’ve reviewed, the licenses are adequate for the most part. If you are a resident in the regions covered, you won’t have to worry about going outside the law when trading on Gemini. When it comes to certifications, Gemini stands out compared to most exchanges. The platform is the first SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type certified crypto exchange and custodian, but it doesn’t stop there. They also have the ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification and the PCI DSS ROC AOC and attested SAQ compliance. The latter is primarily for card payments on the platform and the Gemini credit card. Gemini is available in over 60 countries. However, it enforces restrictions in several other countries, especially those subject to international sanctions. These countries include:
First, Gemini complies with the security requirements of all its global regulators, including the NY Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Central Bank of Ireland, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Even more noteworthy, the platform performs penetration tests annually via independent third parties. This approach assesses its security infrastructure and allows the company to be proactive. For asset security, Gemini relies on hardware security modules (HSMs) that achieve a FIPS 140-2 Level 3 rating or higher, which is impressive. The platform adds a multisignature digital signature scheme (multisig) that eliminates a single point of failure. We’ve seen that in some cryptocurrency wallets we’ve reviewed and can attest to its effectiveness against the loss or compromise of your private keys. It is even more essential with the Gemini custody feature, which we’ll get to in a moment. Gemini stores its private keys offsite at high-security data centers. When it comes to transferring cryptocurrencies out of its cold storage system and performing other sensitive functions, the company requires multiple signatories to make that happen. Gemini puts security in your hands with features like mandatary 2FA, which you’ll have to set up by default. For added security, the platform supports options like YubiKey. Also, you can restrict your withdrawals to specific wallet addresses for greater control over your funds. Around 94 cryptocurrencies and over 300 trading pairs are found on the platform, including BTC, ETH, SOL, and the in-house stablecoin, GUSD. The GUSD, a US dollar-backed stablecoin, is an Ethereum-based ERC-20 token that is programmable and ready to be deployed in smart contracts. You can buy NFTs and earn as much as 3% back on dining with no annual cap. You can also convert your crypto assets to GUSD to save them on the platform. This approach saves you from crypto price volatility without retreating completely to fiat. The most important part of using GUSD on Gemini is that you can convert it to USD with no conversion fees. On the down side, Gemini offers fewer coins and trading pairs compared with some competing exchanges.
Gemini tailors its features to individuals and businesses, which provides flexibility when using the platform. The top ones we tested during our Gemini review are as follows: This feature is the most prominent and probably where you’ll spend most of your time if you are an active trader. It provides the tools you need to research, buy, sell, and manage your crypto portfolio. You’ll find details on the top trades and the trending tokens. The instant purchase option allows you to buy cryptocurrencies instantly. After purchasing your desired coins, you can track their price performance from the app. Note that the instant purchase option comes with relatively higher fees when compared to other payment channels. You can automate your purchases with recurring buys on the Gemini exchange. The option allows you to pick daily, weekly, twice-a-month, and monthly frequencies for your purchases. We will also recommend the custom price alerts, which will keep you informed when your assets reach your preferred prices for purchases or sales. The exchange will solve the most basic needs in active trading. If you want more controls, you’ll have to switch to the ActiveTrader option, which is more robust and better suited for deep market exploration. We used ActiveTrader during our Gemini review and it is the most advanced trading and investment platform among Gemini’s products. It has high-speed order execution, and allows you to easily work with the APIs. The order book is deep, and the trading tools are advanced, with the TradingView charts. You can trade perpetual futures with up to 100x leverage. However, the additional features and risk management tools make it a commendable choice among the other 100x leverage trading platforms. If you want to trade pairs, the site supports over 300 pairs, with a search function that simplifies the entire process. The advanced risk management tools you can use on the site include: You’ll find the dual market feature in ActiveTrader as well. This feature enables you to compare multiple market activities in real time. Also, you can execute trades and, if needed, hedge your positions strategically. We tested the TradingView charts for analysis, and we weren’t disappointed. The robustness was as expected, given TradingView’s advanced charting. The interactive tools and real-time intraday market quotes are also helpful when executing your trades.
Gemini features perpetual contracts, and what we found even more impressive was the regular addition of new perpetual contracts on the platform. If you are an advanced trader, you can go long or short with cross-collateral and deep liquidity. Note that you can also trade perpetual contracts with no expiration dates, similar to what we found during our Binance review. This approach gives you more flexibility and maximum capital efficiency. When it comes to collaterals, you have the option of enabling the cross-collateral option and depositing USDT, ETH, or BTC as collateral. Of course, you can also use GUSD. But if you don’t enable cross-collateral, the platform allows you to fund your derivatives account with SGD, USD, or USDC. It will automatically convert these funds to GUSD and give you the needed collateral for trading. The use of leverage is also possible when trading derivatives on Gemini. You can use up to 100x leverage, as we mentioned earlier, but note that doing so increases your potential to accumulate losses quickly. Our advice? We recommend you to determine your risk tolerance level and how much you don’t mind losing before you place or open your position. If you want a place to safeguard your digital assets, the Custody feature is worth checking out. The exchange holds the appropriate license to keep your digital assets in trust. Even better, your assets will be held as per the reserve requirements and all banking compliance standards. Gemini Custody uses multiparty technology and role-based governance protocols, with multiple layers of biometric security. You can effortlessly check your balances, access your monthly statements, and even transfer your assets via Gemini APIs. If you want to withdraw to your exchange account, the transaction is instant. Even better, you can trade with your assets in the cold storage. Like us, you are probably worried about insurance against crypto losses. Safe to say that Gemini has that covered, as it has secured $100 million in cold storage insurance. But note that this insurance only covers certain types of crypto losses. Gemini Custody is ideal for private wealth growth and institutional investors. For institutional investors, the platform offers custom pricing plans that fit different trading volumes, asset mixes, and size holdings. And if you are using the platform for private wealth, you can create sub-accounts and interface seamlessly with the exchange platform. You can set up the Gemini Wallet in seconds. Unlike other crypto wallets we’ve reviewed, this one stays in your browser and doesn’t require any downloads. Also, you can set it up with Face ID or Touch ID to improve security for your digital assets. You can deposit, withdraw, and swap cryptocurrencies across dozens of chains, but that’s not all. You can also connect to the OnChain app to access many more dApps seamlessly from your device. The wallet is passkey-based, and it is self-custodial. You manage your keys on your device, which again adds to the asset security. Speaking of the OnChain app, this is the bridge you need to explore Web3. You can interact with the popular protocols like Morpho or explore many more via the Discover tab. If you want to invest with the wallet, you can do so through Gauntlet, which is available in the OnChain Hub. This feature allows you to connect to other third-party dApps, such as curated, permissionless vaults that let you earn rewards. Gemini also provides guidance for users who want to invest and earn rewards through this approach. Note that you can use the Gemini Wallet outside the OnChain app. The wallet is compatible with many dApps and WalletConnect, which adds to its versatility and reach. Nevertheless, you should consider hardware wallets for long-term crypto storage. The company offers a credit card as well, which is a trend we are seeing with crypto exchanges these days. There’s nothing wrong with it, especially when you have a $0 annual fee and the opportunity to earn rewards. Yes, the Gemini credit card offers up to 4% cashback (in crypto) on every purchase you make with it. Other rewards include the following: Your rewards will be deposited into your Gemini account automatically when you make any of the above transactions. The APR is variable, but we saw up to 29% during our Gemini review. You can decide which crypto you want to earn in, as the platform supports Bitcoin and 50 other cryptocurrencies. The company also offers different designs for the credit card. As for the design, we don’t get anything unusual, save for the fact that you won’t get any visible card numbers on the body. The card itself is metal, which adds to the durability. And if you want to get your card number, you’ll have to do so via your Gemini account, an approach we find to be a plus for security. We recommend the credit card if you trade with Gemini and are a big spender when it comes to gas or EV charging and dining. The crypto rewards are worth getting, especially with $0 annual fees.
This feature allows you to settle trades off the order book with another party. Gemini will only act as a confirming third party in this prearranged transaction to ensure timely settlement and mitigate counterparty risk. There is no minimum trade size to use this feature. Even better, the other party has to complete KYC verifications with the platform to participate. That adds security and compliance to the process. As expected, Gemini offers staking opportunities where you can earn by holding crypto on the platform. It is an ideal way to make your crypto work for you if you are not an active trader. Instead of leaving your assets in your wallet, you could keep them with Gemini and get up to 12% APR. The supported cryptocurrencies for staking on Gemini include: While those are the ideal rates, we did notice fluctuations during our Gemini review. The most likely cause is the network condition. Gemini supports staking for individuals and institutions. As an individual, you can start staking with any amount. Even better, you won’t get any surprise charges, as the fees are automatically deducted from your rewards. The platform also does not charge transfer fees or redemption fees. And yes, the rewards are shared proportionally among all participants. If you want more from this service, you can opt for Staking Pro. This service from Gemini gives you more control over your assets, and you’ll get better on-chain operational transparency. And if you don’t want to share your staking rewards, this service is also for you. With Staking Pro, you have to meet the minimum deposit requirements. For Ethereum, that is 32 ETH, but that isn’t the only thing you’ll have to worry about. It will also take a considerable amount of staked assets to accrue significant returns when you use this service. That is because you will be running a personal validator instead of a pooled validator available in the regular staking service. We found three fee categories during our review, including: The trading fees include charges for APIs, ActiveTrader, derivatives, and margin trades. For ActiveTrader, the table below shows the fee schedule you will be charged: If you trade stablecoins, you will have relatively lower fees. For example, the maker and taker fees for the RLUSD/USD pair are 0%. Other stablecoin pairs have 0% maker fees and 0.01% taker fees. If you trade derivatives, you can expect the following fees: These are the top tips to minimze cost when trading on Gemini:
We tested both the app and the website during our Gemini review. The app handles all the basics, such as discovering trading pairs, buying, selling, and storing your cryptocurrencies. It supports over 300 trading pairs, and you can switch between the basic or advanced trading modes. The advanced trading mode gives you access to the order book, the depth, and trade data. You can also set price alerts, which we recommend, and view account snapshots that include your watchlists, top movers, and educational content. While we appreciated the handiness of the mobile app, it’s still limited for advanced trading. The charts work for basic price monitoring, but extensive analysis requires ActiveTrader. This platform is more complex for beginners, but it doesn’t take too long to get used to it. Order execution was fast during our Gemini review, and the general user experience was smooth. The user interface is clean and similar to what you would expect from most crypto exchanges. If you are switching from another platform, you won’t find many differences on this one, except for the TradingView charts, which aren’t available on most exchanges. The website offers more flexibility for features like credit card, custody, staking, and other notable features. It also gives you better access to the crypto wallet, which is a web-based wallet and not downloadable as a mobile app. With a few clicks, you can move funds between your wallet and the exchange. You can use the live chat 24/7 on the site, but note that the option works with the Gemini chatbot. The bot does satisfactory work most of the time, as you can ask questions and get referred to the article that answers them. However, don’t expect it to be as efficient as a human agent. The other option available is the request form. It is extensive, as it also includes the option to attach files, documents, photos, etc. During our Gemini review, we got replies within an hour when we used this option. Once you get the email reply, you can continue on the email thread until your complaint is resolved. What if your complaint or challenge isn’t resolved after using the request form? The site provides the option to submit a complaint. Simply go to the help center and select “Submit a Complaint” to get it across to the customer support. If you get the Gemini credit card, you will get telephone support when setting up the card. This support option is available 24/7, and during our Gemini review, it proved to be efficient and responsive. We got prompt responses and a resolution to our challenges. Another way you can help yourself is via the cryptopedia section. This section contains educational resources that can bring you up to speed with the best practices on the platform. ✅ Gemini has high regulatory compliance in several countries, including the EU ✅ The platform is the first exchange to complete the SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 compliance examinations ✅ User assets are kept in cold storage ✅ You can use the beginner-friendly section or switch to the advanced ActiveTrader option seamlessly ✅ The Gemini credit card offers up to 4% crypto back ✅ Staking is available on several cryptocurrencies for passive earnings ✅ The mobile app and website trading platforms are user-friendly ✅ You can use the web-wallet for On-chain access to dozens of decentralized applications ✅ You’ll get zero or low fees when you trade stablecoin pairs ❌ There is no direct support option to chat with a human customer representative ❌ The staking feature supports only three cryptocurrencies ❌ You’ll get relatively higher fees for spot trading You can set up and start trading in three steps, which are as follows: Go to the official website and select “Get Started.” Fill out the details on the registration page, which include your email and password. Ensure you select the right account type, individual or business. Then, verify your email.
You can complete this stage on the website or the mobile app. First, provide your details, like name, date of birth, address, etc. Then, upload clear pictures of your valid government-issued ID. You will also have to upload a selfie to prove that you are a real person. Once your account is approved, the next step is to fund your account. You can use the instant buy option on the mobile app, but note that the fees may be relatively higher. Compare the fees across the payment methods and use the most preferred option. With your account funded, you can start buying and selling cryptocurrencies. You can use the exchange or switch to ActiveTrader. Also, ensure you switch to the advanced mode when using the mobile app.
We will recommend Gemini for its high regulatory compliance and security features. The platform is ideal if you are a beginner but also robust enough if you are a pro trader. You will get a lot done with ActiveTrader, and the TradingView integration makes analysis more comprehensive. You can trade with up to 100x leverage, which is relatively higher than some competitors. However, you have to keep an eye out for the fee schedules.
Key Takeaways
An Overview of Gemini and Its Background
Licensing & Security
Restricted Countries
Security—A Commitment to User Safety
Available Coins and Trading Pairs on Gemini
The Prominent Trading Features on Gemini
✰ The Exchange
✰ ActiveTrader
✰ Perpetuals Trading
✰ Gemini Custody
✰ Gemini Wallet
✰ Gemini Credit Card
✰ Gemini Clearing
Earning with Staking
Fees and Limits on Gemini
30-DAY TRADING VOLUME IN (USD NOTIONAL)
MAKER FEE
TAKER FEE
0
0.20%
0.40%
≥ $10,000
0.15%
0.30%
≥ $50,000
0.10%
0.25%
≥ $100,000
0.08%
0.20%
≥ $1,000,000
0.05%
0.15%
≥ $5,000,000
0.03%
0.10%
≥ $10,000,000
0.02%
0.08%
≥ $50,000,000
0.00%
0.05%
≥ $100,000,000
0.00%
0.04%
≥ $250,000,000
0.00%
0.03%
Trailing 30D ADV (USD)
Maker fee
Taker fee
0
0.02%
0.07%
≥ $10,000
0.02%
0.06%
≥ $50,000
0.02%
0.05%
≥ $5,000,000
0.01%
0.04%
≥ $10,000,000
0.00%
0.04%
≥ $50,000,000
-0.01%
0.04%
≥ $100,000,000
-0.01%
0.03%
Pro Tips to Minimize Cost When Trading on Gemini
Our User Experience on Gemini
Customer Support at Gemini
Pros and Cons of Using Gemini
Pros
Cons
✅ The platform has TradingView integration for advanced charting and trade analysis
❌ The exchange has a limited selection of cryptocurrencies compared to other leading exchanges
How to Set Up Your Gemini Account
Step 1: Open a New Gemini Account
Step 2: Verify Your Identity
Step 3: Fund Your Account
Gemini Review—Final Thoughts
FAQs
Can I trust Gemini?
Is Gemini legal in the US?
What are the cons of using Gemini?
Is Gemini better than Coinbase?
Does Gemini charge fees?
