Key takeaways

• Gemini prioritizes safety with SOC 2 Type 2 certification, cold storage and regulatory compliance under NYDFS.
• While Gemini offers a secure platform, its fees can be high for small trades, and its crypto selection is smaller than major competitors.
• Multiple support channels are available, but response times and effectiveness remain inconsistent.
• Features like Gemini staking, the Gemini credit card and Nifty Gateway provide additional ways to earn and spend crypto.

Gemini is a privately owned cryptocurrency exchange and custodian platform that enables users to buy, sell, trade and securely store a variety of digital assets. 

Founded in 2014 by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, the company is headquartered in New York, USA. 

Since its inception, Gemini has emphasized security and regulatory compliance, positioning itself as a trusted platform in the cryptocurrency industry.

As of February 2025, Gemini is ranked No. 8 among cryptocurrency exchanges based on trust score. The platform reports a 24-hour trading volume of about $35.6 million, with 100 active markets and 2.44 million weekly visits.

Gemini operates in over 60 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia. 

Today, we dive deeper. 

Did you know? Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, co-founders of Gemini, are identical twins who began rowing together in high school and competed in the men’s pair rowing event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

User experience

Gemini offers a versatile platform accessible through multiple channels: 

• Web interface: Users can access Gemini’s services directly through a web browser, providing a seamless experience for desktop users.
• Mobile applications: Gemini provides mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, enabling users to manage their cryptocurrency portfolios on the go. These apps offer functionalities such as buying, selling and tracking digital assets, as well as setting up price alerts and recurring buys.
• API access: For advanced traders and developers, Gemini offers a comprehensive API suite, including REST and WebSocket APIs. These APIs facilitate programmatic trading, allowing users to integrate Gemini’s features into their own applications and trading bots. 

Gemini’s user interface caters to both newcomers and experienced traders. The platform offers:

• A default interface: A clean and straightforward design makes it easy for newcomers to navigate. Users can perform basic trading operations, set up recurring purchases and access educational resources without feeling overwhelmed.
• The ActiveTrader interface: For seasoned traders, Gemini offers the ActiveTrader platform, which provides advanced charting tools, multiple order types and faster execution speeds. This interface is tailored for users seeking a more sophisticated trading experience. 

Creating an account on Gemini is straightforward: 

1. Sign-up: Users begin by providing their email address and creating a password.
2. Personal information: To comply with regulatory standards, Gemini requires users to submit personal details, including full legal name, date of birth, address, phone number and, for US residents, Social Security number (SSN).
3. Identity verification: Users must upload a valid government-issued identification document. Accepted forms include a driver’s license, passport or national ID card, depending on the user’s country of residence.

The verification process is typically completed within a few hours to a couple of days, after which users can fully access Gemini’s services. 

Did you know? Gemini became the world’s first licensed Ether exchange in 2016, allowing regulated ETH trading before many competitors even listed it.

Trading experience

As of February 2025, Gemini supports over 80 cryptocurrencies, including major assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH) and Litecoin (LTC).

Gemini offers more than 470 trading pairs, enabling users to trade cryptocurrencies against various fiat currencies and other digital assets. For instance, users can trade BTC/USD, ETH/EUR or LTC/BTC. The availability of specific trading pairs may vary based on regional regulations and user location.

In terms of deposits and withdrawals, Gemini supports multiple fiat currencies, such as:

• US dollar (USD)
• Euro (EUR)
• British pound (GBP)
• Canadian dollar (CAD)
• Australian dollar (AUD)
• Hong Kong dollar (HKD)
• Singapore dollar (SGD)

Remember, the availability of fiat currencies may depend on the user’s country of residence.

Fees and execution

Gemini’s fee structure varies based on the platform used and the user’s trading volume:

• Web and mobile app: For transactions up to $200, a flat fee ranging from $0.99 to $2.99 is applied. For transactions above $200, a 1.49% fee is charged.
• ActiveTrader platform: Designed for advanced users, this platform offers lower fees with a maker fee of 0.02% and a taker fee of 0.04% for spot trades under $10,000.
• Deposit and withdrawal fees: Deposits via ACH bank transfer are free, while wire transfers don’t incur Gemini fees but may be subject to bank charges. Debit card deposits come with a 3.49% fee. For withdrawals, ACH transfers are free, but wire withdrawals cost $25 per transaction. Crypto withdrawals vary depending on network fees; for example, Ether withdrawals are subject to fluctuating gas fees.

Gemini is known for its reliable and efficient trade execution. The platform’s infrastructure is designed to handle high-volume trading, ensuring that orders are processed promptly.

The ActiveTrader interface further enhances execution speed, catering to professional traders who require rapid order fulfillment.

Security

Gemini employs a comprehensive security framework to protect customer assets. Most digital assets are stored in cold storage, utilizing air-gapped, geographically distributed facilities to minimize exposure to online threats. 

Asset segregation ensures that customer funds are kept separate from Gemini’s operational accounts, preventing commingling and enhancing security.

Gemini enforces two-factor authentication (2FA) as a mandatory requirement for all users. Those seeking additional security can integrate hardware security keys such as YubiKey to further defend against unauthorized access. The platform also supports address allowlisting, allowing users to designate trusted withdrawal addresses and block transfers to unapproved destinations. 

Regulatory compliance

As a licensed fiduciary and qualified custodian under New York banking law, Gemini is regulated by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS).  

To uphold transparency and security, Gemini undergoes third-party security assessments, holding SOC 2 Type 2 and ISO 27001 certifications while conducting annual penetration testing to strengthen its compliance framework.

Notable incidents

Despite its strong security reputation, Gemini has faced challenges. 

In July 2024, a third-party vendor’s security lapse exposed customer banking information, including names, bank account numbers and routing numbers. Gemini responded promptly, notifying affected users and reinforcing security measures. 

In February 2024, the NYDFS fined Gemini $37 million for compliance failures related to its Earn program, requiring the platform to return at least $1.1 billion to affected customers.

In January 2025, Gemini settled with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for $5 million over misleading statements regarding a 2017 Bitcoin futures contract.

Despite these setbacks, Gemini continues to enhance its security protocols and maintain regulatory compliance, reinforcing its position as a trusted exchange in the cryptocurrency industry.

Did you know? Gemini was the first cryptocurrency exchange and custodian to complete SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 examinations.

Support 

Gemini offers several channels for customer support: 

• Email support: Users can contact Gemini via email at support@gemini.com or by submitting a form through the customer support page.
• Help center: An extensive help center provides user guides, educational articles and FAQs covering various topics, including account management, trading and security.
• Live chat: A chatbot is available on the customer support page to assist with common inquiries.
• Phone support: For Gemini credit card holders, 24/7 phone support is accessible through the help center in the card settings area of their account.

Gemini aims to respond to customer inquiries within 24 hours. However, user feedback on Gemini’s customer support presents a mixed picture.

We shouldn’t rely solely on reviews, as someone is much more likely to write a bad review than a positive one, but the presence of negative feedback is nonetheless something to keep in mind.

On the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, Gemini holds an average rating of 1.09 out of 5 stars based on 55 customer reviews. Common complaints include unresponsive support and prolonged account access issues.

On Sitejabber, Gemini has a rating of 1.2 stars from 17 reviews, indicating general customer dissatisfaction. Users frequently cite difficulties in reaching support and resolving account-related problems.

In summary, while Gemini provides multiple support channels and a comprehensive help center, user experiences with response times and support effectiveness vary.

Additional services

Gemini distinguishes itself from many competitors by offering a suite of additional services that go beyond standard trading and custody. These unique features include:

• Gemini Pay: This payment service lets users spend their cryptocurrencies directly at participating retailers, bridging the gap between digital and traditional finance. 
• Gemini credit card: This innovative card rewards users with cryptocurrency for everyday purchases, offering a novel way to earn crypto rewards seamlessly integrated with spending habits.
• The Gemini Dollar: A US dollar-backed stablecoin was introduced by the Gemini Trust Company in September 2018. Designed to combine the stability of the US dollar with the efficiency of blockchain technology, GUSD maintains a 1:1 peg with the US dollar, ensuring that each token in circulation is backed by an equivalent amount of USD held in reserve.
• Gemini Staking: Launched in August 2022, Gemini Staking allows users to earn rewards by participating in the staking process of supported cryptocurrencies. Users can stake assets like Ether (ETH), Polygon (MATIC), Solana (SOL) and Polkadot (DOT) directly through the Gemini platform, simplifying the staking process without requiring advanced technical knowledge. Gemini manages the infrastructure and covers associated fees, enabling users to accrue staking rewards securely on a regulated platform.

Did you know? In November 2019, Gemini acquired Nifty Gateway, a platform for buying and selling non-fungible tokens (NFTs), expanding its services into the burgeoning NFT market. 

Gemini: Pros and cons

Final thoughts

With a strong track record and a user-friendly experience, Gemini is an excellent option for casual traders and institutions. Features like the Gemini credit card and Nifty Gateway add extra perks that many competitors don’t offer. 

Gemini isn’t perfect. Fees can be on the higher side, especially for smaller trades, and the selection of cryptocurrencies isn’t as extensive as on some other platforms. 

Customer support, while available through multiple channels, has received mixed reviews regarding response times.

If security, compliance, and ease of use are your top priorities, Gemini is a strong contender. 

If you’re looking for lower fees, a wider range of altcoins or faster support, you might want to explore other options.

FAQ

1. What is Gemini?

Gemini is a US-based cryptocurrency exchange and custodian founded in 2014 by the Winklevoss twins. It offers a secure, regulated platform for buying, selling, trading and storing digital assets.

2. How do I create an account on Gemini?

Sign up on the Gemini website or app, provide your personal information and complete identity verification with a government-issued ID. Verification typically takes a few hours to a couple of days.

3. What are Gemini’s trading fees?

Gemini’s fees depend on the platform used:

• Web and mobile app: Flat fees for transactions under $200; 1.49% for larger trades.
• ActiveTrader: Lower fees with 0.02% maker and 0.04% taker fees for trades under $10,000.

4. Does Gemini support fiat deposits and withdrawals?

Yes, Gemini supports USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, HKD and SGD. Deposits via ACH transfers are free, while debit card deposits incur a 3.49% fee. ACH withdrawals are free, but wire transfers cost $25 per transaction.

5. How secure is Gemini?

Gemini is one of the most secure exchanges, holding SOC 2 Type 2 and ISO 27001 certifications. Most assets are stored in cold storage, and account security includes two-factor authentication (2FA) and withdrawal allowlisting.

6. Is Gemini available worldwide?

Yes, Gemini operates in over 60 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Singapore and Australia. Availability may vary based on regional regulations.

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