Gemini Review for 2025 – Fees, Services, and Insights

Gemini is a well-regulated US-based crypto exchange founded by the Winklevoss twins, Tyler and Cameron. Known for its strong security measures and compliance with US financial regulations, Gemini is an excellent option for all investor levels. Its simple structure makes it a perfect choice for people just starting out with crypto trading. However, Gemini’s popularity also comes from its advanced platform and tools, which make it a suitable option for veterans. 

In this comprehensive Gemini crypto exchange review, we’ll evaluate the platform’s security, regulatory compliance, fees, and features to determine whether it’s worth the cost and how it compares to other crypto exchanges. Is Gemini a secure and reliable exchange? Are its fees justified? Keep reading this Gemini review to find out.

Overview of Gemini Crypto Exchange

Launched in 2015, Gemini has become a staple in centralized exchanges. It’s licensed in close to 70 countries worldwide and operates under the regulatory compliance standards in each jurisdiction. Despite being a perfect choice for beginner traders, Gemini also offers a tiered structure of features and services with advanced trading tools, making it a top exchange for experienced investors. Plus, it offers a wide range of other features, including ActiveTrader, the native Gemini dollar, staking, a versatile mobile app, and more.

Gemini Main Services & Products

On top of the basic crypto trading and intuitive design, Gemini also provides several unique features that offer even more opportunities and benefits. In the following section of our Gemini review, we will explore these services so you know what they are and how to make the most of them.

Gemini ActiveTrader

The Gemini ActiveTrader feature is an advanced platform tailored for more experienced investors who want more complex strategies. It offers over 100 trading pairs, which can be executed instantaneously, thanks to the platform’s deep order book visibility. Thanks to the platform’s deep order book visibility, it offers over 100 trading pairs, which can be executed instantaneously. Users also have access to a full API suite, including WebSockets, FIX, and public and private REST APIs. Crypto derivative contracts are also available for users in select jurisdictions outside the US.

Gemini Staking

Although staking is also available on other exchange platforms and is not a feature unique to Gemini, it comes with an excellent set of benefits, making it one of the best staking platforms. For starters, Gemini doesn’t impose a staking minimum, except for users from the UK, so you can stake any amount and start generating passive income. The best part about staking on Gemini is that it combines the security and safety of a regulated platform with the benefits of decentralized exchanges. You can stake any eligible cryptocurrency with the basic staking feature, which requires no minimum amount, shares rewards proportionally, and keeps rewards in a single address.

The Gemini Staking Pro option, only available for ETH staking in the UK, imposes a minimum amount and keeps rewards in separate addresses.

Gemini Web Exchange

The Gemini Web Exchange is the basic trading platform that offers an intuitive design and a highly user-friendly interface that makes navigation and management effortless. It is available on web browser and via a mobile app, offering flexibility and accessibility no matter where you are. It provides various tools for monitoring your portfolio, trading assets, and even setting recurring purchases for a more streamlined trading experience. The Gemini Web Exchange homepage is also very easy to use, providing various watchlists, mover sections, and educational content to help beginners and less experienced traders.

Gemini Derivatives

Derivatives are a unique crypto concept that allows you to trade and profit from cryptocurrencies’ underlying value without having to hold that coin. These derivatives come in various forms, but Gemini recently launched perpetual contracts with no expiration date. In other words, they continue to be valid as long as there is enough leverage. Unfortunately, the Gemini derivatives feature still has limited availability, as it is not available in the EU, US, or UK. It also provides unique opportunities to generate profit with up to 100x leverage and to win daily rewards of up to $1,400 on the leaderboard competitions.

Gemini Credit Card

The Gemini credit card is a unique perk offered by the exchange platform that enables you to receive crypto rewards the more you use it. It is a MasterCard that can be used for everyday purchases, generating proportional rewards automatically added to your Gemini account. The best aspect of this feature is that it doesn’t impose an annual fee, you can choose which crypto coin you want to receive your rewards in, and it will monitor for any unauthorized access or purchases. When it comes to the actual rewards of this Gemini Earn feature, you can get 4% back when paying for gas or EV charging, 3% on dining, 2% on groceries, and 1% on everything else. You can also follow all the latest Gemini Earn update posts to see what’s new. Users can see if they qualify for the Gemini card.

Gemini Dollar

The Gemini dollar is the native stablecoin of the Gemini ecosystem that enables investors to benefit from both the stability and security of the US dollar, combined with the flexibility of blockchain. At its core, the GUSD is a digital representation of the US dollar and can be used for payments, trading, and saving. The stablecoin is fully regulated and can be converted to USD at any time with no additional fees. It is also supported across a plethora of apps, DeFi protocols, and exchanges, including Monolith, Uniswap, Stoker, Coinbase, LoopCrypto, and more.

Gemini Custody

Users who want to store their digital assets securely can take full advantage of the Gemini Custody feature. It keeps the assets in secure offline storage units with private keys, offering the highest level of security. These stored assets are also insured against some losses, with $75 million allocated toward this insurance coverage. Gemini Custody uses advanced technology to protect assets, including role-based governance protocols, physical security, several biometric layers, and multi-signature requirements. The secured assets are easily accessible from the main dashboard, and you can effortlessly withdraw from it and trade.

Gemini Clearing

Through its excellent and award-winning Gemini Clearing feature, Gemini also provides services for users who want to trade off the order book.  The platform prioritizes compliance and regulation by subjecting both parties to thorough KYC and AML procedures to ensure the validity of the trade. However, it also maintains security by keeping the participants’ information off the market data feed. Both parties of the Gemini Clearing feature must be fully funded, and the platform acts like an intermediary that confirms the transaction and ensures safety and validity.

Gemini Wallet

Your Gemini account also doubles as an insured hot wallet, making your funds easily accessible and safe. The wallet supports all of the platform’s listed assets, with capital in reserve as a New York trust company. Unlike some decentralized wallets, the Gemini wallet provides insurance against certain types of asset losses, and the platform’s SOC2 Type 2 certification ensures top-notch security and safety. Gemini was also the first among the major exchanges to introduce SegWit and now even offers native SegWit addresses.

We have a separate Gemini wallet review where you can find out more. 

Supported Currencies and Payment Methods

Gemini currently supports around 87 major and new cryptocurrencies, and even though this is lower than some of the other major crypto exchanges, it is still a great opportunity for beginner traders. Users can trade the biggest and most popular coins, including Ethereum and Bitcoin, as well as various altcoins and the platform’s very own GUSD stablecoin. Currently, there over $17.7 billion worth of crypto on Gemini, almost $13 billion of which are in Bitcoin alone.

Payment methods

You can choose from a wide range of payment methods on the Gemini exchange based on what works best for you. However,  the applicability of each method varies across the platform, as some are available for both deposits and withdrawals, while others are limited to a single function. On top of that, each method comes with its own set of Gemini withdrawal fees and limits that you need to be aware of before committing to it. 

Gemini supports various payment methods, each with specific functionalities:

• ACH Transfer: Available for U.S. customers for both deposits and withdrawals.
• Wire Transfer (USD): Available for deposits and withdrawals; a $25 fee applies to wire withdrawals.
• Bank Transfer (EUR & GBP): Supported via SEPA (EUR) and Faster Payments (GBP) for deposits and withdrawals.
• Debit Card: Can be used for instant crypto purchases but not for fiat deposits or withdrawals.
• Google/Apple Pay: Facilitates instant crypto purchases; not available for fiat withdrawals.
• FAST Transfer: Available for Singapore customers for SGD deposits and withdrawals.
• PayPal: U.S. customers can use PayPal for deposits and purchases; withdrawals are not supported.
• CUBIX™: An instant-transfer solution for Gemini and Customers Bank institutional customers, enabling deposits and withdrawals.
• Plaid Direct Payments: Available for UK customers for deposits; withdrawals are processed via regular bank transfers.

Gemini Exchange Fees

Fees play a crucial role in any Gemini exchange review, so let’s take a closer look at how they work. Gemini charges different types of fees depending on the transaction type—whether you’re depositing, withdrawing, or trading—and the platform you’re using, be it the website, mobile app, or ActiveTrader. In the next section, we’ll break down these fees in detail, focusing on how they are structured when using USD.

When using the official website, Gemini imposes a mandatory convenience fee of 0.5%, which is added to the transaction amount. On top of that, there is also a transaction fee based on the amount you are transferring.

To put this in perspective and better understand how Gemini’s convenience and transaction fees work, let’s explain them with a Bitcoin example since it is the best crypto to buy right now.

If Bitcoin’s current price is $5,000 and a Gemini user wants to buy $100 worth of Bitcoin, the mandatory convenience fee would mean that Bitcoin’s price for this purchase would be $5,025. Once that order is placed, the transaction fee of $2.99 comes into play, which technically lowers the $100 to $97.1. Based on the end numbers after all the Gemini fees, the investor can purchase 0.0193 BTC.

On top of that, in some cases, Gemini may also apply additional maker-taker fees for limited orders. These fees can be anywhere from 0.40% to 0.03% for takers or 0.20% to 0% for makers. These specific fees and their amount are determined by each user’s trading volume in the last 30 days and are continuously recalculated daily.

Convenience and transaction fees are also applied when using the Gemini mobile crypto app. However, when using the ActiveTrade platform, transactions are subject to maker-taker fees. In some cases, depending on whether the order was partially filled, you may be required to pay both maker and taker fees. 

Deposit and Withdrawal Fees

Wire transfers, including ACH payments, are free when depositing and withdrawing from Gemini, while debit card transfers are subject to a flat rate of 3.49% of the total purchase amount. It should be noted that while Gemini doesn’t charge fees on wire transfers themselves, your bank may still charge you for the transaction. Cryptocurrency withdrawals are free for all coins and tokens for up to 10 withdrawals per calendar month. Above this limit, users will be charged a fee to cover transaction costs on the asset’s specific blockchain, which varies from asset to asset. 

Security

Gemini is an exchange that prides itself on its safety. The security aspect has been a priority since the launch of the platform, and it continues to be improved and upgraded. Another way in which Gemini adds additional layers of protection for its users is the two-factor authentication, which will require a unique code for every login and transaction, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access. They also support hardware security keys, like YubiKey, for enhanced security.

 On top of that, unlike no KYC exchanges, Gemini employs a thorough and detailed KYC process that includes providing a government-issued ID. This helps vet new users and avoid fraud.

Gemini’s dedication to user safety extends to FDIC insurance for deposits of up to $250,000 when trading with US dollars. The platform also keeps most of the assets in cold storage offline, ensuring they stay safe from vulnerabilities or hacks. The assets can still be traded directly, thanks to the Gemini Instant trade feature. The cold storage feature keeps all assets on unique digital addresses, with auditors having view-only access. Additionally, Gemini is a custodian under the Banking Law of New York, with over $75 million in insurance coverage for crypto losses.

Gemini Crypto Exchange Review on User Experience

Overall, user feedback shows that Gemini offers a good user experience, with a well-structured interface and an intuitive design. Many people online praise Gemini for its user-friendly approach and a wide variety of supported cryptocurrencies, including BTC and some of the best altcoins on the market, which makes it a compelling choice for all investors. Users also tend to be highly satisfied with the platform’s responsive and reliable customer support, which provides efficient assistance in resolving any issues that may arise.

On the other hand, some users have also had negative experiences, especially with Gemini withdrawal issues, including not being able to log in to the app despite reaching out to customer support. Another common issue is people being locked out of their accounts after confirming a purchase and not being able to log back in even after weeks of trying to resolve the issue. Different people have different experiences with the Gemini app, so we recommend doing your due diligence and exploring more about what existing users have to say.

Availability 

Now that we’ve covered everything about how Gemini works and what it has to offer to its users let’s explore the platform’s regional availability and accessibility in the following section.

Gemini Pros and Cons

You can’t have a proper Gemini review without listing some of the main advantages and disadvantages of the platform. The table below highlights the most notable benefits and potential drawbacks, providing a clear overview of what users can expect.

Gemini vs. Competitors

Gemini offers suitable tools for everyone.

For beginners, its intuitive interface, structured design, and built-in educational resources make learning the ropes easy. Meanwhile, experienced traders can take advantage of the ActiveTrader platform, which offers advanced charting, multiple order types, and institutional-grade tools.

But how does Gemini stack up against other centralized exchanges, and what’s the best way to buy and sell crypto on the platform? In the next sections, we’ll dive into these comparisons and break down everything you need to know to make the most of Gemini.

Gemini Alternatives

How to Use Gemini

Gemini Sign-Up

1. You will need to start the registration process on the official Gemini website or by downloading the Gemini mobile app.
2. Navigate to the Get Started button in the top right corner, which will initiate the registration process.
3. First, You must enter your country of residence and the state if you live in the United States.
4. Once that’s done, you will need to provide your first and last name, as they are on your government-issued ID
5. Enter your email address and create a strong password based on the required criteria.
6. Agree to the terms and conditions, and you can then choose to activate biometric verification. 
7. Enter your phone number to activate the two-factor authentication feature, and enter the code you receive via SMS.
8. Add a payment method, and you will be ready to start trading.

How to Sell Crypto on Gemini

Selling crypto coins on the Gemini platform is a straightforward process, so let’s go over it in the following section.

1. Navigate to the Trade page, where you can find the list of cryptos. If you are using the Gemini app, the Trade button can be found at the bottom of the screen.
2. Choose the crypto coin you want to sell and then enter the quantity.
3. Press Review Order, which will take you to the confirmation screen
4. Press Confirm and the transaction will be executed immediately.

How to Buy Crypto on Gemini

Buying crypto on Gemini is just as simple and allows you to purchase crypto coins in just a few simple steps.

1. Navigate to the Trade page and select the crypt you want to buy.
2. There is an additional step here, where you will need to choose whether this will be a single or a recurring purchase.
3. Enter the amount you want to buy.
4. Press Review Order to continue to the confirmation screen.
5. Press Confirm for immediate transfer.

Additional Considerations:

• Fees: Be aware that Gemini charges transaction fees, which can vary based on the payment method and transaction size. It’s advisable to review Gemini’s fee schedule prior to trading.
• Security: Ensure your account has two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled to enhance security.
• Market Volatility: Cryptocurrency prices can be highly volatile. Always review the current market price before confirming any transaction.

Gemini Customer Support

When it comes to the customer services available on the Gemini cryptocurrency exchange, the overall consensus is that it doesn’t offer much reliability. Gemini’s first line of customer support is its in-depth FAQ section, which offers a structured approach, grouping different topics, such as trading, security, and staking. 

Email is the main communication channel for Gemini users. Although it used to have a reputation for providing quick and timely replies, lately, users have reported that they sometimes wait for a reply.

Currently, Gemini has a “poor” average rating on Trustpilot. For most of these reviews, the main issues stem from slow customer support, difficult identity verification processes, and accounts being frozen upon being funded. Most of this seems to be due to rigorous KYC processes and perhaps an inability to handle high customer support traffic. It also appears that users frequently run into issues because Gemini allows users to deposit funds before being fully verified but will not allow withdrawals until KYC is complete.

Regulation and Compliance

Gemini is a highly popular crypto exchange platform for users worldwide and takes safety, regulation, and compliance very seriously. As we already mentioned, it is the first exchange to acquire both versions of the SOC1 and SOC2 certifications. This solidifies it as a platform that provides industry-level financial services, security, and reporting. On top of that, starting January 17th, 2025, Gemini also began to operate in accordance with the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), which ensures financial entities can adequately address and resolve ICT-related issues and cyber threats. Earlier this year, Gemini also received a license approval from the Malta Financial Services Authority, and an approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore at the end of 2024.

Conclusion – Is Gemini Legit?

Overall, as you can see from our Gemini review, the exchange platform is as legitimate as it gets when it comes to being compliant and staying regulated. Online reviews, on the other hand, highlight some of the problems with being “too secure,” with many users complaining about difficult verification processes and frozen funds. Fees are not Gemini’s strongest point, as they run one of the industry’s most expensive trading fee schedules.

Another factor to keep in mind is that you need to be prepared to hand over a lot of personal information because of Gemini’s thorough KYC requirements. Looking past these issues, Gemini is a secure and insured exchange. Looking past these issues, Gemini is a secure and insured exchange. Whether or not that’s worth the extra hassle and fees depends on whether you prefer your security over your anonymity. 

Now that you have read our Gemini crypto exchange review and have all the necessary information about what Gemini is, how it works, and what it offers, you are ready to start your crypto trading journey in 2025.

FAQs

Gemini

8.4

Design

9.0/10

Ease of use

9.2/10

Selection of coins

8.5/10

Fees

7.5/10

Reputation

8.0/10

Pros

• Secure and insured
• Intuitive to use
• Wide variety of services

Cons

• Relatively high fees
• Few payment methods
• Slow customer support

Check out Gemini

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Dario is a blockchain enthusiast with a journey that started in 2016. Initially diving into dual mining ETH and Sia coin, he has since worked with top exchanges, market makers, and institutional clients, gaining invaluable insights into the blockchain ecosystem.... Read More

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