Gemini Crypto Exchange Review: 2026 Security, Fees, And Features

This Gemini crypto exchange review explains why the platform appeals to United States users who put security and regulation first. The company insures custodial balances and publishes Proof of Reserves (PoR), offering a level of transparency many competitors still do not match.

Budget seekers should note the pricing: the standard interface adds a 1.49% transaction charge plus a 1.00% convenience fee, which can be costly on smaller orders. If you want yield on idle assets, you will need alternatives—Gemini paused its interest program in 2022 and has not reinstated it.

For trust and compliance, the exchange belongs on any shortlist. Newcomers get a clean, simple layout, while ActiveTrader unlocks lower fees and better tools for seasoned traders. Long-term holders may value custody options and insurance, though the absence of broad passive income features is a downside.

Pros:

• Robust regulatory posture with licenses across multiple regions.
• Captive insurance that covers theft from hot wallets.
• Sleek, beginner-friendly interface that is easy to navigate.
• ActiveTrader provides reduced fees and pro-grade tooling.
• Proof of Reserves supports stronger transparency.

Cons:

• Higher costs on the default buy/sell interface.
• No staking, lending, or interest-earning options.
• Support response can lag on complex tickets.
• Unavailable in large markets such as Canada and Australia.

Gemini is a well-known name among cryptocurrency exchanges. Below, we cover the company’s origins, regulatory status, security track record, and what users report about their experience.

Founded in 2015 by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, the New York–based exchange operates under Gemini Trust Company, a limited liability company, as a centralized venue.

From day one, the firm emphasized a security-first approach for both retail and institutional clients. Its brand is closely tied to regulation and openness in a market where many platforms operate in gray areas.

While it trails the largest exchanges by volume, Gemini has expanded methodically and built a reputation for prioritizing compliance. For users who value a clean record and safety, it frequently enters the conversation.

Gemini is privately held and does not publish regular financial statements, so its current profitability status is not publicly confirmed. The company does not routinely disclose revenue figures or detailed profit-and-loss results.

In the United States, Gemini functions as a New York Trust Company overseen by the New York State Department of Financial Services, one of the country’s stricter regimes.

Across Europe, it holds permissions in Ireland, Italy, Greece, and France. The company also obtained a MiFID 2 license via Malta, enabling derivatives access throughout the European Economic Area.

Gemini will cease operating in the United Kingdom in April 2026 and has arranged with eToro to onboard eligible United Kingdom customers who opt in.

A third-party vendor incident in late 2022 exposed email addresses and partial phone numbers of approximately 5.7 million users. Core exchange systems were not breached, no funds were lost, but some affected users faced phishing attempts.

Transparency remains a focus: Gemini publishes PoR, undergoes independent audits, and maintains a Trust Center listing security practices, certifications such as Service Organization Control 2 Type 2, and insurance details.

In regulated crypto markets, consistent audits, clear custody controls, and disciplined operational security matter as much as low fees.

In early 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission charged Gemini and Genesis Global Capital regarding the Earn program, alleging unregistered securities. The matter centered on a partner lending product rather than the core spot exchange.

Overall, Gemini is more open than many peers, though it has not been without controversy.

User sentiment is mixed, reflected in a low 1.4/5 score. Trustpilot feedback splits between users who like the security and simplicity and others frustrated by customer support or identity checks. Many one-star posts reference problems with the Gemini credit cards.

On Reddit, views skew more favorable among those who prefer strict regulation and a clean interface, though higher fees versus some rivals are a recurring note.

Across platforms, slow resolutions to account holds, verification, or withdrawals are common complaints. Withdrawals can be delayed by identity-verification requirements, security-triggered account holds, bank processing windows for fiat transfers, and manual reviews for unusual activity or newly added withdrawal addresses. When there are no holds, crypto withdrawals often move within minutes to a few hours, while bank withdrawals more commonly take one to three business days, with wires sometimes landing the same day or next business day. In short: strong on safety and compliance, with occasional support speed bumps.

Registration is straightforward, but full access requires identity verification before trading or withdrawals. Follow these seven steps:

• Go to the website or install the mobile app.
• Provide your name and email, then create a password.
• Confirm your email by clicking the verification link.
• Enable an authenticator app or passkey before entering personal details.
• Verify your phone via text message, upload identity documents, and complete the knowledge check if you are in the European Union or the United States.
• Wait for approval.
• Fund your account and start trading.

For identity verification and anti-money-laundering checks, expect a government ID (passport or driver’s license) and, in some cases, proof of address. Your residential details are checked during sign-up, so make sure entries match your documents.

Most users report approval within hours, though high-traffic periods or extra document requests can add a day or two. Identity verification is mandatory before you can fully use the platform, so complete it early if you plan to withdraw.

Getting started is simple. Below we cover usability, design considerations, and the mobile experience.

Two main interfaces are available: the standard buy/sell view and ActiveTrader. The default mode is streamlined for beginners, with intuitive navigation and quick access to core actions.

Fee logic can be confusing at first. The standard view blends a transaction fee with a convenience fee, while ActiveTrader uses a tiered maker/taker model. It pays to learn both before choosing.

The interface is tidy and legible, with clear buttons and sensible menus. Portfolio views, order placement, and settings are organized and responsive.

Desktop performance is snappy, and the responsive layout holds up on tablets and mobile browsers. Touch targets feel appropriately sized, and scrolling is smooth. Some may consider the default interface sparse, but many appreciate the minimalism.

The iOS and Android apps mirror the clean desktop aesthetic. You can buy and sell, view your portfolio, set recurring purchases, and adjust security such as two-factor authentication.

ActiveTrader is not available on mobile, so advanced charting and lower maker/taker tiers require the web platform. App store ratings are strong on iOS (4.8) and decent on Android (3.9), with the difference likely tied to device-specific bugs.

• Spot markets for buying and selling crypto.
• Trading terminal (ActiveTrader).
• Custody services.
• Limited earning options (staking).
• Security controls.
• Multiple payment methods.
• Defined fees.
• Customer support.
• Broad geographical availability.

The exchange lists a mix of major assets, altcoins, and stablecoins.

Funding options span bank transfer, wire, and cards (Visa and Mastercard). Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal are supported. Withdrawals go to bank or wire only.

Instant buys on the standard interface are simple but include both a transaction and a convenience fee.

The platform offers a basic interface for newcomers and ActiveTrader for advanced users with TradingView charts, real-time order books, and lower fees.

Available orders include market, limit, stop-limit, and Immediate-or-Cancel. ActiveTrader also supports Fill-or-Kill, Maker-or-Cancel, and Good ’Til Canceled.

After securing a MiFID 2 license in Malta, Gemini rolled out derivatives with perpetual contracts and tiered maker/taker pricing. Reported spot volume was about $214,422,360.57 in 2025 on CoinMarketCap, sufficient for most retail order sizes.

As a custodial exchange, Gemini holds assets for you—convenient for users who do not want to manage private keys. Non-custodial wallets provide full control but shift security entirely to the user.

Gemini Custody serves institutions and high-net-worth clients with insured cold storage and extra controls.

You can withdraw to hardware wallets such as Ledger or Trezor. Once assets leave the exchange, safeguard your seed phrase carefully.

• Staking available for Ethereum (ETH).
• Staking available for Solana.
• Staking commission ranges from 15% to 30%.
• Commission depends on subscription tier and location.

There are no crypto-backed loans or broad yield features at this time. Keep an eye on announcements in case earning products return.

Security options include two-factor authentication via text message or Authy, plus passkeys. Most customer funds are stored in cold wallets, and data in transit uses 256-bit encryption.

Insurance through Nakamoto Ltd., the company’s captive, covers hot wallet theft tied to a security breach or employee misconduct. Losses due to phishing or weak passwords are not covered.

Gemini publishes PoR, undergoes independent audits, and supports features like withdrawal address whitelisting.

Support is available via live chat and a ticket form—no phone line or direct email. Chat runs 24/7, starting with a bot and escalating to human agents for complicated cases.

Turnaround varies: simple questions resolve quickly, but verifications, account holds, and withdrawal issues may take longer and require specialist follow-up.

Assistance is offered in English and Spanish. Effective for basics, but not a standout compared to top-tier support desks.

United States customers benefit from New York State Department of Financial Services oversight, and the Malta authorization supports MiFID 2 compliance for European derivatives.

Beyond the core exchange, ActiveTrader, and Gemini Custody, the company offers Gemini Clearing for off-exchange settlement (useful for over-the-counter trades), Gemini Pay for spending crypto at participating United States retailers, and Gemini Dollar, a dollar-pegged regulated stablecoin.

Nifty Gateway serves as the NFT marketplace. Business offerings include tailored solutions for fintechs, banks, Bitcoin miners, and private wealth managers, plus electronic over-the-counter trading for large block trades.

Here’s how the platform stacks up against other popular venues in areas like trust, fees, tools, and availability. Versus Coinbase, Gemini typically emphasizes a more compliance-forward posture (including its New York trust structure) and leans hard into custody protections like PoR and insurance, while Coinbase tends to offer a broader consumer ecosystem and more product depth. On fees, both platforms can be expensive on their beginner “simple” buy flows, but Gemini’s ActiveTrader (web-only) is closer to Coinbase’s advanced trading experience, where pricing is generally more competitive. On supported assets and features, Coinbase usually lists more coins and offers a wider menu of add-ons, while Gemini’s lineup is more curated and its earning options remain limited. For user experience, Coinbase often feels more all-in-one for newcomers, while Gemini can appeal to users who prefer a simpler interface and a tighter focus on security controls.

Best for users who prioritize regulation and security over rock-bottom pricing—especially those in the United States.

Beginners will appreciate the straightforward interface, while experienced traders should consider ActiveTrader for lower fees and advanced charts.

Long-term holders may favor insured custody, but the thin menu of passive income options limits yield potential.

Is Gemini legit? Yes. It is among the most regulated exchanges, with United States and European permissions. Security stands out—cold storage, captive insurance, and PoR all reinforce safety. If risk mitigation is your top priority, Gemini makes a strong case.

Onboarding is simple, but identity verification is required before withdrawals. Once set up, you get essential features: spot trading, diverse order types, derivatives access, custody, and the ability to spend crypto via Gemini Pay. The mobile app is polished for daily use, though ActiveTrader remains web-only.

Costs are the tradeoff. The standard interface is expensive compared with peers; ActiveTrader helps, but many newcomers miss the cheaper route. Deposit options are flexible, yet crypto withdrawal fees can spike depending on network conditions.

As of 2026, there are no broad interest, lending, or loan products. Support is available 24/7, but complex cases may take time to resolve.

The supported asset list covers leading coins and a fair set of altcoins—sufficient for most retail traders.