Gemini exchange review
- Fiat currencies
- 7
- Supported assets
- 106
Our verdict
Gemini is one of the largest crypto exchanges in the world. But is it worth using?
Gemini has a unique fee structure that may be appealing to certain users – this gives the exchange a competitive edge. Its easy-to-use interface lends itself to inexperienced and experienced traders alike. Gemini has a wide selection of cryptocurrencies available for exchanging on the platform. All in all, Gemini is a good, welcoming exchange for users of all skill levels.
Pros
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Wide range of currencies to exchange
-
Welcoming UI
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On the Financial Conduct Authority register
-
Highly liquid order books
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Developing industry-leading security
Cons
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Varying fee structure with highest fees on mobile app
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No linked debit cards available
Details
Product details
| Product Name | Gemini Cryptocurrency Exchange |
| Fiat Currencies | USD, AUD, CAD, EUR, GBP, SGD, HKD |
| Cryptocurrencies | BTC, ETH, BCH, FET, LTC, ZRX, MKR, BAT, LRC, KNC & 96 more |
| Deposit Methods |
Debit card Apple Pay Google Pay SWIFT |
| Trading Fee |
ActiveTrader: Taker fee - 0.03-0.4% Maker fee - 0-0.2% |
| Deposit Fees |
Crypto: None Wire transfer: determined by your bank Debit card: 3.49% |
| Withdrawal Fees | None (for 10 withdrawals and below per month) |
Estimated reading time: 2 min
Due to the potential for losses, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) considers this investment to be high risk.
What are the key risks?
1. You could lose all the money you invest
- The performance of most cryptoassets can be highly volatile, with their value dropping as quickly as it can rise. You should be prepared to lose all the money you invest in cryptoassets.
- The cryptoasset market is largely unregulated. There is a risk of losing money or any cryptoassets you purchase due to risks such as cyber-attacks, financial crime and firm failure.
2. You should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong
- The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) doesn't protect this type of investment because it's not a 'specified investment' under the UK regulatory regime – in other words, this type of investment isn't recognised as the sort of investment that the FSCS can protect. Learn more by using the FSCS investment protection checker.
- The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) will not be able to consider complaints related to this firm or Protection from the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) does not cover poor investment performance. If you have a complaint against an FCA regulated firm, FOS may be able to consider it. Learn more about FOS protection here.
3. You may not be able to sell your investment when you want to
- There is no guarantee that investments in cryptoassets can be easily sold at any given time. The ability to sell a cryptoasset depends on various factors, including the supply and demand in the market at that time.
- Operational failings such as technology outages, cyber-attacks and comingling of funds could cause unwanted delay and you may be unable to sell your cryptoassets at the time you want.
4. Cryptoasset investments can be complex
- Investments in cryptoassets can be complex, making it difficult to understand the risks associated with the investment.
- You should do your own research before investing. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
5. Don't put all your eggs in one basket
- Putting all your money into a single type of investment is risky. Spreading your money across different investments makes you less dependent on any one to do well.
- A good rule of thumb is not to invest more than 10% of your money in high-risk investments.
If you are interested in learning more about how to protect yourself, visit the FCA's website here.
For further information about cryptoassets, visit the FCA's website here.
What is Gemini?
Gemini is a cryptocurrency exchange with a simple UI that’s user friendly and accommodating to newcomers and experienced traders alike. Gemini is a New York trust company, which ensures that the company is compliant with a number of security and financial regulations.
Gemini’s most notable weakness is its fee structure. Fees are very competitive if you turn on ActiveTrader. However, if you don’t, then the fees can add up quickly. Buying through the mobile app has very high fees compared to using ActiveTrader, and the fees are the same on the desktop site without ActiveTrader on.
- If this is your first exchange. Gemini is a pretty good place to start with a clean interface and learning modules. Gemini’s fee structure can punish small trades and may not be worth it if you make a large number of small trades.
- If you’re switching exchanges. Gemini offers some pretty bold guarantees and is registered with the UK regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, for anti-money laundering laws. Only verified users can trade on Gemini. Verification requires providing some personal details, and documentation to support it.
Finder ratings for Gemini Crypto
| Supported cryptocurrencies | ★★★★★ |
| Transferring money or assets | ★★★★★ |
| Fees and costs | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★★ |
| Customer service | ★★★★★ |
| Staking/earning | ★★★★★ |
| Trustworthiness/security | ★★★★★ |
| Overall score | 4.4 |
What to know about Gemini
User balances are covered by a robust insurance plan and cold storage of wallets. However, it is worth noting that Gemini is still holding the private keys to these wallets. Also, Gemini’s insurance does not cover losses due to theft from unauthorised access of an individual’s account – so if, for example, somebody guesses your password, you wouldn’t be protected by insurance.
Gemini is a good exchange to use as long as you activate ActiveTrader and do trades on the desktop site. Otherwise, you are subject to very high fees that are outlined in fees and costs.
Transferring fiat and cryptocurrency
Funds sent by wire transfer before 3pm GMT to Gemini will typically be available in a user’s account the same day or next business day (this may vary by bank). Bank transfers deposits are made available for trading immediately. However, they aren’t fully cleared into your Gemini account and available for withdrawal for 4–5 business days. Crypto deposits and withdrawals are processed immediately and their wait times depend on network congestion. Since November 2023, Gemini is only able to accept deposits of currencies outside the BTC and ETH networks from self-hosted wallets for UK customers.
Fees and costs
Deposit fees for fiat are free. Withdrawals are free via ACH and wire transfer. Crypto fees are free for deposits. Crypto withdrawals are free as well, as long as you are within your free withdrawal quota.
Trading fees are complicated on Gemini. They have multiple fee structures. There are different fees for using the mobile app and the desktop site, in addition to there being an ActiveTrader setting that can be turned on.
Without ActiveTrader turned on, users are subject to a set fee structure that is quite high. With ActiveTrader turned on, fees drop from set amounts to 0–0.20% for maker and 0.03–0.40% for taker. The only way to use ActiveTrader on mobile is to use your web browser with the setting turned on and access the exchange that way. Using the mobile app incurs the fee structure below.
Note: Gemini fees for using the desktop site without turning on ActiveTrader are the same as for mobile.
Other fees and when they apply
Gemini offers special custody accounts, designed largely for institutional customers like hedge funds who may be required by law to store their digital assets with a licensed custodian.
In custody accounts, customer digital assets are segregated in unique addresses and stored offline in Gemini’s proprietary cold storage system.
These fees and conditions apply to custody accounts only. Your regular everyday accounts are not custody accounts.
| Custody fee | 0.4% annually |
|---|---|
| Minimum balance | None |
| Setup fee | Waived |
| Withdrawal fee | $125 USD |
What is it like to use Gemini?
Before you can even get started trading on Gemini, you have to go through the rigorous verification process. This can take quite a long time. The reason for this is Gemini’s commitment to certifications, and compliance with regulations and insurers. So, the security of the platform comes with the drawback of a slow start-up time. The upside is when it’s time to do your taxes, you won’t have to worry about the status of your crypto. Gemini’s compliance makes it quite easy to manage.
Gemini has 2 interfaces: the basic interface which is very newbie-friendly, and the ActiveTrader interface for the advanced trader. Gemini prides itself on being easy to use and it achieves just that.
Gemini app
Gemini’s mobile app is easy to navigate. All of Gemini’s features are made easy-to-use in a mobile setting.
Getting started with Gemini
Gemini offers a quick and simple way to navigate getting started. A more detailed guide of setting up an account can be found below. It is a simple process, but users have reported long wait times when registering financial data.
Does Gemini have good customer support?
Gemini has customer support, but user reports are quite negative. Averages reported by the company look favourable, but customers report waiting for as long as weeks to receive emails back from the company and long hold times.
| Support offered | Wait times | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact Us form | ✅ | Under 2.5 hours on average |
| Live chat | ✅ | Live chat is offered, but it’s a bot that directs users to other support lines. |
| ✅ | At least 24 hours after receiving the email on average. |
List Gemini services
Trading on Gemini
Gemini caters to both new investors and more experirend traders. Its trading interface is clean and simple, making it easy to get started if you are a crypto newbie.
However, for those looking for a bit more, it has its ActiveTrader option which includes features such as advanced charting and various other order types.
Trust rating
Gemini rates highly for security. Gemini has never been hacked. Security features of Gemini include 2-factor authentication, SOC 2 compliance (the first ever cryptocurrency exchange to do so), and FDIC insurance for fiat currencies.
Past hacks
No hacks have ever taken place.
Security audits
Gemini has undergone heavy duty auditing. Gemini is the first ever cryptocurrency exchange to pass the SOC 2 type 1 examination. It is audited for compliance with this examination every year.
Signing up on Gemini
- Click on the “Get Started” button and in the create account form
- Before you can start trading, you have to add your bank account to your Gemini account. There are a number of options to choose from, so choose the option most compatible.
- Additionally, before you can make withdrawals and increase your transaction limits, you have to submit proof of address and some additional identification. You can use either a passport or a driver’s licence for this. Read Finder’s KYC guide here.
- After all that is processed, you’re ready to trade on Gemini. As a UK customer, you’ll also have to complete a quiz about your knowledge of the risk around investing in cryptocurrency.