Gemini Exchange: The Good, Bad, and Ugly

Jack Moreau
Mar 2023
7 min read
Fact checked

Introduction: Are you looking for a reliable and trustworthy cryptocurrency exchange? With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose. That's why we've conducted a thorough review of Gemini, examining its features, security measures, and customer service. Discover whether Gemini's commitment to transparency and user protection align with your investment goals. Read on to find out if Gemini is the right exchange for you.

Gemini

pros & cons

Pros

Great UX & beginner friendly
Free bank deposits/withdrawals
Low crypto withdrawal fees
0.2% spot maker fee

Cons

Controversy around earn program
Higher than average fees

Gemini

vs alternatives

Gemini
Uphold
OKX
Founded
2014
2013
2017
Users
+1M
10M
20M
Cryptos
110
+300
350
Spot Fees
0.2%
0.9-1.2%
0.1%
KYC
Yes
Yes
No
Countries N/A
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands
US
Best for
New Crypto Investors
Beginner Crypto Investors
Spot & Futures trading
Rating

Gemini Exchange

Gemini, founded in 2014 by the Winklevoss twins, is a cryptocurrency exchange that prides itself on its security and regulatory compliance. With over 800 employees and available in 70 countries, Gemini has become a popular option for traders looking for a trustworthy platform.

Gemini Website
Gemini Website

Gemini is licensed by NYDFS in New York and VASP in Ireland, ensuring that the exchange meets strict regulatory standards. The platform offers trading in 110 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. While the selection may not be as extensive as some other exchanges, the focus on quality over quantity is evident.

In terms of user experience, Gemini's mobile app has a 3.8-star rating based on 50,000 reviews. While this is not the highest rating, it is still a solid option for traders who want to manage their portfolio on-the-go. The platform also offers a web-based trading interface for desktop users.

Gemini App
Gemini App

Overall, Gemini is a reliable and secure option for traders looking for a regulated cryptocurrency exchange. While the selection of cryptocurrencies may not be the largest, the platform's focus on quality and security make it a great option for those who prioritize those factors.

Gemini Signup & KYC

Gemini is a cryptocurrency exchange that requires all its users to undergo KYC verification before they can start trading. Signing up for Gemini is quick and easy, taking only a few minutes to enter your full name, password, and country of residence.

Gemini signup process
Gemini signup process

However, before you can unlock full account privileges, you must complete the verification process which requires uploading a government-issued ID. The verification process on Gemini can take up to a few days to complete, but once it's done, users can enjoy full trading and transfer capabilities.

Gemini Products & Services

Gemini is a popular cryptocurrency exchange that offers a range of services including spot trading, wallet, custody services, Gemini dollar and OTC trading. With a sleek and user-friendly interface, Gemini is perfect for beginners who are new to the world of cryptocurrency trading.

Gemini interface
Gemini interface

Although their product offering is relatively limited compared to other exchanges, Gemini makes up for it with their excellent user experience. One downside to Gemini is their relatively low 24h spot trading volume of $40 million, which may be a concern for more experienced traders.

However, if you're just starting out or looking for a simple and easy-to-use platform to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, Gemini is a great choice.

Gemini

products vs alternatives

Gemini
Uphold
OKX
Spot
Yes
Yes
Yes
Futures
-
-
Yes
Leverage
-
-
125X
Copy trade
-
-
-
Lend & Borrow
Yes
-
Yes
Staking
-
Yes
Yes
NFTs
-
-
Yes

Gemini Trading Fees

When it comes to trading fees, Gemini is a popular cryptocurrency exchange that offers relatively competitive rates. In terms of spot trading, Gemini charges a maker fee of 0.20% and a taker fee of 0.40%. This is slightly lower than Coinbase which currently charges 0.40% for makers and 0.60% for takers.

While some exchanges may have even lower fees that these, they may not offer the same level of security or user experience. While Gemini's fees are higher than some competitors, their emphasis on security and regulatory compliance may be worth the extra cost for some traders.

Gemini

fees vs alternatives

Gemini
Uphold
OKX
Spot fee (mkr)
0.2%
0.9-1.2%
0.08%
Spot fee (tkr)
0.4%
0.9-1.2%
0.10%
Futures (mkr)
n/a
-
0.02%
Futures (tkr)
n/a
-
0.05%

Gemini Deposit Methods

Gemini is a cryptocurrency exchange that offers a variety of deposit methods for users to fund their accounts. With support for 8 fiat currencies, including USD, EUR, and GBP, Gemini allows for easy access to the crypto market for users all around the world.

Deposits can be made via bank transfer (ACH/Wire), debit card transfers, and PayPal for USD, EUR, and GBP. Bank transfers are free of charge, while debit card transfers incur a fee of 3.49% and PayPal deposits incur a 2.5% fee.

Gemini also allows for the buying of crypto with a card, with a commission fee of 3.49%. This option is available for all supported fiat currencies. Compared to other exchanges, Gemini offers a decent selection of deposit methods, with support for multiple fiat currencies and various payment options.

Gemini Withdrawal Methods

Gemini offers a hassle-free and cost-effective fiat withdrawal experience via bank transfer for USD, EUR and GBP. The best part? It's completely free of charge. Gemini's fiat withdrawal process is straightforward and easy to navigate, making it a popular choice for users looking to cash out their crypto earnings.

For USD withdrawals, users can opt for either ACH or Wire Transfer. ACH withdrawals are completely free while Wire Transfers come with a standard fee of $25. Meanwhile, EUR and GBP withdrawals are only possible via Wire Transfer, but again, these come at no additional cost to the user.

Overall, Gemini's fiat withdrawal options are some of the best in the market, providing users with a reliable and seamless experience.

Gemini

security vs alternatives

Gemini
Uphold
OKX
Hacked
No
No
No
Proof of reserves
Yes
Yes
Yes
Licenses
NYDFS (US), VASP (IE)
FinCEN (US), FCA (UK)
VA in Dubai

Gemini

Great UX & beginner friendly

Free bank deposits/withdrawals

Low crypto withdrawal fees

0.2% spot maker fee

Gemini
Author
Jack Moreau
Jack is a crypto writer and reviewer who has been active in the space since he caught the crypto bug in 2017. With a passion for trying out new shiny things, Jack is always eager to try the latest cryptocurrency exchanges, wallets or DeFi applications.

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