Cryptocurrency trading is increasingly popular. The meteoric rise of Bitcoin and digital assets in 2024 has ramped up excitement around crypto and its earning potential, and many investors are looking for the best cryptocurrency exchange to add digital currencies to their portfolios.
Gemini is a crypto exchange that you may be considering. To help you decide whether Gemini is right for you, we’ve written this Gemini review, with details about how the exchange works, which features are available, how secure it is, and how fees are structured. Keep reading to get our take!
What Is Gemini?
Gemini is a cryptocurrency exchange with a basic option that’s suitable for beginning crypto investors who want a straightforward trading platform to start to add crypto and other digital assets to their investment portfolios. It also has a more advanced option with features geared toward experienced crypto investors, one reason many traders prefer Gemini.
We’ll get into more detail about this later, but Gemini prides itself on its “security first” approach, providing users with advanced security features to keep their deposits and holdings safe.
Gemini Exchange
Gemini Exchange is the entry-level crypto trading option on Gemini. It’s designed with beginners in mind and provides a streamlined way to invest in cryptocurrency.
Gemini has a web interface and a free mobile app, so you can choose where and how to carry out your crypto trades. With Gemini Exchange, you can trade crypto assets (including NFTs through Nifty Gateway), set up recurring buys for your favorite coins, and earn staking rewards.
Gemini ActiveTrader
Gemini’s ActiveTrader platform is Gemini’s advanced trading platform with Gemini dollar. If you’re interested in getting access to a wide array of crypto trading pairs, advanced charting tools, and dual market tracking, then ActiveTrader may be a better choice for you than the basic Gemini Exchange.
Gemini’s ActiveTrader platform is accessible on both the web platform and the mobile app for trading digital assets. If you’re signed up for Gemini Exchange, you can use ActiveTrader at any time. It offers more features and trading options, but it’s essentially the same interface and user experience for individual users.
How Many Cryptocurrencies Are Available on Gemini?
The number of cryptocurrencies available on Gemini has increased substantially. Where they used to offer 80 or so coins, the offerings as of January of 2025 include 160+ coins. Some of the most popular include:
- Bitcoin
- Ether
- Tether
- Solana
- Dogecoin
- Cardona
- Litecoin
- Binance USD
You can find a full list of available cryptocurrencies on this page.
Does Gemini Have a Crypto Wallet?
One of the most common concerns among crypto traders is safe storage. Both cryptocurrency holdings and NFTs may be susceptible to theft if not stored properly.
Gemini not only offers users awesome advanced charting tools, but they also offer access to Gemini Custody®, a secure cold storage option where users can keep their cryptocurrency and NFT holdings. There’s no minimum amount to get access to Gemini Custody®, but you will need to have a monthly fee total of $30 to use it. Assets in Gemini Custody® are insured by $100 million of private crime insurance.
You may want to consider keeping your cryptocurrencies and NFTs in a crypto wallet that you own. Our recommendation is always to use a cold wallet, meaning one that’s never connected to the web.
Gemini Features
As we’ve noted above, there are basic features on the Gemini Exchange and some more advanced features if you use Gemini ActiveTrader. Here’s how they break down.
Crypto Trading
Crypto trading is easy on both Gemini Exchange and Gemini ActiveTrader. Trades are speedier if you use ActiveTrader. With both options, you’ll have access to up-to-date pricing and recurring orders.
Cryptocurrency and Trading Pairs
All told, Gemini offers users the opportunity to buy 160+ cryptocurrencies and 300+ trading pairs. There are over 60 USD trading pairs, with many others available around the world, including AUD, CAD, EUR, and GBP pairs.
Some trading pairs may be available only through Gemini ActiveTrader. Check out the full list for details.
Crypto Staking
Gemini used to offer more crypto staking options than it does now. That’s due to some regulatory issues that required them to scale back staking.
As of January 2025, Gemini offers staking for just three crypto assets, as follows.
- Polygon (2.81% APR)
- Ether (2.57% APR)
- Solana (3.57% APR)
All APRs are subject to change at Gemini’s discretion. At this time, Solana is available only to non-U.S. investors. There’s no minimum account balance. Staking rewards are split across all participants.
Pro Tip:
When you trade $100 with Gemini, you get $15 in BTC for free!
Research & Education
All Gemini users have access to a library of resources. It includes:
- Cryptopedia, their guide to all things crypto
- Trust Center, where Gemini discloses financials and audit results
- Help Center, which includes relevant articles and resources, plus answers to dozens of Frequently Asked Questions
We appreciate that Gemini’s resources are open to the public and provide useful information to anybody interested in crypto investing.
Advanced Charting
If you opt to use Gemini ActiveTrader, you’ll get access to some advanced charting options that aren’t available if you trade on Gemini Exchange.
You can also create dual market comparison charts if you want to compare prices in markets around the world.
| Feature | Gemini Exchange | Gemini ActiveTrader |
| Cryptocurrencies | 160+ | 160+ |
| Staking | Y | Y |
| Access to Gemini Custody® | Y | Y |
| Advanced Charting | N | Y |
| Research & Education | Y | Y |
The Gemini User Experience
It’s important to consider the user experience before committing to any crypto trading platform.
Gemini Exchange is what we consider to be Gemini’s entry-level option. The interfaces on both the web exchange and on the Gemini mobile app are designed to be simple to use. Even someone with no trading experience should be able to access what they need from the menu, get their account set up and verified, and make their first trades.
The Gemini ActiveTrader interface has more options and is slightly more complex. Still, it’s not too difficult to follow and we believe even beginners can figure out how to use it quickly!
Pro Tip:
When you trade $100 with Gemini, you get $15 in BTC for free!
Gemini Pricing
Gemini trading fees are complex when compared to some other cryptocurrency exchanges. We’re going to lay out the basics for you, and then link to the page where you get the full details of how trades are priced.
- Instant web and mobile orders start at a $0.99 trading fee for trades <$10 and range upward to $2.99 for trades between $50 and $200. Above $200, the fee is 1.49% of the trade.
- ActiveTrader fees follow a maker/taker structure. Taker fees start at 0.40% for trades less than $10,000, while maker fees at that level are 0.20%. Fees decrease as trade volume increases.
- Withdrawal and deposit fees range from $0 for ACH transfers to $125 for transfers from Gemini Custody® to Gemini Exchange.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t note that Gemini’s trading fees are higher than those on some other crypto exchanges. You’ll need to weigh the costs of trading on Gemini against other fees to determine which exchange is best suited to your needs and preferences.
Is Gemini Safe to Use?
One of the Gemini pros is its security-first approach to crypto trading. Here are some of the most important elements designed to keep you and your holdings safe.
Mandatory 2FA
Most online trading platforms offer two-factor authentication. Gemini’s 2FA is provided through Authy, which requires users to enter a password and use an alternative method to confirm their identity. Some options include a passkey or a fingerprint. It’s pretty common for users to be required to opt in to 2FA, meaning that it’s possible for users to not activate it.
Gemini is different in that 2FA is required of all users. It’s their way of doubling down on security and it can definitely protect you and other advanced traders. One example would be if your phone were lost or stolen. A thief wouldn’t be able to access your account through the Gemini app without your fingerprint.
Passkeys
Passkeys are even more secure than 2FA measures because they’re non-phishable. Gemini supports passkeys on both Apple and Android devices. You’ll need to set up your own passkeys, since Gemini doesn’t provide them.
Pro Tip:
When you trade $100 with Gemini, you get $15 in BTC for free!
Multi-Device Switch Off
Using Authy, Gemini users have the option to switch off multi-device sign on. We like that they offer this feature because even if your password were to be compromised, nobody could log into your account from their phone or computer.
It’s important to note that you’ll need to manually sign in and toggle the multi-device switch off to protect yourself.
Approved Addresses
If you have an external crypto wallet, you can use it to create a cryptocurrency address. Once you have an approved address, you can use it to prevent outsiders from withdrawing your Gemini holdings.
In your account, you’ll be given the chance to enter approved addresses. Once you have done so, your crypto holdings and deposits may only be withdrawn to an approved address.
Insurance
Any US dollars in your Gemini account may be held at State Street Bank and Trust Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and may be protected by FDIC pass-through insurance.
Gemini has also purchased insurance to protect users’ assets in hot and cold storage. There are some limitations, and you can read the details here.
Additional Security Measures
In addition to the security features we’ve already mentioned, Gemini was the first crypto exchange to have completed the SOC1 Type 2 exam, SOC 2 Type 2 exam, and ISO 27001 certification.
They comply with PCI DSS to protect credit and debit card data and adhere to all security requirements of their global regulators.
Finally, Gemini subjects itself to penetration tests by independent third parties at least once a year to help them identify vulnerabilities and protect against them.
Our Final Take
Our final take is that Gemini is a good cryptocurrency exchange for beginners who want access to a straightforward trading process that doesn’t have much of a learning curve and that want a great customer experience. We like that there’s no trading minimum.
More advanced traders can benefit from using Gemini ActiveTrader, which provides access to many trading pairs, plus staking and advanced charting. The fees are lower with ActiveTrader, too, which may make it more appealing for those who want to build substantial crypto holdings.
FAQ
Overall, Gemini is in the middle of the pack when it comes to the number of cryptocurrencies that are available. Exchanges such as Coinbase and Binance offer more coins. Where Gemini compares favorably is in its user-friendly and intuitive interface, robust security, and no minimums to start trading.
Gemini doesn’t specify a time, but mentions that submitting clear copies of identification will help speed the process. It’s safe to say that waiting times will be longer when there’s high volume.
US-based users must provide proof of identification in the form of a US passport or passport card, driver’s license, state-issued ID, or Permanent Resident Card (green card). Outside of the US, you’ll need a valid passport or another government-issued ID.
No. Gemini is an exchange where you can buy and trade cryptocurrencies and NFTs. If you want to build a balanced portfolio that includes stocks, ETFs, bonds, and other assets, you will need to seek out a different exchange for those. Some investors prefer to keep their crypto holdings separate from other investments. Some of the exchanges that offer a huge array of assets may not have as much crypto research and information as an exchange like Gemini.
Yes, you must be at least 18 years of age to use Gemini.
You may fund your account with fiat currency or cryptocurrency. If you want to use fiat currency, you’ll need to link your bank account first. For cryptocurrency funding, you’ll use an external wallet and send the funds to a unique Gemini deposit link.
Yes! Unlike some crypto exchanges, Gemini is available in all 50 US states plus the District of Columbia. It’s governed by the state of New York.
