Gemini is a New York-regulated crypto exchange founded by the Winklevoss twins, known for security, compliance, and SOC 2 certification.
- NYDFS regulated
- SOC 2 certified
- Founded by Winklevoss twins
- Insurance on holdings
- Higher fees than competitors
- Limited coin selection
- ActiveTrader needed for low fees
Fees & costs
- Min. deposit
- €$0
- Trading
- 0.0%-0.4% maker/taker on ActiveTrader
- Stock fee
- N/A (Crypto only)
- Spread
- Spreads on simple trade
- Deposits
- Free (ACH, Wire)
- Withdrawals
- 10 free/month
- Inactivity
- None
Platforms & features
Who this fits best
Note: higher fees than competitors.
How to use in practice
Security-First Crypto Investing
Trade on one of the most regulated crypto exchanges with NYDFS licensing, SOC 2 Type II certification, and insurance on hot wallet assets.
Store Bitcoin and Ethereum on Gemini with confidence in the platform's security infrastructure and regulatory compliance.
Spending Crypto with Credit Card Rewards
Use the Gemini Credit Card to earn up to 3% back in crypto on everyday purchases without annual fees.
Earn Bitcoin rewards on regular purchases like dining, groceries, and travel, automatically deposited to your Gemini account.
Institutional-Grade Custody
Access Gemini Custody for secure storage of large crypto holdings with institutional-grade security and insurance coverage.
Store significant crypto positions with Gemini Custody, benefiting from cold storage, multi-signature security, and SOC 2 certification.
Tips for beginners
- 01
Use ActiveTrader for lower fees
The default simple interface has higher convenience fees (0.5%-1.49%). Switch to ActiveTrader for maker/taker fees as low as 0.0%-0.4%, especially for trades above small amounts.
- 02
Take advantage of 10 free withdrawals monthly
Gemini offers 10 free crypto withdrawals per month. Plan your withdrawals to stay within this limit and avoid network fees.
- 03
Enable all security features
Gemini requires 2FA but also offers additional security options like withdrawal address whitelisting and hardware security keys. Enable all available protections.
- 04
Consider the Gemini Credit Card for everyday crypto accumulation
The Gemini Credit Card offers up to 3% cashback in crypto with no annual fee. It's a passive way to accumulate Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies on regular spending.
Account opening steps
- 1.
Create Account
Sign up with email and create a strong password
- 2.
Verify Email
Confirm your email address through the verification link
- 3.
Complete KYC
Submit government ID and complete identity verification
- 4.
Enable 2FA
Set up two-factor authentication (required)
- 5.
Fund & Trade
Link bank account and start trading on Gemini
Extended guide
Complete Guide to Crypto Investing with Gemini
Getting Started
Create your account at gemini.com or download the app. Register with email, set a strong password, and complete identity verification by uploading a government ID. Gemini requires 2FA during signup—set this up immediately using an authenticator app.
Fund your account via ACH (free, 3-5 days), wire transfer, or debit card (3.49% fee). European users can deposit via SEPA for free. Link your bank account for the most cost-effective deposits.
Key Features and How to Use Them
Simple vs ActiveTrader: The default interface offers easy buy/sell but with higher fees (0.5%-1.49%). Switch to ActiveTrader in settings for professional charting and lower maker/taker fees (0.0%-0.4% based on volume). ActiveTrader is recommended for trades above small amounts.
Gemini Earn: Deposit crypto to earn interest. Navigate to Earn in the app, select an asset, and review the current rates. Note that rates vary by asset and Gemini's terms. Consider that lending crypto involves counterparty risk.
Gemini Credit Card: Apply for the no-annual-fee credit card to earn up to 3% cashback in your choice of cryptocurrency. Rewards are automatically deposited to your Gemini account.
Gemini Custody: For large holders, Gemini Custody offers institutional-grade cold storage with SOC 2 certification and insurance. This service is designed for those with significant crypto positions requiring enhanced security.
10 Free Withdrawals: Gemini provides 10 free crypto withdrawals monthly. Track your withdrawal count and plan transfers to stay within this limit.
Tips for Success
Switch to ActiveTrader immediately for better pricing. Enable all security features including withdrawal address whitelisting. Consider the credit card for passive crypto accumulation on everyday spending.
Gemini's strength is regulatory compliance and security, making it suitable for investors prioritizing these factors over the widest coin selection or lowest fees. The Winklevoss twins' stewardship emphasizes a conservative, compliance-first approach to crypto.