Gemini Review 2025: Features, Fees, and Security Explained

Highlights

Gemini is known for its rigorous regulatory standards and strong focus on security. They operate globally and are recognized as one of the safest crypto exchanges for their transparency and user-centric approach.

For the more advanced user, they offer a more sophisticated platform, which is more modern. It features a deep order book, more trading opportunities, and a whole host of progressive tools.

Instant buy/sell fees

Gemini’s fee structure can be a bit complex at first glance, with different rates depending on how and where you trade. Instant buy and sell orders on the mobile app or basic web platform come with a 0.50% convenience fee, plus a transaction fee that ranges from $0.99 (for trades under $10) to 1.49% (for trades over $200). Crypto-to-crypto conversions are also charged at 1.49%.

Deposit and withdrawal fees

Depositing cryptocurrency on the exchange is completely free. However, a dynamic withdrawal fee is charged when users withdraw cryptocurrencies. This network/gas fee will vary based on the coin and blockchain conditions.

While fiat deposits are free, debit card users are required to pay approximately 3.45% of the total amount. Fiat withdrawal fees vary based on the payment method.

Hidden Costs & Spreads

Users of the platform incur several hidden fees that affect their trading expenses.

An example of this is that instant buy/sell orders already have a built-in markup. While transparent, this means users are paying slightly above true market rates for digital currencies.

Users who fund their account through debit/credit card may incur processing fees, while withdrawals will incur network (gas) fees.

Security And Regulation

With over half a million monthly users trading billions of dollars worth of digital assets, the exchange continually works to ensure its clients’ funds are safe.

Storage & custody

The vast majority of client funds are stored offline in air-gapped “cold storage.” A unique feature of this cold storage is that it’s geographically distributed, making it less likely to be stolen in one security breach.

Multi-party technology, along with hardware security modules and strict access controls, is used by the exchange for private keys. This reduces the likelihood that any single person, device, or point of failure can compromise customer funds.

A portion of funds is insured against theft or loss due to hacks, certain security breaches, or internal fraud.

Account security

All accounts are protected with mandatory two-factor authentication. Additional security measures include withdrawal whitelisting, device verification, and session tracking, which all give users control over where and how their funds can be moved.

Audits & compliance

The exchange’s custody and operations hold several security certifications, including SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001. This is essentially the gold standard for security and information security management.

These audits ensure that the exchange implements formal risk-management policies, vendor management, and periodic security assessments.

Their status as a regulated fiduciary and trust company under the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDSF) subjects them to compliance standards similar to traditional financial institutions.

Regulatory licenses & legal status

In addition to operating as a licensed entity under the NYDFS, Gemini holds money-transmitter licenses in several U.S. states. The exchange also complies with European Union regulations and secured a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license.

The entity is regulated in several other territories around the world.

Past incidents and mitigation

The exchange has not suffered any major hacks that have resulted in a loss of customer funds.

Cryptocurrencies & tokens

All the major assets, like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, are supported. You’ll also find popular stablecoins like Gemini Dollar (GUSD) and USD Coin (USDC) and trending tokens like Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, and Avalanche. The exchange frequently adds new assets, providing users with access to both established and up-and-coming coins.

Fiat pairs

The platform supports several major currencies, including US Dollar (USD), Australian Dollar (AUD), Canadian Dollar (CAD), Euro (EUR), British Pound (GBP), Singapore Dollar (SGD), and Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). Most assets are paired with the US dollar.

Geographic availability

The exchange is accessible in more than 60 countries; however, functionalities may be affected depending on where the user is located.

Usability & User Experience

The platform offers a clean and intuitive interface across both web and mobile. Switching between different trading modes is seamless, and features such as price alerts and recurring transactions help simplify and automate investing.

Desktop & web interface

The web interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate due to its clear layout, which makes it easy to find and use features. It’s responsive and makes placing trades and account management seamless. There are plenty of customization options, which ensures users can create a trading workflow that works for them.

Mobile app experience

The mobile app’s interface is clean and intuitive, regardless of whether you are using basic or advanced trading modes.

The app allows users to view their investment portfolios, set up price alerts so they keep up with market trends, and execute trades at any time.

What really stood out is how easy it is to log in on mobile to access a range of features, including watchlists, top mover sections, and educational content. The best part is that creating an account and making trades can be done in as little as three minutes.

Learning curve

Overall, the platform is easy to use, and beginners will get up to speed in no time when using simple tools and placing basic trades. However, the learning curve can be steep for individuals with no crypto trading knowledge using the advanced platform, as they may need a bit of help navigating the specialized trading tools.

Thankfully, the platform has built-in guides and tutorials that can help flatten the learning curve and get new users up to speed.

Customer support

Gemini provides support via email, online forms, and a chatbot on their website. While there is a phone number for credit card support, most exchange-related issues are handled through email or the support portal, and response times can be slow.

Some users report waiting days for a reply. The self-help resources on the site are helpful for common questions, but reaching a real person for urgent matters can be challenging.

Get Started

Once you’ve completed these steps and your identity is verified, you can begin buying, selling, and trading crypto. Verification times may vary, but you should be able to access the platform soon after submitting your documents.

History and Background

The exchange was officially launched in 2015 by the Winklevoss twins to address the need for a secure, compliant cryptocurrency exchange in the United States. The twins are known for their early involvement in Bitcoin.

Milestones & growth

Since their launch, they quickly expanded internationally and now offer services in over 60 countries and provide tailor-made trading solutions for beginner traders, high-volume traders, and institutional clients.

Key milestones include the debut of the regulated stablecoin, the Gemini Dollar (GUSD), in 2018, and its 2025 listing on the Nasdaq, which made it one of the few crypto exchanges to go public.

Reputations & public events

The exchange is known for its rigorous commitment to regulatory compliance and security. This was demonstrated by its decision to complete independent third-party audits. They cater to beginners and professional traders and offer a broad range of products, all of which make Gemini a popular exchange.