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Gemini is a regulated cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2015 by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss and operated by Gemini Trust Company, LLC, a New York State-chartered trust company supervised by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS). The platform went public on Nasdaq under ticker GEMI in September 2025 at a $3.3 billion valuation. This Gemini review covers everything you need to know in 2026: fees, security, staking, the Gemini Credit Card, supported cryptocurrencies, and how the exchange compares to competitors like Coinbase, Kraken, and Crypto.com.
Gemini at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss |
| Headquarters | New York, NY, USA |
| Regulation | NYDFS-regulated trust company; BitLicense holder; MiFID II (Malta) for EU derivatives |
| Supported Cryptocurrencies | 70-80+ listed coins, 100+ spot pairs, 120+ tracked on Bitcompare |
| Trading Platforms | Gemini Basic, ActiveTrader, Mobile App, API |
| ActiveTrader Fees | 0.20% maker / 0.40% taker (lowest tier); 0.00% maker / 0.03% taker ($500M+ volume) |
| Simple Buy Fees | 1.49% above $200; flat $0.99-$2.99 for smaller trades |
| Staking | ETH, SOL, MON (US: ETH and MATIC; EU: ETH, SOL) |
| Credit Card | Gemini Credit Card with up to 4% crypto back, $0 annual fee |
| Stablecoin | Gemini Dollar (GUSD), ~$48M market cap |
| Security | SOC 1/2 Type 2 audited, $200M crypto insurance, cold storage, multi-sig |
| Derivatives | Perpetual futures (EU/EEA only via MiFID II license; not available in US) |
| Minimum Investment | $0 account minimum; varies by asset for trades |
| Countries Supported | 60+ countries, all 50 US states |
| Public Company | Nasdaq: GEMI (IPO September 2025, priced at $28/share) |
What Is Gemini?
Gemini is a centralized, custodial cryptocurrency exchange that positions itself as the most regulated and security-focused trading platform in the United States. Unlike offshore exchanges that prioritize listing hundreds of tokens and offering high-leverage derivatives, Gemini takes a compliance-first approach. The exchange operates as a New York trust company under NYDFS supervision, which imposes stricter capital reserve, cybersecurity, and consumer protection requirements than a standard money transmitter license.
The platform serves retail traders through its simple-buy Gemini Basic interface, advanced traders through its ActiveTrader platform with TradingView integration, and institutional clients through Gemini Custody and an electronic OTC (eOTC) desk. Gemini also issues the Gemini Dollar (GUSD), a regulated US dollar-pegged stablecoin, and offers a metal Gemini Credit Card that pays crypto rewards on everyday purchases.
In September 2025, Gemini's parent company, Gemini Space Station, Inc., completed an IPO on Nasdaq under ticker GEMI. The offering was priced at $28 per share, valuing the company at approximately $3.3 billion. Shares surged on debut, briefly pushing the valuation to $4.4 billion. The IPO marked a turning point for a company that had spent 2023-2024 dealing with the Genesis bankruptcy fallout and the associated Gemini Earn controversy.
Gemini Trading Fees Explained
Gemini uses two distinct fee structures depending on which interface you use. This is one of the most common sources of confusion for new users, so understanding both is critical before you start trading.
Simple Buy Fees (Gemini Basic and Mobile)
The Gemini Basic interface and mobile app charge a convenience fee of approximately 1.00% to 2.00% built into the quoted price, plus a separate transaction fee based on order size. These fees are significantly higher than ActiveTrader fees and are designed for casual, small-dollar purchases.
| Order Amount (USD) | Transaction Fee |
|---|---|
| $0.01 - $10.00 | $0.99 |
| $10.01 - $25.00 | $1.49 |
| $25.01 - $50.00 | $1.99 |
| $50.01 - $200.00 | $2.99 |
| Above $200.00 | 1.49% of order value |
The convenience fee (up to 2.00%) is applied on top of the transaction fee. For a $500 trade through the simple-buy interface, total fees could reach approximately $10-$17, which is substantially more expensive than using ActiveTrader for the same trade.
ActiveTrader Fees (Maker/Taker)
ActiveTrader uses a volume-based maker-taker fee model. Makers add liquidity to the order book (limit orders that do not fill immediately), while takers remove liquidity (market orders or limit orders that fill immediately). Fees decrease as your 30-day trading volume increases.
| 30-Day Trading Volume (USD) | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| $0 - $10,000 | 0.20% | 0.40% |
| $10,001 - $50,000 | 0.15% | 0.35% |
| $50,001 - $100,000 | 0.15% | 0.25% |
| $100,001 - $500,000 | 0.10% | 0.20% |
| $500,001 - $1,000,000 | 0.08% | 0.15% |
| $1,000,001 - $5,000,000 | 0.05% | 0.10% |
| $5,000,001 - $10,000,000 | 0.04% | 0.08% |
| $10,000,001 - $50,000,000 | 0.03% | 0.06% |
| $50,000,001 - $100,000,000 | 0.02% | 0.04% |
| $100,000,001 - $500,000,000 | 0.01% | 0.03% |
| $500,000,001+ | 0.00% | 0.03% |
At the lowest tier ($0-$10,000 in 30-day volume), ActiveTrader charges 0.20% maker and 0.40% taker fees. This is competitive with Coinbase Advanced (0.40%/0.60% at similar volumes) but slightly higher than Kraken Pro (0.16%/0.26%). High-volume traders benefit significantly: at $500M+ monthly volume, maker fees drop to 0.00% and taker fees to just 0.03%.
Deposit and Withdrawal Fees
ACH bank transfers to Gemini are free. Wire transfers cost $0 for deposits but may carry bank-originated fees. SEPA and Faster Payments deposits are also free for supported currencies (EUR, GBP). Crypto withdrawal fees vary by asset and network conditions. Gemini provides 10 free crypto withdrawals per calendar month for most users; subsequent withdrawals incur a network-based fee. Debit card and Apple Pay/Google Pay purchases carry an additional 3.49% processing fee on top of normal trading fees.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
Gemini supports approximately 70-80 listed cryptocurrencies for trading, with over 100 spot trading pairs. According to Bitcompare's Gemini platform page, the exchange tracks more than 120 assets across trading, staking, and lending categories. This is a smaller selection than exchanges like Binance (350+), KuCoin (700+), or Crypto.com (250+), but Gemini intentionally curates its listings. Every token undergoes a thorough compliance and security review before being added, which is consistent with its NYDFS-regulated status.
Major supported assets include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Chainlink (LINK), Uniswap (UNI), Aave (AAVE), Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), Polygon (MATIC), Filecoin (FIL), Zcash (ZEC), Decentraland (MANA), Axie Infinity (AXS), The Sandbox (SAND), and Gemini Dollar (GUSD). The exchange has also added tokenized stocks in select regions as part of its EU expansion in 2025.
Gemini recently unified its USD and USD-stablecoin order books, which deepens liquidity for traders by combining fiat and stablecoin pools into a single book. This is a meaningful improvement for order execution quality on lower-volume pairs.
Gemini Security and Regulation
Gemini is one of the most heavily regulated cryptocurrency exchanges in the world. Security and compliance are the platform's core differentiators, and this is where Gemini genuinely stands apart from most competitors.
Regulatory Framework
Gemini Trust Company, LLC operates as a New York State-chartered limited liability trust company, regulated by the NYDFS. This is a higher regulatory standard than a simple money transmitter license. As a trust company, Gemini is subject to capital reserve requirements, cybersecurity regulations (23 NYCRR 500), anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, and regular examinations by NYDFS examiners. Gemini also holds a BitLicense.
In May 2025, Gemini secured a MiFID II license from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), enabling it to offer perpetual futures and other derivative products across all 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway (the full European Economic Area). This expansion into regulated European derivatives represents a significant step in Gemini's global growth strategy.
Gemini is also registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with FinCEN and carries NMLS registrations (NMLS #1518126 for Gemini Trust Company, LLC; NMLS #2403509 for Gemini Moonbase, LLC).
Security Infrastructure
| Security Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Audits | SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 completed (Deloitte) |
| Cold Storage | 95%+ of customer funds stored offline in air-gapped cold storage |
| Hot Wallet Insurance | $200 million in crypto insurance coverage |
| USD Insurance | FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor (through partner banks) |
| Multi-Signature | Multi-sig technology for all withdrawals and custody operations |
| Two-Factor Authentication | Mandatory 2FA via authenticator app or hardware security key |
| Address Whitelisting | Optional withdrawal address whitelisting with 7-day cooling period |
| Biometric Login | Face ID and fingerprint authentication on mobile |
| ISO 27001 | Information security management certification |
| Proof of Reserves | Published proof of reserves for transparency |
Gemini was the first cryptocurrency exchange to achieve SOC 2 Type 2 compliance, a distinction that remains rare in the industry. The exchange stores approximately 95% or more of customer digital assets in air-gapped cold storage systems. Hot wallet holdings are covered by a $200 million crypto insurance policy. USD balances held at Gemini's banking partners are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor.
Gemini Trading Platforms
Gemini Basic
Gemini Basic is the default interface for casual and beginner traders. It provides a streamlined experience for buying, selling, and converting cryptocurrencies. Users select a dollar amount, choose an asset, and execute the trade with a single confirmation. Payment methods include ACH bank transfer, wire transfer, debit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay (where supported). The Basic interface is best suited for dollar-cost averaging and small-dollar purchases, though the higher fee structure makes it less cost-effective for active trading.
ActiveTrader
ActiveTrader is Gemini's advanced trading platform, designed for experienced traders who want granular control over order execution. Key features include:
- Full order book with real-time depth of market visualization
- TradingView integration for professional-grade charting, indicators, and drawing tools
- Multiple order types: market, limit, stop-limit with GTC, IOC, FOK, and maker-only time-in-force options
- Pair Discovery tool for finding available trading pairs quickly
- Dual Market feature for comparing two markets side by side in real time
- 300+ crypto trading pairs including fiat pairs in USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and SGD
- Up to 100x leverage on perpetual futures (EU/EEA only; not available in the US)
- API access (REST and WebSocket) for algorithmic trading
ActiveTrader can be enabled on both the web platform and mobile app. CoinMarketCap reports approximately $108 million in 24-hour spot volume on Gemini, which provides adequate liquidity for major pairs like BTC/USD and ETH/USD but may result in wider spreads on smaller-cap tokens.
Gemini Mobile App
The Gemini mobile app is available on iOS and Android and provides access to both Basic and Advanced trading modes. The app supports 300+ trading pairs, price alerts, recurring buys, and multiple order types. Gemini Pay, a mobile-only feature, allows users to spend select cryptocurrencies at participating merchants. The app is also available on Apple Watch for price tracking and alerts. Gemini's mobile app holds a 4.8/5 rating on the Apple App Store and 4.3/5 on Google Play.
Gemini Staking
Gemini offers staking for a limited but growing selection of proof-of-stake cryptocurrencies. There is no minimum staking amount, making it accessible for small holders. Staking rewards are calculated and distributed automatically, with Gemini deducting a service fee from rewards before distribution.
| Cryptocurrency | Estimated Annual Reward | US Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethereum (ETH) | Up to 3% | Yes | Standard staking; Staking Pro (non-US) for on-chain transparency |
| Solana (SOL) | Up to 6% | No (EU/EEA only) | Launched September 2025 with EU expansion |
| Monad (MON) | Up to 12% | Varies | Newer addition with higher yields |
| Polygon (MATIC) | Varies | Yes | One of the original US staking options |
Gemini's staking selection is a notable weakness compared to competitors. Kraken supports staking for 15+ assets, and Coinbase offers staking on ETH, SOL, ATOM, and other popular tokens for US users. Gemini's Staking Pro tier, which provides on-chain transparency and individual validator tracking, is only available outside the US.
Gemini Credit Card
The Gemini Credit Card is a metal rewards credit card with no annual fee that pays crypto rewards on everyday spending. Cardholders choose their reward cryptocurrency from 50+ options including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other major tokens. Rewards are deposited automatically to your Gemini account when transactions post.
| Spending Category | Crypto Back Rate | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Gas and EV Charging | 4% | Up to $200/month spend (then 1%) |
| Dining (restaurants, fast food, bars) | 3% | No cap |
| Groceries | 2% | Excludes wholesale clubs, bakeries, candy stores |
| All Other Purchases | 1% | No cap |
Additional card features include no foreign transaction fees, no visible card numbers (accessible only through the Gemini app), authorized users at no extra cost, and an APR range of 17.24%-29.24% variable. The card requires good to excellent credit for approval. In August 2025, Gemini partnered with Ripple to expand reward options to include XRP and RLUSD (Ripple's dollar-backed stablecoin). The card has attracted approximately 58,000 users as of late 2025.
Gemini Dollar (GUSD)
Gemini Dollar (GUSD) is an ERC-20 stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, issued by Gemini Trust Company. GUSD reserves are held in US dollars at State Street Bank and Trust Company and eligible money market funds, with monthly attestation reports published by an independent registered public accounting firm. As of early 2026, GUSD has a market capitalization of approximately $48 million.
GUSD can be used for trading on the Gemini exchange, transferred to DeFi protocols, used to purchase NFTs, or held as an on-chain dollar reserve. While GUSD is significantly smaller than Tether (USDT) or USD Coin (USDC) by market cap, its advantage lies in its regulatory transparency: GUSD is issued by a NYDFS-regulated trust company and subject to regular reserve attestations. For users who prioritize regulatory clarity in their stablecoin holdings, GUSD offers a credible option.
Gemini Institutional Services
Gemini Custody
Gemini Custody is a qualified custodian solution designed for institutional investors, hedge funds, family offices, and fiduciary accounts. The service uses air-gapped cold storage, multi-signature technology, biometric authentication, and role-based governance controls. Gemini Custody is SOC 2 Type 2 audited and carries $200 million in crypto insurance. Institutions can define custom governance structures including administrators, managers, auditors, and trustees.
Gemini eOTC
Gemini eOTC (electronic over-the-counter) is an institutional trading platform that provides real-time price visibility, order status tracking, and detailed trade execution data for large block trades. This service helps institutional traders avoid slippage by executing large orders off the primary order book.
Gemini Clearing
Gemini Clearing allows two parties to settle OTC trades through Gemini's infrastructure, providing the security and compliance benefits of the Gemini platform for bilaterally negotiated trades.
Gemini Earn: History and Recovery
Gemini Earn was a lending program that allowed users to earn interest on their cryptocurrency by lending it to institutional borrowers. The program was operated in partnership with Genesis Global Capital, a subsidiary of Digital Currency Group (DCG). In November 2022, Genesis suspended withdrawals amid the broader crypto credit crisis, leaving approximately $900 million in Gemini Earn user funds frozen.
The situation triggered a protracted legal battle involving Gemini, Genesis, DCG, and the New York Attorney General's office. Key developments included:
- Genesis filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2023
- The New York Attorney General sued Gemini, Genesis, and DCG for fraud in October 2023
- A settlement was reached in February 2024 requiring Genesis to repay Earn customers before other creditors
- In May 2024, Gemini announced full in-kind recovery for Earn users (if you lent 1 BTC, you received 1 BTC back)
- Over $2 billion in crypto was returned to Earn customers
- Gemini settled with the NY AG for $50 million in June 2024
The Gemini Earn program is no longer active. The full recovery of user assets was a significant positive outcome given that many competing lending platforms (Celsius, BlockFi, Voyager) resulted in substantial permanent losses for users. However, the episode highlighted the risks of yield-generating crypto products and the counterparty risk inherent in lending programs.
Gemini Perpetual Futures and Derivatives
Gemini offers perpetual futures contracts through its derivatives entities, available in the EU/EEA following the company's MiFID II license from Malta in May 2025. Perpetual futures on Gemini support up to 100x leverage on select pairs. These derivatives are operated by Gemini Artemis Pte. Ltd. and are explicitly not available to US-based traders due to regulatory restrictions.
The derivatives launch in September 2025 coincided with Gemini's EU staking rollout, positioning the platform as a more comprehensive option for European traders. However, the derivatives offering is still in its early stages with lower trading volumes compared to established players like Bybit or Binance.
Gemini vs. Competitors
| Feature | Gemini | Coinbase | Kraken |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulation | NY trust company (NYDFS), BitLicense, MiFID II (Malta) | Publicly traded (COIN), state MTLs, MiCA (EU) | State MTLs, FCA (UK), AUSTRAC |
| Supported Cryptos | 70-80+ | 250+ | 200+ |
| Trading Fees (Low Tier) | 0.20%/0.40% maker/taker | 0.40%/0.60% maker/taker | 0.16%/0.26% maker/taker |
| Staking Assets (US) | ETH, MATIC | ETH, SOL, ATOM, others | 15+ assets |
| Credit Card | Up to 4% crypto back, $0 annual fee | Up to 4% crypto back, $0 annual fee | No credit card |
| Insurance | $200M crypto; FDIC for USD | Crypto insurance; FDIC for USD | Proof of reserves |
| Derivatives (US) | Not available | Limited futures | Not available |
| Derivatives (EU) | Perpetual futures (MiFID II) | Perpetual futures (MiCA) | Futures, margin |
| SOC 2 Audit | Yes (Type 2) | Yes | No |
| OTC Desk | Yes (eOTC) | Yes | Yes |
| Stablecoin | GUSD | USDC (co-developed) | None proprietary |
| Mobile App Rating | 4.8/5 (iOS) | 4.7/5 (iOS) | 4.6/5 (iOS) |
Gemini's strongest advantage over competitors is its regulatory depth: no other major US exchange operates as a state-chartered trust company with SOC 2 Type 2 certification and $200 million in dedicated crypto insurance. However, Gemini trails Coinbase and Kraken in asset selection and staking options, and its simple-buy fees are among the highest in the industry.
Pros and Cons of Gemini
Pros
- Industry-leading regulation. Operates as a NYDFS-regulated trust company with BitLicense, SOC 2 Type 2 audit, and ISO 27001 certification. Few exchanges match this compliance depth.
- Strong security. 95%+ cold storage, $200 million crypto insurance, mandatory 2FA, multi-sig withdrawals, address whitelisting, and biometric mobile login.
- Competitive ActiveTrader fees. 0.20%/0.40% maker/taker at the lowest tier, dropping to 0.00%/0.03% for high-volume traders. Lower than Coinbase Advanced at similar volumes.
- Crypto credit card. Up to 4% crypto back on gas, 3% dining, 2% groceries with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
- Free crypto withdrawals. 10 free crypto withdrawals per month is a generous policy that many competitors do not match.
- TradingView integration. Professional charting and analysis tools built directly into the ActiveTrader platform.
- Available in all 50 US states. Some competitors, including Binance (US version), face state-level restrictions.
- Public company transparency. As a Nasdaq-listed company (GEMI), Gemini is subject to SEC reporting requirements, providing an additional layer of financial transparency.
- Gemini Earn recovery. Full in-kind recovery of $2B+ in Earn assets demonstrated accountability, even after a serious operational failure.
Cons
- Limited crypto selection. 70-80 assets is substantially fewer than Binance (350+), KuCoin (700+), or even Coinbase (250+).
- High simple-buy fees. The Gemini Basic and mobile convenience fees (up to 2% plus transaction fees) make casual purchases expensive. Always use ActiveTrader to minimize costs.
- Minimal staking options. US users can only stake ETH and MATIC. Kraken and Coinbase offer far more staking assets.
- No derivatives in the US. Perpetual futures are only available in the EU/EEA. US traders who want leverage must look elsewhere.
- No phone support. Customer service is limited to email, support tickets, and chatbot. There is no live phone support.
- ACH withdrawal holds. ACH deposits require a clearing period before funds can be withdrawn, which can be frustrating.
- Smaller trading volume. Approximately $108 million in daily spot volume is lower than major competitors, which can mean wider spreads on less liquid pairs.
How to Open a Gemini Account
Opening a Gemini account requires completing Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. The process typically involves:
- Visit gemini.com and click "Get Started"
- Enter your name, email address, and create a password
- Verify your email address
- Provide your phone number for 2FA setup
- Submit identity verification: government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of address
- Link a bank account via ACH for fee-free deposits, or set up debit card/wire transfer
- Once approved, fund your account and begin trading
Verification typically completes within minutes to a few hours, though some users report longer wait times during high-demand periods. There is no account minimum to open a Gemini account.
Gemini Customer Support
Gemini provides customer support through email (support@gemini.com), a support ticket system via the website, and an AI-powered chatbot on its support page. The exchange does not offer live phone support, which is a disadvantage compared to Kraken, which does provide phone support. Gemini also maintains a comprehensive help center with guides and FAQs, and the Cryptopedia educational hub includes nearly 500 articles on cryptocurrency topics.
On Trustpilot, Gemini has mixed reviews with complaints centered on KYC processing times, withdrawal delays, and limited support responsiveness. However, the exchange's security track record (no reported hacks or breaches) and the successful Earn recovery provide some counterbalance to support concerns.
Who Should Use Gemini?
Gemini is best for:
- US-based traders who prioritize regulatory compliance and security above all else
- Institutional investors and fiduciaries who require a qualified custodian with SOC 2 audits
- Crypto credit card users who want to earn Bitcoin or other crypto rewards on everyday spending
- Active traders who will use the ActiveTrader platform to access competitive maker/taker fees
- Users who value the transparency of a publicly listed exchange (Nasdaq: GEMI)
Gemini is not ideal for:
- Traders who want access to hundreds of altcoins and emerging tokens
- US-based users who want comprehensive staking across many assets
- Casual buyers making small, infrequent purchases (high simple-buy fees)
- US traders seeking leverage or derivatives products
- Users who need live phone customer support
Recent Developments (2025-2026)
- September 2025: Gemini Space Station, Inc. IPO on Nasdaq at $28/share, $3.3B valuation, surging to $4.4B on debut day
- September 2025: Launch of staking (ETH, SOL) and perpetual futures in the EU/EEA
- August 2025: Partnership with Ripple to add XRP and RLUSD rewards to the Gemini Credit Card
- May 2025: MiFID II license secured from Malta for EEA derivatives
- May 2024: Full in-kind recovery of $2B+ in Gemini Earn assets to customers
- June 2024: $50 million settlement with NY Attorney General over Earn program
- 2025: Unified USD and stablecoin order books for improved liquidity
- 2025: Addition of tokenized stocks in select regions
Frequently Asked Questions About Gemini
Is Gemini safe to use in 2026?
Gemini is one of the safest cryptocurrency exchanges available. It operates as a NYDFS-regulated New York trust company with SOC 1 and SOC 2 Type 2 audits, $200 million in crypto insurance, 95%+ cold storage for customer funds, and FDIC insurance on USD balances through partner banks. The exchange has never been hacked. As a publicly traded company on Nasdaq (GEMI), Gemini is also subject to SEC financial reporting requirements, providing additional transparency. However, the Gemini Earn situation (2022-2024) demonstrated that even regulated platforms carry risks when engaging with third-party lending partners.
What are Gemini's fees?
Gemini has two fee structures. The simple-buy interface charges a convenience fee of up to 2.00% plus a transaction fee ranging from $0.99 (orders under $10) to 1.49% (orders over $200). The ActiveTrader platform uses a maker-taker model starting at 0.20% maker and 0.40% taker for volumes under $10,000, decreasing to 0.00% maker and 0.03% taker for volumes above $500 million. ACH deposits are free, debit card purchases add 3.49%, and users receive 10 free crypto withdrawals per month.
How many cryptocurrencies does Gemini support?
Gemini supports approximately 70-80 cryptocurrencies for trading with over 100 spot trading pairs and 300+ total pairs including fiat pairs (USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, SGD). This is smaller than exchanges like Coinbase (250+) or Binance (350+), but every listing undergoes NYDFS-compliant security and regulatory review.
Does Gemini offer staking?
Yes, but options are limited. US-based users can stake Ethereum (ETH) and Polygon (MATIC). EU/EEA users can also stake Solana (SOL). Estimated annual rewards range from approximately 3% (ETH) to 6% (SOL) to 12% (MON). There is no minimum staking amount. Gemini deducts a service fee from staking rewards before distribution.
Is Gemini available in my country?
Gemini is available in 60+ countries and all 50 US states. The exchange supports fiat currencies including USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and SGD. Derivatives (perpetual futures) are available only in the EU/EEA and select international jurisdictions. Gemini is restricted in sanctioned countries including Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria.
What happened with Gemini Earn?
Gemini Earn was a lending program operated in partnership with Genesis Global Capital. When Genesis suspended withdrawals in November 2022, approximately $900 million in Earn user funds were frozen. After a lengthy legal process, Gemini achieved full in-kind recovery for Earn users in May 2024, returning over $2 billion in crypto. The program is no longer active. Gemini also paid a $50 million settlement to the New York Attorney General.
Does Gemini have a credit card?
Yes. The Gemini Credit Card is a metal rewards card with no annual fee that earns 4% crypto back on gas/EV charging (up to $200/month), 3% on dining, 2% on groceries, and 1% on everything else. Rewards are paid in your choice of 50+ cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin and Ethereum. The card has no foreign transaction fees and requires good to excellent credit for approval. APR ranges from 17.24% to 29.24% variable.
How does Gemini compare to Coinbase?
Gemini and Coinbase are both regulated US exchanges, but they differ in key areas. Gemini has lower trading fees on ActiveTrader (0.20%/0.40% vs. Coinbase's 0.40%/0.60% at similar volumes), stronger regulatory credentials (trust company vs. money transmitter), and comparable credit card rewards. Coinbase offers significantly more cryptocurrencies (250+ vs. 70-80), more staking options, and higher trading volume. Both are publicly traded (GEMI and COIN respectively). For a detailed comparison, see our Coinbase vs. Gemini analysis.
What is Gemini Dollar (GUSD)?
Gemini Dollar (GUSD) is an ERC-20 stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, issued by Gemini Trust Company under NYDFS regulation. Reserves are held in US dollars at State Street Bank and eligible money market funds with monthly attestation reports. GUSD has a market cap of approximately $48 million, making it much smaller than USDT or USDC but backed by strong regulatory transparency.
Can I trade derivatives on Gemini in the US?
No. Gemini's perpetual futures and derivatives products are not available to US-based traders. Derivatives are available in the EU/EEA through Gemini's MiFID II license from Malta, and in select other international jurisdictions through Gemini Artemis Pte. Ltd. US traders who want crypto derivatives should consider platforms like Kraken (limited futures) or regulated futures exchanges.
Does Gemini offer an API for automated trading?
Yes. Gemini provides both REST and WebSocket APIs for programmatic trading, market data access, and account management. The API supports all order types available on ActiveTrader and is commonly used by algorithmic traders and institutional clients. API documentation is available at docs.gemini.com.
How long does Gemini verification take?
Gemini KYC verification typically completes within minutes to a few hours for most users. You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of address. During high-demand periods, some users report longer wait times of 1-2 weeks. There is no account minimum to get started.
Final Verdict
Gemini is the right exchange for users who put regulatory compliance and security at the top of their priority list. No other major exchange matches Gemini's combination of a NYDFS trust company charter, SOC 2 Type 2 audit, $200 million crypto insurance, and public company (Nasdaq: GEMI) transparency. The ActiveTrader platform offers competitive fees that beat Coinbase at equivalent volume tiers, and the Gemini Credit Card is one of the best crypto rewards cards available with up to 4% back and no annual fee.
The tradeoffs are real. A smaller crypto selection (70-80 vs. 250+ on Coinbase), limited staking options for US users, expensive simple-buy fees, no US derivatives, and no phone support are all meaningful disadvantages depending on your needs. The Gemini Earn saga, while ultimately resolved with full user recovery, is a reminder that even the most regulated platforms can expose users to third-party risk.
For security-conscious US investors, institutional accounts, and active traders willing to use the ActiveTrader interface, Gemini remains one of the strongest options in the market. Visit Gemini to open an account, or compare live rates and fees on our Gemini platform page.
