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Understand the advantages and features of Kraken and Gemini

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Life decisions often come down to 2 choices. When it comes to crypto exchanges, that choice may come down to Gemini vs Kraken. Both of these platforms are behemoths in the crypto industry and have more than a decade’s history. The big question, though, is which one you should choose when you need to sign up and start trading. 

To help you with that decision, we made a detailed Kraken vs Gemini comparison guide, to help you review the essential points to consider before trading. Count the score on the aspects that matter most to you, and you will have your answer by the end of this comparison guide. 

Gemini vs. Kraken: Which Platform Offers the Most Cryptocurrencies?

Although there are millions of active cryptos, no single exchange can list them all. Instead, a balance between listing as many cryptos as possible and the viability of those cryptos has to be struck. Gemini and Kraken are 2 of the best crypto exchanges, and they have taken different approaches, so let’s see how they compare. 

Gemini

Gemini website

More than 80 cryptocurrencies are currently listed on Gemini. Compared to many other exchanges, this is a relatively limited range. Nevertheless, you can expect to buy and trade the top cryptos by market cap. They include: 

  • Major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL). These are the most popular cryptocurrencies most people are familiar with. They are also safer to invest in because of their large market caps
  • Stablecoins like Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) whose value is pegged to the US dollar. We recommend using them for staking in return for interest or as a digital store of your capital
  • Altcoins, which are basically coins with less market value than the top ones. Most cryptos fall into this category and you have many choices when using Gemini

Gemini

  • Over 100 cryptocurrencies
  • Over 20 trading pairs
  • Highly reputable app

Kraken

kraken website

You get a lot more cryptocurrencies on Kraken where the exchange has listed over 200 of them. In addition to the mainstream and popular cryptocurrencies you would expect, there are a lot more, such as:

  • Altcoins like Dash (DASH) and Origin Protocol (OGN). These too are rarer tokens, but some have a lot of potential if you have the risk appetite for it
  • NFTs including collections from Williams Racing and Cryptopunks. Buying NFTs can be risky because the assets are more volatile, but they also have more potential rewards
  • Derivatives such as perpetual futures on cryptocurrencies. You can use up to 5x leverage to trade and increase your profitability potential, but also the risk.

Kraken

  • Great customer support
  • Secure exchange
  • Lower fees with Kraken Pro

Gemini vs Kraken – Crypto Variety Takeaways

Kraken has a higher number of cryptos compared to Gemini – 200+ against 80+. Therefore, Kraken would be more suited to an active trader who wants to get more exposure to the market. That being said, most of these additional cryptos/tokens happen to be very volatile, and we would only recommend trading them when you have a lot more experience. Until then, you can still get most of what you are looking for on Gemini. 

Kraken vs. Gemini: Which One Offers the Most Attractive Fees?

Fees charged by an exchange determine how much you end up keeping, especially if you are an active trader. Charges are typically categorized into maker and taker fees. The former involves placing a pending order, which adds liquidity in the market. Taker fees are higher because they involve taking away liquidity. 

Kraken

Most fees on Kraken follow a maker/taker model, but the rates are different depending on which service you’re accessing. Spot trading is the most common and below are the fees charged:

30-Day Volume (USD)Maker FeeTaker Fee
$0 – $10,0000.25%0.40%
$10,001 – $50,0000.20%0.35%
$50,001 – $100,0000.14%0.24%
$100,001 – $250,0000.12%0.22%
$250,001 – $500,0000.10%0.20%
$500,001 – $1,000,0000.08%0.18%
$1,000,001 – $2,500,0000.06%0.16%
$2,500,001 – $5,000,0000.04%0.14%
$5,000,001 – $10,000,0000.02%0.12%
$10,000,000+0.00%0.10%

The fees are different when trading futures and this is the fee schedule:

30-Day Volume (USD)Maker FeeTaker Fee
$0 – $100,0000.0200%0.0500%
$100,001 – $1,000,0000.0150%0.0400%
$1,000,001 – $5,000,0000.0125%0.0300%
$5,000,001 – $10,000,0000.0100%0.0250%
$10,000,001 – $20,000,0000.0075%0.0200%
$20,000,001 – $50,000,0000.0050%0.0150%
$50,000,001 – $100,000,0000.0025%0.0125%
$100,000,001 +0.0000%0.0100%

Here is the trading schedule if you’re trading stablecoins, pegged tokens such as WBTC/BTC, and FX pairs:

30-Day Volume (USD)Maker FeeTaker Fee
$0 – $50,0000.20%0.20%
$50,001 – $100,0000.16%0.16%
$100,001 – $250,0000.12%0.12%
$250,001 – $500,0000.08%0.08%
$500,001 – $1,000,0000.04%0.04%
$1,000,001 – $10,000,0000.02%0.02%
$10,000,001 – $100,000,0000.00%0.01%
$100,000,000+0.00%0.001%

As for trading on margin, you only need to know about the 0.02% opening fee. A subsequent rollover fee of 0.02% is incurred every 4 hours the trade remains open. 

Gemini

Gemini charges various fees for different services, so we have to look at them separately. Assuming you’re new to crypto and want to purchase crypto using fiat on the Gemini website, there are two types of fees involved. 

A convenience fee is charged depending on the fiat currency you’re using because it needs to be converted to USD. Meanwhile, the transaction fee is the charge for the order and varies by the value of your order. In the case of US dollars, this is a table of the fee schedule:

Web order amount (USD)Transaction fee
< $10$0.99
> $10.00 but ≤ $25.00$1.49
> $25.00 but ≤ $50.00$1.99
> $50.00 but ≤ $200.00$2.99
> $200.001.49% of your web order value

Keep in mind that this is only when using US dollars and will change when using other currencies. To make it easier, the total fees will be indicated on your order window when you proceed with the transaction. 

Now let’s imagine you own crypto and want to trade against other cryptos. These trades are done on ActiveTrader, and they have maker taker fees that change when you’re trading crypto pairs and perpetuals. 

In the case of crypto pairs, the maker/taker fee schedule will be as follows:

30-Day Trading VolumeMaker FeeTaker Fee
0%0.20%0.40%
≥ $10,0000.10%0.30%
≥ $50,0000.10%0.25%
≥ $100,0000.08%0.20%
≥ $1,000,0000.05%0.15%
≥ $5,000,0000.03%0.10%
≥ $10,000,0000.02%0.08%
≥ $50,000,0000.00%0.05%
≥ $100,000,0000.00%0.04%
≥ $500,000,0000.00%0.03%

Maker/taker fees are also different when trading perpetual crypto futures and split up to reflect the value of your order like this:

Trailing 30-Day Volume Advance (USD)Maker FeesTaker Fees
00.02%0.07%
≥ $10,0000.02%0.06%
≥ $50,0000.02%0.05%
≥ $5,000,0000.01%0.04%
≥ $10,000,0000.00%0.04%
≥ $50,000,000-0.01%0.04%
≥ $100,000,000-0.01%0.03%

Some other fees you need to know about concern transfers. Deposits in crypto are free and so are deposits in fiat except when using PayPal where a 2.50% commission is charged. Crypto withdrawals have a dynamic fee, meaning that you only pay the network fees. Withdrawals by fiat are free except when you’re using a wire transfer where $25 will be charged. 

Kraken vs Gemini – Fees Comparison Takeaways

Gemini has an edge over Kraken due to its lower fees. However, it should be noted that the difference is minuscule. Thus, it should only matter if you’re scalping for profits and trying to eke out every dollar. 

Gemini

  • Over 100 cryptocurrencies
  • Over 20 trading pairs
  • Highly reputable app

Comparison of the Features Offered by Gemini and Kraken

Kraken and Gemini comparison wouldn’t be worthwhile if we didn’t look at the features of each platform. It includes the exchange features you can expect to find on either platform beyond just crypto to give you more options in your trading. This platform evaluation is therefore a trading tools comparison between the two. 

Gemini

There are several Gemini features to mention beginning with the exchange. This is the primary trading platform where you can buy and sell cryptos as well as manage your portfolio. Some educational content is also provided to help out beginners find their feet in the market.

gemini trading platform: activeTrader

To trade crypto pairs, you use Gemini ActiveTrader which is a proprietary trading platform built by the exchange. It offers more features than the basic exchange including 100+ crypto pairs, faster order processing, and lower fees. It is only accessible on a web browser and not on the Gemini mobile app. 

Gemini also has derivatives trading on ActiveTrader but not for US, UK, or EU residents. For those with access to it, you can trade crypto derivatives with leverage of up to 5x and significantly increase your performance. 

Instead, the focus is on providing additional services like the Gemini credit card with up to 4% in cashback on certain charges. The Nifty Gateway is also exciting as it lets you explore Web3 products like NFTs.

Kraken

A trading methods comparison of Kraken and Gemini revealed largely similar offerings. Kraken also has a basic and advanced trading platform. Here too, the basic platform is available on mobile and web but the advanced one (Kraken Pro) is only on a web browser. 

kraken spot and margin trading

Kraken Pro has all the features for a professional trader, lower spreads, and lower latency. Through this platform, all of Kraken’s users can trade crypto pairs, derivatives with up to 5x leverage, and even FX pairs. Since more cryptos are listed on Kraken, hundreds of crypto pairs are available to satisfy most traders. 

Other functionalities on Kraken include trading NFTs and staking crypto. There are several NFT collections you can find on the platform to suit your desire, and you can earn up to 10% APY staking crypto. 

Gemini

  • Over 100 cryptocurrencies
  • Over 20 trading pairs
  • Highly reputable app

Gemini vs Kraken – Features Comparison Takeaways

Once again Gemini and Kraken are closely matched going by platform performance comparison. But Kraken emerges as the winner since Gemini restricts a majority of its users from accessing derivatives. And it generally has fewer cryptos listed to make the crypto pairs any more exciting. 

Which Exchange Offers the Best User Experience? 

Differences between Kraken and Gemini certainly make the user experience different. The trading service comparison is supposed to direct you toward what you would find most appealing to you based on your requirements. 

Kraken

kraken app

With Kraken, what you see is what you get. The exchange was founded to allow safe crypto access to everyone. It has achieved this goal by signing up over 10 million users from 190 countries. And let’s not forget that it is among the top 10 crypto exchanges by market capitalization. 

One of the keys to Kraken’s positive user experience is the platform’s reliability. It may not have the newest released altcoins, but that’s only because it’s careful while vetting tokens. Nevertheless, it still offers enough to keep most people happy, including institutional investors who may be more interested in security and stability. 

Gemini

Gemini active trader

For years, Gemini has been awarded the title of ‘Best Crypto Exchange’ and this has mostly to do with the user experience. Every aspect of the platform has been built for efficiency and simplicity. This is a good thing because it makes exploring crypto easy for everyone at all levels. 

Yet deeper, you still find advanced features and trading tools that provide you with the means to gain an edge over the market. Perhaps this is why even professional traders choose Gemini to enjoy all the benefits of a sophisticated platform that doesn’t make things too complicated unnecessarily. 

Kraken vs Gemini – User Experience Comparison Takeaways

The user experience on Gemini and Kraken is similar, but more experts seem to prefer Gemini’s going by the number of awards it has received. It’s more difficult to know what individuals think because Gemini doesn’t state how many users it has, but Kraken definitely has more. It seems then that Gemini may be more favored by institutional and professional users.

Kraken

  • Great customer support
  • Secure exchange
  • Lower fees with Kraken Pro

 

Which Is More Reliable: Gemini Or Kraken?

Accessibility levels matter a lot in crypto where any point of failure can lead to disaster. Just look at the demise of FTX and other exchanges to know that this is extremely important. 

Gemini

Since November 2022, users of the Gemini Earn program could not withdraw their holdings and earnings. Withdrawals only resumed earlier this year in May 2024 when the company released the $2.2 billion it owed. Let’s note that this wasn’t Gemini’s doing, but as a result of Genesis Global Capital filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. 

Gemini has not had such an incident before, but it dented users’ opinion of its reliability. Granted, this was caused by one of its partners, but it goes to show that perhaps Gemini may have other weaknesses. It’s too premature to tarnish Gemini’s reputation, but it takes a shine off the previously untarnished company. 

Kraken

Kraken has been the usual go-to whenever there has been a fallout within the crypto industry. For instance, it was Kraken that was tasked with distributing users’ crypto after the Mt.Gox collapse. That’s because it has long stood as the best example of reliability, even when all others were failing and casting a dark shadow on crypto. 

Gemini vs Kraken – Reliability Comparison Takeaways

As such, Kraken emerges as more reliable than Gemini. But we need to add a caveat that Gemini is still very reliable to anyone who wants to feel comfortable venturing into crypto for the first time. 

Which Platform Is the Most Secure?

You want to use a platform that will keep your holdings safe because cryptos are very risky. Sometimes this could even mean enforcing strict measures on you, but don’t forget it’s all for your own good. 

Kraken

kraken security

Kraken Security Labs is often employed to help identify and fix exploits by third-party services and products. It is a testament to the reputation that Kraken has for strict security measures and has not suffered any hacks since it was founded. 

Achieving this has meant ensuring high-security standards, both within the company and for its users. And it has resulted in Kraken being one of the most trusted crypto custodians for institutional and individual investors. 

Gemini

gemini countries available

The famous Winklevoss twins founded Gemini to be a beacon of security at a time when very few crypto platforms could be trusted. That is why the exchange always complies with regulations and adheres to the motto, ‘Ask permission, not forgiveness’. Toward this end, it has been licensed in the US, UK, Greece, Ireland, and Italy. 

It’s no wonder Gemini has billions in crypto under custody. Plus, its users can trust it is a full reserve exchange and custodian because it frequently publishes audited assets it owns. Simply put, Gemini has all the hallmarks of a safe crypto exchange that anyone can trust. 

Gemini

  • Over 100 cryptocurrencies
  • Over 20 trading pairs
  • Highly reputable app

Kraken vs Gemini – Security Comparison Takeaways

We find little difference in the trustability of Kraken and Gemini. Neither has been a victim of a successful hack, even though attackers have definitely tried. So, this category is a tie where we would suggest a coin toss if your primary focus happened to be on security. 

Which Platform Has the Best Customer Service?

Have you ever had an emergency and been placed on hold? We bet it was very frustrating. Now imagine the same experience with your crypto exchange, and the reason we had to reach out to each of them and see how quickly (and well) they usually respond. 

Gemini

During this review, the only option to contact customer support was by leaving a message. The response was not too bad and came back a few minutes later, but the back and forth was very frustrating. Imagine having to wait up to 30 minutes for a response when you have an urgent issue to resolve? 

Only the Gemini Card has a 24/7 hotline, but they won’t handle any other matters. So overall, the customer service experience was not good and needs a lot of work to catch up to the rest of the industry. 

Kraken

On the other hand, Kraken maintains a 24/7 human customer support center. We were able to reach Kraken by live chat, phone, and email. In all cases, the responses were as quick as you would expect, and they even offered service in alternative languages. 

It is clear Kraken is dedicated to its customers’ needs and setting very high standards for the industry. And to add, Kraken is active on social media too if you feel like sending a message on X or Facebook. 

Kraken

  • Great customer support
  • Secure exchange
  • Lower fees with Kraken Pro

Gemini vs Kraken – Customer Service Comparison Takeaways

Kraken is the clear winner by making it easy for you to reach them at any time and through any means. Gemini has not done much to improve its situation, and it reflects badly on a platform that has otherwise been stellar. 

Conclusion: Gemini or Kraken

User opinions on Gemini and Kraken vary wildly, making it clear that this comparison was much needed. What we found is that they are alike in many ways such as the features, user experience, security, and fees. However, there were major differences in reliability and customer service that had Kraken pulling ahead of Gemini. 

That’s it! Our pick is Kraken which nails almost all categories and has been a standout platform for over a decade. Whether you’re new or experienced, you should try Kraken over Gemini. 

Frequently asked questions about Kraken vs Gemini

When you want exposure to more cryptos on an exchange that has an unbroken streak of security and reliability.
When you need an easy experience to get you started on cryptos and enjoy some benefits like the Gemini Card with cashback.
Both are located in the US but Kraken is available in more countries and has more cryptos listed.
Gemini has relatively lower fees when trading on ActiveTrader, especially if you have a high 30-day trading volume.
Gemini has 75 while Kraken has 200+, so Kraken has a lot more listed cryptos.