Updated September 29, 2026 · SumCue Editorial Team
Gemini vs Kraken
Gemini
Kraken
Higher score in this comparison
Where Gemini and Kraken differ
| Compare | GeminiReviewVisitVisit | KrakenReviewVisitVisit |
|---|---|---|
| Taker fee | 0.8% | 0.05% to 0.8%Lower |
| Coins listed | 76 | 728Higher |
| Regulators | NMLS (US state money transmitter licensing), Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) | Central Bank of Ireland, Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) |
| Fiat deposit methods | Card, Bank, ACH | Card, Bank, SEPA, ACH, Apple payCovers more |
| Maker fee | 0.4% | 0% to 0.4%Lower |
| Withdrawal fee | Crypto withdrawal fees are dynamic and correspond to current network/gas fees; USD wire transfer out $252; Custody to Exchange crypto withdrawal $125 | Not confirmed |
Same on both: Proof of reserves (Yes), Derivatives (Yes), Exchange type (Cex).
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Key differences
- Kraken scores higher overall: 9.2 vs 9.0.
- Regulators: only Gemini offers NMLS (US state money transmitter licensing), Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).
- Regulators: only Kraken offers Central Bank of Ireland, Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, Financial Conduct Authority.
- Taker fee is lower at Kraken: 0.05% to 0.8% vs 0.8%.
- Maker fee is lower at Kraken: 0% to 0.4% vs 0.4%.
- Coins listed is higher at Kraken: 728 vs 76.
- Fiat deposit methods: only Kraken offers SEPA, Apple pay.
- Features: only Gemini offers Custodial, Self custody, Staking.
- Features: only Kraken offers Crypto, Mobile app.
Our verdict on each
Gemini
Gemini suits traders who want a regulated exchange and a self-custody wallet in the same product, and who want to check a licence rather than take a promise. It lists 76 coins and offers derivatives, and the European business, Gemini Intergalactic EU Ltd, is based in Malta.
Kraken
Kraken suits active crypto traders who also want stocks, ETFs, forex and futures alongside digital assets, with commission free stock dealing at $0 and cover shown as EU ICS up to EUR 20,000. Support runs through help centre routes, so traders who want phone help should weigh that trade off before opening an account.
Score breakdown
| Area | Gemini | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 8.3Taker fee of 0.8% and maker fee of 0.4% both sit above the typical rate of 0.25% here. | 9.3HigherStock dealing costs stay lean at $0 for equity orders. |
| Offer | 9.3HigherProof of reserves is published, derivatives are offered, and the feature set covers custodial, self custody and staking. | 9.0Market choice spans stocks, ETFs and forex with broad coin coverage. |
| Trust | 9.3 | 9.3Oversight links to Central Bank of Ireland, Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission and Financial Conduct Authority with stated scheme cover. |
Positions in our rankings
| Ranking | Gemini | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Crypto | 4 of 428 | 18 of 428 |
| Crypto exchanges | 2 of 330 | 16 of 330 |
| Crypto wallets | 2 of 249 | 12 of 249 |
Licences and countries
| Country | Gemini | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| United States | SIPC SIPC member 71030 | |
| Ireland | Not confirmed | Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) MiCA CASP 9845003D98SCC2851458 IE_CBI PSD_EMI IE_CBI!C453020 |
| Malta | Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) MiCA CASP 2138002QAMX8PPKSO715 | Not confirmed |
Feature by feature
| Fiat deposit methods | Gemini | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Card | Yes | Yes |
| Bank | Yes | Yes |
| SEPA | No | Yes |
| ACH | Yes | Yes |
| Apple pay | No | Yes |
What we checked
Gemini
- gemini.com: 8 facts, checked September 26, 2026
- coingecko.com: 2 facts, checked September 26, 2026
- esma.europa.eu: 2 facts, checked September 26, 2026
- defillama.com: 1 fact, checked September 26, 2026
Kraken
- kraken.com: 7 facts, checked September 28, 2026
- coingecko.com: 1 fact, checked September 26, 2026
- support.kraken.com: 1 fact, checked September 28, 2026
Every fact side by side
| Fact | Gemini | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Custodial, Self custody, Staking | Crypto, Mobile app |
| Legal entity | Gemini Intergalactic EU Ltd | Not confirmed |
| Headquarters | Malta | Not confirmed |
| Founded | 2014 | Not confirmed |
| Support channels | Email, Help centre, Community | Not confirmed |
Crypto wallets
| Fact | Gemini | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Wallet type | Browser | Mobile |
| Price | $0 | $0 |
| Custody | Self custody | Self custody |
| Coins supported | 76 | 728Higher |
| Secure element | No secure element; passkey-based smart wallet signing on-device | Not confirmed |
| Backup options | Not confirmed | Seed |
Debit cards
| Fact | Gemini | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | Not confirmed | €0 |
| Currency conversion fee | Not confirmed | 0% |
| Free ATM withdrawals | Not confirmed | €0 |
| Card type | Not confirmed | Debit |
| Audience | Not confirmed | Beginners, Experienced |
| Cashback rate | Not confirmed | 0.5% to 2% |
| Card network | Not confirmed | Mastercard |
| Currencies | Not confirmed | 600 |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | Gemini | Kraken | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taker fee | 0.8%highest quarter | 0.05% to 0.8%below the median | 0.15% |
| Coins listed | 76below the median | 728highest quarter | 89.5 |
| Maker fee | 0.4%highest quarter | 0% to 0.4%below the median | 0.1% |
Median across 222 listed providers.
Pros and cons
Gemini
Pros
- Regulated on both sides of the Atlantic through NMLS (US state money transmitter licensing) and Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), so the licence can be checked rather than taken on trust
- Fiat deposits run by card, bank and ach, and the self-custody wallet itself costs $0
- Founded in 2014, with the exchange listing 76 coins and the wallet supporting 76
Cons
- On the ActiveTrader schedule, the taker fee of 0.8% and maker fee of 0.4% both sit above the typical rate of 0.25% here
- Support runs on email, help centre and community, with no phone line listed
- The wallet is browser based with no secure element, so it relies on passkey signing on-device
Kraken
Pros
- Commission free stock dealing at $0, below DKB at €10
- Low entry with $1 alongside fiat choice across card, bank and SEPA
- Broad venue with stocks, ETFs and forex and 728 plus published proof of reserves
Cons
- Support runs on help centre only, so you manage queries through help centre paths.
- Card funding carries extra cost within Free bank deposits, card 3.75% + 0.25, so bank routes suit cost aware deposits.
- Coin trading fees run 0.05% to 0.8%, so frequent takers should weigh volume tiers.
Who each suits
Gemini
Who it suits
- US traders who want state money transmitter licensing alongside a European regulator, both named in NMLS (US state money transmitter licensing) and Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA)
- European customers who want a home market entity: Gemini Intergalactic EU Ltd is based in Malta
- People who want to hold their own keys, since custody is self custody
Who should look elsewhere
- Cost-first traders, since the typical taker fee here is 0.25% and bunq runs 0.25% to 1.99%
- eToro and Vivid Plus customers, whose listed charges are 1% and 2.25%, when a licensed exchange listing 76 coins matters more
Kraken
Who it suits
- Active traders wanting crypto plus stocks, ETFs, forex and futures in a shared venue
- Cost aware equity investors drawn to dealing at $0 with modest entry at $1
Who should look elsewhere
- ActivTrades if you want phone led help rather than help centre paths on help centre
- DKB if you prefer bank bundled investing over crypto led coverage at 728
Country by country
| Country | Gemini | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Yes | No |
| Australia | Yes | No |
| Austria | Yes | No |
| Bahamas | Yes | No |
| Belgium | Yes | No |
| Bermuda | Yes | No |
| Bhutan | Yes | No |
| Brazil | Yes | No |
8 of 65 countries where either is available.
Questions about each
Gemini
How much does it cost to trade on Gemini?+
Trading runs on the ActiveTrader schedule, with a taker fee of 0.8% and a maker fee of 0.4%. Makers pay less than takers, so the cheaper side of the book is the one that adds to the order. The account itself costs $0, which keeps the charge in the trade.
Is Gemini regulated?+
Gemini is listed under NMLS (US state money transmitter licensing) and Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), which covers US state money transmitter licensing and the Malta Financial Services Authority. The European business is Gemini Intergalactic EU Ltd, based in Malta. The exchange also publishes proof of reserves, and the wallet gives self custody rather than platform custody.
Kraken
What is the minimum deposit to start with Kraken?+
You can open an account with $1, which keeps entry modest for new funders. Bank routes are available alongside card and wallet paths, so you can choose the rail that fits your timing and cost preference.
How much does Kraken charge for stocks and crypto trades?+
Stock dealing is shown as $0, which keeps equity orders lean. Crypto taker fees run 0.05% to 0.8%, so your all in cost depends on asset class, order type and monthly volume tier.
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