This comparison pits ActivTrades's CFD-centric crypto access against Gemini's native exchange model with custody and reserves. The axis is security, asset depth, and fee structure.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose ActivTrades if you value FCA regulation with GBP 1,000,000 fund protection and no minimum crypto CFD deposit.
Choose if…
Choose Gemini if you want a native exchange with audited Proof of Reserves and regulated custody.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.4/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 0.40% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ActivTrades | Gemini |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Pass |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Pass |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
Gemini rates 4.4/5 versus 3.7/5 for ActivTrades. Gemini edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
ActivTrades lists a spread from 0.5. Current spread data is not available for Gemini. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Neither ActivTrades nor Gemini requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
ActivTrades holds top-tier regulation (FCA, CMVM, SCB), providing stronger investor protections. Gemini may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, ActivTrades provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each exchange's site before deciding.
ActivTrades supports margin or futures trading with up to 2:1 leverage. Gemini appears to be spot-only based on our data; confirm current product availability on each exchange's website.
Gemini charges $0.4 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for ActivTrades are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Crypto fees are typically quoted as maker/taker rates rather than fixed per-trade commissions; check each exchange's fee schedule for volume-based discounts.
ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader, while Gemini supports Gemini ActiveTrader. ActivTrades has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and ActivTrader. Gemini has exclusive access to Gemini ActiveTrader.
Gemini offers staking while ActivTrades does not according to our data. Staking lets you earn passive yield on your crypto holdings directly through the exchange. Check Gemini's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
Gemini wins for security due to Deloitte Proof of Reserves, SOC 2 Type II, and regulated custody.
Gemini wins for low fees based on the higher Fees & Spreads score.
Gemini lists 70 coins versus 10, offering broader selection.
ActivTrades wins for beginners due to no minimum deposit and GBP 1,000,000 protection.
Gemini offers staking and yield-earning options while ActivTrades does not, making Gemini the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
| N/A |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal | CryptoBank transferWire transferACHCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | CryptoBank transferWire transferACH |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Network fee for crypto; free bank transfer |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA CMVM SCB | FinCEN FCA NYDFS |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | Yes |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | Yes |
|---|
| Staking | No | Yes |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | No |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Gemini edges ActivTrades in editorial score (4.4 vs 3.7) due to its stronger regulatory framework and reserves disclosures.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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