Geminivs
IC MarketsCrypto Exchange Comparison
Two crypto brokers are evaluated on regulation, asset breadth, and platform capabilities. The comparison pits Gemini, a native exchange, against IC Markets, a CFD-focused broker.
Who should choose Gemini vs IC Markets?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose Gemini if you want an own native exchange with custody and Deloitte-audited proof of reserves, plus robust US regulatory alignment.
Choose if…
Choose IC Markets if you want 24/7 live chat and phone support for crypto CFDs, along with regulated, segregated client funds.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Best for security
Recommended
Gemini vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  Gemini |  IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.4/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads From | N/A | 0 pips |
| Taker Fee | 0.40%▼ lower | 7.00% |
Gemini vs IC Markets Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- NYDFS BitLicense - most rigorous US state crypto licence
- Proof of Reserves audited by Deloitte (Big Four)
- SOC 2 Type II certified since 2017
- Regulated institutional custody (Gemini Custody)
- Available to US clients including institutional investors
- Client funds held in segregated accounts
Gemini vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
3
Gemini
criteria wins
3
IC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | Gemini | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Pass | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Pass | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Pass | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
Gemini vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: Gemini rates 4.4/5 and IC Markets rates 4.1/5. Gemini has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
IC Markets lists a spread from 0. Current spread data is not available for Gemini. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Gemini has no minimum deposit, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Gemini more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
IC Markets holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, CySEC, FSCA), 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, two factors stand out: Gemini has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and IC Markets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
IC Markets 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, lower than IC Markets's $7 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. 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.
Gemini supports Gemini ActiveTrader, while IC Markets supports TradingView, cTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Gemini has exclusive access to Gemini ActiveTrader. IC Markets has exclusive access to TradingView and cTrader and MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
Gemini offers staking while IC Markets 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.
