Gemini and IG sit at opposite ends of the crypto broker spectrum. The debate centers on regulation, asset depth, and fee structures shaping suitability for different investors.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose Gemini if you want a native exchange with regulated custody and Deloitte-audited Proof of Reserves.
Choose if…
Choose IG if you want a broad CFD offering and access to an established regulatory framework.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.4/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | N/A | 0.6 pips |
| Taker Fee | 0.40% | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Gemini | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| 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 | Fail |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: Gemini rates 4.4/5 and IG rates 4.2/5. 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.
IG lists a spread from 0.6. Current spread data is not available for Gemini. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Neither Gemini nor IG requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
IG holds top-tier regulation (CMVM, DFSA, KNF), 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, IG 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.
IG 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 IG 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.
Gemini supports Gemini ActiveTrader, while IG supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, ProRealTime, MetaTrader 4. Gemini has exclusive access to Gemini ActiveTrader. IG has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView and ProRealTime and MetaTrader 4.
Gemini scores better on fee criteria (no deposit fee, no inactivity fee). Always check both exchanges' current fee schedules, as maker/taker rates and withdrawal fees vary and are subject to change.
Gemini offers staking while IG 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 NYDFS oversight, Deloitte PoR, SOC 2 Type II, and segregated client funds.
IG wins for coin selection with 70+ assets and weekend trading.
IG wins for beginners due to multilingual support and investor compensation coverage.
Gemini offers staking and yield-earning options while IG does not, making Gemini the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
Gemini leads DeFi & Web3 with staking availability and native custody features.
| N/A |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | £12/month (after 24 months) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | CryptoBank transferWire transferACHCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | CryptoBank transferWire transferACH | Bank transferDebit cardPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Network fee for crypto; free bank transfer | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | NYDFS FinCEN FCA | CMVM DFSA KNF Finansinspektionen CBI BaFin FCA ASIC Finanstilsynet NFA FMA Finanstilsynet |
|---|
| Cold Storage | Yes | No |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | Yes | No |
|---|
| Staking | Yes | No |
|---|
| 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 | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Gemini edges IG on the editorial score, supported by Deloitte-audited Proof of Reserves and strict NYDFS oversight.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.2 / 5
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