Two very different crypto routes face off: Gemini as a regulated native exchange and Tickmill as a regulated CFD broker. The tension centers on security, assets, and fees.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose Gemini if you want a native exchange with proof of reserves and staking options.
Choose if…
Choose Tickmill if you prefer regulated crypto CFDs with low commissions and phone support.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.4/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads From | N/A | 0 pips |
| Taker Fee | 0.40%▼ lower | 6.00% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Gemini | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Gemini rates 4.4/5 versus 3.9/5 for Tickmill. Gemini edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Tickmill 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 Tickmill requires at least $100. This makes Gemini more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Tickmill holds top-tier regulation (CySEC, FCA, 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 Tickmill provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Tickmill 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 Tickmill's $6 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 Tickmill supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Gemini has exclusive access to Gemini ActiveTrader. Tickmill has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
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 Tickmill 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 with NYDFS oversight and Deloitte-audited Proof of Reserves.
Tickmill wins for low fees with ECN commissions as low as $2 per lot.
Gemini wins for coin selection with about 70 tradable assets.
Gemini offers staking and yield-earning options while Tickmill does not, making Gemini the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
Gemini wins for DeFi & Web3 by offering staking on the platform.
| N/A |
| 0.6 pips |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | CryptoBank transferWire transferACHCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | CryptoBank transferWire transferACH | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Network fee for crypto; free bank transfer | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FinCEN FCA NYDFS | CySEC FCA FSCA |
|---|
| 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 Tickmill in the editorial score, reflecting stronger regulation and transparency with Deloitte-audited reserves and SOC 2 certification.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.9 / 5
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