Before we dive into the detailed analysis, here's a comparison of Gemini and Kraken that shows the most important information about both platforms at a glance.
Overview of Gemini
Gemini is an exchange founded in New York in 2014 by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss. The platform combines easy trading, Gemini ActiveTrader, institutional custody, staking, OTC trading, APIs, and a credit card with rewards that vary by country.
Pros
New York trust company with a strong regulatory focus
ISO 27001, SOC 1 Type 2, and SOC 2 Type 2 Certifications
Simple platform and advanced terminal with an API
Staking, institutional custody, and cards in supported markets
Cons
The service will be discontinued in the United Kingdom, the EEA, and Australia in April 2026
ActiveTrader starts with a high 0.60% maker and 1.20% taker
A much smaller selection, with around 80 cryptocurrencies
No Individual Public Merkle Proof of Reserves
Its parent company, Gemini Trust Company, LLC, holds a trust charter from the State of New York and is regulated by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Furthermore, since September 2025, Gemini Space Station, Inc. has been listed on Nasdaq under the symbol GEMI, which requires it to file financial information with the SEC.
Despite having obtained a MiCA license from the MFSA in August 2025, the company decided to close all accounts in the United Kingdom, the EEA, and Australia effective April 6, 2026. This move stands in contrast to Kraken, which consolidated its European presence during the very same period through a single authorized entity. See the full review of Gemini
Who is Gemini for? Primarily for users in the United States who value local regulation, custody, and an interface that allows them to switch from a simple purchase to ActiveTrader.
Overview of Kraken
Kraken is one of the longest-standing exchanges in the industry. Founded in 2011, when Bitcoin was just beginning to gain traction, it has built its reputation on three pillars: security, transparency, and professional trading tools.
Pros
A long-standing exchange that has been operating since 2011 with no known security breaches
MiCA License Fully Operational in All 30 EEA Countries
More than 500 cryptocurrencies and 1,400 spot trading pairs
Cons
Above-average fees: 0.25% maker and 0.40% taker
Instant purchase with a commission of 1% plus the spread
Kraken Pro has a steep learning curve for beginners
Its ecosystem includes direct purchasing, a spot market, margin trading, futures, staking, payments, and institutional services. Unlike Gemini, which scaled back its international operations in 2026, Kraken has been operating in Europe under a single entity authorized by the Central Bank of Ireland since August 2025, offering full service in all 30 EEA countries.
In addition, its selection of more than 500 cryptocurrencies far exceeds the approximately 80 offered by Gemini, although its initial fee is higher than that of other exchanges focused exclusively on trading. Its true value becomes apparent when users move beyond basic buying and start taking advantage of Kraken Pro, margin trading, futures, and staking. View full Kraken review
Who is Kraken for? For users looking for a long-established, regulated exchange with tools capable of supporting them from their first purchase through to advanced trading.
Fees and Deposits: Gemini vs. Kraken
Kraken is significantly cheaper than Gemini at the entry level: 0.25 % maker and 0.40 % taker, compared to 0.60 % maker and 1.20 % taker on Gemini ActiveTrader. This difference places Gemini among the most expensive platforms in this comparison. Go to the fee calculator
| Platform | Maker | Taker |
|---|---|---|
Bitget
|
0,10% | 0,10% |
Bybit
|
0,10% | 0,10% |
Finst
|
0,15% | 0,15% |
Bitvavo
|
0,15% | 0,25% |
|
Kraken
|
0,25% | 0,40% |
Coinbase Advanced
|
0,40% | 0,60% |
|
Gemini
|
0,60% | 1,20% |
Did you know? A $1,000 order on Gemini's ActiveTrader costs $12 as a taker at the initial level. The same amount on Kraken Pro costs €4 under the same conditions—one-third of the cost.
Deposits and withdrawals
Gemini offers free ACH and wire transfers in the United States, although making purchases with a card incurs a 3.49 % platform fee. Kraken, on the other hand, generally offers free SEPA transfers in Europe, with a minimum deposit of 10 €.
| Concept | Gemini | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Spot commission (initial tranche) | 0,60 % / 1,20 % | 0,25 % / 0,40 % |
| Simple / Instant Purchase | Variable commission plus spread | 1% plus spread and payment method fees |
| Shop with a credit card | 3.49 % platform fee plus trading commission | Applicable Payment Method Fee |
| Bank deposit | Free via ACH; wire transfers with no deposit fee | Generally free via SEPA (minimum €10) |
| Wire/Bank Transfer Withdrawal | 25 USD per wire transfer | Varies by bank and method |
| Crypto Withdrawal | Dynamic pricing based on network | Varies by asset and network |
Overall, Kraken offers a much more competitive starting fee and a more accessible minimum deposit for European users, while Gemini focuses its offering on the U.S. market and its local regulatory framework.
Who regulates Gemini and Kraken?
Gemini Trust Company, LLC is a New York trust company regulated by the NYDFS, and its parent company is listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol GEMI. The company obtained a MiCA license from the MFSA in August 2025, but voluntarily closed all accounts in the United Kingdom, the EEA, and Australia on April 6, 2026. Kraken, for its part, obtained its MiCA license from the Central Bank of Ireland in June 2025, with a passport valid for all 30 EEA countries starting in August of that year.
Important note: A MiCA license obtained in the past does not guarantee service in the present, as the Gemini case demonstrates. The official text of the regulation can be found at EUR-Lex, Regulation (EU) 2023/1114.
| Concept | Gemini | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Regulated by | NYDFS (U.S.), CFTC; MiCA license obtained and subsequently revoked in the EEA | Central Bank of Ireland (MiCA), FinCEN (U.S.) |
| MiCA Coverage (EU/EEA) | No; accounts closed as of April 2026 | Yes, starting in August 2025 (30 countries) |
| Reservation Test | It does not have an individual public Merkle PoR | Yes, semiannual reviews since 2014 |
| Certifications and Track Record | ISO 27001, SOC 1 Type 2, SOC 2 Type 2 | No known security breaches since 2011 |
| Stock Market Price | Yes, Gemini Space Station on Nasdaq (GEMI) | It is not publicly traded |
In terms of track record and security, Kraken stands out for having operated since 2011 without any known breaches in its custodial wallets, a fact it has reinforced with periodic Proof-of-Reserves audits since 2014. Gemini compensates for the lack of a public Proof of Reserves with formal certifications such as ISO 27001 and SOC audits, in addition to the transparency provided by its listing on Nasdaq.
Where are Gemini and Kraken available?
Gemini claims to be available in more than 50 countries, but as of April 6, 2026, it no longer provides service in the United Kingdom, the EEA, or Australia. Kraken, for its part, claims to have over 15 million customers in more than 190 countries, with a particularly strong presence in the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.
The contrast between the two maps is striking: Kraken operates in more than 190 countries, while Gemini covers only about 25 markets outside the United States. For a European user, Kraken is currently the only one of the two platforms that offers legal and easy access through deposits in euros.
What do Gemini and Kraken offer on their platforms?
Gemini combines simple buying and selling, Gemini ActiveTrader, institutional custody, staking, OTC trading, APIs, and a credit card with rewards that vary by country. Kraken divides its offerings into the simple app, Kraken Pro for advanced trading, Kraken Desktop, Krak for payments, and xStocks, its tokenized assets linked to U.S. stocks.
| Concept | Gemini | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Available Apps | Web, app, ActiveTrader, and API | App, Kraken Pro, Kraken Desktop, Krak |
| Cryptocurrencies | About 80 | +752 |
| Main Products | Simple Purchase, ActiveTrader, Staking, Custody, Card | Spot, margin, futures, staking, xStocks |
| Unique Product | Institutional Governance and SOC/ISO Certifications | Master Key, Global Settings Lock, and xStocks |
| Staking | Yes, with a service commission from 35% regarding rewards | Yes, Auto Earn and Bonded Staking on 20+ assets |
| Ideal for | U.S. users who prioritize compliance and custody | European and global users with a proven track record and regulatory compliance |
Final Verdict: Gemini or Kraken?
Gemini and Kraken share a similar approach to regulation and institutional security, but have taken opposite paths in Europe. Gemini is committed to consolidating its U.S. framework—with SOC and ISO certifications and the transparency that comes with being listed on Nasdaq—even if it means completely withdrawing from the European market in 2026. Kraken, on the other hand, has strengthened its presence in the EEA with a fully operational MiCA license, a much broader product lineup, and significantly lower fees.
For a U.S. user who prioritizes local regulatory compliance and institutional custody, Gemini remains a reasonable option. For virtually any other user, especially in Spain or the rest of Europe, Kraken is the most comprehensive alternative and, above all, the only one that is truly accessible today.
Choose Gemini if…
- ✓ You live in the United States or in one of its more than 50 eligible countries
- ✓ You prioritize SOC/ISO certifications and a New York fiduciary letter
- ✓ Are you looking for institutional custody and a company listed on Nasdaq?
- ✓ You don't mind paying a higher commission in exchange for local regulation
Choose Kraken if…
- ✓ You live in Spain or any other EEA country and need MiCA right away
- ✓ Are you looking for fees that are significantly lower than Gemini's?
- ✓ Would you like to see the most comprehensive catalog in this comparison, featuring more than 750 assets?
- ✓ You value more than a decade of experience with no security breaches
This verdict summarizes the findings regarding fees, regulation, security, and availability. Neither exchange is superior in every respect: the right choice depends on the user’s profile and, above all, on the user’s jurisdiction.
This comparison of Gemini vs. Kraken is based on a hands-on analysis of both platforms. We have evaluated their fees, security, variety of cryptocurrencies, available features, and ease of use to provide an objective comparison. The assessment reflects the actual differences between the two exchanges, beyond just first impressions.
(FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions: Gemini vs. Kraken Comparison
