Coinbase Exchange vs Gemini
Coinbase Exchange is the better choice for beginners in the United States who want a mainstream on-ramp and will switch to the order book once they know their way around; Gemini is better for US buyers who will use ActiveTrader and fund by bank transfer. Coinbase Exchange lists 76 assets against Gemini's 38, and Coinbase Exchange is available in more locations.
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Side-by-Side
| Coinbase Exchange | Gemini | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | centralized exchange | centralized exchange |
| Founded | 2012 | 2014 |
| Headquarters | United States | United States |
| Licenses recorded | 56 | 13 |
| Fiat currencies | — | USD, SGD |
| Payment methods | — | ACH, wire transfer, debit card, PayPal |
| Maker / taker fee | 0.4% / 0.6% | 0.6% / 1.2% |
| KYC required | Yes | Yes |
| Proof of reserves | — | — |
| Assets listed | 76 | 38 |
| Locations available | 62 | 55 |
| Trust score | — | — |
Fee Comparison
| Coinbase Exchange | Gemini | |
|---|---|---|
| $100 | — | — |
| $1,000 | — | — |
| $10,000 | — | — |
Estimates include trading fee, published spread, and deposit fee. See our methodology.
Where Each Is Available
52 shared jurisdictions; 10 only on Coinbase Exchange; 3 only on Gemini.
Our Verdict
Both are United States venues running two pricing systems, and the interface you choose decides the cost. Gemini fits buyers who will trade on ActiveTrader and fund by bank transfer. As of September 2026 its base tier charges 0.600% maker and 1.200% taker, ACH, wire and crypto deposits are free, debit card deposits cost 3.49% and PayPal costs 2.50% (sources: Gemini ActiveTrader fee schedule; Gemini transfer fee schedule). Coinbase fits beginners who want a mainstream on-ramp and will move to Coinbase Advanced, which carries no spread fee and no subscription fee. Coinbase's Advanced rate is volume-tiered and unconfirmed in our sources, so check its current tier table first.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which has more coins?
- Coinbase Exchange, with 76 of the assets we track against 38.
- Can I use both?
- Yes, in the 52 jurisdictions where both are available. Coinbase Exchange and Gemini can be used side by side; many buyers keep accounts on more than one exchange.