Broker comparison
Which broker fits your needs?
Platforms, products and fees side by side.
Updated: October 2026
See comparison
Bitstamp
GeminiSummary
Both are regulated, security-focused exchanges — Bitstamp under Luxembourg's CSSF, Gemini under the NYDFS and FCA. Through ActiveTrader Gemini is cheaper at 0.2%/0.4% maker/taker than Bitstamp at 0.30%/0.40%, but a simple buy carries a 1.49% convenience fee. Bitstamp suits European investors with EU regulation and free SEPA deposits; Gemini scores with SOC 2 certification, its own stablecoin (GUSD) and a slightly higher rating (4.2/5 vs 4.1/5).
BitstampOne of the oldest crypto exchanges in Europe with EU regulation
GeminiUS-regulated crypto exchange focused on security and compliance
At a glance
| Criterion | Bitstamp | Gemini |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Bitstamp Web, Bitstamp App, Bitstamp Pro | Gemini Web, Gemini App, ActiveTrader |
| Product types | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Altcoins, Staking | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Altcoins, Staking, Gemini Dollar (GUSD) |
| Options trading | No | No |
| Fee model | 0.30% Maker / 0.40% Taker (base), discounts from $10,000 volume | 0.2% Maker / 0.4% Taker (ActiveTrader), convenience fee 1.49% |
| Minimum deposit | 0 € | 0 $ |
| Regulation | CSSF | NYDFS/FCA |
| More information | Details | Details |
Bitstamp Web, Bitstamp App, Bitstamp Pro
Gemini Web, Gemini App, ActiveTrader
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Altcoins, Staking
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Altcoins, Staking, Gemini Dollar (GUSD)
No
No
0.30% Maker / 0.40% Taker (base), discounts from $10,000 volume
0.2% Maker / 0.4% Taker (ActiveTrader), convenience fee 1.49%
0 €
0 $
CSSF
NYDFS/FCA
Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.
Detailed comparison
Compare total costs, not just the order fee.
BitstampGeminiThe relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.
Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.
BitstampCheck the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.
Provider informationGeminiCheck the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.
Provider informationBitstampGeminiCategories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.
BitstampBitstamp Web · Bitstamp App · Bitstamp Pro
Bitstamp offers a clean web platform, a mobile app for iOS and Android, and Bitstamp Pro for advanced traders. The web interface is intentionally kept simple and is excellent for beginners. Bitstamp Pro adds advanced charting features, various order types, and real-time order book data for more professional trading strategies.
Explore platformGeminiGemini Web · Gemini App · ActiveTrader
Gemini offers three access points: the user-friendly Gemini web interface for beginners, the Gemini mobile app for trading on the go, and ActiveTrader for professional users. ActiveTrader impresses with advanced charting tools, multiple order types, and significantly lower trading fees. All platforms provide real-time market data and secure two-factor authentication.
Explore platformRegulation does not prevent market losses. The relevant authority depends on the contracting entity.
Your investor profile
BitstampOne of the oldest crypto exchanges in Europe with EU regulation
GeminiUS-regulated crypto exchange focused on security and compliance
Find the broker that fits
Side by side. Decided with knowledge.
See the differences that matter, and the Academy lessons that explain them.
Entry and fees: Neither asks for a minimum deposit. Bitstamp charges 0.30% maker and 0.40% taker on its base tier, with discounts from $10,000 in volume; SEPA deposits are free of charge. Gemini quotes 0.2% maker and 0.4% taker through ActiveTrader, but a 1.49% convenience fee on simple buys. So how you buy decides it: through ActiveTrader Gemini is cheaper, through a simple buy it is markedly more expensive. Gemini itself lists needing the ActiveTrader platform for lower fees as a drawback.
Products and platforms: Both focus on the core business rather than derivatives. Bitstamp lists Bitcoin, Ethereum, altcoins and staking across web, app and Bitstamp Pro, and quotes high liquidity on the major trading pairs; its coin selection is smaller than at larger exchanges. Gemini lists Bitcoin, Ethereum, altcoins, staking and its own regulated stablecoin, the Gemini Dollar (GUSD), across web, app and ActiveTrader, plus Gemini Earn for staking yields. Its altcoin range is likewise smaller than Binance or Gate.io. Neither offers options.
Profile and verdict: Bitstamp (4.1/5 from 1,500 reviews) was founded in 2011, sits in Luxembourg, is CSSF-regulated and cites a strong security track record with no major hacks since 2015. Gemini (4.2/5 from 1,800 reviews) was founded in 2014, sits in New York, is regulated by the NYDFS and FCA, is SOC 2 certified and cites insured deposits. For European investors who want EU regulation and free SEPA deposits, Bitstamp is the natural choice; if you will use ActiveTrader and value US regulation and GUSD, Gemini serves you well.
Your questions
Your next step
BitstampOne of the oldest crypto exchanges in Europe with EU regulation
Open accountRead reviewGeminiUS-regulated crypto exchange focused on security and compliance
Open accountRead reviewThe guides worth reading before your first trade, whichever of the two you choose.
