Is CEX.IO better than Gemini?

CEX.IO scores 7.2/10 and Gemini scores 7.3/10 on our aggregated metric. The best choice depends on your trading style, fee sensitivity, and which features matter most to you — see our full comparison above.

Which is cheaper, CEX.IO or Gemini?

Fee structures vary significantly between exchanges and depend on trading volume and payment method. We recommend checking each exchange's current fee schedule directly, as rates change regularly.

Are both CEX.IO and Gemini available in the UK?

Both CEX.IO and Gemini accept UK users. Always verify current FCA registration status and supported features on each exchange's website before signing up.

Which is better for beginners, CEX.IO or Gemini?

Both exchanges offer user-friendly interfaces for newcomers. Check the "Who Should Choose Which?" section above for guidance on which platform suits your experience level and goals.

CEX.IO vs Gemini — UK Comparison 2026

CEX.IO

7.2/10

Aggregated Score

Gemini

7.3/10

Aggregated Score

Last updated: 23 Feb 2026

Comparing CEX.IO and Gemini for UK traders in 2026. We break down fees, security, app scores, and user sentiment to help you choose the right exchange.

Our Pick

Gemini

Winner

Gemini edges ahead with a higher aggregated score (7.3 vs 7.2), making it our recommended pick for most UK traders. That said, both are reputable platforms — the right choice depends on your specific needs.

Visit CEX.IO Visit Gemini

At-a-Glance Comparison

Metric	CEX.IO	Gemini
Our Score	7.2 / 10	7.3 / 10
Trustpilot Score	6.6	6.5
Reddit Sentiment	5.5	7.2
App Store Score	8.8	8.2
Google Play Score	8.6	7.8
Best For	UK users wanting competitive fees with easy fiat onboarding	Security-conscious UK users who prioritise regulatory compliance and want an exchange with both FCA cryptoasset registration and EMI authorisation

Feature Breakdown

CEX.IO

Highlights

Competitive Fees: Maker/taker fees from 0.25%/0.25%, among the lowest available for UK users.
Long Track Record: Operating since 2013 with no major security breaches — over a decade of reliability.
Easy Fiat Onboarding: Supports card payments, bank transfers, and GBP Faster Payments for quick deposits.
190+ Digital Assets: Solid selection of cryptocurrencies covering major tokens and popular altcoins.
UK-Focused: 69% of European user base is from the UK, meaning the platform is optimised for British users.

UK Considerations

Not Directly FCA Registered: Operates via partnership with FCA-authorised Gateway 21 for financial promotions; still pursuing full registration.
Limited Advanced Features: Fewer trading tools than Kraken Pro or OKX for experienced traders.
Card Deposit Fees: While bank transfers are reasonable, card deposits carry additional fees that increase costs.
Smaller User Base: Less liquidity than major exchanges like Coinbase or Kraken on some trading pairs.
App Can Be Glitchy: Some UK users report occasional stability issues with the mobile application.

Gemini

Highlights

FCA Dual Registration: Gemini holds FCA registration as a cryptoasset business under the Money Laundering Regulations and FCA authorisation as an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) — one of the strongest UK regulatory footprints available.
GBP Faster Payments Support: Supports GBP deposits and withdrawals via Faster Payments, enabling quick and low-friction fiat on/off ramps for UK users.
Gemini Active Trader: A professional-grade trading interface with advanced charting, analytics, and a maker/taker fee schedule for experienced users.
On-Chain Staking: Staking available for ETH and SOL, with rewards paid directly to user accounts.
Strong Security Posture: SOC 1 and SOC 2 Type 2 certifications, active bug bounty programme, and 1:1 Proof of Reserves. Industry-leading cold storage practices.

UK Considerations

Limited Coin Selection: Gemini offers 70+ cryptocurrencies — solid for major assets but significantly fewer than rivals like Kraken or Crypto.com, which may disappoint altcoin traders.
Customer Support Wait Times: A recurring theme in negative reviews is slow email support response times, particularly for account verification and fund access queries.
Staking Availability: ETH and SOL staking is available, but the range of stakeable assets is narrower than some competitors.
UK Retail Derivatives Restriction: UK retail users cannot access derivatives or margin products in line with FCA rules.
Higher Instant Buy Fees: Convenience fees on instant purchases are higher than the Active Trader maker/taker schedule — users should use Active Trader where possible to manage costs.

Ready to choose? Visit either exchange directly.

CEX.IO Gemini

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose CEX.IO if...

•UK users wanting competitive fees with easy fiat onboarding
•Casual traders who prefer a straightforward, no-frills experience
•Users comfortable with card payments for quick crypto purchases

Choose Gemini if...

•Security-conscious UK users who prioritise regulatory compliance and want an exchange with both FCA cryptoasset registration and EMI authorisation
•Intermediate to experienced traders who will use Gemini Active Trader to access competitive maker/taker fees
•UK users who want GBP Faster Payments support and on-chain staking for ETH and SOL
•Investors who value institutional-grade security practices including SOC 2 Type 2 certification and Proof of Reserves

Score Breakdowns

CEX.IO

Our Aggregated Score Breakdown

We combine ratings from multiple trusted sources to give you the most accurate picture

Trustpilot Rating6.6

Reddit Sentiment5.5

Google Play Score8.6

App Store Rating8.8

Our aggregated score combines Trustpilot (35%), Reddit sentiment (25%), Google Play (20%), and App Store (20%) ratings to provide a comprehensive view of user satisfaction across multiple platforms.

Gemini

Our Aggregated Score Breakdown

We combine ratings from multiple trusted sources to give you the most accurate picture

Trustpilot Rating6.5

Reddit Sentiment7.2

Google Play Score7.8

App Store Rating8.2

Our aggregated score combines Trustpilot (35%), Reddit sentiment (25%), Google Play (20%), and App Store (20%) ratings to provide a comprehensive view of user satisfaction across multiple platforms.