CEX.IO vs Gemini — UK Comparison 2026
7.1/10
Aggregated ScoreVS
6.2/10
Aggregated ScoreComparing 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
CEX.IO
CEX.IO edges ahead with a higher aggregated score (7.1 vs 6.2), making it our recommended pick for most UK traders. That said, both are reputable platforms — the right choice depends on your specific needs.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Metric | CEX.IO | Gemini |
|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 7.1 / 10 | 6.2 / 10 |
| Trustpilot Score | 6.4 | 2.6 |
| Reddit Sentiment | 5.5 | 7.2 |
| App Store Score | 9.0 | 9.4 |
| Google Play Score | 8.4 | 7.8 |
| Best For | UK users wanting competitive fees with easy fiat onboarding | UK users who need historical context on Gemini's market exit |
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
- UK operations ceased: Gemini's UK retail operations ended on 6 April 2026.
- Withdrawal-only since 5 March 2026: UK accounts cannot trade, deposit, or earn rewards.
- eToro migration partner: Official partner for UK customers wishing to transfer holdings.
- Limited withdrawal asset list: Only BTC, ETH, ERC-20 tokens, SOL, and SPL tokens can move to other exchanges under UK Travel Rule rules; other assets must go to self-hosted wallets.
- Transaction history urgency: Users must download transaction history before account closure — it cannot be retrieved later.
UK Considerations
- UK exit confirmed: Gemini ceased UK operations on 6 April 2026 — UK users can no longer sign up, trade, or deposit.
- Withdrawal-only mode: UK accounts have been in withdrawal-only mode since 5 March 2026.
- Travel Rule restricts withdrawals: Only BTC, ETH, ERC-20 tokens, SOL, and SPL tokens are eligible to withdraw to other exchanges; everything else must go to a self-hosted wallet.
- eToro migration path: Gemini's official migration partner is eToro; using their referral link is required to access any (EEA-only) signup bonuses.
- Download records now: Transaction history is unavailable after account closure — export everything before then.
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...
- •UK users who need historical context on Gemini's market exit
- •Existing Gemini UK customers planning their migration to another exchange
Score Breakdowns
CEX.IO
Our Aggregated Score Breakdown
We combine ratings from multiple trusted sources to give you the most accurate picture
Trustpilot Rating6.4
Reddit Sentiment5.5
Google Play Score8.4
App Store Rating9.0
Gemini
Our Aggregated Score Breakdown
We combine ratings from multiple trusted sources to give you the most accurate picture
Trustpilot Rating2.6
Reddit Sentiment7.2
Google Play Score7.8
App Store Rating9.4
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