What are the fees for trading on Gemini?

Understanding Gemini’s Fee Structure

Gemini operates with a transparent and tiered fee model that applies to both maker and taker fees. These fees vary depending on the user’s 30-day trading volume and whether the user is placing orders that add liquidity (makers) or removing liquidity (takers). The exchange uses a volume-based pricing system where higher trading volumes lead to lower fees. All fees are denominated in the base currency of the trading pair, typically USD or USDC for stablecoin pairs.

The fee schedule is divided into tiers, starting from $0 in trading volume per month up to over $10 million. For example, users who trade less than $500 in the past 30 days are charged a taker fee of 0.40% and a maker fee of 0.40%. As volume increases, fees decrease significantly. Users who exceed $10 million in monthly volume can enjoy taker fees as low as 0.05% and maker fees as low as 0.00%, effectively making them fee-free for adding liquidity.

It’s important to note that fees apply per executed trade, and both market and limit orders are subject to these charges depending on their role in the order book. Market orders almost always act as takers, while limit orders may act as makers if they are not immediately filled.

Differences Between Maker and Taker Fees

On Gemini, the distinction between maker and taker roles directly impacts the fees you pay. A maker order is a limit order that adds liquidity to the order book because it does not execute immediately. In contrast, a taker order removes liquidity by matching against an existing order in the book, such as a market order or a limit order that crosses the spread.

• Maker orders are rewarded with lower fees because they improve market depth
• Taker orders incur higher fees due to their consumption of existing liquidity
• Some high-volume traders aim to place only maker orders to reduce overall trading costs
• Gemini’s fee schedule reflects this incentive by offering negative maker fees at the highest tiers, meaning users get rebates for providing liquidity

For instance, a user placing a limit order to buy BTC at $60,000 when the current market price is $60,500 will not execute immediately. This order sits in the book and acts as a maker. If another user places a market sell order at $60,000, they become the taker and pay the taker fee, while the limit order user pays the lower maker fee—or possibly receives a rebate.

Fee Tiers Based on 30-Day Trading Volume

Gemini’s fee tiers reset every 30 days and are calculated based on cumulative trading volume across all pairs. The platform automatically applies the appropriate fee rate based on your total USD-equivalent volume. Below is a breakdown of key tiers:

• $0 – $500 volume: 0.40% taker fee, 0.40% maker fee
• $500 – $2,500 volume: 0.35% taker fee, 0.35% maker fee
• $2,500 – $10,000 volume: 0.30% taker fee, 0.30% maker fee
• $10,000 – $50,000 volume: 0.25% taker fee, 0.25% maker fee
• $50,000 – $100,000 volume: 0.20% taker fee, 0.20% maker fee
• $100,000 – $500,000 volume: 0.18% taker fee, 0.15% maker fee
• $500,000 – $1 million volume: 0.16% taker fee, 0.12% maker fee
• $1 million – $10 million volume: 0.14% taker fee, 0.10% maker fee
• Over $10 million volume: 0.05% taker fee, 0.00% maker fee

These rates apply to Gemini ActiveTrader, a separate interface optimized for frequent traders. Standard Gemini.com users are subject to a flat fee model unless they switch to ActiveTrader. Volume is calculated in USD value, so trades in altcoins are converted using prevailing market rates.

How to Access Lower Fees on Gemini

To benefit from reduced fees, users must meet specific criteria and take deliberate actions within the platform. The most effective way to lower fees is by increasing your 30-day trading volume. However, there are additional steps you can take:

• Switch to Gemini ActiveTrader: This requires enabling the feature in your account settings. ActiveTrader offers the tiered fee structure, while the standard interface uses a flat rate
• Use limit orders strategically: Placing limit orders that rest on the order book qualifies you for maker fees, which are lower than taker fees at all tiers
• Consolidate trading activity: Spreading trades across multiple accounts or platforms prevents you from reaching higher volume tiers on any single account
• Monitor your volume dashboard: Gemini provides a real-time view of your 30-day volume in the ActiveTrader interface, allowing you to track progress toward lower fee brackets

To enable ActiveTrader, log into your Gemini account, navigate to the trading interface, and look for the “Switch to ActiveTrader” button. Once activated, your trades will be subject to the tiered fee model, and your volume will begin accumulating toward the next tier.

Additional Costs and Considerations

Beyond trading fees, users should be aware of other potential costs on Gemini. Deposit fees are generally free for bank transfers and wire deposits, though intermediary banks may charge their own fees. Withdrawal fees vary by asset:

• Bitcoin (BTC): Fee depends on network congestion; Gemini covers part of the cost but passes on a variable miner fee
• Ethereum (ETH): Subject to gas fees, which fluctuate based on network demand
• Stablecoins (USDC, GUSD): Typically low withdrawal fees, often under $1
• Wire withdrawals: $25 fee for outgoing USD wires

These fees are separate from trading fees and should be factored into overall transaction costs. Also, spread costs—the difference between bid and ask prices—can impact effective trading costs, especially in low-liquidity markets. While not a direct fee, wide spreads can erode profits similarly to high commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Gemini.com and Gemini ActiveTrader fees?Gemini.com uses a simplified fee schedule with flat rates that do not decrease with volume. In contrast, Gemini ActiveTrader employs a tiered system where fees drop as your 30-day trading volume increases. ActiveTrader also distinguishes between maker and taker fees, offering lower rates for limit orders that add liquidity.

Are there any hidden fees on Gemini?Gemini discloses all primary fees upfront. There are no hidden charges for trading, though network fees for crypto withdrawals and intermediary bank fees for wire transfers may apply. These are standard across exchanges and not unique to Gemini.

How does Gemini calculate 30-day trading volume?Trading volume is calculated in USD equivalents based on the price at the time of each trade. It includes all executed trades across all supported trading pairs and resets every 30 days. Volume is tracked automatically in the ActiveTrader interface under the “Volume & Fees” section.

Can I get a fee rebate on Gemini?Yes, users with over $10 million in monthly volume receive a 0.00% maker fee, which functions as a rebate since they are paid to provide liquidity. At this tier, makers are not charged, and in some cases, exchanges may offer direct rebates, though Gemini’s current model caps the maker fee at zero.