Gemini vs Bitstamp — Head-to-Head Custody Comparison

An independent, data-driven comparison of Gemini and Bitstamp across security, insurance, fees, regulatory compliance, and more.

Verdict

Quick Verdict

Gemini scores 7.9 vs Bitstamp's 7.5. Gemini leads in 5 of 8 categories.

Gemini is better suited for Compliance-focused users, NY-based investors, Security-conscious traders. Bitstamp is better suited for European investors, Institutional traders, Long-term exchange users.

7.9

GoodCustody Score

Gemini

7.5

GoodCustody Score

Bitstamp

Scores

Score Comparison

Weighted scores across all 8 custody criteria.

Criterion	Weight	Gemini	Bitstamp	Winner
Security	20%	8.5	7.5	Gemini
Insurance	15%	7.5	6.5	Gemini
Regulatory	15%	9.0	8.5	Gemini
Fee Transparency	10%	7.0	8.0	Bitstamp
Track Record	15%	7.5	8.0	Bitstamp
Withdrawal Flexibility	10%	8.5	8.0	Gemini
Reporting & Audit	10%	9.0	7.5	Gemini
Counterparty Diversification	5%	2.0	3.0	Bitstamp
Overall Score	100%	7.9	7.5	Gemini

Visual

Score Radar

Visual overlay of Gemini and Bitstamp across all categories.

GeminiBitstamp

Deep Dive

Category-by-Category Analysis

A deeper look at how each provider performs in every scoring criterion.

Security (8.5 vs 7.5)

Gemini uses Institutional hot/cold custody key management with 95%+ in cold storage and regular penetration testing. Compliance: SOC 2 Type 2. Incident history: Gemini Earn issues (Genesis lending). Exchange itself unbreached..

Bitstamp uses BitGo custody partnership key management with 95%+ in cold storage and regular penetration testing. Compliance: SOC 2 Type 2. Incident history: 2015 hot wallet breach (19,000 BTC). Fully repaid users..

Insurance (7.5 vs 6.5)

Gemini offers $200M+ hot wallet insurance via Leading carriers. One of the highest disclosed insurance amounts among exchanges.

Bitstamp offers BitGo custody insurance for cold storage via Via BitGo. Cold storage through BitGo with insurance coverage.

Regulatory (9.0 vs 8.5)

Gemini holds NY Trust Company (NYDFS), SOC 2 Type 2, Multiple state licenses and is a qualified custodian operating in United States. NY Trust Company charter — highest US regulatory standard for crypto.

Bitstamp holds Luxembourg payment institution license, FCA registered (UK), Multiple EU licenses and is not a qualified custodian operating in Luxembourg / EU / Global. Luxembourg-licensed. One of the most established exchanges globally.

Fee Transparency (7.0 vs 8.0)

Gemini charges None in annual custody fees with 0.2-0.4% maker/taker (ActiveTrader) per transaction. 10 free crypto withdrawals per month. ActiveTrader has competitive fees.

Bitstamp charges None in annual custody fees with 0.0-0.4% tiered per transaction. Competitive tiered fee structure. One of Europe's most established exchanges.

Track Record (7.5 vs 8.0)

Gemini was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in New York, NY. AUM: $30B+ in assets. Incident history: Gemini Earn issues (Genesis lending). Exchange itself unbreached..

Bitstamp was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Luxembourg. AUM: $5B+ trading volume. Incident history: 2015 hot wallet breach (19,000 BTC). Fully repaid users..

Withdrawal Flexibility (8.5 vs 8.0)

Gemini withdrawal fees: Free withdrawals (10/month). Minimum account: $1 minimum. Supported assets: Bitcoin, Ethereum, 100+ cryptocurrencies.

Bitstamp withdrawal fees: Network fees. Minimum account: $10 minimum. Supported assets: Bitcoin, Ethereum, 80+ cryptocurrencies.

Reporting & Audit (9.0 vs 7.5)

Gemini: SOC compliance is SOC 2 Type 2. As a qualified custodian, it meets SEC reporting requirements.

Bitstamp: SOC compliance is SOC 2 Type 2. Not classified as a qualified custodian.

Counterparty Diversification (2.0 vs 3.0)

Gemini is a exchange custody provider. Key management: Exchange-managed custody with SOC 2 Type 2 certified infrastructure..

Bitstamp is a exchange custody provider. Key management: Exchange-managed custody with BitGo partnership for cold storage..

Fees

Fee Comparison

Side-by-side fee breakdown for Gemini and Bitstamp.

Fee Type	Gemini	Bitstamp
Setup Fee	Free	Free
Annual Custody	None	None
Transaction	0.2-0.4% maker/taker (ActiveTrader)	0.0-0.4% tiered
Withdrawal	Free withdrawals (10/month)	Network fees

Gemini: 10 free crypto withdrawals per month. ActiveTrader has competitive fees.

Bitstamp: Competitive tiered fee structure. One of Europe's most established exchanges.

Features

Feature Comparison

Checklist of features across both providers.

Feature	Gemini	Bitstamp
$200M+ insurance	✓	✗
10 free withdrawals/month	✓	✗
13+ year track record	✗	✓
ActiveTrader low fees	✓	✗
BitGo custody partnership	✗	✓
Gemini Dollar (GUSD)	✓	✗
Institutional API	✗	✓
Low trading fees	✗	✓
Luxembourg banking license	✗	✓
NY Trust Company charter	✓	✗
SEPA/SWIFT support	✗	✓
SOC 2 Type 2 certified	✓	✗

Recommendation

Who Should Choose Which?

Gemini is better if you…

✓Are a compliance-focused users
✓Are a ny-based investors
✓Are a security-conscious traders
✓Are a stablecoin users
✓Want: NY Trust Company — highest regulatory standard
✓Want: SOC 2 Type 2 certified
✓Want: $200M+ disclosed insurance

Bitstamp is better if you…

✓Are a european investors
✓Are a institutional traders
✓Are a long-term exchange users
✓Are a fiat gateway seekers
✓Want: 13+ year track record — among oldest exchanges
✓Want: Luxembourg banking license
✓Want: Competitive fee structure

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gemini or Bitstamp better for Bitcoin custody?

Gemini scores 7.9 vs 7.5 in our weighted Custody Score. Gemini leads in 5 of 8 scoring categories. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Gemini is best for Compliance-focused users and NY-based investors, while Bitstamp suits European investors and Institutional traders.

What is the difference between Gemini and Bitstamp?

Gemini is a exchange custody provider, while Bitstamp is a exchange custody provider. Gemini excels in Regulatory, whereas Bitstamp is strongest in Regulatory.

How do Gemini and Bitstamp fees compare?

Gemini charges None annual custody fees with 0.2-0.4% maker/taker (ActiveTrader) transaction fees. Bitstamp charges None annual custody fees with 0.0-0.4% tiered transaction fees.

Which is more secure, Gemini or Bitstamp?

Gemini scores 8.5/10 for security while Bitstamp scores 7.5/10. Gemini uses Institutional hot/cold custody key management, and Bitstamp uses BitGo custody partnership.