Gemini vs Cash App — Head-to-Head Custody Comparison

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

Verdict

Quick Verdict

Gemini scores 7.9 vs Cash App's 6.7. Gemini leads in 5 of 8 categories.

Gemini is better suited for Compliance-focused users, NY-based investors, Security-conscious traders. Cash App is better suited for Mainstream users, Beginners, Small investors.

7.9

GoodCustody Score

Gemini

6.7

FairCustody Score

Cash App

Scores

Score Comparison

Weighted scores across all 8 custody criteria.

Criterion	Weight	Gemini	Cash App	Winner
Security	20%	8.5	7.0	Gemini
Insurance	15%	7.5	5.0	Gemini
Regulatory	15%	9.0	8.0	Gemini
Fee Transparency	10%	7.0	5.5	Gemini
Track Record	15%	7.5	7.5	Tie
Withdrawal Flexibility	10%	8.5	8.5	Tie
Reporting & Audit	10%	9.0	7.0	Gemini
Counterparty Diversification	5%	2.0	2.0	Tie
Overall Score	100%	7.9	6.7	Gemini

Visual

Score Radar

Visual overlay of Gemini and Cash App across all categories.

GeminiCash App

Deep Dive

Category-by-Category Analysis

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

Security (8.5 vs 7.0)

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..

Cash App uses Block Inc. managed custody key management with Majority cold in cold storage and regular penetration testing. Compliance: Block Inc. SOC 2. Incident history: 2022 employee data breach (Cash App Investing, not Bitcoin).

Insurance (7.5 vs 5.0)

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

Cash App offers Block Inc. corporate insurance via Via Block Inc.. Publicly traded parent company (Block Inc. / SQ).

Regulatory (9.0 vs 8.0)

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.

Cash App holds NY BitLicense, State money transmitter licenses, FinCEN MSB and is not a qualified custodian operating in United States. Block Inc. (NYSE: SQ) — publicly traded fintech company.

Fee Transparency (7.0 vs 5.5)

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.

Cash App charges None in annual custody fees with ~1.5-2.5% (spread) per transaction. Convenient but higher spread than dedicated exchanges. Free withdrawals.

Track Record (7.5 vs 7.5)

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..

Cash App was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. AUM: Not publicly disclosed. Incident history: 2022 employee data breach (Cash App Investing, not Bitcoin).

Withdrawal Flexibility (8.5 vs 8.5)

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

Cash App withdrawal fees: Free Bitcoin withdrawals. Minimum account: No minimum ($1). Supported assets: Bitcoin only.

Reporting & Audit (9.0 vs 7.0)

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

Cash App: SOC compliance is Block Inc. SOC 2. Not classified as a qualified custodian.

Counterparty Diversification (2.0 vs 2.0)

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

Cash App is a exchange custody provider. Key management: Bitcoin buying within Cash App payment ecosystem. Block Inc. custody..

Fees

Fee Comparison

Side-by-side fee breakdown for Gemini and Cash App.

Fee Type	Gemini	Cash App
Setup Fee	Free	Free
Annual Custody	None	None
Transaction	0.2-0.4% maker/taker (ActiveTrader)	~1.5-2.5% (spread)
Withdrawal	Free withdrawals (10/month)	Free Bitcoin withdrawals

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

Cash App: Convenient but higher spread than dedicated exchanges. Free withdrawals.

Features

Feature Comparison

Checklist of features across both providers.

Feature	Gemini	Cash App
$200M+ insurance	✓	✗
10 free withdrawals/month	✓	✗
50M+ monthly users	✗	✓
ActiveTrader low fees	✓	✗
Auto-invest (DCA)	✗	✓
Free Bitcoin withdrawals	✗	✓
Gemini Dollar (GUSD)	✓	✗
Lightning Network support	✗	✓
Mainstream accessibility	✗	✓
NY Trust Company charter	✓	✗
Proof of reserves	✗	✓
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

Cash App is better if you…

✓Are a mainstream users
✓Are a beginners
✓Are a small investors
✓Are a cash app existing users
✓Want: Most accessible Bitcoin on-ramp — 50M+ users
✓Want: Free Bitcoin withdrawals
✓Want: Publicly traded parent (Block/SQ)

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gemini or Cash App better for Bitcoin custody?

Gemini scores 7.9 vs 6.7 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 Cash App suits Mainstream users and Beginners.

What is the difference between Gemini and Cash App?

Gemini is a exchange custody provider, while Cash App is a exchange custody provider. Gemini excels in Regulatory, whereas Cash App is strongest in Withdrawal Flexibility.

How do Gemini and Cash App fees compare?

Gemini charges None annual custody fees with 0.2-0.4% maker/taker (ActiveTrader) transaction fees. Cash App charges None annual custody fees with ~1.5-2.5% (spread) transaction fees.

Which is more secure, Gemini or Cash App?

Gemini scores 8.5/10 for security while Cash App scores 7.0/10. Gemini uses Institutional hot/cold custody key management, and Cash App uses Block Inc. managed custody.