Gemini vs Interactive Brokers — Head-to-Head Custody Comparison

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

Verdict

Quick Verdict

Gemini scores 7.9 vs Interactive Brokers's 6.9. Gemini leads in 4 of 8 categories.

Gemini is better suited for Compliance-focused users, NY-based investors, Security-conscious traders. Interactive Brokers is better suited for Professional traders, Multi-asset investors, RIAs adding crypto.

7.9

GoodCustody Score

Gemini

6.9

FairCustody Score

Interactive Brokers

Scores

Score Comparison

Weighted scores across all 8 custody criteria.

Criterion	Weight	Gemini	Interactive Brokers	Winner
Security	20%	8.5	6.5	Gemini
Insurance	15%	7.5	5.0	Gemini
Regulatory	15%	9.0	9.0	Tie
Fee Transparency	10%	7.0	7.0	Tie
Track Record	15%	7.5	9.5	Interactive Brokers
Withdrawal Flexibility	10%	8.5	5.0	Gemini
Reporting & Audit	10%	9.0	8.0	Gemini
Counterparty Diversification	5%	2.0	2.0	Tie
Overall Score	100%	7.9	6.9	Gemini

Visual

Score Radar

Visual overlay of Gemini and Interactive Brokers across all categories.

GeminiInteractive Brokers

Deep Dive

Category-by-Category Analysis

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

Security (8.5 vs 6.5)

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..

Interactive Brokers uses Paxos custody partnership key management with Via Paxos in cold storage and regular penetration testing. Compliance: SOC 2 Type 2. Incident history: No major incidents in 45+ year history.

Insurance (7.5 vs 5.0)

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

Interactive Brokers offers SIPC up to $500K for securities (NOT crypto) via SIPC + excess. World-class securities insurance. Crypto is NOT insured.

Regulatory (9.0 vs 9.0)

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.

Interactive Brokers holds SEC registered, FINRA member, SIPC member, Global regulatory licenses and is a qualified custodian operating in United States / Global. One of the most regulated brokerages globally.

Fee Transparency (7.0 vs 7.0)

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.

Interactive Brokers charges None in annual custody fees with 0.12-0.18% tiered per transaction. Among lowest crypto trading fees. But no crypto withdrawals — must sell to withdraw.

Track Record (7.5 vs 9.5)

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..

Interactive Brokers was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Greenwich, CT. AUM: $400B+ client equity. Incident history: No major incidents in 45+ year history.

Withdrawal Flexibility (8.5 vs 5.0)

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

Interactive Brokers withdrawal fees: Not available (no crypto transfers out). Minimum account: No minimum for crypto. Supported assets: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Limited crypto selection.

Reporting & Audit (9.0 vs 8.0)

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

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

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..

Interactive Brokers is a exchange custody provider. Key management: Exchange-managed custody via Paxos partnership..

Fees

Fee Comparison

Side-by-side fee breakdown for Gemini and Interactive Brokers.

Fee Type	Gemini	Interactive Brokers
Setup Fee	Free	Free
Annual Custody	None	None
Transaction	0.2-0.4% maker/taker (ActiveTrader)	0.12-0.18% tiered
Withdrawal	Free withdrawals (10/month)	Not available (no crypto transfers out)

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

Interactive Brokers: Among lowest crypto trading fees. But no crypto withdrawals — must sell to withdraw.

Features

Feature Comparison

Checklist of features across both providers.

Feature	Gemini	Interactive Brokers
$200M+ insurance	✓	✗
10 free withdrawals/month	✓	✗
45+ year track record	✗	✓
ActiveTrader low fees	✓	✗
Crypto alongside stocks/bonds/options	✗	✓
Gemini Dollar (GUSD)	✓	✗
Global presence	✗	✓
Institutional-grade execution	✗	✓
Lowest crypto trading fees	✗	✓
NY Trust Company charter	✓	✗
Professional trading tools	✗	✓
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

Interactive Brokers is better if you…

✓Are a professional traders
✓Are a multi-asset investors
✓Are a rias adding crypto
✓Are a institutional traders
✓Want: 45+ year track record — most established broker
✓Want: Lowest crypto trading fees (0.12-0.18%)
✓Want: Crypto alongside stocks/bonds/options

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gemini or Interactive Brokers better for Bitcoin custody?

Gemini scores 7.9 vs 6.9 in our weighted Custody Score. Gemini leads in 4 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 Interactive Brokers suits Professional traders and Multi-asset investors.

What is the difference between Gemini and Interactive Brokers?

Gemini is a exchange custody provider, while Interactive Brokers is a exchange custody provider. Gemini excels in Regulatory, whereas Interactive Brokers is strongest in Track Record.

How do Gemini and Interactive Brokers fees compare?

Gemini charges None annual custody fees with 0.2-0.4% maker/taker (ActiveTrader) transaction fees. Interactive Brokers charges None annual custody fees with 0.12-0.18% tiered transaction fees.

Which is more secure, Gemini or Interactive Brokers?

Gemini scores 8.5/10 for security while Interactive Brokers scores 6.5/10. Gemini uses Institutional hot/cold custody key management, and Interactive Brokers uses Paxos custody partnership.