Gemini vs Robinhood — Head-to-Head Custody Comparison

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

Verdict

Quick Verdict

Gemini scores 7.9 vs Robinhood's 6.9. Gemini leads in 7 of 8 categories.

Gemini is better suited for Compliance-focused users, NY-based investors, Security-conscious traders. Robinhood is better suited for Stock traders adding crypto, Fee-conscious traders, Beginners.

7.9

GoodCustody Score

Gemini

6.9

FairCustody Score

Robinhood

Scores

Score Comparison

Weighted scores across all 8 custody criteria.

Criterion	Weight	Gemini	Robinhood	Winner
Security	20%	8.5	7.0	Gemini
Insurance	15%	7.5	6.0	Gemini
Regulatory	15%	9.0	8.5	Gemini
Fee Transparency	10%	7.0	6.0	Gemini
Track Record	15%	7.5	7.0	Gemini
Withdrawal Flexibility	10%	8.5	7.5	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 Robinhood across all categories.

GeminiRobinhood

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..

Robinhood uses Exchange-managed custody key management with Majority cold in cold storage and regular penetration testing. Compliance: SOC 2 Type 2. Incident history: 2021 data breach (customer info, not funds). Crypto wallets added later..

Insurance (7.5 vs 6.0)

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

Robinhood offers SIPC for securities (NOT crypto). Crime insurance for crypto. via SIPC (securities) + crime insurance. SIPC coverage for stocks. Crypto has separate crime insurance.

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.

Robinhood holds NASDAQ listed (HOOD), SEC/FINRA registered (securities), State money transmitter licenses (crypto) and is a qualified custodian operating in United States. Publicly traded. SEC registered for securities. State-licensed for crypto.

Fee Transparency (7.0 vs 6.0)

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.

Robinhood charges None in annual custody fees with 0% commission (spread-based ~0.4%) per transaction. Commission-free trading. Revenue from spread and payment for order flow.

Track Record (7.5 vs 7.0)

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..

Robinhood was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Menlo Park, CA. AUM: $130B+ in assets under custody (all assets). Incident history: 2021 data breach (customer info, not funds). Crypto wallets added later..

Withdrawal Flexibility (8.5 vs 7.5)

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

Robinhood withdrawal fees: Network fees. Minimum account: $1 minimum. Supported assets: Bitcoin, Ethereum, 20+ cryptocurrencies.

Reporting & Audit (9.0 vs 8.0)

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

Robinhood: 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..

Robinhood is a exchange custody provider. Key management: Exchange-managed custody with option to withdraw crypto to external wallets..

Fees

Fee Comparison

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

Fee Type	Gemini	Robinhood
Setup Fee	Free	Free
Annual Custody	None	None
Transaction	0.2-0.4% maker/taker (ActiveTrader)	0% commission (spread-based ~0.4%)
Withdrawal	Free withdrawals (10/month)	Network fees

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

Robinhood: Commission-free trading. Revenue from spread and payment for order flow.

Features

Feature Comparison

Checklist of features across both providers.

Feature	Gemini	Robinhood
$200M+ insurance	✓	✗
10 free withdrawals/month	✓	✗
23M+ funded accounts	✗	✓
ActiveTrader low fees	✓	✗
Bitstamp acquisition	✗	✓
Clean mobile interface	✗	✓
Commission-free trading	✗	✓
Crypto alongside stocks	✗	✓
Crypto wallets with withdrawals	✗	✓
Gemini Dollar (GUSD)	✓	✗
NY Trust Company charter	✓	✗
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

Robinhood is better if you…

✓Are a stock traders adding crypto
✓Are a fee-conscious traders
✓Are a beginners
✓Are a us retail investors
✓Want: Commission-free crypto trading
✓Want: Crypto alongside stock portfolio
✓Want: Publicly traded — transparent

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gemini or Robinhood better for Bitcoin custody?

Gemini scores 7.9 vs 6.9 in our weighted Custody Score. Gemini leads in 7 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 Robinhood suits Stock traders adding crypto and Fee-conscious traders.

What is the difference between Gemini and Robinhood?

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

How do Gemini and Robinhood fees compare?

Gemini charges None annual custody fees with 0.2-0.4% maker/taker (ActiveTrader) transaction fees. Robinhood charges None annual custody fees with 0% commission (spread-based ~0.4%) transaction fees.

Which is more secure, Gemini or Robinhood?

Gemini scores 8.5/10 for security while Robinhood scores 7.0/10. Gemini uses Institutional hot/cold custody key management, and Robinhood uses Exchange-managed custody.