Gemini vs Swan Bitcoin — Head-to-Head Custody Comparison

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

Verdict

Quick Verdict

Gemini scores 7.9 vs Swan Bitcoin's 6.7. Gemini leads in 5 of 8 categories.

Gemini is better suited for Compliance-focused users, NY-based investors, Security-conscious traders. Swan Bitcoin is better suited for Bitcoin savers (DCA), IRA investors, Bitcoin education seekers.

7.9

GoodCustody Score

Gemini

6.7

FairCustody Score

Swan Bitcoin

Scores

Score Comparison

Weighted scores across all 8 custody criteria.

Criterion	Weight	Gemini	Swan Bitcoin	Winner
Security	20%	8.5	7.0	Gemini
Insurance	15%	7.5	5.5	Gemini
Regulatory	15%	9.0	7.0	Gemini
Fee Transparency	10%	7.0	8.0	Swan Bitcoin
Track Record	15%	7.5	6.5	Gemini
Withdrawal Flexibility	10%	8.5	8.5	Tie
Reporting & Audit	10%	9.0	6.0	Gemini
Counterparty Diversification	5%	2.0	3.5	Swan Bitcoin
Overall Score	100%	7.9	6.7	Gemini

Visual

Score Radar

Visual overlay of Gemini and Swan Bitcoin across all categories.

GeminiSwan Bitcoin

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..

Swan Bitcoin uses Fortress Trust / BitGo custody key management with Majority cold (via partners) in cold storage and regular penetration testing. Compliance: Via partners. Incident history: No incidents.

Insurance (7.5 vs 5.5)

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

Swan Bitcoin offers Via Fortress Trust / BitGo custody partners via Via custody partners. Custody through regulated partners with their own insurance.

Regulatory (9.0 vs 7.0)

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.

Swan Bitcoin holds FinCEN MSB, State licenses via partners and is not a qualified custodian operating in United States. US-based. Custody through Fortress Trust (regulated trust company).

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.

Swan Bitcoin charges None (exchange) / 0.39% (IRA) in annual custody fees with 0.99% (instant) / 0.49% (auto-DCA) per transaction. Automated DCA with competitive fees. IRA available. Free auto-withdrawal to own wallet.

Track Record (7.5 vs 6.5)

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..

Swan Bitcoin was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA. AUM: Not publicly disclosed. Incident history: No incidents.

Withdrawal Flexibility (8.5 vs 8.5)

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

Swan Bitcoin withdrawal fees: Free auto-withdrawals. Minimum account: $10 minimum. Supported assets: Bitcoin only.

Reporting & Audit (9.0 vs 6.0)

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

Swan Bitcoin: SOC compliance is Via partners. Not classified as a qualified custodian.

Counterparty Diversification (2.0 vs 3.5)

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

Swan Bitcoin is a exchange custody provider. Key management: Bitcoin savings platform with Fortress Trust / BitGo custody partnership..

Fees

Fee Comparison

Side-by-side fee breakdown for Gemini and Swan Bitcoin.

Fee Type	Gemini	Swan Bitcoin
Setup Fee	Free	Free
Annual Custody	None	None (exchange) / 0.39% (IRA)
Transaction	0.2-0.4% maker/taker (ActiveTrader)	0.99% (instant) / 0.49% (auto-DCA)
Withdrawal	Free withdrawals (10/month)	Free auto-withdrawals

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

Swan Bitcoin: Automated DCA with competitive fees. IRA available. Free auto-withdrawal to own wallet.

Features

Feature Comparison

Checklist of features across both providers.

Feature	Gemini	Swan Bitcoin
$200M+ insurance	✓	✗
10 free withdrawals/month	✓	✗
ActiveTrader low fees	✓	✗
Advisor services	✗	✓
Automated DCA	✗	✓
BitGo custody	✗	✓
Bitcoin IRA	✗	✓
Bitcoin education	✗	✓
Free auto-withdrawal to own wallet	✗	✓
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

Swan Bitcoin is better if you…

✓Are a bitcoin savers (dca)
✓Are a ira investors
✓Are a bitcoin education seekers
✓Are a long-term accumulators
✓Want: Best Bitcoin DCA platform
✓Want: Free auto-withdrawal to own wallet
✓Want: Bitcoin IRA offering

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gemini or Swan Bitcoin 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 Swan Bitcoin suits Bitcoin savers (DCA) and IRA investors.

What is the difference between Gemini and Swan Bitcoin?

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

How do Gemini and Swan Bitcoin fees compare?

Gemini charges None annual custody fees with 0.2-0.4% maker/taker (ActiveTrader) transaction fees. Swan Bitcoin charges None (exchange) / 0.39% (IRA) annual custody fees with 0.99% (instant) / 0.49% (auto-DCA) transaction fees.

Which is more secure, Gemini or Swan Bitcoin?

Gemini scores 8.5/10 for security while Swan Bitcoin scores 7.0/10. Gemini uses Institutional hot/cold custody key management, and Swan Bitcoin uses Fortress Trust / BitGo custody.