If you’ve noticed the recent dip in cryptocurrency prices and are considering diving into the world of digital assets, you're not alone. With growing interest in alternative investments, many are turning to trusted platforms to begin their crypto journey. In this comprehensive review, I’ll share my personal experience with Gemini, one of the most talked-about cryptocurrency brokers in the market today.
Whether you're a beginner or someone evaluating different exchanges, this guide will help you understand what makes Gemini stand out — and where it falls short.
Why I Chose Gemini as My Crypto Broker
Headquartered in New York, Gemini is a fully regulated cryptocurrency exchange, wallet, and custodian. It operates under strict oversight from the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYSDFS), which gives it a strong reputation for security and compliance — a top priority for cautious investors.
You might recognize the founders: the Winklevoss twins, famously portrayed in The Social Network. Their involvement has helped position Gemini as a serious player in the crypto space, emphasizing trust and long-term viability over hype.
I first encountered Gemini during the Seedly Personal Finance Festival in 2021, where Jeremy Ng, their APAC Head, spoke about the future of digital finance. His insights resonated with me, but I hesitated due to the overwhelming number of crypto platforms available — from Binance to Coinhako.
It wasn’t until I read a detailed review on Heartland Boy’s blog that I revisited Gemini. After extensive research across multiple sources, I concluded that Gemini offers a balanced mix of security, ease of use, and local currency support, making it ideal for Singapore-based investors.
👉 Discover a secure and user-friendly way to start investing in crypto today.
What I Love About Gemini
Clean, Intuitive User Interface
One of the first things I noticed was how clean and straightforward the platform feels. Unlike other exchanges cluttered with charts, ads, and complex menus, Gemini keeps things minimal. The desktop interface is crisp, well-organized, and easy to navigate — perfect for new users.
The mobile app is equally impressive. It's highly responsive and features a real-time price tracker that lets you monitor your favorite cryptocurrencies at a glance. Whether you're checking your portfolio or making a quick trade, the app delivers a smooth experience.
Competitive Trading Fees with ActiveTrader
Gemini offers two trading interfaces: Basic and ActiveTrader.
The Basic version uses a spread-based pricing model, which can result in higher costs — especially for small trades. For example, buying $100 worth of Bitcoin might incur fees as high as 1.5%, which adds up over time.
However, switching to ActiveTrader reduces your trading fee to a flat 0.35%, regardless of trade size. Best of all? Switching is completely free and takes less than a minute:
- Go to Account Settings
- Find the Trading Interface option
- Select ActiveTrader
While the ActiveTrader layout may seem intimidating at first for beginners, spending just 10–15 minutes exploring it will make trading much more cost-effective in the long run.
SGD Support: A Game-Changer for Singapore Investors
This is a major win for local users. Gemini supports BTC-SGD and ETH-SGD trading pairs, allowing you to buy crypto directly with Singapore Dollars.
Why does this matter? Avoiding unnecessary currency conversions means you save on hidden fees charged by banks or payment processors when using USD accounts. Over time, these savings can significantly impact your returns — something I’ve emphasized when discussing how to choose a reliable investment platform.
Areas Where Gemini Falls Short
No platform is perfect, and Gemini has its drawbacks.
No ActiveTrader Mode on Mobile App
While the mobile app is excellent for monitoring prices and making simple trades, it doesn’t support ActiveTrader mode. This means you’ll pay higher fees if you trade via the app instead of the web browser.
For frequent traders who want lower costs on the go, this limitation is frustrating. Although you can access ActiveTrader through your phone’s browser, it defeats the purpose of having a dedicated app optimized for mobile use.
Customer Support Can Be Slow
I submitted a support ticket regarding identity verification and waited several days without a response. A quick look at r/Gemini on Reddit shows I'm not alone — many users report delayed replies and unresolved issues.
That said, this may be due to high demand rather than poor service intent. Still, timely customer support is crucial during onboarding or emergencies, so it's an area that needs improvement.
How to Open a Gemini Account
The account setup process is simple and secure:
- You can use MyInfo via Singpass to auto-fill personal details.
- Verification typically takes 2 business days, though some report waits up to two weeks.
- If your account stalls at the identity verification stage, try uploading your NRIC (front and back) manually via Gemini’s document upload page. Many users find this speeds up approval.
Once verified, you’re ready to link your bank account and start investing.
Linking Your Bank Account & Depositing SGD
To fund your account:
- Choose "Manually Link Bank Account"
- Select SGD as your funding currency
- Enter your bank account details (must be in your name)
After linking, depositing SGD is straightforward:
- Go to Transfer Funds
- Select Deposit SGD
- Use the provided bank details to transfer funds via your online banking portal
Transfers usually reflect in your Gemini account within 5–20 minutes, far faster than traditional brokers.
Withdrawing funds follows the same intuitive process — just select "Withdraw from Gemini," choose your bank account and amount, and confirm.
👉 Start your crypto journey with fast deposits and low fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Gemini safe for Singapore investors?
A: Yes. Gemini is regulated by the NYSDFS and employs robust security measures including cold storage, insurance, and two-factor authentication.
Q: Can I buy crypto with SGD on Gemini?
A: Absolutely. Gemini supports direct purchases of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) using Singapore Dollars.
Q: Are there any hidden fees?
A: Not if you switch to ActiveTrader. The Basic tier includes markups on spreads, but ActiveTrader charges a transparent 0.35% trading fee.
Q: Why is customer support slow?
A: High user growth may be overwhelming their support team. Uploading documents manually can help speed up verification.
Q: Can I trade on mobile with low fees?
A: Not directly. The mobile app doesn’t support ActiveTrader mode. Use the desktop site via mobile browser for lower fees.
Q: Is Gemini suitable for beginners?
A: Yes — especially those who value security and simplicity. Just take time to learn the ActiveTrader interface for better cost efficiency.
Final Thoughts: Is Gemini the Best Crypto Broker?
After nearly a week of active use, I believe Gemini is one of the best entry points into cryptocurrency investing, especially for those new to the space or based in Singapore.
Its regulatory compliance, SGD pairing, clean interface, and low trading fees (via ActiveTrader) make it a compelling choice despite minor drawbacks like mobile limitations and slow support response times.
While crypto prices may seem high historically, my decision to invest stems from deep research — particularly into Ethereum’s long-term potential. I only allocate funds I won’t need soon, treating this as a long-term bet on digital innovation.
👉 Compare top platforms and find the right fit for your investment goals.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry risk; always do your own research before investing.