VaultRubric
Coinbase vs Gemini
Pick your crypto platform by the evidence.
Coinbase and Gemini are both popular crypto exchanges. Below: the sourced facts side by side, then VaultRubric's equal-weight score with the math shown, so you can see exactly why one comes out ahead. Every number links to its source and date; anything we couldn't verify says not found.
Run your own comparison →Opens the tool with these platforms filled in, so you can change the weights.
Key facts compared
| Fact | Coinbase | Gemini |
|---|---|---|
| Trading fees (entry tier) | 0.4%–0.6% maker / 0.6%–1.2% taker Coinbase Advanced base tier; sources disagree (0.40/0.60 vs 0.60/1.20). Simple buys: ~0.84% fee + ~1% spread per Yahoo. src · 2026-10-10 src · 2026-10-10 | 0.2%–0.6% maker / 0.4%–1.2% taker ActiveTrader base tier; sources disagree (0.20/0.40 vs 0.60/1.20, latter citing schedule dated 2026-09-01). Simple app: $0.99–$2.99 flat or 1.49% + 0.5% convenience fee (Finder). src · 2026-10-10 src · 2026-10-10 |
| Supported coins | 271+ src · 2026-10-10 | 81+ src · 2026-10-10 |
| Security incidents | 2025-05 Bribed overseas support contractors leaked customer data (~69k accounts); no passwords/keys/funds accessed; est. cost up to $400M src src | 2022/2023 Third-party vendor incidents leaked customer names/emails/partial phones; phishing followed; no accounts accessed src |
| Regulatory / legal actions | 2023-01 NYDFS consent order over compliance (AML/KYC) failures: $50M penalty + $50M compliance investment src · 2026-10-10 | 2024-06 NY Attorney General settlement over Gemini Earn: $50M src · 2026-10-10 2025-01 CFTC settlement over false/misleading statements in a derivatives product certification: $5M src · 2026-10-10 |
| Proof of reserves | not found | not found |
| US availability | Yes, 50 states src · 2026-10-10 | Yes, 50 states src · 2026-10-10 |
| Licensing / regulation | Public company (Nasdaq-listed per Datawallet: 'S&P 500 listed'); NY BitLicense src · 2026-10-10 | NYDFS trust charter; Nasdaq-listed src · 2026-10-10 |
VaultRubric verdict
VaultRubric pick: Coinbase
⚠ Coinbase: data breach (2025-05)
⚠ Coinbase: Regulatory: NYDFS consent order over compliance (AML/KYC) failures: $50M penalty + $50M compliance investment (2023-01)
⚠ Gemini: data breach (2022/2023)
⚠ Gemini: Regulatory: NY Attorney General settlement over Gemini Earn: $50M (2024-06)
⚠ Gemini: Regulatory: CFTC settlement over false/misleading statements in a derivatives product certification: $5M (2025-01)
| Criterion (weight) | Coinbase | Gemini |
|---|---|---|
| Fees (17%) | 10.0/10 | 10.0/10 |
| Security & track record (17%) | 6.5/10 | 5.5/10 |
| Supported coins (17%) | 10.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| Ease of use (17%) | 8.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| Customer support (17%) | 3.0/10 | 3.0/10 |
| US availability/regulation (17%) | 10.0/10 | 10.0/10 |
| Overall | 79.2% coverage 100% | 74.0% coverage 100% |
Show math: Coinbase
0.167×10.0 + 0.167×6.5 + 0.167×10.0 + 0.167×8.0 + 0.167×3.0 + 0.167×10.0 = 7.92; ÷ covered weight 1.000 = 7.92/10 → 79.2%Show math: Gemini
0.167×10.0 + 0.167×5.5 + 0.167×7.9 + 0.167×8.0 + 0.167×3.0 + 0.167×10.0 = 7.40; ÷ covered weight 1.000 = 7.40/10 → 74.0%Pros and cons
From independent reviews; each point links to its source.
Coinbase
Pros
- Suitable for beginners and advanced traders src
- Educational learn-and-earn program src
- Large selection of cryptocurrencies src
- Advanced charting and tools available src
Cons
Opens the tool with these platforms filled in, so you can change the weights.
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FAQ
Is Coinbase or Gemini better?
On VaultRubric's equal-weight rubric, Coinbase scores higher (79.2% vs 74.0% for Coinbase and Gemini respectively). The better choice depends on what you weight most; run the tool with your own priorities.
Which has lower fees, Coinbase or Gemini?
Entry-tier taker fees in our data: Coinbase 1.2%, Gemini 1.2%. They are the same on that measure. Spreads and withdrawal fees are extra; check each fee page.
Has Coinbase lost customer funds in a hack?
No customer-funds hack is in our curated data. It does list: 2025-05: Bribed overseas support contractors leaked customer data (~69k accounts); no passwords/keys/funds accessed; est. cost up to $400M.
Is Coinbase available in the US?
Yes. All 50 states
Has Gemini lost customer funds in a hack?
No customer-funds hack is in our curated data. It does list: 2022/2023: Third-party vendor incidents leaked customer names/emails/partial phones; phishing followed; no accounts accessed.
Is Gemini available in the US?
Yes. All 50 states
How does VaultRubric score platforms?
Each criterion gets 0–10 from cited evidence (curated dated data, live independent reviews, and AI analysis that must quote its source verbatim). Weights are normalized to 100%; missing data is excluded and shown as coverage. Platforms with an unreimbursed customer-funds hack in the last 48 months are capped at 60% and can't be the pick. Criminal guilty pleas (−2) and major civil settlements (−1) in the last 5 years reduce the security score.