Comparison of Gemini vs Valr [ 2024 ]

The crypto exchanges compared by their commissions, cryptos, security and much more. Here is the Gemini vs Valr comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Gemini

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Valr

Main points

Fees

0,20%/0,40%

Earns

Customer service

4/5

-0,01%/0,10%

Fees

Earns

4/5

Customer service

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

3.5 – Higher fees but strong security and ease of use.

4.0 – Competitive fees with strong local support in South Africa.

Level

0,20%/0,40%

-0,01%/0,10%

Brief explanation

Gemini’s commission structure is multifaceted, tailored to accommodate both high-volume traders and those just starting out. For smaller transactions, particularly those made via the mobile app or web interface, the fees can be relatively high, which might deter low-volume or novice traders. However, as trading volume increases, the fees become more competitive, aligning with industry standards to favor more active traders. The exchange employs a tiered fee schedule, which decreases per transaction fees for users who have a higher 30-day trading volume. This tiered system is designed to incentivize and reward frequent trading with lower transaction costs. Overall, while Gemini’s fees are competitive at higher volumes, they can be considered steep for users making smaller or infrequent trades.

VALR’s commission structure is designed to be competitive and attractive to both novice and experienced traders. The exchange employs a tiered fee system where the trading fees decrease as the user’s monthly trading volume increases. This incentivizes higher trading volumes while maintaining affordability for smaller traders. Fees for typical trades start relatively low, with further reductions possible depending on the trade volume and currency pairs being traded. Additionally, VALR occasionally runs promotions that temporarily reduce fees or offer rebates, enhancing the trading experience.

Gemini

Security Methods: Gemini employs state-of-the-art security measures, including the use of cold storage for the majority of the assets, two-factor authentication, and strict operational protocols. This rigorous approach to security minimizes the risk of hacking and unauthorized access, ensuring the safety of user funds.
Possible Regulation: As a New York trust company, Gemini operates under the regulatory oversight of the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYSDFS). This compliance with one of the strictest regulatory frameworks in the cryptocurrency world underscores Gemini's commitment to legal and ethical operations.
Reputation and Reviews: Gemini has built a strong reputation within the cryptocurrency community for its transparency and reliability. User reviews often highlight the platform's user-friendly interface and the peace of mind that comes with trading on a regulated exchange.
Transparency: Gemini is known for its clear and straightforward communication regarding its operations, fees, and security measures. This level of transparency is critical in building trust with users and is indicative of the exchange's commitment to fair and open practices.
Withdrawal and Deposit Policies: Gemini offers structured and secure withdrawal and deposit policies, including FDIC insurance on USD deposits. These policies are clearly outlined, easy to understand, and designed to protect users' interests, making it easier for traders to manage their funds efficiently and with confidence.

Valr

Strong Security Measures: VALR employs robust security protocols including cold storage of assets, two-factor authentication, and secure encryption technologies to ensure user funds are protected against unauthorized access.
Compliance with Local Regulations: As a South African exchange, VALR adheres to local financial regulations and guidelines, which bolsters its credibility and reliability as a trustworthy platform in the eyes of both users and regulators.
High Trading Volume and Liquidity: VALR supports a high trading volume and offers substantial liquidity, making it easier for users to enter and exit positions, which is especially beneficial for traders looking to execute large volume trades.
Reputation and Reviews: Since its launch, VALR has built a solid reputation within the cryptocurrency community. Positive user reviews often highlight its user-friendly interface, range of supported cryptocurrencies, and responsive customer support.
Year Founded: Established in 2018, VALR has rapidly grown to become one of the leading exchanges in South Africa, demonstrating strong market resilience and continuous adaptation to user needs and technological advancements.

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Direct link to the website

Product selection

Native token

Earns

NFT marketplace

Cripto/debit card

Full name

Gemini Trust Company, LLC

VALR Pty Ltd.

Regulation

Regulated in the EE. UU.

Regulated in Sudáfrica

Year founded

2015

2019

Founder

Tyler y Cameron Winklevoss

Farzam Ehsani

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Gemini	FEATURES	Valr
Gemini allows for relatively low minimum trades, making it accessible for beginners but has a minimum threshold.	Minimum Trade	VALR allows relatively low minimum trades, making it accessible for beginners to start trading without requiring large initial investments.
Fees are competitive at higher trade volumes but can be relatively high for smaller transactions.	Trading and Transaction Fees	One of VALR’s strongest features is its competitive fee structure, which ranks among the lowest in the industry, benefiting all types of traders.
Gemini offers a solid selection of major cryptocurrencies but lacks variety in lesser-known altcoins.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	The exchange offers a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, providing ample opportunities for diversification.
Offers a variety of crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, covering most popular combinations.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	VALR supports a broad range of trading pairs, allowing users to trade directly between various cryptocurrencies without needing to convert to fiat.
Gemini excels in providing clear and comprehensive details on its operations and policies.	Website Transparency	While VALR generally provides clear information, some users might find details regarding certain policies and operational procedures could be better highlighted.
This card provides up to 3% back in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies on dining purchases, 2% on groceries, and 1% on all other purchases, making it a valuable addition for users looking to integrate their crypto investments with everyday spending.	Credit/Debit Card	The VALR card integrates seamlessly with the exchange, providing convenient access to funds and attractive rewards, enhancing the overall utility of the platform for everyday transactions.
Provides top-notch digital asset security with the majority of assets in cold storage.	Storage Offering	VALR offers secure storage options including cold storage, ensuring high security for stored digital assets.
Gemini offers staking and rewards but with limited options compared to other exchanges.	Staking and Rewards	The platform provides competitive staking options and rewards, making it attractive for users looking to earn passive income.
Both mobile and desktop platforms are highly intuitive, stable, and feature-rich.	Mobile App and Desktop	VALR offers both mobile and desktop platforms that are user-friendly and feature-rich, facilitating trading on-the-go as well as from a desktop setup.
Customer support is knowledgeable and responsive, though not available 24/7.	Customer Service	While available, customer service response times can be slow, which might frustrate users, especially those needing urgent support.
Deposits and withdrawals are secure with clear policies, though some methods may have fees.	Deposit and Withdraw	Deposits and withdrawals are facilitated smoothly, but improvements can be made in terms of speed and the variety of supported currencies and methods.

Key features

Analysis tools

Basic charting tools

Mobile APP

Security

High 4,9/5

High 4,6/5

Additional features

Gemini Earn, staking, Gemini Pay, Gemini dollar (GUSD)

Staking, fiat on/off ramps, VALR Earn, institutional services

Anonymity

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

40+

50+

User-friendliness

Gemini is known for its highly user-friendly interface, making it one of the best choices for beginners. The platform is simple to navigate, and buying and selling cryptocurrencies is straightforward and hassle-free.

VALR offers a user-friendly platform that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for beginners. The interface is designed to facilitate a smooth trading experience with all necessary features easily accessible.

Value for money

Provides reasonable value for money with higher fees but strong security features and a user-friendly interface, making it suitable for beginners.

Offers good value for money with competitive fees and strong local support in South Africa, making it a good choice for regional users.

Countries of operation

United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia

South Africa

Best for

Great for beginners and experienced traders who prioritize security and ease of use, despite higher fees.

Suitable for South African investors looking for a reliable platform with competitive fees and strong local support.

Base currencies available

USD, BTC, ETH

ZAR, BTC

Account

Trading

Gemini is known for its high security and regulatory compliance. It offers a user-friendly platform and a good range of cryptocurrencies but has higher fees compared to some exchanges.

VALR is a popular exchange in South Africa, offering a user-friendly platform and easy fiat integration. It supports a good range of cryptocurrencies and competitive fees but lacks some advanced trading tools.

Deposit and withdrawal

Gemini offers secure deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and cryptocurrencies. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, usually within a day, with competitive fees .

VALR is popular in South Africa, offering easy fiat and cryptocurrency deposit methods. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, with competitive fees.

Account opening process

Gemini provides a user-friendly and secure account opening process. Users need to submit personal information and verify their identity. The process is fully digital and usually completed within a day.

VALR provides a seamless and fully digital account registration process. Users need to submit personal details and verify their identity. The process is quick and usually takes less than a day to complete.

KYC required?

Yes

Customer Service

Gemini provides extensive customer support through email, live chat, and a help center. Support is available 24/7, and the response times are quick, making it reliable for users globally .

VALR provides customer support via email and live chat. The support team is responsive and helpful, but the lack of 24/7 support may be a limitation for some users.

Security

Gemini employs comprehensive security measures, including 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. It is regulated by multiple financial authorities, ensuring high security for investors.

VALR employs robust security features, including 2FA and cold storage. However, it is not regulated by major financial authorities, which might be a concern for some investors.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

Alejandro Borja

In conclusion, Gemini stands out as a robust and reliable cryptocurrency exchange, making it a solid choice for users ranging from beginners to experienced traders. At Threenvest, we recognize Gemini’s commitment to security and regulatory compliance as one of its strongest selling points. This adherence not only ensures the safety of user assets through measures like cold storage and insured hot wallets but also instills confidence due to its regulatory status under the New York State Department of Financial Services. However, it’s important to note that while Gemini excels in security, its fee structure, particularly for low-volume traders, can be a deterrent compared to other platforms that offer lower fees for small transactions. Additionally, Gemini’s user interface, both on the web and mobile app, is designed with clarity and ease of use in mind, which is a significant advantage for those new to cryptocurrency trading. The exchange also provides a range of educational resources that enhance user understanding and engagement with the market. However, the limited selection of altcoins might pose a restriction for users looking to diversify into less mainstream cryptocurrencies. At Threenvest, while we appreciate the security and user-friendly aspects of Gemini, we also advise potential users to consider their trading volume and investment goals when choosing an exchange. Overall, Gemini is recommended for those who prioritize security and a regulated environment, but it may be less suited for those seeking lower fees or a wider range of cryptocurrencies.

Xavier Tarrasó

As an expert reviewer on our website, I highly recommend VALR for anyone entering the cryptocurrency market in South Africa. The platform’s wide array of cryptocurrencies paired with some of the most competitive fees in the market makes it a top choice. However, if you’re trading from outside of South Africa or require swift customer support, you might want to consider these aspects before deciding.

Read Gemini review

View all comparisons against Gemini

Read VALR review

View all comparisons against Valr

How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).

For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.