Our Verdict

Founded in 2013, Gate.io is one of the oldest cryptocurrency exchanges, now serving over 18 million users in 180+ countries. It offers access to many assets, with over 1600 cryptocurrencies available for P2P, futures, and margin trading. Gate.io has a competitive fee structure, especially for users holding its native GT token.

Gate.io’s main features include advanced trading tools, lending, staking, and a range of DeFi options. It also offers separate Lite and Pro platforms to cater to beginners and experienced traders. The exchange prioritizes security, with features like two-factor authentication and multi-signature cold storage.

With its advanced desktop offerings and trading methods/services, I found Gate.io more suited for experienced traders.

Gate.io Pros and Cons

Is Gate.io Right for You?

Not all traders are the same. Some seek easy apps for trading on the go, while others look for advanced features like leverage or social trading. When reviewing exchanges, we cater to all types of traders, from beginners to advanced. We divided all traders into seven main target groups.

Our thorough yet straightforward method ensures a clear understanding of trading strategies and their requirements. By assessing, ranking, and recording key factors, we determine how well the exchange meets the needs of each target group. We use three types of rankings: perfect match, good choice, and not recommended. Here’s our verdict:

Casual Traders: Perfect Match

Gate.io is a perfect match for casual traders, offering advanced security features such as two-factor authentication, multi-signature wallets, anti-phishing codes, fund passwords, and Gate Ukey.

With the mobile app, a detailed order book, and copy trading, Gate.io makes it easy for beginners to get started.

However, it’s challenging to deposit fiat directly, though P2P and third-party payment options make it possible. Additionally, the platform’s low trading fees give it an edge over exchanges like Coinbase.

Day Traders: Perfect Match

Gate.io is a perfect match for day traders, especially those who trade in high volumes. The platform offers advanced analytical tools, including indicators, charts, and patterns essential for day trading. In testing, Gate.io impressed me with its variety of trading markets, low fees (0.10% maker/taker), and support for over 1500 cryptocurrencies, surpassing platforms like Binance and Coinbase.

However, the platform doesn’t support storing fiat currencies like USD or EUR, so I had to transfer assets from Binance to Gate.io.

Hodlers and Position Traders: Perfect Match

Gate.io is a perfect match for hodlers and position traders, offering a strong level of security with 100% proof of reserves and 2FA. However, unlike some exchanges, it lacks third-party insurance, which may be a concern for some users.

For passive earners, Gate.io provides lending and staking options similar to those on Bybit and Binance. Its services are divided into Simple Earn for lending, offering up to 10% APR, and Crypto Loan for borrowing, with a 5% interest rate on USDT. The exchange supports over 1500 assets and offers various rewards, sign-up bonuses, and referral programs, ideal for users looking to maximize earning opportunities.

Leverage and Derivative Traders: Perfect Match

Gate.io is a perfect match for leverage and derivatives traders. It offers up to 10x leverage for margin trading and 125x for BTC/USDT perpetual futures, significantly higher than Binance’s 50x maximum.

During testing, I discovered that Gate.io provides demo trading for leverage and derivatives, featuring the same interface and tools as real trading, but without using actual funds.

Auto, Social, & Copy Trading: Perfect match

Gate.io is a perfect match for auto and copy traders, though it lacks social trading.

In my testing, I found various copy trading options: for futures, you can select a trader based on metrics like high AUM or returns, while for spot and bot trading, there’s a broad selection of experienced traders. However, unlike Binance, Gate.io doesn’t offer a demo version for futures copy trading.

Gate.io also offers nine trading bots, making it a strong competitor to platforms like Binance and Bybit. These include spot grid, futures grid, margin grid, spot martingale, smart rebalance, combined indicator, spot-futures arbitrage, and infinite grid.

Algorithmic Traders: Perfect Match

Gate.io is a perfect match for algorithmic traders, offering API access that facilitates seamless integration for automated trading strategies. The API supports high-frequency trading, providing efficient trade execution.

However, Gate.io’s documentation does not specify the exact trading speed for algorithmic trading.

DCA Investors: Perfect Match

Gate.io is a perfect match for traders using automated Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA), allowing investments at regular intervals. Gate.io enables backtesting DCA strategies, and in my testing, several plans outperformed the market, even during volatility in July 2024. Gate.io also offers more DCA options than Binance and Bybit.

However, DCA plans accept only USDT or BTC, not fiat. Users can choose the coin, amount, and schedule.

Supported Countries and Regions

Gate.io operates in 197 countries, making it competitive with global exchanges like Binance and Coinbase.

However, it’s restricted in the U.S., Mainland China, Singapore, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Malta, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Crimea, Spain, Luhansk, Donetsk, Netherlands, Bolivia, UK, Myanmar, Venezuela, Uzbekistan, Austria, India, Indonesia, Japan, and more.

Access also varies by region, for instance, Nigerians can use the mobile app, though the website is blocked.

Gate.io Bonuses and Special Offers

Gate.io has a dedicated Rewards Hub that allows users to earn money and get discounts by doing different activities. In my testing, Gate.io offers many bonuses and special offers for new and old users.

Welcome Offers and Signup Bonuses

New users on Gate.io receive $20 worth of points after completing identity verification and $18 in USDT futures vouchers for their first deposit of $20 or more. They also have a chance to win up to $6,628 USDT when they begin spot or futures trading on the platform.

Bonuses

Gate.io offers users credits and bonuses for completing specific tasks. For example, you can earn 5 credits for reaching a $100 spot trading volume or 30 credits for a $10,000 volume.

Referral Programs

Join Gate.io using our referral link to receive a bonus.

Cashback Offers

Gate.io offers many incentives for holding its native GT token. In my hands-on experience, the exchange offered substantial maker fee discounts, potentially reaching 0%. The exchange also offers cashback offers for using the Gate Card.

Gate.io Background

Gate.io was established in 2013 as Bter in China. After China banned crypto and ICOs in 2017, it rebranded as Gate.io and expanded globally.

The founder of Gate.io, Dr. Lin Han, remains the CEO of the exchange in 2024. He is an early advocate of Bitcoin and blockchain technology and founded the crypto exchange in 2013. He also has a PhD degree in optics.

Gate.io has an active social media presence, posting on X at least once a day to its 1.6 million followers. Over the past five years, Gate.io has remained secure with no reported hacks, and it offers a substantial bug bounty program of up to $5,000.

Security and Transparency

Proof of Reserves

Gate.io’s Proof of Reserves fully covers crypto assets. Its PoR has been audited quarterly since the beginning of 2024.

I explored Merkle Tree, a key reason Gate.io can fully safeguard users’ assets. A Merkle Tree uses cryptographic hashes to securely verify large data structures, like user assets. By storing each asset’s hash in the tree’s leaf nodes, users can audit and verify their holdings through a third-party audit. If assets are at or above 100%, they are fully protected on the platform. To ensure privacy and prevent leaks, Gate.io uses zk-SNARK technology to confirm assets without compromising security.

Frequency of Audits

Gate.io excels in audit frequency, conducting independent audits multiple times a year.

I found that Gate.io works closely with Armanio LLP, a professionally renowned and credible asset verification service. All the audits conducted by Armanino LLP are publicly listed on its official website. Hacken, another leading blockchain firm, has also praised Gate.io for its consistently enhanced reporting methods.

Verified Trusted Scores

Gate.io ranks decently among third-party ratings, which assess factors like security, user experience, trading volume, liquidity, and reputation.

Compared to competitors like Binance and Bybit, Gate.io falls slightly short. Other platforms, including Coinbase, OKX, Upbit, and Kraken, also outrank Gate.io on CoinMarketCap’s trust scores, suggesting stronger liquidity, volume, and traffic metrics.

Cybersecurity Measures

Gate.io offers an expansive range of cybersecurity measures. It has a two-factor authentication (2FA) system that combines a password and a verification code. The exchange recommends the Google Authentication App for users. There are also biometric security features like Face ID and fingerprint scanning. All these features are also available in the app.

General Reliability

I found Gate.io’s security measures and response to cyber attacks to be relatively reliable.

It has not been hacked in the last five years, and it offers an active bug bounty program to help it overcome cyber attacks. These bounties are placed in four categories in terms of the seriousness of the potential risk. The compensation for the highest risk is $3,000 to $5,000.

I found that back in 2015, when the exchange was named BTER.com, it experienced a hack of $1.75m and was unable to repay customers. In my opinion, while Gate.io has done some exceptional work to improve its security apparatus, some improvements are still needed.

Corporate Communication Structure

Based on our research, Gate.io is transparent when communicating and has an extensive network of corporate communication channels. Its fee structure and information about its founders and CEO are available for all users within 2-3 clicks from its homepage.

The exchange also has active X, Telegram, and LinkedIn accounts and regularly updates users about its operations. Additional information about its leadership is readily available in interviews and business resources.

Know Your Customer (KYC)

Gate.io has a stringent KYC procedure. While the exchange allows users to sign up and explore certain parts of the platform, such as visiting the trade section and seeing how it works, KYC is required to proceed further.

On Gate.io, there are three different levels of KYC, which include:

In my testing, Gate.io’s KYC process was concise, providing necessary information on the type of documents you need. For all KYC levels, it took less than an hour to get verified. In my opinion, this is very decent, although competitors like Bitstamp approved my KYC requests in less than 10 minutes.

Is Gate.io Safe to Trade With?

In summary, our findings indicate that Gate.io can be regarded as having a moderate level of trust and stability due to the following factors:

• Gate.io excels with its Proof of Reserves and quarterly audits.
• The exchange has extensive cybersecurity measures. It offers 2FA and biometric security that is highly effective.
• Its third-party trust score ranking is also decent. Coinmarketcap gives it a 6.9 rating out of 10, while CoinGecko gives it 9 out of 10.

However, there are issues with hacks. One in 2018 and 2019 directly affected the exchange. X was also compromised. The good news is that Gate.io has always tried to reimburse customers’ funds after each security incident.

Trading Experience

Other services for advanced traders include institutional trading, algorithmic trading, and the NFT marketplace. Gate.io’s NFT marketplace is well-arranged. You get to see the latest drop, your assets, and creator certification. While exploring, I could easily see the collection floor price and issued amount. In comparison, MEXC doesn’t even have an NFT marketplace. On their mobile app, Binance offers more features for NFTs than Gate.io.

Trading Test

For our trading test, we thoroughly evaluated the Gate.io platform. Our process included signing up, completing the KYC (Know Your Customer) verification, logging in, depositing funds, and making withdrawals. We also tested the trading functionalities by exploring different trading pairs and conversions and assessed the associated fees for transfers and withdrawals. This comprehensive test allows us to provide an informed and reliable review of the exchange’s usability, features, and actual costs. Here’s our detailed analysis:

Step 1: Setting up and Funding Account

Signup: Creating an account at Gate.io is relatively straightforward. You only need an email/phone and a password.

Alternatively, you can sign up using your Google, Apple, or MetaMask account.

KYC Verification: You can choose to complete your KYC verification either immediately or after exploring the exchange. The KYC process consists of two main parts: identity verification and address verification. I recommend completing both to access all the services on the exchange. The identity verification took me less than 5 minutes, while the address verification took about 20 minutes.

Login: Depending on how you created your account, you can log in using your email/phone number and password or through supported accounts like Google, Microsoft, Telegram, Apple, or MetaMask. You can also log in by scanning a QR code from the mobile app. I used the QR code option, and it was quick and straightforward.

Deposit: I transferred 0.3142 LTC worth $20 from my Binance account to my Gate.io wallet. It was within the Litecoin network, and I was charged a transaction fee of 0.0001000 LTC.

Hence, the net amount was 0.3141 LTC, as shown by Binance. The same 0.3141 LTC arrived at my Gate.io wallet with no deductions.

Step 2: Trading

In my testing, I decided to explore Gate.io’s trading pairs. I selected LTC/USDT as my trading pair.

Below, I converted LTC to USDT at market price. It took me a few seconds to execute this trade. They charged me a fee of 0.01983 USDT to execute a trade of 19.83 USDT. Note that this was a taker order, with 7700+ confirmations.

The conversion was very fast, as it only took a few seconds to execute the trade.

I traded the USDT back to LTC. As shown in the image below, I set a tight stop loss.

The trade took around a minute to execute. I was charged 0.0003131 LTC as a fee. This was a bit slower than converting from LTC to USDT.

Step 3: Withdrawal and Review

Gate.io supports on-chain withdrawals. You can also use phone/email/Gate UID, or GateCode.

I moved my LTC back to my Binance wallet after the trade to confirm withdrawal fees. I was charged a fee of 0.00767 LTC, which is extremely high compared to what Binance charged me to withdraw to Gate.io.

It took around 5 minutes to process the withdrawal to my Binance wallet. This was faster than Binance’s 9 minutes.

Desktop Version

The Gate.io desktop version is quite complicated and better suited for experienced traders rather than beginners. During my tests, it showed a good balance between functionality and ease of use.

I tested Gate.io using the Google Chrome browser and found it to be highly responsive, with requests processed within seconds. The trade navigation is straightforward, making it easier to manage trades efficiently.

There’s no dedicated withdrawal button on the homepage. You will need to click on the “Assets” button and “Fund Management” before you see the option to withdraw. However, once you get the hang of it, the interface becomes easy to use.

The order book is well-organized, with open orders, order history, trade history, bots, and assets all visible from the main screen.

Additionally, there’s an intuitive search bar that quickly brings up results for tokens, exchange functions, topics, or keywords. It also displays trending coins and their 24-hour market performance.

Gate.io includes wallet protection measures such as warning notifications, trusted address lists, and QR code scanning for added security.

Bots on Gate.io

• Margin, Infinite, and Spot Grid Bots: Grid bots are the primary bot offering from Gate.io, designed to execute the classic trading strategy of buying low and selling high. They are ideal for volatile markets. These bots are tailored for different trading scenarios, each automating the buy-low, sell-high strategy.
• Average Cost Bots: These are typically used for dollar-cost averaging, allowing users to buy in batches during market dips, especially in volatile conditions.
• Passive Arbitrage Bots: Low-risk bots that capitalize on price differences between markets to generate earnings through arbitrage.
• Expert Bot: This bot allows advanced users to create their own custom bots by setting specific parameters, offering flexibility and control over trading strategies.

In my opinion, Gate.io’s bots are easy to use. You can even copy trades in the process. For instance, I selected the spot grid bot and set my investment amount in USDT.

API on Gate.io

Gate.io also enables users to create APIs for trading. I tested it, and it was quite simple. You can set IP permissions, choose the account type, and select between the API V4 key or API V2 key. Some of the permissions you can grant include spot trade, futures, P2P, wallet, loan, copy, etc.

My Key Takeaways After Testing Gate.io

Based on my hands-on experience, Gate.io is an excellent exchange for advanced trading. However, it remains user-friendly, and with some patience, even beginner traders can harness its powerful tools. The platform offers a wide range of features, including staking options, lending and borrowing, P2P trading, copy trading, and derivatives. These extensive offerings position Gate.io ahead of many other exchanges in the market.

Mobile App

Gate.io offers two mobile app versions: Pro and Lite, similar to Binance and Kraken. Each version has its own app available for Android and iOS. In my opinion, this setup isn’t ideal, as switching between apps is less convenient compared to platforms like Binance, where you can easily switch within a single app.

Gate.io Pro Version

The Pro version mirrors the desktop experience, making it an excellent on-the-go tool for professional traders. However, there’s a significant difference in security between the Pro and Lite versions, which is a potential drawback. The Pro version includes all available security features, such as 2FA, biometric verification, and fund passwords, while the Lite version functions more like an advanced wallet with fewer security options.

Gate.io Lite Version

The lite version is not just a wallet. It still offers services like trading and even an NFT marketplace. However, it has fewer features compared to the Pro version. For instance, the Lite version does not include futures, margin, algorithmic, and copy trading in the lite version. It is basically for spot buy, sell, and swap.

In terms of security, the Lite version is limited to 2FA and fund passwords, with no biometric verification enabled. Additionally, the Lite version lacks several key features, such as a search button, customizable notifications, institutional trading, bots, lending, and borrowing, all of which are available in the Pro version.

My Key Takeaways After Testing Gate.io on Mobile

I tested the Pro and Lite versions of the apps separately. As the name suggests, the pro is for advanced traders, and the lite is for beginners. In my opinion, the Lite version is more like a wallet, where you monitor the digital assets at Gate.io. However, the Pro version is more advanced and has the same functions as the desktop. You can engage in spot, margin, and futures trading using bots and copy trading.

Fees

Spot Maker/Taker Fees

In our review of spot fees, we examine spot fees across three distinct tiers, focusing on the fees for different trading volumes. We focus on the essentials and potential savings through native tokens and various discount schemes. Our unique methodology provides a clear view of fee structures and how they benefit traders of all levels.

The first tier typically represents casual traders, as they don’t usually trade more than $10,000 per month, while the higher tiers often relate to more advanced traders. Using this method, we’re categorizing users not only by their trading style but also by the amount of money they spend on the exchange.

Additionally, we also compare these fees with industry standards to give a thorough perspective on each exchange’s affordability.

From my hands-on experience, Gate.io’s fee structure is very low compared to industry-leading exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken and is on par with Binance, which has a 0.1% fee for both maker and taker. When I tested Gate.io, I placed a $20 maker order, and the net amount after the fees was $19.98. In the same way, I placed the same $20 taker order, and the net amount after the fees was $19.98.

Deposit Fees

Gate.io allows direct crypto deposits with no fees.

Users can buy crypto with fiat via Gate Connect and other payment methods. However, Gate.io’s deposit options are limited compared to exchanges like Coinbase and Binance, which allow direct fiat deposits.

Additionally, Gate.io’s fees for buying crypto are high, with credit/debit card purchases incurring over 4% per $10,000 transaction.

Withdrawal Fees

Direct crypto withdrawals are also available, with no fees beyond network gas fees (e.g., 9 USDT for USDT or 0.5 USDT via BEP20).

Gate.io’s fees for selling crypto are lower than for buying. However, third-party options like Banxa charge up to 4.464% per $10k transaction — much higher than Coinbase’s free ACH and SEPA fiat withdrawals.

Leverage and Futures Trading Fee Rate

Gate.io offers additional fee schemes based on account asset value and GT token holdings, alongside trading volume.

Gate.io’s leverage and futures trading fees are competitive. For comparison, Bitget’s futures maker/taker fees are 0.020%/0.060%, and BitMex charges 0.02%/0.075%. In my test, a $20 maker order netted $19.996, and a taker order netted $19.99, reflecting Gate.io’s low fees. Overall, it outperforms major exchanges like Coinbase in this category.

Note that fees and payment options may vary by country.

Fee Discounts

Gate.io’s fee discounts depend on whether you are trading spot or futures. If you are trading spot, their fee discount program is divided into two according to your VIP level on the platform and GT debit.

The same thing applies to its futures trading. It has discount programs according to the VIP level and Point Credit. With Point Credit, users can reduce taker fees for futures trading to as low as 0.0225%.

In my testing, if you are a beginner on Gate.io, you might not receive as many fee discounts as old users. Your account is automatically placed at VIP 0. Hence, your account must reach $60k trading volume, 100GT positions, or $2k account asset value to start receiving fee discounts. A crypto exchange like MEXC offers more discounts. In fact, you get 0% fee rates for holding its native tokens.

Are Gate.io Fees Competitive?

In my opinion, Gate.io is an excellent exchange in terms of fees, as it has some of the lowest fees in the market. Its spot and futures trading fees are highly competitive compared to platforms like Coinbase, Bitget, and BitMex.

Gate.io provides a good entry point for trading with low fees, even for beginners. At the same time, you might not get some of its fee discounts until you reach a certain VIP level. To enter VIP 1, you might have reached a $60k trading volume, 100GT positions, or $2k account asset value.

Please note that fees may vary, and it’s advisable to check Gate.io’s official website for the latest information. In summary, Gate.io’s fees are competitively priced, making it suitable for beginners, experienced, casual, DCA, leveraged traders, and so on.

Cryptocurrencies Available

The Gate.io token listing process is quite straightforward. The token developers submit the project for initial review. Then, there’s an in-depth review before the technical evaluation. The token must also comply with their legal requirements before final approval.

Deposit and Withdrawals

Gate.io Deposit Options

Although you can use fiat (USD, Euro, or GBP) to buy crypto at Gate.io, you can’t have a fiat balance (USD, Euro, GBP, etc). Nevertheless, you can purchase crypto using bank transfer, P2P, and third-party services. This is a major drawback, considering Binance and other exchanges allow their users to maintain a fiat balance, making it look like a bank account.

P2P platform

Gate.io also offers a well-organized P2P platform for buying and selling crypto, with options for different currencies, payment methods, and tokens. However, I encountered an issue: only USDT had guaranteed merchants available for purchasing. When I tried to buy other cryptocurrencies like DOGE, BTC, or ETH, there were no merchants available. In contrast, when I tested Bybit’s P2P platform, I found that there were more merchants and a wider selection of available cryptocurrencies.

Note that deposit options can vary significantly from region to region. Always check the exchange’s official site for the most accurate and region-specific deposit information.

Gate.io Withdrawal Methods

Fiat withdrawals are not supported on Gate.io, which is a drawback compared to exchanges like Coinbase, which allow users to store and withdraw fiat. You can sell crypto and receive fiat directly to your bank account or debit/credit card via P2P or the express option, but fiat cannot be stored on the exchange.

Gate.io Withdrawal Limits

The daily withdrawal limit depends on your KYC level. The daily limit for a new account is 100,000 USDT, and for those who passed KYC1, it is 2,000,000 USDT. KYC2 is 5,000,000 USDT and KYC3 is 8,000,000 USDT.

Customer Service

Gate.io’s customer support is not the best on the market, although it offers assistance in 14 languages via email, bot support, and a help center. While the AI bot is fast, it doesn’t connect users to a real representative. Email support with a live agent provides quality answers, but response times are slow. In my opinion, Gate.io’s customer service falls short compared to platforms like Coinbase and OKX.

In addition to its customer support channels, Gate.io offers resources like the Gate Blog, Gate Learn, and a comprehensive FAQ section. However, the exchange does not provide account managers or special support for high-volume traders.

Gate.io Customer Support Test

To evaluate the quality of customer services for diverse user needs, we created a unique trading test. We personally contact support using all available methods and present hypothetical problems that users might face. Our evaluation concentrates on how quickly they respond, the quality of the help provided, and whether we can talk to a real person rather than a bot. This method effectively measures the capability of customer support to assist both active traders and casual investors.

In my testing, I explored all available customer support channels on Gate.io. I sent an email and waited over two weeks for a reply, only to receive an unrelated response about buying crypto with cash instead of an answer to my question on third-party insurance coverage. Email remains the only option to reach a real person, though response times are long.

The bot assistant is quick, responding in seconds, but its answers are often irrelevant. The help center offers a range of useful articles, though these may not address specific inquiries. Unlike Gate.io, exchanges like Coinbase and OKX provide phone support, which greatly enhances the support experience.

FAQ

Is Gate.io Legit?

Our testing revealed that Gate.io appears legitimate, with security features like proof of reserves and an active bug bounty program. However, please do your own research and exercise caution when deciding where to store your cryptocurrencies.

Can US Citizens Use Gate.io?

No, the United States is among the restricted countries on Gate.io. However, Gate.io is planning to reintroduce itself in the United States.

Has Gate.io Ever Been Hacked?

Yes, the crypto exchange was hacked in 2015, 2018, and 2019. Moreover, their Twitter (X) account was also compromised in 2022. However, in the last five years, the exchange’s security has been stable.

Does Gate.io Require KYC?

Yes, the exchange requires new users to complete their KYC verification before trading. Identity and address verification are the two major KYC methods.

Can I Use Leverage or Margin Trading on This Exchange?

Yes, Gate.io offers leverage and margin trading. The exchange offers a 10x maximum leverage for margin trading and up to 125x leverage on derivatives.

Is My Money Safe on a Cryptocurrency Exchange?

Gate.io has plenty of security measures available to keep the exchange safe. They provide a full Proof of Reserves. Moreover, other cybersecurity measures, like 2FA and biometric verifications, are available.

Is Gate.io Regulated?

Yes, the crypto exchange is regulated. It has legal licenses across Dubai DMCC, Bahamas, Lithuania, Australia, Italy, Malta, Gibraltar, and Hong Kong.

Does Gate.io Offer Any Bonuses, Welcome Offers, or Referral Rewards to Its Users?

The exchange has numerous bonuses, welcome offers, and referral rewards. They have bonuses crafted for new and old users. Join Gate.io using our referral link to receive a bonus