Gate.io exchange profile

Profile of Gate.io: exchange information, markets and recorded details on GradeMarket.

Gate.io is one of the oldest cryptocurrency exchanges still in operation. Founded in 2013, it has become the go-to platform for traders seeking newly launched and lesser-known cryptocurrencies, with more than 3,500 listed digital assets—one of the largest selections in the industry. Spot trading fees range from 0.10% to 0.20%, while futures fees start at 0.02% maker. According to Gate.io's official Terms of Service, Iran is listed as a restricted jurisdiction. Gate.io is best suited for traders who prioritize access to a wide variety of cryptocurrencies rather than a simplified user interface or the strongest regulatory transparency.

The Hack Gate.io Chose Not to Talk About

In November 2022, prominent on-chain investigator ZachXBT published evidence suggesting that Gate.io had been the victim of a major security breach in April 2018, resulting in losses of approximately $230 million. According to his findings, the exchange never publicly disclosed the incident.

At the time, Gate.io CEO Lin Han was actively promoting the platform as one of the safest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world.

Subsequent investigations, including documents released by U.S. prosecutors regarding cyberattacks linked to North Korea's Lazarus Group, associated the 2018 incident with the same hacking organization.

Gate.io has never officially confirmed the reported loss, stating only that it had strengthened its internal security systems.

Key Features

• More than 3,500 listed cryptocurrencies, offering one of the broadest asset selections among major exchanges
• Operating since 2013, making it one of the industry's longest-running exchanges
• Regular Proof of Reserves reports showing reserve ratios above 100%
• Advanced trading features including futures with up to 125x leverage, copy trading, and investment products
• Regulatory registrations and licenses in jurisdictions including Malta (MFSA), Italy (OAM), and Dubai (DMCC)

Fees and Costs

Spot trading fees generally range between 0.10% and 0.20%, depending on the user's account tier.

Holding the exchange's native GT token or increasing monthly trading volume can reduce these fees.

For futures trading, the standard fee schedule starts at:

• Maker: 0.02%
• Taker: 0.05%

At lower account tiers, however, taker fees may reach approximately 0.075%, making them slightly higher than those charged by competitors such as Bybit and MEXC.

Security and Trust

Since rebranding from Bter to Gate.io in 2017, the exchange has not experienced any publicly confirmed large-scale hack directly affecting its current wallet infrastructure.

However, the alleged 2018 incident continues to raise questions regarding the company's transparency.

Today, Gate.io employs multiple security measures, including:

• Cold wallet storage
• Multi-Party Computation (MPC) technology
• ISO 27001 certification
• Regular Proof of Reserves reports

The exchange also holds an AA security rating from CER.live.

Support for Iranian Users

According to the Restricted Locations section of Gate.io's official User Agreement, Iran is explicitly listed as a prohibited jurisdiction.

The exchange now requires mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) verification for all users, making it effectively impossible to use the platform without completing identity verification.

Iranian identity documents are generally rejected during the KYC process.

Because Gate.io may update its list of restricted jurisdictions without prior notice, these policies could change in the future. However, as of 2026, Gate.io is not officially available to users in Iran.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The broadest selection of listed cryptocurrencies among major exchanges
• Long operating history with multiple regulatory registrations
• Regular Proof of Reserves reports and a strong AA security rating from CER.live

Cons

• Lack of transparency surrounding the alleged 2018 security incident
• Futures taker fees can be slightly higher than those of competitors such as Bybit and MEXC
• Officially restricts Iranian users and offers no direct fiat deposit options for them

Compared with Competitors

When it comes to the variety of supported cryptocurrencies, few major exchanges can compete with Gate.io. If you're searching for a newly launched or low-cap altcoin, you're more likely to find it here than on most competing platforms.

However, for futures trading fees, exchanges like MEXC and Bybit are generally more competitive.

Likewise, in terms of regulatory transparency and institutional credibility, Kraken and Coinbase maintain stronger reputations.

How to Sign Up in Three Steps

1. Register on the official Gate.io website or mobile app using a valid email address or a non-Iranian phone number.
2. Upload valid identity documents to complete the mandatory KYC verification process.
3. Once approved, fund your account and choose the market you wish to trade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Gate.io work for Iranian users?

No. Under Gate.io's official User Agreement, Iran is listed as a restricted jurisdiction.

Is Gate.io safe?

From a technical standpoint, the exchange now operates with strong security infrastructure. However, its lack of transparency regarding the alleged 2018 security incident continues to attract criticism.

Why does Gate.io list so many cryptocurrencies?

From its early years, Gate.io has focused on rapidly listing emerging blockchain projects and smaller-cap altcoins, making it one of the industry's most diverse exchanges.

Final Verdict and Rating

• Security: 6/10
• Fees: 7/10
• Persian-language Support: 1/10

Gate.io is an outstanding choice for traders looking to access newly listed and lesser-known cryptocurrencies. Its extensive asset selection is difficult to match among major exchanges. However, concerns about transparency surrounding the alleged 2018 incident, combined with its official restrictions on Iranian users, make it a less attractive option for those who prioritize regulatory trust and straightforward accessibility.

This review is based on information available as of 2026. Exchange policies, trading fees, supported jurisdictions, and regulatory status may change over time. Always verify the latest information on Gate.io's official website before creating an account.