Gate.io
Founded 2013 by Lin Han
One of the oldest exchanges with the largest selection of altcoins in the world.
Quick Overview
What is Gate.io?
Gate.io is one of the oldest cryptocurrency exchanges still in operation, originally founded as Bter.com in 2013 by Lin Han. It rebranded to Gate.io in 2017 and has since become the go-to platform for traders who want access to the widest possible selection of cryptocurrencies.
With over 2,100 listed cryptocurrencies and 3,400+ trading pairs, Gate.io offers more assets than any other major exchange. This makes it essential for traders who want to discover new tokens early — many projects list on Gate.io well before they appear on Binance or Coinbase.
Beyond raw selection, Gate.io offers a full suite of products including futures trading with up to 100x leverage, copy trading, automated trading bots, and their Startup launchpad for participating in new token launches.
The platform has its own token, GateToken (GT), which provides fee discounts, priority access to Startup launches, and other platform benefits. GT has maintained steady value and utility within the Gate.io ecosystem.
One of Gate.io's unique features is quantitative copy trading, where you can follow algorithmically-driven trading strategies from professional quant traders — a feature few other exchanges offer.
Important to know: Gate.io is not available to US residents. While the exchange has an impressive 12-year security track record with no major breaches, the massive number of listed tokens means many are extremely speculative or low quality. Always research thoroughly before buying small-cap tokens. Gate.io has been working on regulatory compliance in various jurisdictions.
Gate.io Bonuses & Promotions
Current offers available to new and existing users.
Welcome Package
New users can earn up to $6,666 in welcome rewards through tasks and deposits.
Complete registration, first deposit, and first trade to unlock.
Referral Program
Earn up to 40% commission on your referrals' trading fees.
One of the highest referral commissions in the industry.
GT Token Benefits
Hold GT (GateToken) for fee discounts, Startup participation, and more.
GT holders get priority access to new listings.
Startup Airdrops
Free token airdrops for participating in Startup launches.
Regular new projects available for GT holders.
Products & Features
Everything Gate.io offers — from simple buying to advanced trading.
Spot Trading
Trade 2,100+ crypto — the widest altcoin selection of any exchange.
Futures Trading
Perpetual and delivery contracts with up to 100x leverage.
Copy Trading
Follow successful traders and automatically mirror their positions.
Trading Bots
Grid, CTA, MACD, and other automated strategies.
Gate Earn
Staking, lending, liquidity mining — earn yields on 100+ assets.
Startup (Launchpad)
Participate in new token launches and airdrops.
NFT Magic Box
Mystery boxes and NFT marketplace across multiple chains.
Quantitative Copy Trading
Copy algorithmic strategies from professional quant traders.
Margin Trading
Cross and isolated margin trading with up to 10x leverage.
Gate.io Fees
Spot Maker Fee
0.15%
Standard tier — lower with GT
Spot Taker Fee
0.15%
Standard tier — lower with volume
With GT Discount
0.105%
30% off with GateToken
Futures Fee
0.015%/0.05%
Maker/taker for perpetuals
Crypto Deposits
Free
No deposit fees for crypto
Card Purchase
3.5%+
Via third-party providers
Security & Safety
Gate.io has been operating since 2013 without a major security breach, making it one of the longest-running exchanges. They maintain a comprehensive security stack and have published regular Proof of Reserves since 2020. Their "100% Margin" guarantee ensures all user funds are fully backed.
Payment Methods
Pros & Cons
Pros
- + Largest altcoin selection: 2,100+ cryptocurrencies
- + Find micro-cap tokens unavailable elsewhere
- + Oldest exchange still operating (since 2013)
- + Copy trading and quantitative strategies available
- + Strong earn products with good APY rates
- + 100% Margin verification for fund safety
- + Regular Startup/launchpad opportunities
- + No major security breaches in 12+ years
- + Extensive API for algorithmic traders
Cons
- − Higher base fees than Binance/OKX (0.15%)
- − Many listed tokens are extremely low quality/risky
- − Interface can feel cluttered and overwhelming
- − Lower liquidity on obscure pairs
- − Not available in the US (restricted)
- − Customer support quality is inconsistent
- − Mobile app is less polished than competitors
Gate.io Timeline
Founded by Lin Han as Bter.com — one of the earliest Bitcoin exchanges in the world.
Rebranded to Gate.io. Added hundreds of altcoins, becoming known for early listings.
Launched futures trading and startup launchpad. Grew to 5M+ users.
Published Proof of Reserves. Introduced trading bots and earn products.
Massive growth during bull market. Listed 1,000+ new tokens. Reached 10M+ users.
Continued expanding despite bear market. Launched copy trading and NFT marketplace.
Explored regulatory compliance in multiple jurisdictions. Expanded educational content.
Reached 2,100+ listed coins. Strengthened quantitative copy trading features.
Reached 16M+ users. Remains the #1 exchange for altcoin variety and early access.
Our Verdict
Gate.io is the undisputed king of altcoin variety. With 2,100+ cryptocurrencies, it offers more than any other major exchange — making it essential for traders who want early access to new tokens. The exchange has an impressive 12-year track record without major security incidents. However, the sheer number of listed tokens means many are low quality — always do your research. The fees are slightly higher than the cheapest competitors, but for altcoin hunters, Gate.io is irreplaceable.