Introduction
The world of cryptocurrency has come a long way since the early 2010s. Back then, buying Bitcoin (BTC) was a complex process due to the lack of exchanges and its limited use around the world. Today, it’s much simpler to buy crypto because there are many more options available. The most popular way is through a cryptocurrency exchange.
If you’re new to cryptocurrencies, you might feel overwhelmed by all the options online. You may have even opened accounts on different crypto platforms to see which one works best for you. But what if you decide you don’t want to use a platform anymore? Maybe you’ve found a better platform, or you’ve sold all your coins and want to take a break from crypto trading. Can you close your account, and if so, how?
In this guide, we’ll use Gemini, one of the most popular crypto platforms, as an example to show you how to close your crypto account. We’ll also provide some background on Gemini and explain how to open an account, as this information is relevant to the closure process.
About Gemini Exchange
Gemini is a private cryptocurrency exchange owned by Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, famous twin brothers. Users can buy, trade, exchange, and store cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and over 40 other alternative coins (altcoins) such as Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and Bitcoin Cash (BCH). The company is based in New York and is officially called Gemini Trust Company, LLC.
Gemini has its own currency called the Gemini dollar (GUSD). This is a type of cryptocurrency known as a stablecoin. The value of GUSD is tied to the U.S. dollar (USD) in a one-to-one ratio, meaning 1 GUSD is always worth 1 USD.
One of the main ideas behind Gemini is to combine cryptocurrencies with traditional currencies like the US dollar or Euro. Like most crypto exchanges, Gemini allows users to trade in cryptocurrency pairs. They offer more than 20 currency pairings, mostly tied to USD/BTC (US Dollar/Bitcoin), but also including other cryptocurrencies.
Gemini puts a strong emphasis on keeping client information and digital assets safe and secure. Most of the assets stored in their wallets are kept in “cold storage,” which means they’re offline and protected from hackers. They operate every business day for business contacts, but their support team is available 24/7 if you have any issues.
How to Open a Gemini Account
Before we discuss how to close your Gemini account, it’s helpful to understand how to open one. This process involves several steps:
- Go to the Gemini website (gemini.com) and click on “Create Personal Account” on the homepage.
- Enter your full name, email address, and create a password.
- Click on “Create My Account.”
- You’ll receive a confirmation code in your email. Copy this code and paste it into the account creation page, then click “Submit.”
- Next, you’ll go through a three-step identification process:
- Link your mobile phone number to your Gemini account.
- Link your bank account to your Gemini account.
- Verify your identity with a government-issued document or a bank statement.
- Once all these steps are complete, you can add funds to your account and start trading.
Why You Might Want to Close Your Gemini Account
There are several reasons why you might decide to close your Gemini account:
- You’ve found another exchange that better suits your needs.
- You’ve decided to take a break from cryptocurrency trading.
- You’re concerned about the security of your personal information.
- You’re no longer interested in the cryptocurrencies offered by Gemini.
- You’re moving to a country where Gemini doesn’t operate.
Whatever your reason, Gemini allows you to close your account. However, there are a few things you need to know before you start the process.
Preparing to Close Your Gemini Account
Before you can close your Gemini account, there are a few important steps you need to take:
- Withdraw Your Funds: Make sure your account balance is $0.00. You can’t close an account that still has funds in it.
- Complete Any Pending Transactions: If you have any pending ACH transfers, you might need to wait up to 5 business days before you can withdraw your funds and close your account.
- Cancel Any Active Orders: If you have any open buy or sell orders, you’ll need to cancel these before closing your account.
- Download Your Transaction History: For tax purposes, it’s a good idea to download your transaction history before closing your account. You can do this from the “Transaction History” section of your account.
- Disable Two-Factor Authentication: If you’ve set up two-factor authentication, you may need to disable this before closing your account.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’re ready to close your account.
How to Close Your Gemini Account
There are different methods to close your Gemini account depending on whether you’re using the website or the mobile app. We’ll cover both methods.
Closing Your Gemini Account on the Website
- Log in to your Gemini account on the website.
- Go to your account settings. This is usually found by clicking on your username in the top right corner.
- Look for a section called “Profile Settings” or something similar.
- Find and click on a link that says “Account Closure” or “Close Account.”
- You’ll be asked to confirm that you want to close your account. You might need to type the word “CLOSE” in all capital letters to confirm.
- Follow any additional prompts to complete the account closure process.
Closing Your Gemini Account on the Mobile App
The process on the mobile app is similar to the website:
- Open the Gemini app on your phone.
- Go to the Settings tab.
- Look for an option related to account closure or deactivation.
- Follow the prompts to close your account. Like on the website, you might need to type “CLOSE” to confirm.
Alternative Method: Contacting Gemini Support
If you’re having trouble closing your account through the website or app, you can contact Gemini’s customer support:
- Send an email to [email protected].
- In the subject line, write “Request to Close Account.”
- In the body of the email, include your full name and the email address associated with your Gemini account.
- Explain that you want to close your account and ask for their assistance in doing so.
Cancelling Your Gemini Subscription
If you’ve subscribed to any paid services on Gemini, you’ll need to cancel these separately from closing your account. The process for this varies depending on how you subscribed:
For iPhone Users:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap your name at the top.
- Tap “Subscriptions.”
- Find the Gemini subscription and tap it.
- Tap “Cancel Subscription.”
For Android Users:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Make sure you’re signed in to the correct Google Account.
- Tap “Menu” > “Subscriptions.”
- Select the Gemini subscription.
- Tap “Cancel Subscription.”
For PayPal Users:
- Log in to your PayPal account.
- Go to “Settings” > “Payments.”
- Under “Automatic Payments,” click “Manage.”
- Find the Gemini subscription and click “Cancel.”
Remember to cancel your subscription at least 24 hours before it’s due to renew to avoid being charged for the next period.
What Happens After You Close Your Gemini Account?
Once you’ve closed your Gemini account:
- You will no longer be able to log in to your account.
- Any recurring buys or sells will be cancelled.
- You won’t receive any more emails from Gemini (except for a confirmation that your account has been closed).
- Your personal information will be retained by Gemini for a certain period due to legal and regulatory requirements.
Reopening a Closed Gemini Account
If you change your mind after closing your account, you may be able to reopen it. To do this:
- Send an email to [email protected].
- In the subject line, write “Request to Reopen Account.”
- In the email, include your full name and the email address associated with your closed Gemini account.
- Explain that you’d like to reopen your account.
Note that Gemini may not be able to reopen all closed accounts, and you may need to go through the verification process again if your account is reopened.
Alternatives to Closing Your Account
If you’re considering closing your Gemini account because you’re taking a break from trading or you’re concerned about security, there are alternatives you might want to consider:
- Pause Your Account: Some exchanges offer the option to temporarily pause your account. While Gemini doesn’t have this feature, you could simply stop using your account for a while without closing it.
- Enhance Your Security: If you’re worried about security, you could enable additional security features like two-factor authentication instead of closing your account.
- Reduce Your Balance: If you want to limit your exposure to the crypto market, you could sell most of your cryptocurrencies and keep just a small balance in your account.
Final Thoughts
Closing a cryptocurrency exchange account like Gemini is generally straightforward, but it’s important to follow the correct steps to ensure all your funds are withdrawn and any subscriptions are cancelled. Remember, many exchanges make it easy to open an account but can make the closing process a bit more complex. This is a common marketing strategy to encourage users to keep their accounts open.
By following this guide, you should be able to close your Gemini account without any problems. Whether you’re moving to a different exchange, taking a break from crypto, or simply cleaning up your digital footprint, knowing how to properly close your accounts is an important skill in the digital age.
Remember, the cryptocurrency market is always changing, and what doesn’t work for you today might be useful in the future. If you’re unsure about permanently closing your account, consider the alternatives we’ve suggested. And if you do decide to close your account, keep your transaction records safe for future reference, especially for tax purposes.
Stay informed, stay secure, and make the choices that best suit your financial goals and comfort level in the exciting world of cryptocurrency!