New York crypto investors have long navigated some of the nation’s strictest digital asset regulations. In a significant move for the local market, Gemini has officially expanded its staking services for Ethereum and Solana to include customers in the Empire State.
As of February 10, 2026, New York residents can earn passive rewards on their crypto holdings directly through the Gemini platform. This expansion aims to provide a compliant and accessible way for retail investors to participate in network validation.
According to an official announcement on the Gemini blog, users can now earn a yield from Proof of Stake (PoS) blockchains.
Key Takeaways
- New York residents can now stake Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) directly on Gemini.
- The service features no minimum staking amount, which lowers the barrier to entry for retail investors.
- Gemini charges a service fee of up to 30% on earned staking rewards.
- Staked assets help secure their respective blockchains and earn rewards in the form of additional tokens.
What does Gemini’s New York expansion mean for investors?
For years, New York’s BitLicense requirements have created a restrictive environment where many popular crypto services were unavailable. By bringing staking to New York, the Gemini crypto exchange is bridging a gap that previously forced investors to leave their assets idle.
This expansion allows users to put their digital assets to work without moving funds off-exchange. For many retail investors, the primary benefit is the simplification of a technical process.
Normally, staking requires managing hardware or interacting with complex smart contracts on-chain via a crypto wallet. For New York investors focused on yield generation, Gemini staking now offers a regulated alternative to decentralized staking pools.
It also provides a simpler path than setting up self-hosted validator nodes.
How do Ethereum and Solana staking rewards work?
Staking is the process of participating in a “Proof of Stake” (PoS) network. By locking your tokens, you help the network reach consensus and validate transactions.
In exchange for this service, the network distributes rewards to participants. On Gemini, these rewards are calculated based on the protocol’s current inflation rate and the total amount of assets staked globally.
While the yield fluctuates based on network activity, it provides a way for long-term holders to increase their token count without making additional purchases.
Rewards are typically paid out in the same cryptocurrency you stake, such as ETH or SOL. This means your token balance can compound if you leave the staking feature enabled.
However, investors should remember that rewards are generally treated as taxable income at the time they are received.
What are the costs and fees for staking on Gemini?
While the convenience of exchange-based staking is high, it comes at a price. Gemini currently charges a service fee of up to 30% of the rewards earned.
This fee is deducted from the rewards before they reach your account, meaning the advertised yield is usually the net amount you receive.
According to a comparison of the best crypto staking platforms, Gemini’s fee structure sits on the higher end of the industry average. Some competitors charge between 25% and 35%.
In contrast, decentralized options may offer lower costs but involve higher technical risks.
For New York residents, the trade-off is between paying higher service fees for a regulated option versus navigating the complexity of non-custodial solutions. Many other crypto exchanges still cannot offer these services in the state.
How does Gemini compare to Coinbase and other exchanges?
When choosing a staking provider, New York residents have fewer options than the rest of the country. Coinbase currently offers staking on roughly nine different coins.
Meanwhile, Gemini is focusing its New York rollout on two major assets: Ethereum and Solana.
Security is where Gemini often seeks to differentiate its service. The company is SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 certified.
These are high-level independent audits of their security and operational controls. This institutional-grade security is a primary selling point for investors who prioritize safety over low fees.
Who is eligible for Gemini staking in New York?
To participate, you must be a New York resident with a verified Gemini account. Because Gemini is a regulated entity, users must complete “Know Your Customer” (KYC) requirements.
This involves providing a government-issued ID and proof of residency to confirm your identity.
Once verified, the process is straightforward. Users navigate to the staking section of the Gemini app, select their asset, and choose the amount to stake.
Because there is no minimum requirement, you can start with a fraction of an ETH or SOL token.
What are the risks and liquidity considerations?
Staking involves specific risks that investors should consider. The most significant factor is often liquidity.
When you stake Ethereum, there may be “unbonding periods” or waiting lists to withdraw your funds, depending on network demand.
There is also the risk of “slashing.” If the validator node Gemini uses misbehaves or goes offline, the network can penalize the staked assets.
While Gemini uses institutional-grade infrastructure to minimize this risk, it remains a theoretical possibility in any staking arrangement.
Is Gemini staking in New York right for you?
Gemini staking in New York may make sense if you:
- Already hold ETH or SOL on Gemini and want to earn rewards without moving funds.
- Prefer a regulated, custodial provider over managing your own validator or wallet.
- Are comfortable with higher service fees in exchange for simplicity and compliance.
The Bottom Line
Gemini’s expansion into New York marks a turning point for crypto accessibility in a strictly regulated financial hub. While the 30% fee is significant, the ease of use and high security standards make it a viable option for local investors.
For those looking to optimize their portfolios, the ability to earn rewards in a compliant manner is a welcome addition to the New York market.
