Gate.io Review: Deep altcoin catalog
Gate.io (originally launched as Bter in 2013) runs one of the deepest catalogs in this index, with 2,066 base assets when we read its pair list on 17 Sep 2026 — third behind BingX and Bitget. Standard spot trading fee is 0.10% maker/taker; USDT-margined perpetual fee is 0.02% maker, 0.05% taker.
- Spot, entry tier: 0.10%
- USDT-M futures: 0.02% maker / 0.05% taker
- Code UlAXAA8 → 40% rebate on Gate.io fees
- Welcome bonus: Up to $6,666
Why Gate.io ranks #5 in our index
Rank #5 of 11 rests chiefly on deep altcoin catalog, with Gate.io scoring strongest for altcoins, long-tail tokens, veteran brand. Its entry-tier spot fee is 0.10%; its referral terms give a 40% rebate on trading fees. Axis weights: the methodology.
Strengths
- 12+ years operating since 2013 (originally Bter)
- 2,066 base assets listed, third-deepest catalog in this index
- 16 VIP tiers with 0% maker fee at the top
- GT token gives an additional 1-28% fee discount
Limitations
- Fee ladder is almost flat below VIP 9 (0.10% → 0.095% across VIP 1–4)
- User interface is information-dense for beginners
Gate.io fee schedule, entry tier
| Fee | Rate | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Spot maker | 0.10% | Entry tier, before referral discount |
| Spot taker | 0.10% | Entry tier, before referral discount |
| Futures maker | 0.02% | USDT-margined perpetuals, entry tier |
| Futures taker | 0.05% | USDT-margined perpetuals, entry tier |
Table 2 · Gate.io rates transcribed from the Gate.io fee schedule, read 7 Sep 2026. Change history: corrections log; the linked page is authoritative.
Where Gate.io sits in the index
Gate.io is #5, placed after Bitget review — Largest copy-trading network (#4) and ahead of HTX review — Longest-running brand (#6). Best-fit profile in our scoring: altcoins, long-tail tokens, veteran brand. Gate.io has the broadest product coverage in the index, joint with Binance and MEXC: 6 of the 19 lines tracked (Spot, Futures, Margin, Earn, Startup, NFT). Founded 2013 and based in Cayman Islands / Global, Gate.io lists 2066 assets, above the index median of 592 — counted from its own instruments endpoint on 2026-09-17. Security record, checked 2026-09-17: No platform-level break-in at Gate.io was confirmed during the window. In July 2026 Gate disputed a single customer's claim of a $1.7 million drain despite 2FA, and was accused of withholding evidence from police; that one is still unsettled. Source ↗
Gate.io against the index median
1 of the other 10 index members undercuts Gate.io on spot: 0.10% against a median of 0.10%. As a futures taker Gate.io charges 0.05%, under the 0.055% median — tied 2nd of 11 (with 3 others). The 40% Gate.io rebate sits exactly on the index median: tied 5th of 11 (with 1 other). On a $1,000 futures taker fill, Gate.io charges $0.50 before the rebate and $0.30 after it (40%).
| Metric | Gate.io | Median (n=11) | Best (n=11) | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spot fee | 0.10% | 0.10% | 0% MEXC | tied 2nd of 11 (with 6 others) |
| Futures taker fee | 0.05% | 0.055% | 0.02% MEXC | tied 2nd of 11 (with 3 others) |
| Futures maker fee | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0% MEXC | tied 2nd of 11 (with 9 others) |
| Referral rebate | 40% | 40% | up to 60% Weex | tied 5th of 11 (with 1 other) |
Table 3 · Gate.io versus the index (n=11); Table 2 figures, read 7 Sep 2026.
How to claim the Gate.io fee discount
Referral terms at Gate.io attach at sign-up only: an account opened without UlAXAA8 cannot add a 40% rebate on trading fees afterwards.
- Register via this page; code
UlAXAA8is embedded in the URL. - Verify identity: Gate.io lists KYC as Required, so expect withdrawals to stay locked until a government ID is on file.
- Deposit $1 or more, the recorded minimum at Gate.io. The welcome-bonus tiers (published ceiling up to $6,666), set on the promotion page behind the sign-up button, typically start higher.
- Place one qualifying trade at Gate.io: 0.10% spot, 0.05% futures taker, entry tier.
- A 40% rebate on trading fees then flows back on every fill while Gate.io keeps the programme open.
References
- Gate.io fee schedule, read 7 Sep 2026: Gate.io official fee page (gate.com)
- Founding year (2013) and headquarters (Cayman Islands / Global): CoinGecko exchange API entry for Gate.io, cross-checked on Wikipedia, cycle 7 Sep 2026.
- Gate.io referral programme page, quoted as published: Up to $6,666 bonus ceiling and a 40% rebate on trading fees as the referral terms.