When you use GateHub, a cryptocurrency wallet and exchange platform built on the Ripple (XRP) ledger. Also known as Ripple Wallet, it lets you hold, send, and trade digital assets like XRP, BTC, and ETH without needing a separate exchange account. But here’s the catch: GateHub isn’t free. Even if you’re just moving XRP from one wallet to another, there’s a cost — and it’s not always obvious.
Behind the scenes, GateHub runs on the Ripple Consensus Ledger, a decentralized blockchain that processes transactions in seconds using a unique voting system instead of mining. Every transaction on this ledger burns a tiny amount of XRP — called a transaction fee — to prevent spam and keep the network running. That fee is usually 0.00001 XRP, which is less than a penny. But GateHub adds its own layer on top. If you’re trading between currencies, like swapping BTC for XRP, GateHub charges a spread — the difference between the buy and sell price. That spread can be 1% or more, and it’s hidden in the rate you see. No extra line item. No warning. Just less crypto in your wallet.
Then there’s the currency issuer fee, a charge set by the entity that created a token on the Ripple network, like a stablecoin or custom asset. If you’re trading a token issued by someone else, GateHub might pass that fee along to you. And if you’re holding non-XRP assets, you need to maintain a reserve — a minimum balance locked in your wallet to prevent abuse. That’s not a fee, but it ties up your capital. You can’t use it until you withdraw, and even then, you might lose some value if the asset price drops while it’s locked.
Compare that to platforms like Binance or Kraken, where fees are clearly listed as percentages or flat rates. GateHub feels more like a Swiss bank for crypto — quiet, reliable, but with hidden charges tucked into the fine print. It’s great for holding XRP or doing small trades within the Ripple ecosystem. But if you’re swapping altcoins, moving large amounts, or trying to minimize costs, you’re better off checking other options.
What you’ll find below are real reviews, breakdowns, and comparisons from users who’ve been burned by GateHub’s fees — and those who learned how to use them wisely. From hidden spreads to wallet reserve traps, we’ve dug into the fine print so you don’t have to.
GateHub is a specialized XRP-focused exchange with high fees, a history of security breaches, and a mandatory 20 XRP reserve. It's only worth considering for experienced users who need fiat-to-XRP transfers - everyone else should look elsewhere.