Coincheck is one of Japan’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges, known for its strong regulatory compliance, user-friendly interface, and solid presence in the Asian market. As a centralized exchange (CEX), Coincheck serves over 1.5 million users globally, with a primary focus on Japanese investors. Registered under the oversight of Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) and audited by the Japanese Blockchain Association, Coincheck offers a secure environment for trading digital assets.
With a 24-hour trading volume exceeding ¥435 million (approximately 568 BTC), Coincheck ranks among the most active exchanges in Asia. The platform supports 17 major cryptocurrencies and facilitates fiat on-ramps via bank transfers and card payments in Japanese yen (JPY), with limited support for USD. Digital assets are stored securely in cold wallets, reinforcing the platform’s commitment to user protection.
👉 Discover how secure and scalable crypto platforms are shaping the future of digital finance.
Key Features and Services
Coincheck goes beyond basic spot trading by offering a suite of innovative financial products tailored to both retail and institutional users:
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) Trading: Enables high-volume trades with minimal slippage.
- Initial Exchange Offerings (IEOs): Allows projects to raise capital through Coincheck’s trusted platform.
- Coincheck Denki & Gas: Permits users to pay electricity bills and gas fees using Bitcoin.
- Coincheck Survey: Users earn crypto rewards by participating in market research.
- Lending Services: Offers interest-bearing accounts for holding certain cryptocurrencies.
- NFT Marketplace: Provides a dedicated space for buying, selling, and discovering digital collectibles.
- Staking (Beta): Early access to earn passive income by staking select proof-of-stake tokens.
These services reflect Coincheck’s strategy to become a full-service digital asset ecosystem rather than just an exchange.
Founding and Ownership History
Founded in April 2012 by Yusuke Otsuka (COO) and Koichiro Wada (CEO/CTO), Coincheck began as a grassroots initiative driven by early blockchain enthusiasts. Otsuka, a Waseda University graduate with a master’s degree in quantum mechanics, brought UX design expertise from his time at Nexway. Wada, a programming prodigy since childhood, previously founded ResuPress and developed STORES.jp.
In 2018, Monex Group, Inc.—a major Japanese online brokerage—acquired Coincheck, marking a pivotal moment in its evolution. This acquisition brought institutional credibility and enhanced security measures. Katsuya Toshihiko became Representative Director, while Oki Matsumoto joined as Executive Board Member, aligning Coincheck with traditional financial standards.
Geographic Availability and Restrictions
Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Coincheck operates primarily within Japanese regulatory frameworks. While it serves a global user base, U.S. residents are explicitly prohibited from using the platform due to compliance restrictions.
Supported Cryptocurrencies and Trading Pairs
Coincheck supports a curated list of high-market-cap cryptocurrencies, emphasizing stability and liquidity. The main trading pairs are denominated in JPY, making it ideal for yen-based traders.
The most actively traded assets include:
- Bitcoin (BTC) – Dominates trading volume with over 84% share
- Ethereum (ETH) – Second-largest by volume
- Lisk (LSK), Enjin Coin (ENJ), XRP – Mid-tier but consistently traded
- Stablecoins like DAI – Used for hedging and stable transactions
- Niche tokens like MONA, BRIL, BC – Reflect regional popularity
Newer additions include SHIB on Solana, Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), and gaming-related tokens such as The Sandbox (SAND) and Immutable (IMX)—indicating growing interest in NFTs and Web3 ecosystems.
👉 Explore how top exchanges manage liquidity across diverse crypto markets.
Trading Volume Breakdown
As of the latest data:
| Rank | Currency | Trading Pair | 24h Volume (JPY) | % of Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bitcoin | BTC/JPY | ¥368,888,251 | 84.69% |
| 2 | Ethereum | ETH/JPY | ¥23,474,741 | 5.39% |
| 3 | Lisk | LSK/JPY | ¥17,976,428 | 4.13% |
| 4 | Enjin Coin | ENJ/JPY | ¥11,811,555 | 2.71% |
| 5 | XRP | XRP/JPY | ¥7,642,299 | 1.75% |
Smaller-cap tokens like AVAX, GRT, and CHZ account for less than 0.01% each, suggesting lower demand or limited use cases among local users.
Fee Structure
Coincheck applies a tiered fee model based on the type of transaction:
Trading Fees
Maker-Taker Model: Fees vary by asset.
- BTC/JPY: 0% for both makers and takers
- ETC/JPY: 0.05% (maker), 0.10% (taker)
This zero-fee policy on major pairs enhances competitiveness and attracts high-frequency traders.
Deposit and Withdrawal Fees
- Deposits: Generally free; may depend on method and amount
Withdrawals: Vary per cryptocurrency
- BTC: 0.0005 BTC per withdrawal
- Other coins have fixed or percentage-based fees
Marketplace fees range from 0.1% to 5%, depending on the service—for example, NFT sales or IEO participation.
Leverage and Margin Trading
Unlike many international exchanges, Coincheck does not offer margin trading or leverage. This conservative stance aligns with Japan’s strict financial regulations aimed at protecting retail investors from excessive risk.
While this limits advanced trading strategies, it also promotes safer investment practices—particularly important in a market where crypto adoption is still maturing.
👉 Learn how regulated exchanges balance innovation with investor protection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Coincheck available to U.S. users?
A: No. Due to regulatory restrictions, U.S. residents cannot register or trade on Coincheck.
Q: Does Coincheck support USD deposits?
A: Limited USD support exists, but the primary fiat currency is Japanese yen (JPY). Most transactions occur in JPY.
Q: How secure is Coincheck after the 2018 NEM hack?
A: Following the incident where $530 million worth of NEM was stolen, Coincheck significantly upgraded its security infrastructure. Assets are now stored in cold wallets, and it operates under Monex Group’s enhanced compliance framework.
Q: Can I stake cryptocurrencies on Coincheck?
A: Yes—staking is available in beta for select tokens, allowing users to earn passive income directly through the platform.
Q: Does Coincheck charge fees for Bitcoin trading?
A: No. BTC/JPY trades have zero maker and taker fees, making it one of the most cost-effective options for Bitcoin trading in Japan.
Q: What makes Coincheck different from global exchanges like Binance or OKX?
A: Its strong regulatory standing in Japan, focus on fiat integration (especially JPY), and unique value-added services like crypto-powered bill payments set it apart.
Core Keywords:
- Coincheck exchange
- Cryptocurrency trading Japan
- BTC/JPY trading volume
- Centralized exchange (CEX)
- Crypto fees Japan
- FSA-regulated crypto exchange
- NFT marketplace Japan
- Staking crypto Japan