Coincheck is a well-known cryptocurrency exchange operated by Coincheck Inc., which began service in August 2014. Since being acquired by the financial giant Monex Group, it has strengthened its operational foundation and earned widespread trust among Japanese investors. This comprehensive review explores Coincheck’s core offerings, advantages, limitations, user feedback, and account setup process—providing valuable insights for both beginners and experienced crypto enthusiasts.
What Is Coincheck?
Coincheck stands as one of Japan’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges, backed by Monex Group, a Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime-listed company. As of July 2025, it supports 35 digital assets, making it one of the largest exchanges in Japan by coin selection. With over 2.56 million users (as of March 2021) and the #1 most downloaded crypto app in Japan for six consecutive years (data provided by AppTweak), Coincheck combines accessibility with reliability.
The platform offers both spot trading via sales desk and exchange models, along with innovative services such as IEO launches, NFT marketplace access, staking, and utility bill payments using Bitcoin. Its integration into the Monex ecosystem enhances security and financial credibility—key factors for risk-conscious investors.
👉 Discover how easy it is to start investing in crypto today.
New Listings: PEPE, MASK, MANA, GRT Added in May 2025
On April 25, 2025, Coincheck announced the addition of four new cryptocurrencies:
- Pepe (PEPE)
- Mask Network (MASK)
- Decentraland (MANA)
- The Graph (GRT)
Trading commenced on May 13, 2025, through both sales desk and exchange systems. These tokens were gradually integrated into other platform features like savings plans and staking. Listings began with a call auction to ensure fair pricing, followed by standard trading. Coincheck also employs temporary trading suspension mechanisms to maintain market stability during volatility.
Coincheck Fees Breakdown
Understanding fee structures is crucial for cost-effective trading. Here's an overview of Coincheck’s current fees:
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Account Opening | Free |
| Account Maintenance | Free |
| Spot Trading Fees (Exchange) | Free |
| Spot Trading (Sales Desk) | No commission; spread ranges from 0.1% to 5.0% |
| JPY Deposit (Bank Transfer) | Bank fee applies |
| JPY Deposit (Convenience Store) | ¥770 (<¥300k), ¥1,018 (¥300k–¥3M) |
| JPY Deposit (Quick Deposit) | ¥770–¥1,018 or 0.11% + ¥495 (larger amounts) |
| JPY Withdrawal | ¥407 |
| Crypto Deposit | Free |
| Crypto Withdrawal | Varies by currency |
Key Advantage: Zero Trading Fees on Exchange Model
Unlike many competitors, Coincheck does not charge trading fees on its exchange model, where users trade directly with each other. This can significantly reduce long-term investment costs. However, only select cryptocurrencies are available on the exchange model, and mobile app users are limited to the sales desk model, which includes wider spreads instead of flat fees.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the web version to access lower-cost exchange trading and maximize savings.
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Key Advantages of Using Coincheck
Wide Range of Supported Cryptocurrencies
With 35 supported digital assets, including major coins like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Dogecoin (DOGE), SHIB, AVAX, and newly added PEPE and GRT, Coincheck offers one of the broadest selections among Japanese exchanges. It even includes stablecoins like Dai (DAI)—a rarity in domestic markets.
Listed Cryptocurrencies (July 2025):
BTC, ETH, ETC, LSK, XRP, XEM, LTC, BCH, MONA, XLM, QTUM, BAT, IOST, ENJ, MATIC, SAND, DOT, FNCT, CHZ, LINK, DAI, MKR, IMX, APE, AXS, WBTC, AVAX, SHIB, BRIL, BC, DOGE, PEPE, MASK, MANA, GRT
This diversity allows investors to build balanced portfolios across established and emerging blockchain projects.
Intuitive Mobile App Experience
Coincheck’s mobile application delivers a seamless user experience with over 7 million downloads and top rankings for usability. Features include:
- Real-time price charts
- Portfolio value tracking
- Instant deposits/withdrawals
- Push notifications for price alerts
- Widget support for quick balance checks
Its clean interface makes it ideal for beginners while still offering essential tools for active traders.
Low Minimum Investment Threshold
You can begin investing with just ¥500 (~$3.50 USD) per transaction—regardless of the cryptocurrency. This democratizes access to high-value assets like Bitcoin without requiring large capital upfront.
For example, even if 1 BTC is priced at ¥12 million, fractional purchases allow micro-investments. This feature supports dollar-cost averaging strategies through automated recurring buys.
Comprehensive Ancillary Services
1. Coincheck Tsumitate (Auto-Investing)
Automate regular purchases of BTC, ETH, and other major coins daily or monthly. This leverages the dollar-cost averaging method, reducing exposure to short-term volatility.
2. Coincheck IEO (Initial Exchange Offering)
Participate in pre-launch token sales for promising blockchain startups. Past successful IEOs include:
- Brilliant Crypto Token (BRIL)
- Finanche Token (FNCT)
- Palette Token (PLT)
These offerings provide early access to potentially high-growth projects before public listing.
3. Coincheck NFT Marketplace
Buy and sell NFTs—including digital art and game items—in yen. The platform ensures secure transactions and caters to Japanese creators and collectors.
4. Utility Bill Payments with Bitcoin
Use Bitcoin to pay electricity (Coincheck Denki) and gas bills (Coincheck Gas), or earn BTC rewards when paying with fiat currency. This promotes real-world crypto adoption.
5. Staking & Lending Services
Earn passive income via:
- Ethereum staking (since January 2025)
- Bitcoin lending rewards
- LSK staking rewards
Additionally, the upcoming Bitcoin staking initiative for corporations, developed with Babylon Labs and Next Finance Tech, aims to unlock yield opportunities for institutional holders.
6. Coincheck Prime (Institutional Service)
Tailored for businesses and high-net-worth clients with deposits over ¥10 million. Benefits include:
- OTC trading with preferential rates
- Dedicated account management
- Advanced custody solutions
- Tax-efficient asset locking
Limitations to Consider
No Leverage or Margin Trading
Coincheck discontinued leveraged trading in March 2020 and has not reintroduced it as of mid-2025. Traders seeking high-risk/high-reward strategies involving margin or futures should consider alternative platforms.
Crypto Withdrawal Fees Apply
While deposits are free, sending cryptocurrencies incurs network-based fees. For example:
- Bitcoin withdrawal fee: Ranges from 0.0005 BTC to 0.016 BTC (~$30–$960 at ¥10M/BTC)
These fees fluctuate based on blockchain congestion and may be higher than competitors who subsidize network costs.
User Reviews: What Do People Say About Coincheck?
Positive Feedback
✅ "The app is incredibly intuitive—even complex trades feel simple."
— Male, 48, 4 years in crypto
✅ "Great for beginners! Clear guidance on reading charts and placing orders."
— Female, 21, 1 year in crypto
✅ "High number of altcoins and backed by Monex Group—gives me peace of mind."
— Male, 28, 4 years in crypto
Users consistently praise:
- Ease of use
- Broad altcoin selection
- Free exchange trading
- Educational resources
- Trust derived from Monex affiliation
Negative Feedback
⚠️ "Sales desk spreads are too wide for short-term trading."
— Male, 33
⚠️ "Limited selection on exchange model; poor interface for advanced traders."
— Male, 53
Common concerns include:
- High spreads on sales desk transactions
- Lack of advanced charting tools
- Inflexible withdrawal fees
How to Open a Coincheck Account
Creating an account takes minutes and is completely free:
- Register Email & Password → Visit official site → Click “Sign Up”
- Verify Phone Number → Enter mobile number → Confirm via SMS code
- Submit Personal Info → Full name, address, employment status
Upload ID Documents → Choose between:
- Simple Verification (via app): Fastest—approval within one business day
- Postcard Verification: Slower but accessible via web browser
Once verified, you can deposit JPY and begin trading immediately.
👉 Start your crypto journey with a trusted global exchange today.
Current Promotions (July 2025)
Referral Campaign
- Refer a friend: Both parties receive up to ¥2,500 worth of BTC
- Total bonus: Up to ¥5,000 BTC combined
- Ends: July 8, 2025 at 16:59 JST
- Conditions: Successful registration + identity verification
New User Bonus: ¥1,000 BTC Gift
- Complete identity verification + make first deposit
- Receive ¥100 BTC upon verification + ¥900 BTC after deposit
- Ends: July 9, 2025 at 23:59 JST
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Coincheck safe?
A: Yes. After a 2018 security incident, Coincheck joined Monex Group and rebuilt its infrastructure with enhanced safeguards. It now ranks #1 in app downloads among Japanese exchanges—a sign of restored trust.
Q: Is account creation free?
A: Yes. There are no fees to open or maintain an account. However, only individuals aged 20+ residing in Japan can register.
Q: Can I trade with small amounts?
A: Absolutely. You can invest starting from around ¥500 per trade across all supported cryptocurrencies.
Q: Does Coincheck offer staking?
A: Yes. Ethereum staking launched in January 2025. Bitcoin staking for institutions is under development.
Q: Are there any hidden fees?
A: No hidden charges exist. While trading on the exchange is free, the sales desk uses variable spreads (typically 0.1%–5%), and crypto withdrawals incur standard network fees.
Q: Can I use leverage?
A: No. Margin or futures trading is not currently offered on Coincheck.
Final Verdict
Coincheck remains a top choice for Japanese retail investors due to its user-friendly design, broad altcoin selection, zero exchange trading fees, and innovative value-added services like NFTs, staking, and utility payments. While it lacks advanced trading tools and leveraged products, its focus on simplicity and accessibility makes it ideal for beginners and long-term holders.
Whether you're starting with ¥500 or managing a diversified portfolio, Coincheck offers a reliable gateway into the world of digital assets—backed by strong institutional support and continuous innovation.
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