Coincheck is a Japanese cryptocurrency exchange operated by Coincheck, Inc., with service commencing in August 2014. It has long been a popular platform and, since 2018, has become part of the Monex Group, a major financial conglomerate, further solidifying its operational foundation.
This article provides a detailed exploration of Coincheck's advantages, disadvantages, and overall reputation.
What is Coincheck?
Coincheck is a cryptocurrency exchange under the Monex Group. As of July 2025, it offers one of the largest selections in Japan, supporting 35 different cryptocurrencies.
Its popularity is significant, with user numbers exceeding 2.56 million as of the end of March 2021. Its trading app has also achieved the highest number of downloads among domestic exchange apps.
Being a subsidiary of Monex Group, a company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, it enjoys high trust regarding its financial stability and security technology.
Beyond standard exchange services, it has conducted Initial Exchange Offerings (IEOs) and provides an NFT marketplace, offering a broad spectrum of crypto-related services. It is a strong candidate for those new to cryptocurrency investing.
Latest Update: Four New Listed Tokens
On April 25, 2025, Coincheck announced it would begin handling four new tokens: Pepe (PEPE), Mask Network (MASK), Decentraland (MANA), and The Graph (GRT). Trading for these assets started on May 13, 2025, through both its simple exchange and full trading platform services.
Fee Structure on Coincheck
Here is a summary of the various fees associated with using Coincheck:
| Fee Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Opening | Free |
| Account Maintenance | Free |
| Trading Fee (e.g., Bitcoin) | Simple Exchange (Taker): Free, but a spread applies (0.1%–5.0%) Trading Platform (Maker/Taker): Free |
| JPY Deposit Fee | Bank Transfer: Standard bank fee charged by your institution Convenience Store (< ¥30,000): ¥770 Convenience Store (¥30,000–¥300,000): ¥1,018 Quick Deposit (< ¥50,000): Varies by amount |
| JPY Withdrawal Fee | ¥407 |
| Crypto Deposit Fee | Free |
| Crypto Withdrawal Fee | Varies by asset |
A key advantage is that trading on its full exchange platform incurs zero trading fees. While many competitors charge a fee for this service, Coincheck offers it for free, helping users reduce costs.
However, note that not all cryptocurrencies are available on the full trading platform, and the mobile app only supports the simple exchange interface. For cost-effective trading, especially for Bitcoin, using the web-based trading platform is recommended. 👉 Explore the trading platform for fee-free trading
Advantages of Using Coincheck
Coincheck offers several notable benefits for its users.
Extensive Selection of Cryptocurrencies
As of July 2025, Coincheck supports 35 different cryptocurrencies, one of the largest offerings among Japanese exchanges. This includes major coins like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), as well as various altcoins and the stablecoin DAI.
Robust Trading Platform Offerings
While the simple exchange has a wider selection, the full trading platform also supports a significant number of assets—and all trades there are fee-free. This is ideal for users looking to minimize transaction costs.
User-Friendly Mobile App
Coincheck's mobile app is highly regarded for its intuitive design and ease of use. It allows users to check charts, monitor portfolio value, deposit/withdraw JPY, and buy/sell/send/receive crypto assets. With features like widgets and push notifications, it helps users stay on top of the market.
Staking Services
In January 2025, Coincheck launched its "Coincheck Staking" service for Ethereum (ETH). This allows users to earn rewards simply by holding their assets on the platform, making staking accessible without complex technical steps.
Low Barrier to Entry
All cryptocurrencies on Coincheck can be traded for as little as ¥500, making it easy for beginners to start investing with a small amount of capital.
Diverse Additional Services
Beyond basic trading, Coincheck provides a suite of other services:
- Coincheck Accumulative Investment: Automated daily or monthly crypto purchases.
- Coincheck IEO: Access to pre-sales of new tokens.
- Coincheck NFT: A marketplace for buying and selling NFTs.
- Coincheck Electricity/Gas: Pay utility bills to earn or spend Bitcoin.
- Coincheck Surveys: Earn crypto rewards by completing surveys.
- Crypto Lending: Lend your crypto to earn interest.
- Coincheck Prime: Tailored services for corporate and high-net-worth clients.
New Corporate Bitcoin Staking Initiative
In May 2025, Coincheck announced a partnership to explore Bitcoin staking services for corporate clients, offering businesses new ways to generate yield from their crypto holdings.
Disadvantages of Using Coincheck
Despite its strengths, Coincheck has some limitations.
No Leveraged Trading
Coincheck discontinued its leveraged trading service in March 2020, and as of July 2025, it has not been reinstated. This makes the platform unsuitable for traders seeking high-risk, high-reward margin trades.
Cryptocurrency Withdrawal Fees
Fees are charged for withdrawing cryptocurrency from the platform. These fees vary by asset and are based on the prevailing network conditions. For Bitcoin, these fees can range significantly, potentially making it more expensive than some competitors who absorb these costs.
User Reviews and Reputation
User feedback for Coincheck is generally mixed, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses.
Positive Feedback
Users frequently praise:
- The intuitive and user-friendly interface of the mobile app and website.
- The wide variety of altcoins available for trading.
- The lack of trading fees on the exchange platform.
- Useful additional services like automated accumulation and IEOs.
- The sense of security from being part of the established Monex Group.
Negative Feedback
Common criticisms include:
- The wide spreads (the difference between buy and sell prices) on the simple exchange, making it costly for frequent trading.
- The relatively high fees for cryptocurrency withdrawals.
- The limited number of coins available on the fee-free trading platform compared to the simple exchange.
- The absence of leveraged trading options.
How to Open a Coincheck Account
Opening an account with Coincheck is free and can be done online. The process involves:
- Registering your email address.
- Agreeing to the terms of service.
- Completing phone number verification.
- Entering personal information.
- Submitting identification documents for verification.
Verification can be done via a traditional postcard method or a quicker, app-based "Simple Verification" process, which can allow for same-day approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coincheck safe to use?
While Coincheck experienced a hacking incident in 2018, it was subsequently acquired by the Monex Group, a major financial services company. This has led to a significant overhaul and strengthening of its security infrastructure. Its high user numbers and app download rankings suggest a regained level of trust in the market.
Is account creation free?
Yes, opening a standard Coincheck account is completely free. There are no charges for creating or maintaining an account. Note that account registration is only available to residents of Japan who are 18 years of age or older.
What is the minimum investment?
You can start investing with very small amounts, as all cryptocurrencies on the platform can be purchased for as little as ¥500.
Does Coincheck support staking?
Yes, Coincheck offers staking services. It launched Ethereum (ETH) staking in 2025, allowing users to earn rewards on their holdings.
Can I buy NFTs on Coincheck?
Yes, Coincheck operates its own NFT marketplace where users can buy, sell, and trade a variety of NFTs using Japanese yen.
Why are there different fees for buying vs. the exchange?
The simple exchange (often called a "market maker" or "taker" model) offers convenience by instantly matching your order with the exchange's inventory, but it includes a spread (a margin built into the price). The full trading platform matches user orders directly, typically resulting in better prices and no separate trading fee, but it can be less intuitive for beginners.
Summary
Coincheck is a major player in Japan's cryptocurrency exchange landscape, boasting over 2.5 million users. Its strengths include a user-friendly platform, a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, no trading fees on its exchange, and a variety of ancillary services like staking and IEOs.
Potential users should be aware of its drawbacks, such as fees on crypto withdrawals and the lack of leveraged trading. Overall, it presents a solid option, particularly for beginners and those interested in a broad range of crypto assets and services. 👉 Discover more strategies for crypto investing