For those stepping into the world of cryptocurrency, Coincheck stands out as one of Japan’s most trusted and user-friendly exchanges. Known for its popular TV ad slogan — “When buying Bitcoin, use Coincheck” — it has become a go-to platform for beginners and experienced investors alike. Backed by the Tokyo Prime-listed Monex Group, Coincheck combines security, simplicity, and innovative services like crypto savings, NFT trading, and IEOs.
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know: how to open an account, buy your first cryptocurrency, and make the most of Coincheck’s unique investment features — all optimized for ease of use and long-term growth.
Why Choose Coincheck? Key Features and Overview
Coincheck is one of Japan’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, boasting over 2.2 million user accounts and a cumulative trading volume exceeding 1 trillion JPY. With more than 7 million app downloads (as of early 2025), its intuitive interface makes it ideal for newcomers.
As a subsidiary of Monex Group, Coincheck benefits from strong financial governance and advanced security measures, including:
- Cold wallet storage
- Multi-signature authentication
- Segregated asset management
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
The platform supports 35 cryptocurrencies, offering both spot trading via a sales desk model and limited exchange-style order books for major coins like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).
👉 Start your crypto journey with a trusted global exchange — explore secure trading options today.
Core Services at a Glance
Supported Cryptocurrencies
Coincheck offers a diverse range of digital assets, including:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- XRP, Litecoin (LTC), Chainlink (LINK)
- Polygon (MATIC), Solana (SOL), and more
New tokens are occasionally added based on market demand and regulatory compliance.
Trading Models
1. Sales Desk (Instant Buy/Sell)
- Ideal for beginners
- Fixed pricing with embedded spread (0.1%–5%, depending on market conditions)
- No trading fees — cost is built into the price
- Instant execution
2. Exchange Trading (Order Book)
- Available for select pairs like BTC/JPY
- Supports limit and market orders
- Lower effective costs for active traders
⚠️ Note: Coincheck does not support leveraged or margin trading, making it less suitable for day traders seeking high-risk strategies.
Pros and Cons of Using Coincheck
✅ Advantages
- Beginner-Friendly Interface: Clean design, easy navigation, and helpful tooltips guide new users.
- Highly Rated Mobile App: Offers price alerts, home screen widgets, and real-time notifications.
- Diverse Investment Tools: Includes recurring purchases (“tsumitate”), crypto lending, NFT marketplace, and IEO access.
- Strong Institutional Backing: Operated under Monex Group, enhancing credibility and stability.
❌ Limitations
- No Leverage or Futures: Not ideal for advanced technical traders.
- Higher Spreads on Sales Desk: While there are no explicit fees, the bid-ask spread can be wider than other platforms.
- Limited Altcoin Depth: Fewer niche tokens compared to global exchanges.
Despite these drawbacks, Coincheck remains a top choice for Japanese residents looking for a secure, regulated entry point into crypto.
How to Open a Coincheck Account: Step-by-Step Guide
Opening an account takes just minutes and can be completed entirely on your smartphone.
What You’ll Need
Before starting:
- A valid ID: My Number Card, driver’s license, passport, or driver’s record certificate
- Active email address
- Mobile phone capable of receiving SMS
- Stable internet connection
Step 1: Register Your Account
- Download the Coincheck app (iOS or Android).
- Enter your email address and create a password.
- Confirm your email via the link sent to your inbox.
- Agree to the terms of service.
This process takes less than 5 minutes.
Step 2: Complete Identity Verification (eKYC)
You can verify your identity in two ways:
Option A: Scan Your My Number Card
- Select “My Number Card” as your ID type.
- Use your smartphone to read the IC chip.
- Enter personal details and set up security settings.
Option B: Photo Upload + Selfie Video
- Take clear photos of both sides of your ID.
- Record a short selfie video following on-screen prompts.
✅ Verification Speed: Most users pass within minutes, though processing may take up to 1 business day during peak times.
💡 Tip: Ensure good lighting and avoid glare when scanning documents.
Step 3: Deposit Japanese Yen
Once verified, fund your account using one of three methods:
| Method | Processing Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Transfer (GMO Aozora / SBI Net Bank) | 1–3 business days | Free |
| Quick Deposit (Pay-easy) | Instant | ¥770–¥1,018 |
| Convenience Store Deposit | Up to 1 hour | Varies by amount |
Step 4: Buy Your First Cryptocurrency
Now you're ready to buy!
- Tap “Sales Desk” in the app.
- Choose a coin (e.g., Bitcoin).
- Enter the amount in JPY or crypto.
- Confirm the purchase.
Transaction completes instantly.
📌 Important: Sales desk prices include a spread. For better rates on large transactions, consider using exchange trading if available.
Smart Investment Features on Coincheck
Beyond basic trading, Coincheck offers several tools designed to help users grow their portfolios passively.
Coincheck Tsumitate (Recurring Purchases)
Ideal for long-term investors who want to average out price volatility.
- Choose daily or monthly plans
- Minimum investment: ¥1,000
- Max per transaction: ¥1 million
- Available for 31+ cryptocurrencies
By investing fixed amounts regularly — known as dollar-cost averaging — users reduce the risk of buying at market peaks.
📊 Example: Investing ¥10,000 monthly in BTC since 2020 would have yielded significant gains despite short-term dips.
Crypto Lending Service
Earn yield by lending your idle crypto assets.
- Supported coins: All listed tokens + SYM
- Potential returns: Up to 5% APY
- Minimum deposit: Equivalent of ¥10,000
⚠️ Risk Note: While Coincheck manages credit risk, crypto prices may fluctuate during the loan period. You receive the same number of coins back — but their value could be lower.
Pay Bills with Crypto: Coincheck Denki & Gas
Use Bitcoin to pay utility bills and earn rewards:
Coincheck Denki (Electricity)
- Bitcoin Reward Plan: Get 1–7% of your bill value in BTC monthly
- Bitcoin Payment Plan: Pay with BTC and get 1–7% off your bill
Available nationwide (excluding Okinawa and remote islands).
Coincheck Gas
- BTC Reward: 3% of gas bill returned in Bitcoin
- BTC Payment Discount: 3% off Tokyo Gas rates when paying with BTC
These services bridge traditional finance with digital assets, promoting real-world crypto adoption.
Explore Web3: NFTs and IEOs on Coincheck
Coincheck isn’t just about trading — it’s a gateway to the broader blockchain ecosystem.
Coincheck NFT Marketplace
Launched in March 2021, this platform allows users to buy, sell, and collect NFTs without managing external wallets.
Key Features:
- No listing fees
- 10% commission on sales
- Off-chain trading → No gas fees during trades
- Supports Ethereum and Polygon-based NFTs
Popular Collections Available:
- The Sandbox LAND
- CryptoSpells Rare Cards
- Sorare Football Cards
- Moonbirds
- Captain Tsubasa NFTs
- NOT A HOTEL Art Series
🔥 Notable Sales:
- 33 virtual LAND plots sold out in 2 hours (raised ~¥5.3 million)
- Limited-edition CryptoSpells cards sold out in 6 minutes
To withdraw NFTs to MetaMask, users pay network gas fees (e.g., 0.00125 ETH for Ethereum transfers).
Coincheck IEO (Initial Exchange Offering)
As Japan’s first domestic exchange to launch IEOs, Coincheck helps vetted blockchain startups raise capital securely.
Past Success: Palette Token (PLT)
- Raised ¥900 million in just 6 minutes
- Oversubscribed by 24x
- Listed immediately after sale completion
Future IEOs are expected in entertainment and fan engagement sectors, such as Fanpla’s Web3 fan club initiative.
🔔 Pro Tip: Since KYC verification can take days, open your Coincheck account early if you plan to participate in future IEO lotteries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Coincheck safe for beginners?
A: Yes. Its simple UI, strong security protocols, and Monex Group backing make it one of the safest choices for new investors in Japan.
Q: Can I trade altcoins on Coincheck?
A: Yes, it supports over 35 cryptocurrencies, including major altcoins like ETH, XRP, SOL, and MATIC.
Q: Does Coincheck charge trading fees?
A: On the sales desk, there are no direct fees — but prices include a spread (typically 0.1%–5%). Exchange trading fees vary by pair.
Q: How fast is fiat withdrawal?
A: JPY withdrawals to bank accounts take 1 business day and cost ¥407 per transaction.
Q: Can I access Coincheck from overseas?
A: No. The service is currently available only to residents of Japan aged 18–74.
Q: Are there tax implications for crypto gains on Coincheck?
A: Yes. All profits are subject to Japanese income tax regulations. Users must report gains annually.
Final Thoughts: Is Coincheck Right for You?
Coincheck excels as a beginner-first platform that balances simplicity with innovation. Whether you’re buying Bitcoin for the first time, setting up automatic investments, or exploring NFTs and IEOs, the app delivers a seamless experience backed by institutional trust.
While it lacks advanced trading tools like leverage or futures, its focus on accessibility makes it perfect for long-term holders and casual investors.
If you're based in Japan and want a secure way to enter the world of digital assets, opening a free Coincheck account today could be your first step toward financial innovation.