Cryptocurrency trading has evolved into a global phenomenon, and platforms like bitFlyer have played a pivotal role in shaping secure and regulated digital asset markets—especially in Asia. As one of Japan’s most established crypto exchanges, bitFlyer combines regulatory compliance with user-friendly features for both beginners and advanced traders.
This comprehensive guide explores bitFlyer’s trading volume, available markets, supported cryptocurrencies, fee structure, and key operational details—optimized for clarity, accuracy, and search visibility.
Understanding bitFlyer: A Trusted Crypto Exchange
bitFlyer is a Japan-based cryptocurrency exchange serving over 3 million users worldwide. Founded in 2014, it has grown into a fully licensed platform operating across Japan, the United States, and Europe, adhering to strict financial regulations and security standards.
The exchange offers two primary interfaces:
- bitFlyer Buy/Sell: Designed for beginners, enabling simple purchases of crypto with fiat currencies.
- bitFlyer Lightning: Tailored for experienced traders, supporting spot trading, margin trading, and derivatives.
With reported annual trading volume exceeding €180 billion in 2021, bitFlyer remains a significant player in the global crypto ecosystem.
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Who Founded bitFlyer?
bitFlyer was co-founded in January 2014 by former Goldman Sachs employees:
- Yuzo Kano (CEO until 2019)
- Rikiya Masuda
- Takafumi Komiyama
Yuzo Kano, a veteran in equity derivatives trading from his time at Goldman Sachs and BNP Paribas, served as CEO before transitioning to lead bitFlyer USA. He also holds a leadership role in the Japan Blockchain Association, advocating for responsible blockchain innovation.
Takafumi Komiyama is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of bitFlyer Holdings, leveraging his background in financial settlement systems at Goldman Sachs and development experience at Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Where Is bitFlyer Based?
The company’s headquarters are located in Tokyo, Japan, with its U.S. subsidiary, bitFlyer USA, based in San Francisco, California.
Its multi-regional licensing includes:
- Registration with Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA)
- Money Transmitter Licenses in multiple U.S. states
- Compliance with EU financial regulations
This global footprint allows bitFlyer to operate legally while maintaining high standards in customer protection and anti-money laundering (AML) practices.
Countries Restricted from Using bitFlyer
Due to regulatory and compliance requirements, bitFlyer does not offer services to residents of certain countries. These include:
- Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan
- Cuba, Crimea, North Korea, Iran, Syria
- Russia, Ukraine, Venezuela
- Sudan, South Sudan, Libya
- Myanmar (Burma), Pakistan, Yemen
- And many Pacific Island nations such as Nauru, Palau, and Vanuatu
A full list includes over 60 restricted jurisdictions, primarily due to sanctions, lack of clear crypto regulations, or heightened financial risk.
If you're located in a sanctioned or high-risk region, access to bitFlyer’s services will be blocked—even through virtual private networks (VPNs).
Cryptocurrencies Supported on bitFlyer
bitFlyer supports a curated selection of around 11 digital assets, focusing on major and stablecoins with strong liquidity. This limited but strategic listing approach ensures compliance and reduces market volatility risks.
Available Cryptocurrencies:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Ethereum Classic (ETC)
- XRP (Ripple)
- Stellar (XLM)
- MonaCoin (MONA) – a Japan-focused meme coin
- ELF (aelf)
You can buy these cryptocurrencies using Japanese yen (JPY) or U.S. dollars (USD) directly via bank transfer or PayPal integration.
Popular Trading Pairs:
- BTC/JPY
- ETH/JPY
- XRP/JPY
- BTC/USD
- BTC/EUR
- ETH/BTC
Notably, BTC/EUR and ETH/BTC pairs offer zero trading fees, making them attractive for cost-sensitive traders.
How Much Are bitFlyer’s Trading Fees?
bitFlyer employs a tiered fee model based on your 30-day trading volume:
| Monthly Trading Volume (USD) | Trading Fee |
|---|---|
| Below $50,000 | 0.1% |
| Spot trades | 0.2% |
However, active traders benefit from lower fees as volume increases. Additionally:
- BTC/EUR and ETH/BTC trades are fee-free
- Margin trading and derivatives may carry separate cost structures
The platform also supports fast deposits via real-time bank transfers and PayPal withdrawals—enhancing usability for retail investors.
Does bitFlyer Offer Leverage or Margin Trading?
Yes. Through its Lightning FX and Lightning Futures services, bitFlyer allows users to trade with up to 2x leverage.
Key Features:
- Available for BTC/JPY and other major pairs
- Requires margin deposit
- Designed for short-term speculative strategies
- Enterprise clients may qualify for higher leverage limits
While 2x leverage is relatively conservative compared to some offshore exchanges offering 100x+, this reflects bitFlyer’s commitment to risk management and regulatory compliance.
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Live Market Data: Top Trading Pairs on bitFlyer
Below is an overview of the most active markets on bitFlyer based on 24-hour trading volume and depth:
1. BTC/JPY – The Dominant Pair
- Price: ¥783,499.23
- 24h Volume: ¥528.7 million (~74.3% of total volume)
- Deep order book with +2% buy depth over ¥105 million
2. ETH/JPY – Second Most Traded
- Price: ¥18,515.08
- 24h Volume: ¥154.6 million (~21.7% share)
3. XRP/JPY – Strong Regional Demand
- Price: ¥16.14
- Volume: ¥25.5 million
Other notable pairs include:
- XLM/JPY: ¥1.74 | Volume: ¥1.28 million
- BTC/EUR: ¥786,486.66 | Volume: ¥367,502
- ELF/JPY: Low-volume altcoin pair with minimal market share
Note: Some price/volume data may be excluded due to detected anomalies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is bitFlyer available outside Japan?
Yes. bitFlyer operates legally in Japan, the U.S. (via bitFlyer USA), and select European countries. However, it restricts access from over 60 sanctioned or high-risk regions including Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Q: Can I trade futures on bitFlyer?
Yes. Through bitFlyer Lightning Futures, users can engage in leveraged futures contracts with up to 2x leverage on major pairs like BTC/JPY.
Q: Does bitFlyer support PayPal?
Yes. Users can deposit and withdraw funds using PayPal—making it one of the few regulated exchanges offering this convenience.
Q: What are the deposit and withdrawal fees?
Fees vary by method and currency. Bank transfers in JPY are typically free or low-cost. Cryptocurrency withdrawals incur network-based fees that adjust according to blockchain congestion.
Q: How secure is bitFlyer?
bitFlyer follows industry-leading security protocols including cold storage for 95%+ of assets, two-factor authentication (2FA), and regular audits. It is also a member of Japan’s Virtual Currency Exchange Association (JVCEA).
Q: Can I use bitFlyer on mobile?
Yes. The exchange offers dedicated iOS and Android apps that support trading, account management, and real-time notifications.
👉 Explore secure ways to manage your crypto portfolio across devices.
Core Keywords Summary
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These terms align with common search queries related to exchange reviews, trading costs, and regional availability—ensuring relevance for both new and experienced investors.
By focusing on transparency, security, and ease of use, bitFlyer continues to serve as a trusted gateway into the world of digital assets—particularly for users in regulated markets who prioritize compliance over extreme leverage or obscure tokens.