bitFlyer is a top 20 cryptocurrency exchange, ranked based on liquidity, traffic and trading volume. Originally launched in Tokyo, Japan, bitFlyer expanded quickly across Europe and the United States and maintains offices in Luxembourg, San Francisco and Tokyo.
Founded in 2014, bitFlyer enables users to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies instantly via a web platform or a mobile app available for both Apple and Android devices.
The exchange provides real-time market data and supports trading in popular cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ethereum (ETH), Lisk (LSK), Ethereum Classic (ETC) and Monacoin (MONA).
Licensed and regulated by the Japanese Financial Services Agency (JFSA), bitFlyer has been covered by major crypto and financial publications. As one of the longest-standing exchanges in the market, it is widely regarded as a trusted and established option for buying and trading cryptocurrency.
Key Takeaways from bitFlyer
- bitFlyer is a well-established crypto exchange operating since 2014.
- Regulated by Japan’s Financial Services Agency (JFSA).
- Licensed to operate across Europe and the United States.
- Offers immediate purchases of major cryptocurrencies.
- Ranked among the top 20 crypto exchanges by CoinMarketCap.
- Holds the highest trading volume in Japan.
bitFlyer Payment Info and Crypto Offerings
- Accepted payment methods: Visa, MasterCard, SOFORT, iDEAL, giropay
- Number of coins available: 7
- Cryptocurrency offerings: BTC, LTC, LSK, ETH, MONA, ETC, BCH
Who Created bitFlyer?
bitFlyer was founded by former Goldman Sachs employees Yuzo Kano and Takafumi Komiyama. The company raised funds through several investment rounds with backing from notable investors including Barry Silbert and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group.
In 2019, investors in bitFlyer Holdings Inc., the exchange’s parent company, appointed Yoshio Hirako as CEO to strengthen corporate governance and management structure. Yuzo Kano continues to serve as CEO of the company’s U.S. subsidiary.
Is bitFlyer For Me?
bitFlyer divides its platform into two distinct experiences to serve users at different experience levels.
For Beginners
New users can use Easy Exchange, a simplified interface designed to make buying cryptocurrency with fiat straightforward and fast. The platform minimizes complex data and presents basic charting tools so beginners can make informed decisions without being overwhelmed.
For Experienced Traders
Advanced users can access the Lightning Exchange, which includes comprehensive charting, analysis tools, margin trading (up to 1:15 leverage), futures and spot trading. Built by experienced finance professionals, the Lightning platform is available on desktop and mobile and provides the functionality expected from a leading global exchange.
Is bitFlyer Safe?
bitFlyer emphasizes security and regulatory compliance. The exchange has not experienced any security breaches since its launch. It holds licenses from multiple regulators: Luxembourg’s Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) for European operations, BitLicense and numerous state money transmitter licenses in the United States, and oversight by Japan’s Financial Services Agency (JFSA) for its Tokyo operations.
This multi-jurisdictional regulatory approach supports strong corporate governance and user protections. The company employs former government agency staff and experienced security professionals to maintain robust defenses.
Customer connections to the platform are protected by Secure Hash Algorithm 2 (SHA-2) encryption, along with firewall protections and intrusion detection to identify suspicious activity. Users are encouraged to enable strong alphanumeric passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA). Accounts are locked after multiple failed login attempts, adding an extra layer of protection.
Overall, bitFlyer applies industry-standard and advanced security measures to protect user funds and data.
The bitFlyer Wallet
bitFlyer provides a free built-in wallet protected by the same security measures as the exchange. The wallet offers convenience for buying, selling and transferring cryptocurrencies. The wallet is non-custodial, so users who do not plan to transact frequently are advised to move funds to private, long-term storage.
For long-term storage, hardware “cold” wallets are recommended to keep private keys offline. Popular hardware wallet options include Trezor and Ledger Nano devices, which store crypto assets in an offline environment for increased security.
Fees and Costs of bitFlyer
bitFlyer’s fee structure is competitive. There are no deposit fees, and SEPA wire withdrawals in Europe can be very low—sometimes around a few cents depending on the amount and destination. Withdrawal fees can be as low as 0.2% in certain circumstances, making bitFlyer an economical choice for many users.
Conclusion: bitFlyer
bitFlyer combines a secure, regulated environment with a flexible product suite suitable for both beginners and experienced traders. Heavy regulatory oversight across multiple jurisdictions reinforces its commitment to best practices and user protection.
Features such as instant buy and low-fee payment options make purchasing cryptocurrency straightforward and affordable. Whether you are an active trader or new to crypto, bitFlyer is a high-performing, user-friendly platform worth considering for your cryptocurrency transactions.