When you’re new to cryptocurrency, security matters more than having 200 coins to choose from. That’s where bitFlyer comes in. Founded in Japan in 2014 and launched in the U.S. in 2016, bitFlyer isn’t trying to be the biggest exchange. It’s trying to be the safest. And for a lot of beginners, that’s enough.
Since 2018, bitFlyer hasn’t had a single hack. Not one. That’s seven straight years of zero breaches - longer than any major exchange in the industry. They keep 100% of customer crypto in cold storage. No hot wallets. No risky shortcuts. That’s not marketing fluff. It’s their whole business model. If you’re the kind of person who loses sleep over losing your Bitcoin to a phishing scam, bitFlyer gives you real peace of mind.
What You Can Trade (And What You Can’t)
Don’t expect to find Solana, Cardano, Dogecoin, or even Shiba Inu here. As of 2025, bitFlyer offers just 11 cryptocurrencies. The big ones are covered: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and a few others like XRP and DOT. But if you’re looking to dip into altcoins or newer tokens, you’ll need another platform.
Compare that to Coinbase with over 250 coins, or Crypto.com with 350. BitFlyer doesn’t compete on variety. It competes on reliability. For someone who just wants to buy Bitcoin and hold it, this isn’t a dealbreaker. But if you’re actively trading between different coins, you’ll hit a wall fast. Many users report buying Bitcoin on bitFlyer, then sending it to Binance or Kraken to actually trade. It’s not ideal, but it’s common.
Fees: Simple, But Not Always Cheap
bitFlyer uses a tiered maker/taker fee structure. If you trade under $10,000 in 30 days, you pay 0.10% per trade. That’s not bad - it’s among the lowest for regulated U.S. exchanges. If you trade more, fees drop to 0.03%. No hidden charges. No surprise spreads on simple buys.
But here’s the catch: the simple buy/sell interface? It’s not always fair. Several users on G2 reported being charged up to 6% more than the real market price just to buy or sell Ethereum or Bitcoin. That’s not a fee - that’s a price gap. The solution? Use the Lightning Exchange platform instead. It’s more complex, but it gives you real market pricing and limit orders. If you’re not using Lightning, you’re probably overpaying.
Fiat deposits via ACH are free, but capped at $5,000 per week. Withdrawals are free too. There’s also a $15 Bitcoin bonus if you refer someone who trades at least $100. Not huge, but nice for beginners.
The Lightning Exchange: For When You’re Ready to Grow
bitFlyer’s Lightning Exchange is where the real trading happens. It’s not part of the basic app. It’s a separate web platform built by Wall Street veterans. You get over 20 advanced order types, real-time charts, API access, and direct access to the world’s largest Bitcoin/JPY market. That’s a big deal if you’re trading between dollars and yen.
But here’s the problem: Lightning isn’t beginner-friendly. It’s dense. It looks like a Bloomberg terminal. If you’re just trying to buy $50 of Bitcoin every month, you don’t need it. But if you’re starting to automate trades or track liquidity, this is where bitFlyer shines. It’s one of the few U.S. exchanges that gives you professional-grade tools without requiring you to jump through hoops.
Security: Built Like a Vault
bitFlyer’s security isn’t just good - it’s obsessive. They use multi-signature wallets. Every login requires confirmation via SMS or authenticator app. Accounts auto-lock after failed attempts. They separate hot and cold storage with strict internal controls. They run regular penetration tests - not just once a year, but continuously.
They even have a dedicated team that monitors for phishing attempts targeting their users. That’s rare. Most exchanges wait for you to get hacked before they react. bitFlyer tries to stop it before it starts. That’s why they’ve stayed hack-free for seven years. It’s not luck. It’s discipline.
For beginners, this matters more than anything else. You don’t need 50 coins. You need to know your money is safe. bitFlyer delivers that.
Customer Support: The Weak Spot
Don’t expect quick answers. Multiple users on G2 report being stuck for days with no response. Orders fail without explanation. Support tickets go unanswered. One user said they “cannot safely have an open position” on bitFlyer because of how often trades don’t execute properly.
Business Insider and Koinly both confirm this is a known issue. The platform is great for buying and holding. It’s not great for troubleshooting. If you’re the kind of person who needs live chat or phone support when something goes wrong, you’ll be frustrated. This isn’t a dealbreaker if you’re passive. But if you trade actively or need help with withdrawals, you’re going to hit a wall.
Mobile App: Basic, But Functional
The iOS and Android apps are clean and simple. You can buy, sell, and check balances. That’s it. No charts. No advanced orders. No Lightning Exchange access. It’s designed for people who want to top up their Bitcoin on the go - not for day traders.
If you’re serious about trading, you’ll use the web version. The app is fine for holding, not for managing positions.
Who Is This For? Who Should Avoid It?
Best for: Beginners who want a safe, simple way to buy Bitcoin and Ethereum. People who prioritize security over choice. Those who want to automate recurring buys with dollar-cost averaging. Investors who plan to hold long-term and don’t care about altcoins.
Avoid if: You want to trade altcoins. You need fast customer support. You rely on live chat or phone assistance. You want NFT trading, staking, or DeFi integrations. You’re an active trader who needs 100+ coins and tight spreads.
bitFlyer isn’t for everyone. But it’s perfect for someone who wants to get started without getting overwhelmed - and who doesn’t want to lose everything to a hack.
How It Compares to the Competition
| Feature | bitFlyer | Coinbase | Kraken | eToro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cryptocurrencies | 11 | 250+ | 100+ | 85 |
| Trading Fees (Low Volume) | 0.10% | 0.50% | 0.16% | 1%+ |
| Security Rating | Excellent (7-year no-hack) | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Advanced Trading | Yes (Lightning) | Yes (Pro) | Yes | No |
| Customer Support | Poor | Good | Good | Good |
| Best For | Beginners, security-focused | Beginners + advanced traders | Traders, low fees | Copy trading, beginners |
bitFlyer doesn’t win on variety or support. But it wins on trust. And for a lot of people, that’s worth more than a bigger coin list.
Final Verdict
bitFlyer is a quiet giant. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t chase trends. It just keeps your money safe and lets you buy Bitcoin without drama. If you’re just starting out, and you’ve seen too many news stories about exchanges getting hacked, this is one of the safest places to begin.
But if you’re ready to trade, diversify, or need help when things go wrong, you’ll outgrow it fast. Most users treat it like a gateway - buy here, move there. That’s not a flaw. It’s the design.
Use bitFlyer to get your feet wet. Use it to build trust. But don’t expect it to be your lifelong home. The real trading happens elsewhere.
Is bitFlyer safe to use?
Yes, bitFlyer is one of the safest crypto exchanges in the world. It has not suffered a single hack since 2018, stores 100% of customer funds in cold storage, and uses multi-signature wallets, login confirmations, and automatic timeouts. Its security practices are among the strictest in the industry.
How many cryptocurrencies does bitFlyer support?
As of 2025, bitFlyer supports 11 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, XRP, and DOT. It does not offer altcoins like Solana, Cardano, or Shiba Inu, making it one of the most limited exchanges in terms of coin selection.
What are the trading fees on bitFlyer?
bitFlyer charges 0.10% for trades under $10,000 in 30 days. Fees drop to 0.03% for higher volumes. However, using the basic buy/sell interface can result in price spreads up to 6% higher than market rates. For fair pricing, use the Lightning Exchange platform.
Can I use bitFlyer in the U.S.?
Yes, bitFlyer operates in the U.S. and is licensed to serve customers across multiple states. However, availability varies by state, and some users report being blocked from signing up depending on their location. It’s not available in all U.S. jurisdictions.
Does bitFlyer have a mobile app?
Yes, bitFlyer has mobile apps for iOS and Android. They allow you to buy, sell, and check balances, but they lack advanced features like limit orders or real-time charts. The full trading experience requires the Lightning Exchange web platform.
Is margin trading available on bitFlyer?
Margin trading with up to 4x leverage is available, but only for users in Japan. U.S. and European customers cannot access this feature. This limits bitFlyer’s appeal for active traders outside Japan.
How does bitFlyer compare to Coinbase?
Coinbase offers over 250 cryptocurrencies, better customer support, and more educational tools. But bitFlyer has a stronger security record and lower trading fees for active traders using Lightning Exchange. Coinbase is better for variety and support; bitFlyer is better for security and simplicity.
Can I stake crypto on bitFlyer?
No, bitFlyer does not offer staking, DeFi integrations, or yield-generating features. It’s strictly a buy, sell, and trade exchange. If you want to earn interest on your crypto, you’ll need to use a different platform.
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