Bitcoin (BTC) remains the most recognized cryptocurrency worldwide. Yet many new investors often ask: why are Bitcoin fees so high? The truth is, what feels like "expensive" fees often stems from misunderstanding the fee structure across trading, deposits, withdrawals, and transfers.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down exactly where Bitcoin fees come from, how they vary between exchanges, and practical strategies to minimize costs. Whether you're buying your first BTC or optimizing your trading strategy, this article will help you navigate the fee landscape with confidence.
Why Do Bitcoin Fees Feel So High?
Many beginners are surprised by the cost of entering and exiting Bitcoin positions. It’s not uncommon to see hundreds or even thousands of yen in fees when buying or cashing out BTC. However, high fees usually result from one of three key factors:
- Trading on a "sales desk" (spot desk) instead of an exchange
- Using an exchange with high built-in fees
- Choosing a network with expensive transfer costs
Let’s explore each in detail.
You’re Using a Sales Desk Instead of an Exchange
Many users unknowingly trade on a sales desk (販売所), where the exchange acts as a direct counterparty. While these platforms often advertise “zero fees,” they embed costs into the spread—the difference between buy and sell prices.
For example:
- Buy price: ¥12,616,206 per BTC
- Sell price: ¥12,012,796 per BTC
- Spread: ¥603,410 (~4.8%)
This spread acts as a hidden fee. If you buy and immediately sell, you lose over ¥600,000 per BTC before price even moves.
👉 Discover how to trade with near-zero fees using advanced exchange features.
In contrast, exchange-based trading (取引所) matches buyers and sellers directly. While small explicit fees apply (e.g., 0.05%), there’s no wide spread. This model is far more cost-effective for active traders.
Pro Tip: Always check whether you're on a sales desk or exchange. For lower costs, switch to exchange trading whenever possible.
Your Exchange Charges High Fees
Not all crypto platforms are created equal. Fee structures vary significantly:
- GMO Coin: Maker: -0.01%, Taker: 0.05%
- Coincheck: 0.00% (Taker), 0.10% max
- BITPOINT: 0.00% for both Maker and Taker
Even small differences compound over time. Frequent traders can save tens of thousands of yen annually by switching to a low-fee platform.
Withdrawal fees also vary:
- Coincheck: ¥407 per JPY withdrawal
- SBI VC Trade: Free withdrawals
- GMO Coin: Free (¥400 for large withdrawals over ¥20M)
If you regularly move funds, these costs add up fast.
You’re Paying High Transfer Fees
Sending BTC between wallets or exchanges incurs network fees, which depend on the platform and blockchain used.
| Exchange | BTC Fee | ETH Fee | XRP Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMO Coin | Free | Free | Free |
| bitFlyer | 0.0004 BTC | 0.005 ETH | Free |
| Coincheck | 0.0005 BTC | 0.005 ETH | 0.15 XRP |
Frequent movers should prioritize exchanges like GMO Coin or BITPOINT, which offer free transfers across major assets.
Types of Bitcoin Transaction Fees Explained
Understanding the different fees involved in Bitcoin trading is essential for cost control.
Trading Fees (Buy/Sell)
There are two primary trading models:
| Feature | Sales Desk | Exchange |
|---|---|---|
| Counterparty | Exchange | Peer-to-peer |
| Speed | Instant | Slight delay |
| Fees | Hidden (via spread) | Transparent (low %) |
| Best For | Beginners | Cost-conscious traders |
Sales desks are simple but costly due to spreads. Exchanges require more knowledge but offer better pricing.
Spread Costs
The spread is the gap between bid and ask prices. On sales desks, it can exceed 4–5%, making short-term trades unprofitable.
To reduce spread impact:
- Trade during high liquidity periods
- Use limit orders
- Choose exchanges with tight spreads
Transfer Fees
Every time you send BTC from one wallet to another, a network fee applies. This fee goes to miners for processing the transaction.
While most users don’t transfer often, those who do should:
- Use exchanges with free transfer policies
- Batch multiple transfers
- Avoid peak congestion times
JPY Deposit & Withdrawal Fees
Adding or removing Japanese yen also incurs fees:
| Method | Deposit Fee | Withdrawal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Transfer | Free (mostly) | ¥330–¥407 |
| Quick Deposit | Up to ¥1,018 | Varies |
Some platforms offer free deposits via partner banks like SBI, PayPay, or Rakuten Bank.
Top 3 Low-Fee Bitcoin Exchanges in Japan
Here’s our ranking of the most cost-efficient exchanges for Bitcoin trading in 2025.
1. GMO Coin – Best Overall Value
Why it wins:
- Free JPY deposits and withdrawals
- Free crypto transfers
- Negative maker fees (-0.01%)
- 5-star user experience
With maker rebates, you actually earn money when placing limit orders. Plus, you can start investing with just ¥500 via dollar-cost averaging.
👉 Start trading with zero maker fees and free withdrawals.
Key Features:
- 24 supported crypto pairs
- Mobile and web tools
- Staking and lending available
- Monthly staking rewards up to 5%
User Review:
"The zero fees on deposits and transfers make it easy to manage funds without worrying about costs."
2. Coincheck – Best for Beginners
Pros:
- User-friendly app (No.1 download count in Japan)
- Free exchange trading
- 34+ supported currencies
Cons:
- ¥407 JPY withdrawal fee
- Wider spreads on altcoins
Ideal for new investors who value simplicity over ultra-low fees.
3. BITPOINT – Best for Long-Term Holders
Pros:
- 0% maker and taker fees
- Free BTC/ETH transfers
- Industry-leading staking yields
Cons:
- Limited coin selection
- Slower customer support
Perfect for passive investors using staking or long-term accumulation.
How to Avoid Losing Money to Fees
Even on low-cost platforms, smart habits help maximize returns.
Use Partner Banks for Free Transfers
GMO Coin offers free deposits via:
- SBI Sumishin Net Bank
- PayPay Bank
- Yucho Bank (via instant transfer)
- Mitsubishi UFJ, Mizuho (via Pay-easy)
Always link a supported bank to avoid unnecessary charges.
Reduce Transfer Frequency
Instead of multiple small withdrawals:
- Combine transactions
- Use internal transfers when possible
- Withdraw only when necessary
Use Maker Orders to Earn Fees
On GMO Coin and others, maker orders (limit orders that add liquidity) can have negative fees, meaning you get paid to trade.
For example:
- Place a limit buy below market price
- When filled, receive -0.01% of trade value as rebate
This turns trading costs into income over time.
Don’t Forget: Taxes Apply Too
Bitcoin profits are taxed as miscellaneous income in Japan. Key points:
- Tax rate: Up to 55% (income + resident tax)
- Reporting threshold: Over ¥200,000/year requires filing
- Losses cannot offset other income (e.g., salary)
Keep detailed records of:
- Trade timestamps
- Prices and amounts
- Fees paid
Most exchanges provide annual transaction reports—download them early.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does my Bitcoin sale return less than expected?
This is likely due to the spread on sales desks. Even if the price hasn’t changed, the difference between buy and sell prices creates an instant loss.
Are there truly zero-fee exchanges?
Yes—some platforms like BITPOINT offer zero maker and taker fees. However, spreads may still apply on sales desks.
Can I avoid transfer fees completely?
Yes. Exchanges like GMO Coin and BITPOINT charge no fees for sending BTC, ETH, or XRP.
Is it worth switching exchanges for lower fees?
Absolutely. Active traders can save thousands per year by moving to a low-fee platform.
What’s the cheapest way to buy Bitcoin?
Use an exchange with:
- Free JPY deposits
- Low or negative trading fees
- No transfer costs
GMO Coin currently leads in total cost efficiency.
Do small trades make sense with fees?
Only if you use exchange-based trading. On sales desks with wide spreads, small trades often lose money instantly.
Final Thoughts: Optimize Your Bitcoin Strategy
High Bitcoin fees aren’t inevitable—they’re often the result of suboptimal choices. By switching from sales desks to exchanges, choosing low-cost platforms like GMO Coin, and using maker orders strategically, you can drastically reduce your trading costs.
Remember: every yen saved on fees is a yen earned.
👉 Join a global exchange offering ultra-low fees and advanced trading tools.
With smart habits and the right platform, you can trade Bitcoin efficiently—whether you're investing ¥500 or ¥5 million.