The world of cryptocurrency trading is fast-paced, competitive, and highly sensitive to costs—especially trading spreads, which can quietly eat into your profits. If you're asking, "Is Coincheck's spread high compared to other exchanges?", you're not alone. Many beginners and even experienced traders want clarity on where Coincheck stands in the crowded Japanese crypto market.
In this comprehensive analysis, we’ll break down Coincheck’s spread rates across major cryptocurrencies, compare them with leading domestic exchanges like GMO Coin, bitFlyer, bitbank, and DMM Bitcoin, and uncover whether Coincheck is truly overpriced—or if its higher spreads are justified by other advantages.
We’ll also reveal three proven strategies to minimize spreads in your crypto trading, helping you make smarter, more cost-effective decisions.
Understanding Spread: Trading Fee vs. Hidden Cost
Before diving into data, it's essential to understand what “spread” means in crypto trading.
- Spread refers to the difference between the buying (ask) and selling (bid) price of an asset.
- On sales desks (販売所), the exchange acts as the counterparty—you buy directly from or sell to the platform. These typically have fixed, wider spreads.
- On exchanges (取引所), users trade peer-to-peer via order books. Spreads here are narrower and dynamic, depending on market depth and liquidity.
While many platforms advertise “zero trading fees,” remember: a wide spread is still a cost—often hidden but just as impactful.
💡 Pro Tip: Always check both the stated fee and the actual spread before executing a trade.
👉 Discover how low-spread trading works on a global platform.
Coincheck Spread Analysis: How Does It Compare?
Spreads fluctuate daily based on volatility and demand. The figures below reflect average observed spreads during stable market conditions and serve as a reliable benchmark for comparison.
Bitcoin (BTC): Exchange vs. Sales Desk
| Platform | Exchange Spread | Sales Desk Spread |
|---|---|---|
| Coincheck | 0.05% | 6.2% |
| GMO Coin | 0.11% | 3.9% |
| bitFlyer | 0.16% | 2.9% |
| DMM Bitcoin | — | 0.5% |
| bitbank | 0.07% | 2.0% |
🔍 Insight:
Coincheck shines in its exchange market, offering one of the lowest BTC trading spreads at just 0.05%—ideal for active traders. However, its sales desk spread (6.2%) is among the highest, making it less attractive for quick buys.
For new investors using mobile apps, Coincheck’s interface simplifies access—but always opt for the exchange mode when possible.
Ethereum (ETH): Sales Desk Comparison
| Platform | Spread |
|---|---|
| Coincheck | 6.0% |
| GMO Coin | 3.9% |
| bitFlyer | 15% |
| DMM Bitcoin | 9.4% |
While Coincheck isn’t the worst, GMO Coin leads with a narrow 3.9% spread, nearly half of bitFlyer’s. For ETH buyers, switching platforms could save significant costs over time.
Ripple (XRP): High Spread Alert
| Platform | Spread |
|---|---|
| Coincheck | 8.4% |
| GMO Coin | 5.8% |
| bitFlyer | 13% |
| DMM Bitcoin | 12.7% |
Coincheck’s XRP spread is above average, while GMO Coin again offers the best value. Given XRP’s popularity in Japan, this difference adds up quickly for frequent traders.
Monacoin (MONA): Exchange Advantage Elsewhere
| Platform | Exchange Spread | Sales Desk Spread |
|---|---|---|
| Coincheck | 1.2% | 9.2% |
| bitFlyer | — | 10.3% |
| bitbank | 0.3% | — |
| Zaif | 0.8% | 11.2% |
Although Coincheck has the lowest sales desk rate, its exchange spread (1.2%) pales next to bitbank’s ultra-low 0.3%. For Monacoin enthusiasts, bitbank is clearly superior for active trading.
Other Altcoins: Mixed Results
Here’s a quick snapshot across lesser-known assets:
- NEM: GMO Coin offers slightly better pricing.
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH): GMO Coin (6.7%) beats Coincheck (8.3%).
- Ethereum Classic (ETC): Coincheck leads in both markets—but ETC exchange spread hits 4.3%, indicating thin order books.
- Lisk (LSK): Coincheck wins with an 8.3% spread vs. bitFlyer’s 11%.
- Litecoin (LTC): GMO Coin edges out at 6.7% vs. Coincheck’s 6.9%.
- Stellar Lumens (XLM): Coincheck has the narrowest spread.
- Quantum (QNT): GMO Coin again takes the lead.
- IOST & Enjin Coin (ENJ): Only available on Coincheck domestically—but with spreads above 9.8%, they’re costly.
⚠️ For tokens like ENJ, where spreads exceed 10%, consider international exchanges with deeper liquidity.
👉 See how global exchanges offer tighter spreads and lower costs.
Final Verdict: Is Coincheck’s Spread High?
✅ Yes — in most cases, especially on its sales desk, where spreads often exceed 8–10% for altcoins.
❌ But not always:
- Its BTC exchange spread (0.05%) is among the lowest in Japan.
- For coins like Lisk and Stellar, it offers competitive pricing.
- Some assets like IOST and Factom are only available on Coincheck, justifying use despite higher costs.
So while Coincheck isn’t the cheapest option overall, it remains popular—and for good reasons.
Why Is Coincheck So Popular Despite High Spreads?
Two key factors explain its enduring appeal:
1. Largest Selection of Tradable Assets in Japan
Coincheck supports 16 cryptocurrencies, matching GMO Coin for breadth and surpassing most competitors.
More importantly, it lists several exclusive altcoins like:
- Factom (FCT)
- IOST
- Enjin Coin (ENJ)
These aren't available on major platforms like bitFlyer or DMM Bitcoin, giving Coincheck a unique edge for investors exploring niche projects.
2. Best-in-Class User Experience
Coincheck’s app has surpassed 3 million downloads, making it Japan’s most popular crypto app—and for good reason.
Its interface is:
- Clean
- Intuitive
- Beginner-friendly
You can buy crypto in under a minute without understanding complex order types—a huge advantage for new users.
🎯 Bottom Line: Coincheck trades lower spreads for accessibility and variety, making it ideal for casual investors who prioritize ease of use over marginal cost savings.
How to Reduce Crypto Spreads: 3 Expert Tips
Even on high-spread platforms, you can minimize costs with smart strategies.
1. Avoid Trading During High Volatility
Markets react sharply to news, halvings, or macroeconomic shifts. During these times:
- Liquidity dries up
- Spreads widen dramatically
- Slippage increases
📌 Wait for stability. Check the order book depth before placing large orders.
2. Avoid Sales Desks When Possible
Sales desks are convenient but expensive. Instead:
- Use exchange-based trading (板取引)
- Accept slightly longer execution times
- Save consistently on every trade
For example:
Switching from Coincheck’s 6.2% BTC sales desk to its 0.05% exchange saves you over 6 percentage points per trade.
That’s a direct boost to your ROI.
3. Use Multiple Low-Spread Exchanges
Don’t rely on just one platform. Register on multiple exchanges so you can:
- Compare real-time prices
- Execute trades where spreads are tightest
- Transfer funds strategically
Top low-spread Japanese exchanges:
| Exchange | Key Strength |
|---|---|
| GMO Coin | Lowest overall sales desk spread |
| bitbank | Best for altcoin exchange trades |
| bitFlyer | Deep BTC liquidity, reliable execution |
Using two or more ensures you’re never stuck paying unnecessarily high fees.
👉 Compare real-time spreads across global markets now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is Coincheck’s spread so high?
High spreads are a primary revenue source for exchanges. While Coincheck charges more on its sales desk, it compensates with unmatched coin selection and a user-friendly platform—factors many users value more than minimal fees.
Does Coincheck’s “Tsumitate” (DCA) plan include spreads?
Yes. The DCA service uses Coincheck’s sales desk infrastructure, meaning the full sales desk spread applies to each automatic purchase. While convenient, it may not be the most cost-efficient long-term strategy.
Is there a way to trade crypto with near-zero spreads?
Yes—on advanced exchange platforms with maker-taker models, you can even earn rebates (negative fees) by providing liquidity. These are common on global exchanges like OKX or Binance, where deep markets keep spreads extremely tight.
Should I avoid Coincheck entirely?
Not necessarily. If you’re:
- Buying BTC via the exchange
- Investing in exclusive altcoins
- A beginner valuing simplicity
Then Coincheck remains a solid choice. Just be mindful of when and how you trade.
How often do crypto spreads change?
Spreads update in real time based on supply/demand imbalances, news events, and trading volume. Always verify current rates before executing trades—especially for low-cap altcoins.
Can I reduce my effective spread through timing?
Absolutely. Trading during peak hours (Asian, European, and U.S. market overlaps) increases liquidity and narrows spreads significantly compared to off-peak times.
Conclusion: Balancing Cost and Convenience
Coincheck’s spreads are undeniably high—especially on its sales desk—but its strengths lie elsewhere:
- 🌟 Largest altcoin selection in Japan
- 📱 Best-in-class mobile experience
- 🔐 Trusted security track record
For beginners or those investing in exclusive tokens, Coincheck offers a compelling package—even at a premium.
But for active traders focused on cost-efficiency:
✅ Use GMO Coin or bitbank for lower spreads
✅ Trade via exchange mode, not sales desk
✅ Monitor real-time data across platforms
By understanding spreads and choosing the right tools, you can enjoy a smoother, more profitable crypto journey—no matter where you start.
Remember: every percentage point saved on fees is a percentage point earned toward your next investment goal.
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