Zaif Review 2025

Zaif is a Japan-based cryptocurrency exchange owned by Fisco Digital Asset Group, allowing trading across 24 digital assets.

It offers investors unique passive income options like Coin Reserve and automated trading capabilities. Zaif also provides a cryptocurrency-backed bank card called the Zaif Visa card.

Zaif Company Information and Regulation Status

Zaif has been a pioneer in the Japanese cryptocurrency scene since its founding in 2016. Key points about Zaif's company information and regulation:

• Founding date: April 2016
• Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
• Regulatory Status: Licensed by the Japan Financial Services Authority (JFSA)
• Parent Company: FISCO Digital Asset Group (since 2018)
• Member of: Japan Cryptocurrency Exchange Association

Although Zaif tried to implement various security measures, it was hacked in 2018, resulting in 7 billion yen worth of cryptocurrencies being stolen.

Zaif Exchange CEO

Naoki Ishihara serves as the Representative Director and President of Zaif Co., Ltd., a licensed Japanese cryptocurrency exchange operating under registration number Kinki Finance Bureau No. 00001. Established on April 12, 2016, Zaif is headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, with a capital of 50 million yen as of August 2025.

• Leadership: Naoki Ishihara leads Zaif alongside board members Yosuke Saito, Tomonori Ouchi, Koji Yasuhara, and Auditor Hiroshi Sasaki;
• Ownership: The company is a subsidiary ofNex Group Co., Ltd;
• Affiliations: Member of the Japan Cryptocurrency Exchange Association (JCVEA);
• Business Scope: Licensed to operate a full-scale cryptocurrency exchange, offering secure digital asset trading and custody services.

Zaif Exchange Table of Specifications

Let's break down some of the key specifications of Zaif based on our cryptocurrency exchange review methodology:

Zaif Exchange Advantages and Disadvantages

Every exchange has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's take a balanced look at what Zaif brings to the table:

Zaif User Levels

Unfortunately, the Zaif exchange doesn’t have tiered user levels, so high-volume traders can benefit from lowered trading costs. This means that whether you trade $5 or $5000, you pay the same fees.

It's worth noting that to access the full suite of Zaif's features, users must complete the verification process.

Zaif Exchange Trading Commissions and Fees

Zaif has positioned itself as a low-fee Cryptocurrency Exchange, which is particularly attractive for high-volume traders. Here's a detailed look at Zaif's fee structure: Maker/Taker Fees:

• Maker Fee: 0%
• Taker Fee: from 0.1% to 0.3%

Zaif Margin Trading Fees:

• Daily Lending Fee: 0.039%
• Commission: 0.7%

Zaif Deposit Fees:

• Credit card deposits: 3.5%
• Convenience deposit: From 495 to 605 JPY
• Pay-easy deposit: From 495 to 605 JPY
• Bank transfers: Your bank’s fee

Zaif Withdrawal Fees:

• Bank transfer: From 385 to 770 JPY
• Crypto transfers have variable withdrawal fees, variable based on the blockchain network

Zaif incentivizes users to get verified and engage in market-making activities. The account maintenance fees for unverified users can be quite steep, especially for those holding larger amounts of assets on the exchange.

Zaif Exchange Coins and Assets List

Despite being a well-established exchange, Zaif offers a relatively low selection of cryptocurrencies compared to some global exchanges. Zaif currently supports:

• Bitcoin
• ETH
• SKEB
• BORA
• XYM
• XEM
• FSCC
• CICC
• KLAY
• DEP
• MV
• Matic (POL)
• TRX
• DOT

The most actively traded pair on Zaif is BTC/JPY, reflecting the exchange's focus on the Japanese market. While the selection is limited, it does cover most major cryptocurrencies that Japanese traders are interested in.

Zaif Exchange Futures and Margin Trading Overview

For traders looking to amplify their potential gains (and risks), Zaif offers margin trading capabilities. Here are the key points to know:

• Leverage: Up to 7.77x
• Available for: Major cryptocurrency pairs
• Daily Lending Fee: 0.039%
• Commission: 0.7%

Futures markets on Zaif allows users to borrow funds to increase their trading position. This can lead to amplified profits but also increases the risk of significant losses. Users must understand the risks involved before engaging in margin trading.

Zaif Exchange Account Registration and Verification Guide

Getting started with Zaif involves a multi-step process designed to ensure compliance with Japanese regulations. Here's a step-by-step guide to Zaif registration:

#1 Access Zaif’s Registration Page

Begin by visiting Zaif’s official website and clicking the "Register" button.

#2 Submit Email & Accept Policies

Provide a valid email address, then carefully review and agree to Zaif’s exchange policies and terms of service.

Verify your email address by clicking the confirmation link sent to your email.

At the end, you must accept the platform's terms and policies before proceeding with the password setup.

#3 Set Up Account Security

Create a strong password and immediately enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for enhanced protection against unauthorized access.

#4 Complete KYC Verification

Enter your personal information as required under Japanese financial regulations, including ID submission for identity verification.

#5 Finalize & Secure Your Account

After verification, log in securely with 2FA and deposit funds to start trading on Zaif.

Always use 2FA and a unique password to maximize account security.

Zaif Easy Trading Guide

Zaif’s Easy Trading mode allows beginners and professionals to buy or sell cryptocurrencies in just a few clicks. With support for JPY-based trading, competitive rates, and intuitive charts, users can access BTC, ETH, SNPT, and more directly from their verified accounts.

#1 Log in and Access Easy Trading

To begin trading, log in to your Zaif account and select “Easy Trading” from the main menu. This mode simplifies the process for instant crypto purchases.

• Click "Login" to access your account dashboard;
• Choose "Easy Trading" at the top navigation bar;
• Review real-time market data and supported crypto pairs.

#2 Choose Your Cryptocurrency and Amount

After accessing the dashboard, pick your desired cryptocurrency—such as Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH)—and input the JPY amount you wish to trade.

• Select a crypto from the top list of supported coins;
• Enter the JPY amount under "To be paid";
• The system automatically displays how much crypto you’ll receive.

#3 Confirm and Execute Your Trade

Once you verify your trade details, click “Confirm Buy Details” to complete the order. Your transaction will process instantly at the best available rate.

• Double-check your entered amount and conversion rate;
• Click "Confirm Buy Details" to execute the order;
• Purchased crypto appears directly in your Zaif wallet balance.

Zaif Exchange Trading Platforms

Zaif provides several platforms for users to access their accounts and trade:

Zaif Web Platform

Traders can use the Zaif exchange web-based trading platform to easily trade various cryptocurrencies. Key features of this trading platform:

• Accessible through any modern web browser
• Offers full functionality for trading, account management, and more
• Provides access to indicators and chart tools

Zaif Mobile App

Zaif also offers trading services through its mobile app. Key features of this application:

• Available for iOS and Android devices
• Allows for on-the-go trading and account monitoring

Links:

• Zaif Android
• Zaif iOS

The Zaif proprietary trading platform is designed to be user-friendly while offering the necessary tools for both novice and experienced traders. It includes features like real-time market data, various order types, and charting tools.

Zaif Exchange Trading Volume

Zaif Exchange has demonstrated a steady performance in Japan’s digital asset market, with its three-month trading volume fluctuating between $500K and $5M USD. Despite short-term volatility, Zaif maintains consistent liquidity, particularly across major trading pairs such as BTC/JPY and ETH/JPY.

• The exchange’s trading activity shows periodic spikes, typically aligning with market rallies or new asset listings;
• Average daily volume remains within $1M–$2M, reflecting active user participation in both spot and easy trading modes;
• Liquidity depth continues to improve due to regulatory compliance and growing integration with Japanese financial systems.

Zaif Services

Zaif Exchange offers a secure and efficient trading environment designed for both individual and institutional investors. With API access, OTC trading, and TradingView integration, Zaif provides tools that combine professional functionality with a user-friendly experience in Japan’s regulated crypto market.

Zaif Exchange Safety and Security Measures

Security is a top priority for Zaif, especially following the 2018 security breach. The exchange has implemented several measures to protect user funds and data:

• Cold Storage: The majority of user funds are stored in offline, cold cryptocurrency wallets
• Multi-Signature Withdrawals: Requires multiple approvals for large withdrawals
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Recommended for all users
• SSL Encryption: Secures all data transmitted between users and the exchange

Despite these measures, it's important to note that no exchange is completely immune to security risks. Users are always advised to keep only the necessary amount of funds on the exchange and use personal wallets for long-term storage.

Zaif Security Rankings

According to Zaif's CER.live profile, the exchange holds a security score of 18 out of 100 (Grade D). While its server security performs relatively well at 68/100, the platform currently lacks penetration testing, bug bounty programs, and ISO 27001 certification, leaving several areas for improvement.

Zaif’s overall security framework is functional but limited in transparency. As of now, the exchange operates without proof-of-reserves audits or funds insurance, which are key metrics for user asset safety in modern crypto platforms. Strengthening these components could significantly enhance its global trust rating.

Zaif Exchange Payment Options

Zaif expanded its payment options to make deposits more convenient for users. The available payment methods include:

• Bank Transfer: Direct deposits from Japanese bank accounts
• Credit Card: Through the new Zaif Card, launched in partnership with Life Card
• Cryptocurrency Deposits: For supported coins

The introduction of credit card payments is a significant development, making Zaif the first cryptocurrency exchange in Japan to offer this option. The new Zaif Card not only facilitates deposits but also offers rewards in the form of Bitcoin for card usage.

The processing time for fiat deposits and withdrawals varies depending on the bank, its operating hours, and other factors.

Zaif Exchange User Reviews and Trust Scores

Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to find user and customer reviews regarding the quality of services in Zaif exchange. This is a major drawback since new traders can’t learn about the trading experience from traders with a history of using the exchange services.

There are also no reviews on the Zaif Trustpilot profile, so we advise traders to be cautious when it comes to choosing trading platforms with no available user experience.

Zaif Features

The table below summarizes the additional features provided by the exchange:

Zaif Promotions

Zaif Exchange offers an attractive reward system that allows verified users to earn passive income simply by holding Bitcoin on the platform. The 3.6% annual interest rate Money-Making Login Bonus is the main promotion, designed to reward long-term Bitcoin holders through daily login-based bonuses.

It’s a simple and consistent way to earn rewards while maintaining trading activity on the Zaif platform.

• Requires a minimum balance of 3 BTC to qualify;
• Must reach a cumulative transaction volume of 100,000 JPY within the last three months;
• Bonuses are distributed daily at 0.01% of the Bitcoin balance;
• Users can claim bonuses manually from the Account > Claim Bonus page;
• Bonuses must be claimed between 10:00 and 23:59 the day after eligibility.

Zaif Exchange Support Channels Overview

Zaif provides customer support through various channels:

• Phone Support: +81-855-915-5088
• FAQ Section: Comprehensive resource for common issues and questions

Lack of variety in support methods, especially live chat, is a major issue for the cryptocurrency exchange that can’t be overlooked.

Zaif Exchange Investment Options Overview

In addition to standard trading options, Zaif offers several investment features:

• Coin Reserve (DCA): Allows for dollar-cost averaging investments in cryptocurrencies

• Zaif Automatic Trading: Allows traders to execute trades based on pre-defined conditions

These additional services provide users with options to engage with the crypto market beyond just buying and selling.

Zaif Restricted Countries List

While Zaif is primarily focused on the Japanese market, its availability to international users is limited. Here’s a list of countries banned from creating an account in Zaif exchange:

• Italy
• USA
• North Korea
• Iran
• Romania
• Finland
• Cyprus
• Slovakia

Zaif Compared to Other Exchanges

The table below comprehensively compares Zaif to some of its competitors in the crypto market:

TF Expert Suggestion

Zaif features affordable trading fees (0.1%-0.3% for spot trades and 0.7% for margin trades) makes it a good choice for cost-consious traders.

However, the platform's lack of availability outside Japan and its history of hacking in 2018are important points to consider before joining.