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 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 a 7 billion yen worth of cryptocurrencies getting stolen.
Zaif Exchange Table of Specifications
Let's break down some of the key specifications of the Zaif exchange:
Exchange | Zaif |
Launch Date | 2015 |
Levels | No |
Trading Fees | From 0.00% maker and 0.01% taker |
Restricted Countries | USA, North Korea, Italy, and more |
Supported Coins | 24 |
Futures Trading | No |
Minimum Deposit | $1 |
Deposit Methods | Bank transfer, credit cards, crypto |
Withdrawal Methods | Bank transfer, crypto |
Maximum Leverage | 1:1 |
Minimum Trade Amount | From $0 |
Security Factors | 2FA, cold wallet, SSL encryption, multi-signature, |
Services | Coin reserve, Automated trading |
Customer Support Ways | Phone |
Customer Support Hours | Weekdays from 10:00 to 17:30 |
Fiat Deposit | Yen |
Affiliate Program | Yes |
Orders Execution | N/A |
Native Token | Zaif |
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:
Trading Fees:
- Maker Fee: 0%;
- Taker Fee: from 0.1% to 0.3%.
Margin Trading Fees:
- Daily Lending Fee: 0.039%;
- Commission: 0.7%.
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.
Withdrawal Fees:
- Bank transfer: From 385 to 770 JPY;
- Crypto transfers have variable withdrawal fees.
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:
- BTC;
- 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%.
Margin trading 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:
- Visit the Zaif website and click "Register;"
- Provide your email address;
- Read Zaif exchange policies and agree with them;
- Create a strong password for your account;
- Enter your personal information;
- Provide the necessary information to verify your account
Make sure to activate two-factor authentication to keep your account secure and minimize risks.
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 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 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.
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. We advise traders to be cautious when it comes to choosing trading platforms with no available user experiences.
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 executes trades based on pre-defined conditions.
These additional services provide users with options to engage with the crypto market beyond just buying and selling.
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 2018 are important points to consider before joining.