BICC Exchange Review: Japan’s Regulated Crypto Platform Examined

If you’re hunting for a crypto exchange that lives under Japan’s strict regulatory umbrella, you’ve probably stumbled on BICC Exchange review searches. This article breaks down what BICC actually offers, how safe it feels, where it shines, and where it falls short compared to the country’s bigger players.

What is BICC Exchange?

BICC Exchange is a centralized cryptocurrency exchange launched in 2018, headquartered in Japan, and licensed by the Japan Financial Services Agency (FSA). The regulator Japan Financial Services Agency requires every licensed platform to follow the 2017 Payment Services Act, meaning BICC must keep user funds separate, enforce KYC, and report suspicious activity.

The platform supports both spot trading and derivatives contracts, letting users swing between buying actual coins and speculating on price movements without owning the asset. Over 50 digital assets are listed, from the big hitters like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) to less‑known tokens such as Ripple (XRP) or Litecoin (LTC). All of this is wrapped in a Japanese‑language UI that many reviewers call “dynamic and user‑friendly”.

Key Features and Trading Options

BICC’s core offering revolves around three pillars:

• Spot market - direct purchase and sale of over 50 cryptocurrencies.
• Contract market - perpetual and quarterly futures on major pairs, suitable for leveraged trading.
• Payment flexibility - crypto deposits/withdrawals on multiple blockchains and traditional bank transfers for Japanese Yen (JPY).

For Japanese residents, the fiat‑on‑ramp works via local banks, letting you move JPY in and out without converting to a foreign currency first. International users can still trade, but they need a Japanese bank account for fiat moves - a hurdle that many global exchanges don’t impose.

Security and Compliance

Security is baked into the platform through three mandatory steps:

1. Account creation with email verification.
2. KYC submission - a government‑issued ID (passport or driver’s license) plus a selfie.
3. Two‑factor authentication (2FA) using Google Authenticator or an SMS code.

Once verified, BICC stores the majority of user funds in cold wallets, a practice required by the FSA. No major security breach involving BICC has been reported on California’s DFPI Crypto Scam Tracker as of October2025, which is a reassuring sign compared to some newer exchanges that have faced hacks.

Fee Structure and Payment Methods

The fee schedule is simple but not the cheapest in the market:

• Spot trading fee - 0.20% maker, 0.25% taker (no volume‑based discounts).
• Futures fee - 0.10% maker, 0.15% taker.
• Bank transfer fee - flat ¥250 per inbound/outbound JPY transaction.
• Crypto network fee - passes the underlying blockchain’s cost; BICC does not mark up.

The lack of tiered discounts means high‑volume traders may find a better rate on BitFlyer or GMO Japan, but casual investors who trade once a month or less will likely not notice the difference.

How BICC Stacks Up Against Competitors

Below is a side‑by‑side snapshot of BICC versus the three biggest Japanese‑licensed exchanges. Data reflects October2025 public figures.

Key takeaways: BICC wins on asset variety but loses heavily on trading volume, brand visibility, and fee competitiveness. If you need obscure altcoins and you’re comfortable staying in Japan, BICC can be a solid niche choice.

User Experience and Community Feedback

Public reviews on Revain describe the interface as “dynamic” and “user‑friendly”, yet the platform lacks a robust community presence. There are no official Reddit threads, Telegram groups, or Twitter accounts with significant follower counts. By contrast, BitFlyer’s Discord channel has over 15k active members, and Coincheck regularly posts educational webinars.

Because BICC does not run promotional campaigns-no welcome bonus, referral rewards, or fee rebates-new traders may feel less incentivized to try it out. However, the absence of aggressive marketing also means fewer chances of hidden terms or “too‑good‑to‑be‑true” offers.

Pros and Cons

• Pros
  • FSA‑regulated - strong legal compliance.
  • Broad asset selection (>50 coins).
  • Both spot and futures markets.
  • Native JPY bank‑transfer support.
• Cons
  • Low 24‑hour volume - potential slippage.
  • Higher taker fees than top Japanese rivals.
  • Limited international fiat options.
  • Minimal community and marketing push.

Is BICC Right for You?

Consider BICC if you meet one of the following profiles:

1. Japanese resident who wants a local bank‑linked fiat gateway.
2. Trader looking for obscure altcoins that aren’t listed on BitFlyer or Coinbase.
3. Investor who prioritizes regulatory compliance over the lowest possible fees.

If you’re a high‑frequency trader, a global user needing multiple fiat currencies, or someone hunting the cheapest fee tier, you’ll likely benefit more from larger exchanges like BitFlyer, Coincheck, or even Binance’s Japan‑specific portal.