LINE is one of the most popular messaging apps in Japan, with over 81 million monthly active users in the country alone. In September 2019, LINE took a significant step by launching a dedicated crypto exchange platform called Bitmax, built specifically for the Japanese market. This move brought cryptocurrency trading directly inside an app that millions of people already use every day.
This blog covers how the line cryptocurrency exchange works, what makes Bitmax different, how it is regulated, and what it means for everyday users who want to start trading digital assets.
Key Takeaways
- Integrated Access: Bitmax is available directly inside the LINE app through the Wallet tab — no separate download required.
- FSA Regulated: LVC Corporation received a crypto exchange license from Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) in September 2019.
- Beginner-Friendly: Designed for users with no prior crypto experience, with a minimum trade of under JPY 1,000 (~$9).
- Five Supported Coins: Initially supports Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and Litecoin (LTC).
- Line Pay Integration: Users can deposit and withdraw Japanese yen through LINE Pay directly on Bitmax.
- Cold Wallet Security: User assets are stored in cold wallets, with BitGo as the custodian infrastructure provider.
- No Trading Fees: Bitmax charges no trading fees, though deposits and withdrawals carry a small charge.
What Is the LINE Cryptocurrency Exchange?
The LINE cryptocurrency exchange, known as Bitmax, is a crypto trading platform built and operated by LVC Corporation — a wholly-owned subsidiary of LINE Corporation that handles the company’s virtual asset and blockchain operations. LVC Corporation officially introduced Bitmax on September 17, 2019, after receiving regulatory approval to operate a crypto exchange in early September.
Bitmax is not a standalone app. It is embedded within the LINE messaging app itself. The exchange is available through the Wallet tab on the LINE app, and it targets novice crypto traders with a suite of easy-to-use tools. This makes it genuinely different from traditional exchanges that require users to register on a separate platform, complete lengthy verification processes, and manage a different interface entirely.
Understanding how a cryptocurrency exchange works can help you see why this integration matters. Instead of moving between apps, LINE users can simply open their wallet, select a coin, and start trading — all from the same interface they use to chat with friends and family.[1]
How LINE Got a License to Run a Japan Crypto Exchange
Japan has one of the strictest cryptocurrency regulatory environments in the world. Any company that wants to run a cryptocurrency exchange in Japan must obtain a license from the Financial Services Agency (FSA). This is not a simple process — it involves proving that the platform has robust security measures, proper anti-money laundering protocols, and clear investor protection policies.
LVC Corporation obtained a crypto exchange operating license from Japan’s FSA, as reported in early September 2019. The FSA authorized the trading of Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Litecoin (LTC), and XRP on the platform.
This was a significant milestone. LINE had already launched a Singapore-based exchange called Bitbox in July 2018 for international users, but Bitbox was not available in Japan because of the country’s crypto exchange license requirement, enforced during the April 2017 amendment of Japan’s Payment Service Act. Getting FSA approval for Bitmax finally allowed LINE to bring crypto trading to its massive Japanese user base. Proper crypto exchange compliance, including KYC and AML checks, was central to earning that approval.[2]
How the LINE Messaging App Crypto Exchange Works
Accessing Bitmax Through LINE Wallet
Bitmax can be accessed from the Wallet tab on the LINE app, which has 81 million monthly active users in Japan alone. Once inside the Wallet, users see the option to open Bitmax and begin trading. There is no need to visit a separate website or download any additional software. The entire experience — from login to trade — happens inside the LINE app itself.
This is a meaningful advantage for a mobile crypto trading app experience. Most crypto exchanges still require users to manage separate accounts, remember different passwords, and go through new verification steps. Bitmax skips most of that friction because LINE already knows who its users are.[3]
KYC Verification and Identity Checks
A strict KYC program is observed, with users required to submit a photograph of themselves and their ID card. This step is mandatory for all Bitmax users. Because LINE already has a user base with established accounts, the KYC process is smoother than starting from scratch on a new platform. However, it remains thorough — in line with FSA requirements for Japan’s regulated cryptocurrency exchange market.
Depositing and Withdrawing Funds
LINE now accepts deposits and withdrawals through its mobile payment service, Line Pay, while the crypto trading service can be accessed from Line Wallet. This means users can fund their Bitmax account using Japanese yen directly through LINE Pay — the same service they may already use for everyday payments. The platform charges no trading fees, though deposits and withdrawals carry a $1 charge.
Minimum Trade Amount
This new exchange welcomes newcomers to digital asset trading by allowing users to make small transactions of below 1,000 Japanese yen, equivalent to around $9. This low entry point is intentional. LINE designed Bitmax for people who are new to crypto trading and may want to test the waters before committing larger amounts. It removes one of the biggest barriers to entry — the fear of losing a large sum on a first trade.[4]
Coins Supported on Bitmax Crypto Exchange
At launch, Bitmax allowed users to trade five major cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), XRP, Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and Litecoin (LTC). These are among the most widely recognized and traded digital assets globally, which makes sense for a platform targeting beginners. Choosing well-known coins reduces confusion and makes it easier for new users to research what they are buying.
LINE also has its own native token called LINK, which runs on the company’s LINK Chain blockchain. LINK’s default virtual currency was listed on the company’s crypto exchange platform BITBOX in October 2018, and crypto reports at the time indicated that BITMAX would also support LINK trades.
A multi-asset exchange like Bitmax that supports multiple coins in one place makes it easier for users to diversify their holdings without switching platforms. [5]
Bitmax Supported Coins at Launch
| Cryptocurrency | Symbol | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin | BTC | Proof of Work |
| Ethereum | ETH | Smart Contract Platform |
| XRP | XRP | Payment Protocol |
| Bitcoin Cash | BCH | Proof of Work Fork |
| Litecoin | LTC | Peer-to-Peer Payments |
Security Features on the LINE Crypto Trading Platform
Security is one of the most important concerns when it comes to any crypto platform, especially in Japan. The country has seen major exchange hacks in the past — most notably the Coincheck hack in 2018 — which made Japanese regulators and users extremely cautious about where they hold digital assets.
LINE assured users that their digital assets would be safe on Bitmax, revealing that the platform would rely on a high-security wallet infrastructure from U.S.-based crypto custodian BitGo. The exchange also stores user assets in cold wallets, with a dedicated team assembled to operate the cold wallet.
LINE emphasized its security approach, noting that it has been one of the heaviest investors among Japan’s internet businesses in security measures — and that this approach has extended to Bitmax, offering users a reliable and stable service that prioritizes security and safety above all else.
For users building or evaluating a secure crypto trading platform, these measures — cold wallet storage, licensed custodians, and FSA oversight — represent a solid baseline of protection.[6]
Bitmax vs Bitbox: What Is the Difference?
LINE operates two crypto exchanges: Bitbox and Bitmax. They serve different markets and were built with different purposes. Here is a clear comparison:
| Feature | Bitbox | Bitmax |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | July 2018 | September 2019 |
| Base Location | Singapore | Japan |
| Target Market | Global (excluding Japan and US) | Japan only |
| Regulatory Body | Not FSA-licensed | FSA-licensed |
| Fiat Currency Support | Crypto-to-crypto only | JPY via LINE Pay |
| App Integration | Separate platform | Built into LINE Wallet tab |
Bitmax can be accessed from the Line wallet, which is baked into the messaging app itself. This means users can dabble with crypto trading without having to download additional software or a second device. Bitbox, on the other hand, operated as a separate product outside Japan. This key difference in access is what makes Bitmax more suitable for everyday LINE users in Japan.
Why Messaging Apps Are Entering the Crypto Market
LINE is not the only messaging platform exploring crypto. Another messaging app, Telegram, was also planning to launch the Telegram Open Network cryptocurrency ecosystem to 365 million users around the same time. Facebook had also announced its Libra project. These moves signal a broader trend: messaging apps see crypto as a natural extension of their payment and fintech services.
The logic is straightforward. Messaging apps already have large user bases, built-in payment features, and verified identities through phone numbers. Adding crypto trading means users never have to leave the app for financial services. This creates a seamless messaging app crypto integration that could bring millions of people into the crypto market who might never have downloaded a standalone exchange.
LINE’s approach — using LINE wallet crypto trading as the entry point — shows how this can work in practice. By embedding Bitmax in the Wallet tab, LINE turned a familiar corner of the app into a gateway for digital asset trading. Companies looking to replicate this model often choose to build a crypto payment gateway as a foundational layer before adding exchange features.[7]
What This Means for Crypto Exchange for Beginners
One of the most important aspects of Bitmax is how it was designed for people who have never traded crypto before. Most exchanges assume a level of existing knowledge — about wallets, private keys, order books, or gas fees. Bitmax was built to avoid all of that complexity.
In a statement, LINE described Bitmax as a simple and secure cryptocurrency exchange that makes getting started easy even for beginners at cryptocurrency trading. The minimum deposit of under JPY 1,000 (~$9), the familiar LINE interface, and the LINE Pay integration all remove barriers that typically stop new users from trying crypto for the first time.
This makes Bitmax one of the more practical examples of an easy crypto trading platform for markets where smartphone adoption is high but crypto literacy is still growing. Japan fits that description well. The company stated that Japan is trending towards a cashless society and sees the crypto industry as one with new user needs waiting to be met, with the potential for next-generation technological innovation.
If you are considering building something similar, the process to build a crypto exchange from scratch involves many moving parts — including regulatory compliance, wallet infrastructure, payment gateway integration, and a user-friendly front end. LINE’s Bitmax is a good model for how these pieces can come together inside an existing consumer app.
LINE’s Broader Crypto Strategy
Bitmax is not an isolated product. It is part of a larger effort by LINE to build a crypto and blockchain ecosystem around its existing services.
- LINK Token: In 2018, LINE launched its native cryptocurrency called LINK along with the token-based blockchain network LINK Chain.
- Bitbox: LINE’s first exchange, launched in Singapore in 2018 for global users outside Japan and the US.
- LINE Pay + Visa: In June 2019, LINE Pay Corporation teamed up with global payment giant Visa to collaborate on new blockchain and electronic payments solutions.
- Bitmax: The Japan-regulated exchange that integrates directly with LINE Wallet and LINE Pay for domestic users.
This layered approach — starting with a token, building a blockchain, creating international exchange access, then launching a domestic regulated exchange — shows how LINE treated crypto as a core business direction, not just an experiment.
For further reading on this topic, you can refer to coverage from [8].
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Frequently Asked Questions
LINE’s cryptocurrency exchange in Japan is called Bitmax. It was launched in September 2019 by LVC Corporation, a subsidiary of LINE Corporation. Bitmax allows Japanese users to trade five cryptocurrencies — Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin — directly from within the LINE app’s Wallet tab.
No. Bitmax is available only to residents of Japan. It operates under a license issued by Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA). LINE also operates Bitbox, a separate exchange based in Singapore, which is available globally except in Japan and the United States.
Open the LINE app on your smartphone and go to the Wallet tab. From there, you can access Bitmax and begin the registration process. You will need to complete KYC verification by submitting a photo ID before you can start trading.
At launch, Bitmax supported five cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and Litecoin (LTC). LINE’s native token, LINK, was also expected to be added following its listing on the Bitbox exchange in 2018.
Bitmax does not charge trading fees. However, there is a small charge — approximately $1 — for deposits and withdrawals. Users can deposit and withdraw Japanese yen using LINE Pay, which is integrated directly with the Bitmax platform.
Yes, Bitmax uses a cold wallet system to store user assets offline, which significantly reduces the risk of hacking. It also relies on BitGo, a U.S.-based crypto custodian, for its wallet infrastructure. Additionally, the FSA license ensures that Bitmax meets Japan’s strict security and compliance standards.
Author
Naman Singh
Co-Founder & CEO, Nadcab Labs
Naman Singh is the Co-Founder and CEO of Nadcab Labs, where he drives the company’s vision, global growth, and strategic expansion in blockchain, fintech, and digital transformation. A serial entrepreneur, Naman brings deep hands-on experience in building, scaling, and commercializing technology-driven businesses. At Nadcab Labs, Naman works closely with enterprises, governments, and startups to design and implement secure, scalable, and business-ready Web3 and blockchain solutions. He specializes in transforming complex ideas into high-impact digital products aligned with real business objectives. Naman has led the development of end-to-end blockchain ecosystems, including token creation, smart contracts, DeFi and NFT platforms, payment infrastructures, and decentralized applications. His expertise extends to tokenomics design, regulatory alignment, compliance strategy, and go-to-market planning—helping projects become investor-ready and built for long-term sustainability. With a strong focus on real-world adoption, Naman believes in building blockchain solutions that deliver measurable value, solve practical problems, and unlock new growth opportunities for organizations worldwide.
