How to Buy and Sell Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies: A Complete Guide

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Navigating the world of digital assets can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you're new to cryptocurrency or looking to refine your trading strategy, understanding how to buy, sell, and manage your holdings is essential. This guide walks you through the core processes of cryptocurrency transactions—covering purchasing Bitcoin, selling Ethereum for yen, checking trade history, and more—all while maintaining clarity, security, and efficiency.

We’ll also explore key differences between trading platforms, order types, asset management, and price notifications—everything you need to confidently participate in the crypto market.


How to Buy Bitcoin: Step-by-Step Instructions

Purchasing Bitcoin is a straightforward process when using a trusted platform. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Access the Sales Desk
    Begin by opening the sales desk interface. Check your balance in the top-right corner—this displays your available Bitcoin (BTC) and Japanese yen (JPY).
  2. Select “Buy”
    Click on the "Buy" option to initiate a purchase.
  3. Enter Amount
    On the buy order screen, toggle between JPY and BTC using the ↑↓ button. Input your desired amount in either currency, then click “Proceed to Buy Order.”
  4. Confirm Purchase
    The system will display the total cost in JPY and the corresponding BTC amount. Review the details and click “Confirm Buy Order.”
  5. Completion
    Once you see the message “Purchase completed,” click “Close.”
  6. Check Balance
    Your newly acquired BTC will now appear in your account balance.

👉 Start buying Bitcoin securely today with a trusted platform.


Selling Cryptocurrency and Withdrawing Funds

After selling your digital assets, you may want to withdraw the proceeds in fiat currency.

When you sell cryptocurrency, the resulting Japanese yen is held in your JPY balance. To withdraw:

Please note: A withdrawal fee applies. For full details, refer to the platform’s fee schedule.


How to Sell Bitcoin: Multiple Trading Options

You can sell Bitcoin through three main methods: the Sales Desk, Exchange, or bitFlyer Lightning.

1. Sales Desk

Click “Sell,” enter the amount in JPY or BTC using the toggle, then proceed with “Proceed to Sell Order” and confirm.

2. Exchange

Set your desired quantity (BTC) and price (BTC/JPY), click “Sell Coins,” then confirm execution within 6 seconds.

3. bitFlyer Lightning

Available via PC or mobile browser. Choose between limit, market, or special orders, select “Sell,” and complete the transaction.

Each method suits different trading styles—whether you prefer instant execution or precise price control.


Checking Your Transaction History

Yes, you can view your full trade history.

This feature helps track performance, manage taxes, and analyze trading behavior over time.


Understanding Profit and Loss Calculations

Your account provides real-time insight into gains and losses across various timeframes:

These figures include market value fluctuations for held currencies and open positions but exclude fees. Note: This calculation is for informational purposes only and should not be used for tax reporting.


Minimum and Maximum Order Sizes

Different services have varying limits on trade sizes. Below are key thresholds:

Sales Desk

Supports micro-transactions down to 0.00000001 BTC. Maximum single orders vary by asset—for example:

Note: If selling results in less than ¥1, the minimum quantity will be adjusted accordingly.

Exchange

Designed for larger trades:

bitFlyer Crypto CFD

Offers leveraged trading with a max position size of 500 BTC-CFD.

These tiers allow flexibility for both casual investors and active traders.


Sales Desk vs. Exchange: Key Differences

FeatureSales DeskExchange
CounterpartyThe platform (bitFlyer)Other users
PricingFixed by platformMarket-driven (supply/demand)
Use CaseBeginners, fast tradesAdvanced users, price control

In short: The Sales Desk offers simplicity and speed; the Exchange gives control and transparency.


Why Can’t I Place an Order? (“Currently Suspended” Message)

Occasionally, the Sales Desk may show “Sell (currently suspended)” or “Buy (currently suspended).” This isn’t due to system errors or insufficient funds—it’s a temporary restriction.

The platform may limit one side of trading (buy or sell) if there's an imbalance in order flow. Simply wait and try again later.


Can I Trade Less Than 0.001 BTC?

Yes! Transactions under 0.001 BTC are supported on the Sales Desk.

However, bitFlyer Crypto CFD requires a minimum of 0.001 BTC-CFD per order. Any fractional holdings must be combined into a qualifying position before settlement.


Is Limit Order Available?

Absolutely. You can place limit orders on both the Exchange and bitFlyer Lightning.

A limit order lets you set a target price. The trade executes only when market conditions meet your criteria. Until then, part of your funds remain reserved.

You can cancel pending orders anytime via the “×” button in your order history.

👉 Maximize control with advanced order types on a secure platform.


Monitoring Price Movements with Alerts

Stay informed with price fluctuation notifications via the bitFlyer Wallet app (iOS and Android).

You’ll receive push alerts when a cryptocurrency’s price moves beyond a predefined threshold within 24 hours.

To enable:

Bitcoin is enabled by default. Please note: These alerts are informational only and do not guarantee real-time delivery.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I buy Bitcoin on the Sales Desk and sell it on the Exchange?
A: Yes. Your Bitcoin balance is unified across both platforms—you can buy on one and sell on the other seamlessly.

Q: What’s the difference between displayed price, buy price, and reference total?
A: The reference total uses the midpoint between buy/sell prices. The top-of-screen price is similar but may vary slightly due to timing differences.

Q: Why is my available balance lower than my total balance?
A: Pending orders or margin deposits temporarily lock funds, reducing available balance until orders are filled or canceled.

Q: How do I convert Ethereum to Japanese yen?
A: Use the Ethereum Sales Desk or bitFlyer Lightning (ETH/JPY) to directly sell ETH for JPY. Alternatively, trade ETH to BTC first, then convert to yen.

Q: When I see "CLOSED" instead of a price, what should I do?
A: This may result from poor network connectivity. Refresh the page or check your internet connection.

Q: Are there daily limits on Bitcoin purchases?
A: Single transactions are capped at 15 BTC on the Sales Desk (subject to change). There’s no fixed daily limit, but large trades may require verification.


Final Thoughts: Building Confidence in Crypto Trading

Understanding how to navigate buying, selling, tracking, and securing your digital assets empowers smarter decisions. From small micro-transactions to advanced limit orders, today’s platforms offer tools for every level of investor.

Whether you're trading Bitcoin, Ethereum, or altcoins like Dogecoin and XRP, knowing your options—from Sales Desk simplicity to Exchange precision—helps optimize outcomes.

👉 Take control of your crypto journey with powerful trading tools designed for security and performance.