Transferring Ethereum (ETH) from your bitFlyer exchange account to your self-custody MetaMask wallet is a fundamental skill for anyone entering the world of Web3, NFTs, or DeFi. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step walkthrough for completing this transfer safely and efficiently on both mobile and desktop.
Before You Begin: Prerequisites
Ensure you have the following ready before starting the transfer process:
- An active bitFlyer account with some ETH available in your exchange wallet.
- The MetaMask wallet extension installed for your browser or the mobile app set up on your phone.
- Access to the email account linked to your bitFlyer account for verification steps.
How to Transfer from bitFlyer to MetaMask on Mobile
Follow these steps to send ETH using the bitFlyer mobile app.
Step 1: Register Your MetaMask Address on bitFlyer
- Open the bitFlyer app and tap on the “Deposit/Withdrawal” (入出金) option in the bottom menu.
- Select the “Crypto Assets” (仮想通貨) tab at the top.
- Choose ETH (Ethereum) from the list of assets.
- Tap on the “Withdraw” (出金) button.
- Select “Register External ETH Address” (外部イーサアドレス登録) to add your MetaMask wallet.
- You will receive a confirmation email from bitFlyer. Click the verification link inside to proceed.
Step 2: Copy and Paste Your MetaMask Address
- Open your MetaMask wallet. Tap on your account name at the top to copy your public address (a long string starting with
0x...). This is your Ethereum address. - Return to the bitFlyer app. Enter a recognizable Label for this address (e.g., “My MetaMask”).
- Paste your copied MetaMask address into the “ETH Address” (イーサアドレス) field and tap “Next” (次へ).
Complete the required information prompts:
- Select that the wallet belongs to “Yourself” (お客様本人).
- Choose “Private Wallet, etc.” (プライベートウォレット等) as the type.
- Select “Japan” (日本) as the country/region.
- Review all details, check the confirmation box, and tap “Save” (保存).
Step 3: Initiate the ETH Transfer
- Navigate back to: Deposit/Withdrawal > Crypto Assets > ETH > Withdraw.
- Select the MetaMask address you just registered from your list of saved addresses.
- Enter the amount of ETH you wish to send. Ensure it meets the minimum requirement.
- Tap “Withdraw” (出金), review the transaction summary (including the network fee), and confirm. The transfer will be processed.
How to Transfer from bitFlyer to MetaMask on Desktop (PC)
The process on the bitFlyer website is very similar.
Step 1: Register Your MetaMask Address
- Log in to your bitFlyer account on the web.
- Go to “Deposit/Withdrawal” > “Ethereum” > “Send”.
- Click on “Register Address” (アドレスを登録する).
- Check your email and click the verification link sent by bitFlyer.
Step 2: Add Your MetaMask Wallet Address
- Copy your public address from MetaMask by clicking on your account name.
- On the bitFlyer registration page, provide a Label and paste your address into the “Ethereum Address” (イーサリアムアドレス) field.
- Click “Next” (次へ), fill in the details (Yourself, Private Wallet, Japan), agree to the terms, and click “Add” (追加する).
Step 3: Send ETH to MetaMask
- Go to “Deposit/Withdrawal” > “Ethereum” > “Send”.
- Choose your saved MetaMask address.
- Input the amount of ETH and click “Send” (送付する).
- Confirm the transaction details to complete the transfer.
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Troubleshooting: What to Do If Your Transfer Fails
If you encounter issues sending ETH from bitFlyer, check these common problems.
The Travel Rule Compliance
Since June 2023, Japanese exchanges must comply with the "Travel Rule," which requires identifying the sender and receiver of certain cryptocurrency transfers. If you cannot send to a previously used address, you may need to re-register it and provide the necessary information to comply with these regulations.
Minimum Transfer Amount Not Met
bitFlyer enforces a minimum withdrawal amount. For ETH, you must transfer at least 0.001 ETH. Double-check that the amount you are trying to send is above this threshold.
Incorrect Wallet Address
Always double-check that the address you pasted is correct. A single wrong character will send your funds to an unrecoverable address. This is the most critical step.
Key Considerations and Fees
Understanding the costs and best practices is essential for a smooth experience.
bitFlyer's Withdrawal Fee
bitFlyer charges a fixed network fee of 0.005 ETH for all ETH withdrawals. This fee is paid to process the transaction on the Ethereum blockchain and is not kept by bitFlyer.
- Example: If the price of 1 ETH is ¥500,000, the fee would be equivalent to ¥2,500.
Due to this fixed cost, it is more economical to make larger, less frequent transfers rather than many small ones.
Always Copy-Paste the Address
Your Ethereum address is a long, case-sensitive string of letters and numbers. Manually typing it is extremely error-prone. Always use copy and paste to ensure absolute accuracy. Verifying the first and last four characters after pasting is also a good safety habit.
Transaction Time
Ethereum network transactions typically take between 1 to 5 minutes to confirm, but this can be longer during periods of high network congestion. You can track your transaction’s progress using a block explorer like Etherscan by searching for your transaction ID (TXID) or your wallet address.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take for ETH to arrive in MetaMask from bitFlyer?
The transfer usually takes between 5 to 30 minutes, depending on Ethereum network congestion. You can track its status on a block explorer using the transaction ID.
Why is there a fee, and is it avoidable?
The 0.005 ETH fee is a network/gas fee required to process the transaction on the blockchain. It is not set by bitFlyer and cannot be avoided when withdrawing to a self-custody wallet.
What is an Ethereum (ETH) address?
An Ethereum address is a unique public identifier for your wallet, similar to an account number. It is a long alphanumeric string that starts with "0x." You share this address to receive funds.
I sent ETH to the wrong address. Can I get it back?
No. Transactions on the blockchain are irreversible. If you send cryptocurrency to an incorrect address, it is almost impossible to recover. This is why meticulously verifying the address before sending is crucial.
What can I do after my ETH arrives in MetaMask?
Once your ETH is in MetaMask, you can use it to interact with decentralized applications (dApps), trade tokens on decentralized exchanges (DEXs), purchase NFTs, or provide liquidity in DeFi protocols.
Is it safe to transfer my ETH to MetaMask?
Yes, transferring to a self-custody wallet like MetaMask is generally safe and is considered a best practice for holding crypto assets long-term. However, the security of your funds then becomes your responsibility. Always safeguard your seed phrase and be cautious of phishing sites.
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Conclusion: Safely Managing Your Crypto
Successfully transferring ETH from bitFlyer to MetaMask is your first step toward true ownership of your digital assets. By following this guide—registering your address carefully, always copy-pasting, and understanding the fees—you can execute this process with confidence. Remember, the key to safety in crypto is vigilance and double-checking every detail. Your MetaMask wallet is now ready to explore the vast ecosystem of Web3.