Bitcoin users in Japan may soon reap virtual interest

Coincheck is gearing up to launch Japan’s first interest-paying fixed deposit accounts for bitcoin holders, local media reported.

The Tokyo-based digital currency exchange, according to Nikkei Asian Review, will offer four plans: bitcoin users may opt to deposit their cryptocurrency for 14 days at a 1 percent annual interest, 30 days for 2 percent, 90 days for 3 percent, or for a full year for 5 percent.

Coincheck’s deposit service is exempt form banking regulations and the recently updated fund settlement law since bitcoin is still not recognized as a currency, the Financial Services Agency (FSA) told the Japanese news outlet. The agency, however, noted that “such services could face regulation in the future” if “the number of users rise suddenly or the currency gain widespread traction as a method of payment.”

FSA won’t have to wait too long. Major retailers in Japan have started accepting bitcoin payments in the country as the digital currency’s legal position in the country becomes clear.