Key Notes
- Changpeng Zhao urged developers to focus on building user value instead of criticizing listing fees or airdrops.
- The comments follow allegations from CJ Tech that Binance charges excessive listing fees, airdrop costs, and a $2 million BNB security deposit.
- Binance denied the claims, saying the deposit is a refundable safeguard to protect users and maintain project accountability.
In a recent discussion that has sparked lively debate within the crypto community, Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) shared his views on exchange listing practices. His post, titled “Unpopular Opinion,” comes at a time when Binance is facing scrutiny over its listing process, particularly in light of allegations made by CJ Tech.
The crux of Zhao’s message is a call to action for developers: rather than lamenting over listing fees and airdrop costs, they should concentrate on delivering genuine value to users. Zhao contends that successful crypto projects naturally attract interest and listings without the need to pay fees. “If you are a project complaining about listing airdrops or ‘fees’, don’t pay it,” he asserted. “If your project is strong, exchanges will race to list your coin.”
Unpopular opinion post:
On Listing “Fees” (saw this a few times recently)
1. If you are a project complaining about listing airdrops or “fees” (to users),
Don’t pay it.
If your project is strong, exchanges will race to list your coin.
If you have to beg an exchange to list… https://t.co/DtEMb4RdS0
— CZ BNB (@cz_binance) October 15, 2025
This response comes amidst rising concerns over Binance’s listing fees, airdrop charges, and a controversial $2 million BNB security deposit highlighted by CJ Tech. The post by CJ Tech accused Binance of exploiting projects, effectively calling out the exchange for high fees amidst operational challenges, particularly when it struggled to manage transaction volumes during a recent market downturn.
Zhao’s perspective is rooted in the belief that the crypto space thrives on innovation and competition. “No one is forcing you to adopt a certain model,” he stated, emphasizing the diverse range of business practices in the decentralized ecosystem. He noted that listing models can vary greatly from one exchange to another—some charge fees, while others require deposits or user airdrops for security purposes. The crux is simple: focus on building up your project rather than criticizing others.
Binance Responds to Allegations
In light of CJ Tech’s allegations, Binance has vehemently denied claims that the exchange profits from its listing practices. In a robust defense, the company articulated on social media that it does not benefit financially from listings; in fact, all tokens allocated go directly to users through various promotional strategies, including airdrops.
Spotlight on how Binance listings actually work.
Here are benefits we are pleased to provide to the project team:
1⃣ Binance does not make money from the listing process. All project token allocations go 100% to users through marketing campaigns, including Alpha Airdrops,…
— Binance (@binance) October 15, 2025
The exchange further emphasized that allegations suggesting it and its founders engage in token dumping are “entirely untrue and unsubstantiated.” Binance expressed its disappointment over what it viewed as CJ Tech’s unauthorized disclosure of private communications, labeling it as an attempt to mislead the crypto community.
As the discussions evolve, the conflict underscores the ongoing complexities and competitive dynamics within the cryptocurrency exchange landscape. Binance’s firm stance aims to maintain trust among its user base while encouraging projects to innovate without being encumbered by listing fees.
