CZ defends Binance listing model after viral post accuses exchange: Coinbase adds BNB to roadmap

Key Takeaways

What sparked the Binance listing controversy?

A viral X post alleged that Binance demanded airdrops, deposits, and token allocations worth millions from new projects.

Why does it matter?

The debate reignites industry-wide discussions on transparency in centralized exchange listings and how different platforms balance profit, exposure, and user protection.

Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has weighed in on the debate surrounding the exchange’s listing process.

This was after a viral post accused Binance of demanding airdrops, deposits, and token allocations worth millions of dollars from new projects.

The controversy began when CJ (@cjhtech), a Web3 founder, posted alleged details of Binance’s listing terms on X. 

Source: X

His thread—which gained over 2.4 million views—listed items such as a 1% day-one airdrop, 3% follow-up airdrops, a $250 000 security deposit, and a $2 million BNB deposit for a spot listing.

By comparison, CJ claimed Coinbase simply asked projects to “build something meaningful on Base.”

Binance issues official clarification

In an official post titled “Spotlight on how Binance listings actually work,” Binance said they don’t profit from listings. 

Additionally, they stated that all project tokens are allocated “100% to users through marketing campaigns, including Alpha Airdrops, Launchpool, Hodler Airdrops, trading events, and Earn APR campaigns.”

The exchange explained that any deposits from projects are fully refundable and serve as safeguards against short-term speculation, adding:

“Once a project meets its commitments, the full deposit is returned. User protection remains at the core of everything we do.”

Binance also pointed founders to its Alpha Program. They described it as a no-fee path for early projects seeking visibility and community traction before full exchange listings.

CZ responds: “If your project is strong, don’t pay”

In a separate post, CZ shared an “unpopular opinion” thread defending Binance’s broader approach and listing diversity across exchanges.

“If you’re a project complaining about listing airdrops or ‘fees,’ don’t pay it. If your project is strong, exchanges will race to list your coin,” he wrote.

CZ added that exchanges are free to choose their own business models and that refundable security deposits and airdrops help deter scams and protect users.

“Different exchanges use different approaches. Some charge listing fees… None are wrong—it’s business model diversity,” he said.

Community split on transparency

Reactions remain divided. Some founders backed CJ’s claims, saying they faced similar demands. In contrast, others noted that Binance’s airdrop structure effectively rewards users, not the exchange.

Source: X

Binance remains the largest centralized exchange, with almost $29 billion 24 hours volume, according to CoinMarketCap data.

The debate underscores growing calls for greater transparency in CEX listings, even as Binance insists its process is designed to protect users, not profit from projects.

Coinbase adds BNB to roadmap

As Binance faced backlash, the discussion broadened to competitive listing practices.

Several users noted that exchanges rarely list their rivals’ native tokens—Coinbase, for example, has never listed BNB, despite it being among the top five cryptocurrencies by market cap.

However, in an unexpected move, Coinbase announced today that it has added BNB to its roadmap, signaling its intent to explore a listing.

The announcement surprised the market.