The 20 Best Crypto Trading Platforms in Canada

There are many crypto trading platforms in Canada, how do you choose the right one? Each one has its own risks and benefits that may or may not align with your experience level or risk tolerance. The best cryptocurrency platform for you is the one that meets your personal needs and goals. 

When you’re a beginner, it can be difficult to navigate the strange world of crypto. If you’re a more seasoned investor, you probably need more advanced tools and robust features. To help you find the right fit, here is a list of the 20 best crypto trading platforms in Canada. 

These platforms were chosen for:

• The security they offer to their customers
• The reputation they have in the exchange market
• The cryptocurrencies and financial assets that are offered
• The applied rates, fees and interest on profits
• The tools and features provided
• The entry bonuses and other offers aimed at helping investors

1. Bitbuy

Bitbuy is a Canadian cryptocurrency trading site created in 2016. In March of 2022, it was acquired by Kevin O’Leary-backed WonderFi Technologies Inc.  Bitbuy is regulated by the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC). The platform offers a reliable, convenient, and secure way to buy various cryptocurrencies. 

In accordance with Canadian regulations, Bitbuy’s cold-stored assets are secured by BitGo Trust Company. The latter is a company specializing in the storage of digital assets. All assets held by BitGo are completely covered by an insurance policy, giving customers peace of mind when using Bitbuy.

Bitbuy is only available in Canada and currently offers 25 different cryptocurrencies. Trading on Bitbuy is limited to Canadian dollar (CAD) deposits from local banks and financial institutions. This crypto trading platform does not support payments in US dollars, euros or pounds sterling. Deposit options include bank transfers and Interac eTransfers, which are near-instantaneous.

Here is the list of crypto available on Bitbuy:

Read more about how Bitbuy Technologies Inc. Brings “The Heat” to Crypto.

2. CoinSmart

In September of 2022, Coinsquare announced an agreement to acquire CoinSmart. Once complete, the acquisition will make Coinsquare the largest crypto exchange in Canada. 

Currently, CoinSmart platform provides 16 different cryptocurrencies to choose from and four deposit methods, including credit and debit cards. Funding your account this way is instant but the fees can be up to 6% of the deposit amount. 

You can also choose between bank transfers, Interac eTransfers or bank cheques. For these transactions, the processing is done on the same day, with 0% fees except on eTransfers over $1,999, which cost a 1.5% fee. Trading fees vary between 0.20% and 0.30% of the amounts traded.

Different withdrawal methods are also available. On the one hand, you have electronic funds transfers and bank wires. The transaction fee is 1%, with a processing time ranging from 1 to 5 days. It is also possible to make withdrawals in cryptocurrencies.

Here is the list of crypto available on CoinSmart:

Read more about the CoinSmart Canada Story: The Other Side of Fear.

3. VirgoCX

VirgoCX is a regulated crypto trading platform in Canada founded in 2018. In June of 2022, the company raised $10 million in a series A all-equity investment round and became a restricted dealer of crypto assets registered with the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA). 

VirgoCX aims to be a one-stop-shop for Canadian crypto trades, built for investors at any stage of expertise. The platform offers access to 63 cryptos including stablecoins, altcoins and Metaverse coins. It also has a non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace.

If that wasn't enough positives to make it to this list, here are a few more details to consider. There are no deposit fees except for debit card transactions, no withdrawal fees, and trading fees are based on a spread ranging from 0.5%-2.5%. The platform supports deposits in CAD, USD, and all cryptocurrencies. Supported currencies for withdrawals are CAD and USD, plus 70 different cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Doge (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), and Decentraland (MANA).

VirgoCX OTC Direct, one of the platform's products, has 24/7 institutional liquidity, making it a great choice for transactions over $30,000 CAD. They can handle institutional investors, miners, and high-net-worth individuals who want to trade in large blocks. On top of that, they have low fees, access to foreign currency, and the coup de grace: same day, no limit, rapid settlement.

4. Shakepay

For people who want to take their first steps into the cryptocurrency world, Shakepay is the perfect platform. This crypto trading platform promises to offer Canadians the easiest way to buy, sell, and earn Bitcoin The Shakepay app is designed for novices wishing to get acquainted with the world of cryptocurrency without getting overwhelmed 

There are only two cryptos you can buy and sell – Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). To earn free Bitcoin, simply open the app on your phone and shake it. You’ll be rewarded with the smallest unit of Bitcoin called a Satoshi, or SAT for short. 

Shakepay is one of the few platforms that does not charge commissions on transactions. You are probably wondering how this is possible. It is simple: transactions are not made between users, but directly with the platform. To generate revenue, Shakepay adds a few cents to the purchase price of cryptocurrencies and removes a few cents off their selling price, a common practice called a spread

There are two ways to finance your Shakepay account:

• Interac e-Transfer
• Transfers from your local bank

Interac e-Transfers are instantaneous. This way, you will be able to start buying crypto quickly.

5. Newton

Founded in January 2018, the trading platform Newton describes itself as the first no-fee platform in Canada. Just like Shakepay, it relies on the gap between the buy or sell price, call the spread, to make money.  The Newton platform offers over 70 cryptocurrencies to trade and accepts the following authorized payment methods:

• Interac e-Transfers;
• Pre-authorized bank transfers.
• Transfers from external portfolios.

In addition, Newton emphasizes the importance of data security. Customer data is stored exclusively in Canada. Regarding cryptocurrencies, most are stored in secure locations without internet access.

6. Coinberry

Coinberry is a crypto trading platform in Canada based in Toronto. In July of 2022, it was acquired by Kevin O’Leary-backed WonderFi Technologies Inc.  Focused on innovation, it has been involved in the introduction of Bitcoin tax payments with the Innisfil and Richmond Hill cities. The Coinberry platform is also the first Canadian platform to not charge any fees for deposits or withdrawals on your account.

Like many of its competitors, Coinberry makes money by adding a variable margin ranging from 0% to 2.5% on the prices of different cryptocurrencies, called the spread, depending on market fluctuations. Whether on the website or mobile app, there are currently 37 cryptocurrencies available: 

To put money into your account, you can use either Interac e-Transfer or bank wire.

7. NDAX.IO

NDAX. IO, also known as the National Digital Asset Exchange, is a Canadian cryptocurrency trading site located in the province of Alberta. It allows Canadians to buy and sell 34 different cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and Dogecoin.

The NDAX. IO platform is specially designed for beginners with its easy-to-use platform. It also offers a range of features such as instant deposits and withdrawals in Canadian dollars, low trading fees of just 0.2%, a mobile app, an ATM and plenty of other tools to track and manage a cryptocurrency portfolio without difficulty.

NDAX is one of the most secure cryptocurrency trading sites in the country. In order to offer the highest possible level of protection, the platform has partnered with Ledger Vault, a renowned institution in digital asset security and customers’ assets are stored in cold storage spaces. Since its launch, NDAX has never been hacked or compromised, unlike other sites that offer the same services.

8. Netcoins

Established in 2014, Netcoins is a Canadian exchange platform that allows its users to purchase crypto with either CAD or USD. Netcoins started as a Bitcoin Automated Teller Machine (ATM) as well as private trading services for larger, institutional investors. It has since grown into an easy-to-use online trading platform that almost anyone can use. The Netcoins platform originally started with only 3 supported cryptocurrencies, but now offers 36 of the most popular coins.

To use Netcoins, you’ll need to open an account and fund it with either CAD or USD. Deposit options include eTransfer, wire transfer, and crypto deposits.  All deposits are free except bank wires under $3,000 CAD or $2,000 USD. Withdrawals are free for any amount by eTransfer, and for bank wires over $25,000 CAD or $6,000 USD. Fees to withdraw your crypto to a private wallet vary by coin. The fee to trade crypto is a flat 0.5% per trade. 

This crypto trading platform is great for beginners with one-click trades and limit orders. However, it does not offer more advanced trading features like advanced limit orders or charting tools. Netcoins also offers a Prepaid Mastercard. You can use it to spend CAD in your Netcoins account which includes when you cash your crypto holdings out into Canadian dollars. The card is free to use, accepted everywhere Mastercard is accepted, and you earn 1% cash back in Bitcoin on every purchase.

9. Bitvo

Bitvo is a Canadian crypto trading platform based out of Calgary, Alberta. Currently, it is led by two influential women in crypto with extensive experience in the Canadian finance industry such as capital markets, banking, payment processing, security, and more.

A few features make this exchange platform stand out from the rest. First, Bitvo offers a same-day guarantee, promising to activate accounts as well as settle deposits and withdrawals all on the same day.  The second is the Bitvo cash card which allows you to spend the Canadian funds in your Bitvo account without having to withdraw them back to your bank account. The Bitvo cash card is accepted everywhere Visa is accepted, in over 200 countries and 2 million Automated Teller Machines (ATM). 

To use the Bitvo platform, you need to fund your account with Canadian dollars. You can do this by linking your bank account for fast bank transfers, or you can use eTransfer, wire transfer, Canada Post, or transfer in crypto from an external wallet. All deposits are free. Withdrawals cost either 1% or $15 depending on the withdrawal method and the amount. Instead of trading fees, Bitvo uses a spread, which is the difference between the sell price and purchase price. The spread ranges from 0.5-1% depending on what coin you’re trading. 

Bitvo offers at least 11 different cryptocurrencies and is one of the only exchanges to offer a Canadian Dollar-backed stablecoin called QCAD. The Bitvo platform is user-friendly and designed in a way that’s easy to navigate if you’re used to online banking. It’s a good exchange for both beginners and more experienced crypto investors. It offers a basic dashboard as well as an advanced trading platform that allows for more complicated trades like limit orders and stop losses. 

You can transfer your crypto off the platform to your own private wallet. If you choose to keep your crypto in the platform’s built-in wallet, 95% of holdings in their custody are held in cold storage offsite.

Read more about 20 Influential Canadian Women in Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Technology in 2022.

10. Crypto.com

One of the most popular crypto trading platforms in the world is Crypto.com. With over 70 million users around the world, this platform is suitable for investors of all levels. Since January 2021, it is possible to trade cryptocurrencies using Canadian dollars on this platform. You can buy over 250 different cryptos with over 20 supported fiat currencies. Deposit and withdrawal methods vary by country.

Crypto.com offers many advantages, such as:

• No deposit fees
• 3 months of free trading for all new users
• Up to 50% fee reduction for direct peer-to-peer trades between users
• Instant transfer of cryptocurrencies between users;
• 0% fee on the purchase of Bitcoin.

11. Wealthsimple

Wealthsimple has made a name for itself with its robo-advisor, which allowed many Canadians to invest online for fewer fees than traditional brokerages. In 2020, the Toronto-based fintech company launched  Wealthsimple Crypto, its cryptocurrency trading platform. Since then, the crypto platform merged with their original Wealthsimple Trade platform, where you can now buy stocks, ETFs, and crypto all in one place.  In total, the platform allows you to buy and sell over 50 cryptocurrencies. 

Generally, the Wealthsimple Trade platform does not charge fees on withdrawals and deposits or on the opening and closing of your account. On the other hand, an operation fee of 1.5% to 2% is applied to every trade. 

Wealthsimple Trade now allows you to transfer certain cryptocurrencies off the platform to your own private wallet if you want to store crypto yourself. However, they do offer storage for you if you prefer. You can also transfer in certain cryptocurrencies from other wallets too.   Currently, the only way to fund your account to buy crypto is to link a Canadian bank account and initiate a bank transfer, or by transferring in a supported cryptocurrency you already own to start trading.  

Regarding the level of security, all your cryptocurrencies are kept at the regulated custodian Gemini. Read more about Who Owns Wealthsimple? The Answer May Surprise You.

12. MyBTC.ca

If you're primarily interested in Bitcoin, we've got you covered! MyBTC is a Canadian Bitcoin trading site. Even though Bitcoin (BTC) remains the main crypto, the MyBTC platform also allows you to buy other cryptocurrencies such as Ripple, Litecoin, etc. However, at the time of writing, you can only sell Bitcoin back to MyBTC.ca, not your other crypto. 

Among the payment methods that the MyBTC platform offers are Interac eTransfers, bank transfers, credit and debit cards, as well as Flexepin vouchers.  If you pay by debit or credit card you can access up to 93 different cryptocurrencies, otherwise, you can only buy Bitcoin or Ethereum through the other payment methods. 

As for the fees on deposits to your account, they vary between 4.75% and 9.75%, depending on the amount and the payment method selected. As for withdrawing Canadian funds from your account, you can send an eTrasnfer or bank wire back to any Canadian bank, or you load the funds onto the MyBTC.ca Prepaid Visa Card to spend it easily.

13. Binance

Binance is the world's largest crypto trading platform. As such, the Binance platform hosts a huge volume of transactions, which allows it to offer extremely competitive fees. Binance also offers a multitude of different services, such as lending, peer-to-peer trading, and derivatives trading. 

To fund their Binance accounts, Canadians have only one option:  international SWIFT transfers. Canadian dollars (CAD) must be converted to US dollars (USD) before the transfer. Currently, it is not possible to use the Canadian dollar to buy cryptocurrencies on Binance. Some users have had success using their Canadian credit card to buy crypto, but it is hit or miss depending on the credit card issuer.

There are no fees for your deposits. Withdrawals, on the other hand, are subject to variable fees. In our experience, these amount to $15 USD per withdrawal. For trading on Binance, the fees vary depending on the type of transaction. For example, for peer-to-peer trading, only the creator of the ad is charged a fee (0.35%).

When you create your Binance account, you have an integrated wallet on the platform to store and manage your financial assets directly on Binance You can also transfer your crypto to another wallet if you want. Other highlights of this crypto giant include its savings accounts offering. You have two options:

• Flexible saving: estimated annual returns between 0.50% and 3.29%.
• Locked savings: estimated annual interest rates between 15 and 45%.

The downside of the crypto exchange is that trading cryptocurrencies on Binance is off-limits to Ontarians.

14. CEX.IO

CEX.IO is a multifunctional digital currency trading platform. Currently, over 80 assets are supported by the platform. Although the platform is open to Canadians, transactions must still be made in U.S. dollars.

There are several ways to fund your account and buy crypto:

Trading fees vary depending on your monthly trading volume. There will also be a rate difference between the sell price and the buy price, called the spread. The deposit fees range from 1.49% to 3.99% depending on the method you choose.

15. Kraken

The Kraken crypto trading platform is one of the OG exchanges launched in 2013 by founder Jesse Powell. To date, Kraken is regarded as one of the best crypto exchanges with no notable hacks or security issues during its almost decade-long tenure. This fan-favourite crypto exchange is US-based but available to users in over 185 countries, including Canada. 

With competitive fees and a user-friendly interface, you can quickly and easily trade from over 185 different cryptocurrencies, depending on where you live. Kraken is incredibly accessible with about 6 different supported fiat currencies, such as:

• Canadian Dollars (CAD)
• US Dollars (USD) 
• Euros (EUR)
• Great British Pound (GBP) 
• Swiss Francs (CHF)
• Japanese Yen (JPY)

Funding your account with Canadian dollars is free and there are several funding options available:

The platform is adaptable to crypto-investors of all experience levels with a quick-buy dashboard for the newbies and Kraken Pro for the more advanced traders. You can manage your account as well as buy, sell, and trade any time from anywhere through the Kraken app. 

Trading fees depend on several factors such as the coin you’re trading, the size of the transaction, payment method, and market conditions. Prices were not listed for spot trades but the fee is always calculated and displayed before you make the trade so you can make an educated decision.  Kraken Pro offers lower trading fees based on your 30-day trade volume, with maker and takers fees ranging from 0.00% to 0.26%. 

Up to 95% of user deposits are held offline in cold storage. Servers are kept in cages with armed guards and under 24/7 video surveillance. Kraken also regularly tests the network for weaknesses and encrypts all your personal data.

16. Coinsquare

Coinsquare is a Toronto-based cryptocurrency platform founded in 2014 and is regulated by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) as well as the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC). This Canadian crypto platform is great for beginners while also offering more advanced features and Over The Counter (OTC) trades for advanced and institutional investors. 

However, the trading fees are not as competitive as other cryptocurrency platforms in Canada. Coinsquare QuickTrade charges a spread that can range anywhere from 0.2%-0.4% depending on the coin, trade size, and market conditions. The Coinsquare Pro fees are lower, with taker fees as low as 0.14%  and maker fees as low as 0.05%, depending on your 30-day trade volume.

Funding your account is free, but cashing out to fiat will cost you 1.5% and transferring your crypto off-platform gets pricy and the cost varies by coin. Currently, the only fiat supported on Coinsqaure is CAD.

You can manage your account and make trades anytime, anywhere through the Coinsquare mobile app. Up to 95% of user deposits are held offline in cold storage and your account information is encrypted.

17. KuCoin 

KuCoin is a Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency exchange that’s been around since 2017. Currently, it is not regulated by any Canadian authority, and as such, runs the risk of getting banned in some or all Canadian jurisdictions. Also, while a great platform in general, it is geared towards more advanced traders and is not particularly beginner friendly. 

Having said that, the KuCoin platform offers robust features that have made it a crypto-fan favourite around the world, serving roughly 25% of all crypto-enthusiasts. You can manage your KuCoin account and make trades anytime through the mobile App. 

The desktop version offers advanced traders a suite of charting features for in-depth analysis along with spot, margin, and futures trading. It also offers various other features like staking and trading bots, as well as a more limited but easier-to-use Fast Trade dashboard. 

KuCoin supports almost 400 different cryptocurrencies and allows you to transfer-in your holdings from other wallets for free. However, there are fees to fund your account with CAD and to cash out or transfer your holdings off-platform. Fees are reduced if you hold a certain amount of KuCoin’s native token (KCS). Trading fees begin at 0.09%, vary by your trading level and 30-trade volume, and are also reduced if you hold and pay with KCS.

18. Gemini

Gemini Trust Company commonly referred to as just Gemini, is a New York-based cryptocurrency trading platform. They also provide cold storage solutions for retail and institutional investors as well. If you’re familiar with the 2010 biopic The Social Network about the founders of Facebook (now Meta), then it’s worth noting that Gemini was founded by the Winklevoss twins.

Gemini is a well-designed trading platform that offers users a crisp, sophisticated, and easy-to-navigate interface that seamlessly appeals to both new and veteran crypto investors alike. You can make trades at the tap of a button and use the Active Trader platform for more advanced robust features. It is also available as a mobile app to make crypto trading easily accessible from your phone. 

You have access to over 100  different cryptocurrencies. Unfortunately, the fees can be pretty steep compared to other cryptocurrency trading platforms in Canada. Trading fees are tiered based on the size of your trade and range from $0.99 to 1.49%. You get 10 free crypto withdrawals per month but then pay per transaction after that. If you plan on funding your account with fiat through your debit card, you’ll get nailed with a 3.49% fee too. The tools are great and so is the accessible functionality, but the fees are not competitive and can quickly eat into your capital and profits. 

On the upside, Gemini is regulated by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) with pretty stellar security protocols in place. Almost all their digital assets are held in cold storage off the platform. Cryptocurrencies in their custody are protected from malfeasance, breaches of security, and hacks. But if you suffer a loss because someone gained unauthorized access to your account then you’re on your own.

19. Bull Bitcoin

Bull Bitcoin is a Canadian cryptocurrency exchange platform that was founded in 2013. This handy platform is great if you’re only interested in Bitcoin because that’s the only crypto they offer. Plus, it’s a non-custodial platform that does not store your Bitcoin for you, making it a great choice if you want an easy way to trade Bitcoin and store it in your own private wallet. 

Bull Bitcoin has one key feature that makes it stand out from the other platforms: you can use your Bitcoin to pay bills like your cell phone, internet, or any Canadian credit card. Their bill-payment service, powered by Bylls, is partnered with over 14,500 companies. You can also use your Bitcoin to buy gift cards!

Bull Bitcoin allows you to send money to other people, regardless if they have a digital wallet or even know what crypto is. Bull Bitcoin takes your BTC and converts it into fiat then sends it to your recipient. They won’t even know you paid them with Bitcoin. 

Trading fees are a spread between the buy and sell price, but the platform does not disclose a specific spread on the site, which means it fluctuates with the size of your transaction and market volatility. If you use Bitcoin to pay bills, the fees are tiered based on your daily volume and range from 0% – 1.25%. There are no fees to buy Bitcoin except for the normal network fees, nor are there fees to deposit or withdraw fiat from your Bull Bitcoin account. 

Bull Bitcoin is a registered Money Service Business (MSB) and is regulated by the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada, a federal financial regulator known as FINTRAC. The platform uses security tech like Coinjoin and Lightning Network to protect your privacy, does not collect KYC information for transactions under $1,000, and encrypts your data.

20. Coinbase

Coinbase is a popular US-based cryptocurrency exchange platform that is also accessible to Canadian users. It was founded in 2012, making it one of the oldest exchanges in the space. It’s also one of the most trusted among crypto-enthusiasts and is currently the second-largest crypto platform after Binance. 

Coinbase offers over 100 different cryptocurrencies and Canadian users can easily buy crypto with CAD by debit card and sell it with PayPal.  The fees are pricey and vary by the size of the trade, payment method, and whether trades are through the base account or Coinbase pro. The fee structure is complicated so you will need to refer to the site for the most updated pricing information, but expect prices to range from $0.99-$2.99 up to 3.99%.

Coinbase secures about 98% of digital assets under management offline in cold storage. It also has institutional insurance on assets in hot storage to cover loss due to a hack or security breach.

Read more about Coinbase vs Coinbase Pro: Which one is better for Canadians?

Things to consider when choosing a crypto trading platform

Your location 

Not all exchanges can serve everyone. Before you open an account make sure the platform and all its features are available in your location. For example, Binance is a global exchange available to most Canadians but you cannot connect to a Canadian bank account. And Binance is not available to residents of Ontario at all. 

Fees

Fees will eat up your profits if you're not careful. Before signing up to the exchange, first, confirm if there are deposit and withdrawal fees to fund your account. Then look at trading fees and how they are charged. Some exchanges charge a flat fee no matter the size of the trade, others charge a percentage. Some advertise free trading, but that's not accurate. The fee will be built into the spread, the difference between the sell price and buy price. 

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews will help you separate reputable exchanges from less reputable ones. They'll also uncover drawbacks and benefits not obvious on the site. You are more likely to have a positive experience from a platform with strong customer reviews. Reviews also signal that other crypto traders trust certain platforms and not others. 

Accessibility and coin selection

If you're looking for specific coins, make sure they are offered by the platform before signing up. Not all exchanges have the same selection of coins. It's important to choose a platform that makes purchasing crypto as easy as possible. 

Make sure the funding options are appropriate for you. Few exchanges offer credit card or debit card purchases. If they do, make sure your credit card company or bank allows crypto transactions. Some exchanges allow you to connect your bank account directly for easier funding, with others only offering eTransfer or bank wires. Some exchanges allow you to fund your account with cash through Canada Post. 

Compare crypto exchanges and choose one that offers your preferred funding method. The same is true when you want to cash out your profits into fiat and transfer them back to your bank. Make sure the exchange offers flexible withdrawal methods and whether or not there are deposit or withdrawal amount limits. 

Custody options

If you want to store your crypto in your own private wallet, first confirm if the exchange will even let you transfer coins off-platform. Some let you move all coins purchased on the platform, others only allow certain coins to be transferred out, while others don't allow you to transfer any of your coins off the platform all. 

Exchanges that don't allow you to store your own crypto are called custodial exchanges. Exchanges that require you to store your own crypto, or give you the choice to store on or off-platform are called non-custodial platforms. Many Canadian exchanges offer the option to store your holdings for you in their custody, or for you to store your holdings in your own private wallet. 

Security

To reduce risk, look for how the exchange secures user information and your crypto. Regulated exchanges are required to collect a certain amount of information from you to open an account. They also need some financial information so you can fund your account and make withdrawals. 

Look for exchanges that are transparent with users about how their information is stored and secured. If you plan to keep your coins on the platform, confirm how the exchange secures assets in their custody. Do they use offsite cold storage? Do they have an institutional insurance policy for digital assets? What security measures do they use to secure their network and user accounts?

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