Bitbuy vs. Wealthsimple: Which crypto platform is better?

Both cater only to Canadian customers, but who has the edge when it comes to Bitbuy or Wealthsimple? Bitbuy is a great introductory exchange with more advanced features if you want them, but its fees are on the high side. While Wealthsimple has created an easily accessible platform, it is a relative newcomer to the crypto space. Here’s our Bitbuy vs. Wealthsimple breakdown to help you choose the platform that’s right for you.

Round 1: Bitbuy vs Wealthsimple on vital statistics

Wealthsimple proudly carries the title of Canada’s first-ever regulated crypto platform. Its crypto service is offered under a time-limited registration through the Canadian Securities Administrators’ Regulatory Sandbox. However, Bitbuy has also adopted a compliance-focused approach to regulators. While it doesn’t have the same regulatory status as Wealthsimple, it is FINTRAC registered as a money services business and it is federally approved as a restricted dealer for digital assets in Canada.

Both exchanges are good introductory exchanges with easy-to-use interfaces, but lack the additional services found on some of the bigger crypto platforms.

Overall rating	★★★★★	★★★★★
Costs rating	★★★★★	★★★★★
Registered
Exchange location	Canada	Canada
Offers a debit card
	More Info	More Info

Winner: Wealthsimple

Round 2: Supported coins

One of the drawbacks of Bitbuy is its limited range of cryptocurrencies. In terms of the numbers of coins on offer, including a good variety of altcoins, Wealthsimple wins out. But if you are looking to trade in the main coins of BTC and ETH, you will get what you want from both exchanges.

Number of tradeable crypto assets	53	69
	More Info	More Info

Winner: Wealthsimple

Round 3: Supported fiat currencies

Bitbuy and Wealthsimple are completely evenly matched when it comes to supported currencies as they are both solely focused on Canadian customers. If you are based in Canada, this isn’t a problem for the majority of what you will want to do on a crypto exchange. However, if you are looking for a greater amount of supported fiat currencies, you are best looking at one of the bigger platforms.

Number of supported fiat currencies	1	1
	More Info	More Info

Winner: Draw

Round 4: Fees

Bitbuy has withdrawal fees for fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies. However, its trading fees are fairly reasonable. In contrast, Wealthsimple likes to keep things simple. You only have to concern yourself with its trading fee, as there are no fees for deposits or withdrawals.

Minimum deposits	$50 (Interac e-Transfer) or $10,000 (wire)	$1
Deposit Fees	Crypto: 0% (network fees apply) Interac e-Transfer: 0% Wire transfer: 0%	None
Trading Fee	Bitbuy trade: 0.5% - 1.85% spread Bitbuy Pro: 0%-0.5% maker & taker fee	0.5%-2%
Withdrawal Fees	Crypto: varies Interac e-Transfer: 0% Bank deposit: 1.5% Wire transfer: 1.5%	None
Deposit methods	Cryptocurrency, Interac e-Transfer, Wire transfer	Cryptocurrency, Debit card, Interac e-Transfer, Wire transfer, Linked bank account, Bank transfer (EFT), Online wallet
	More Info	More Info

Winner: Wealthsimple

Round 5: Wallets

Bitbuy has a built-in wallet for every account with insurance in place through BitGo to cover up to the full price of your assets. Coin holdings are also kept in an offline vault. Wealthsimple also has a custodial wallet that allows users to transfer their crypto in or move it to outside exchanges and platforms. However, both BitBuy and Wealthsimple’s wallets are fairly limited in the number of coins you can withdraw.

Winner: Draw

Round 6: Security

Although small in size, Bitbuy and Wealthsimple are serious about security. Wealthsimple’s crypto trading is offered by Wealthsimple Digital Assets (WDA), a registered derivatives dealer. Cash is also held with a custodial broker, ShareOwner, and crypto is held with Gemini Trust Company, a qualified custodian under Canadian securities regulation. Bitbuy’s security credentials are just as impressive as it is a federally approved restricted dealer for digital assets in Canada. It also holds 95% of all its digital assets in cold storage and has a comprehensive insurance policy with BitGo.

Winner: Draw

Round 7: Ease of Use

Both exchanges are beginner-friendly with features that help new users to get started. Bitbuy’s Express Trade option is a great way to get started buying and selling cryptocurrency instantly. While Wealthsimple has utilized popular features from its trading services to give crypto customers an easy to track portfolio experience and a slick and simple funding process.

Winner: Wealthsimple

Wealthsimple vs. Bitbuy winner: Wealthsimple

Bitbuy and Wealthsimple are pretty evenly matched across a number of key features. However, Wealthsimple wins out in the battle of the Canadian exchanges purely down to cost. Bitbuy’s deposit and withdrawal fees make it confusing for beginners and could lead to costs stacking up. Wealthsimple not only offers security, a slick user interface and more cryptocurrencies, but it also keeps its fee structure simple and easy to understand.

Written by

Kate Steere

Editor

Kate Steere is an editor at Finder, specialising in fintech, banking and cryptocurrency. She has previously written for The Motley Fool UK and Fitch Solutions, where she covered a wide range of personal finance topics and kept a close eye on market trends. Kate has a Bachelor of Arts in Modern History from the University of East Anglia. When not working, she can usually be found curled up with a good book or heading out for a run. See full bio

Kate's expertise

Kate has written 13 Finder guides across topics including:

• Fintech
• Banking
• Cryptocurrency
• Mortgages
• Payments