Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own.

9 best crypto exchanges & apps in Canada (October 2024)

Find the best crypto app, exchange or trading platform available to Canadian residents.

Kraken

Kraken logo
  • Buy, sell and trade 223 cryptos.
  • Instant funding & advanced trading options.
  • Join 9M+ users around the world.
Go to site
Certain trading features are limited or unavailable to residents of Ontario and Quebec.

Our team has extensively reviewed dozens of cryptocurrency exchanges and apps to find the best crypto app in Canada. We look at factors like user experience, fees, payment methods, supported coins and more. Here are our top picks for the best crypto exchange in Canada.

This is not an endorsement of cryptocurrency or any specific provider, service or offering. It is not a recommendation to trade or use any services.

Best crypto exchanges in Canada 2024

Here’s a quick glance at the best crypto exchanges in Canada:

  • Best crypto exchange in Canada overall: Crypto.com
  • Recommended for advanced traders: Kraken
  • Best crypto trading platform for self custody: Paybis
  • Best crypto platform for asset protection options: Bitbuy
  • Best automated crypto trading platform: VirgoCX
  • Best crypto exchange for simple, straightforward fees: Ndax
  • Best crypto exchange for beginners: Coinbase
  • Best crypto app based in Canada: Wealthsimple
  • Best crypto broker in Canada: Netcoins

1. Crypto.com: Best crypto exchange in Canada overall

Crypto.com App

★★★★★
Finder score
370+
Supported cryptos
31
Fiat currencies
Crypto.com is an excellent platform for both new and experienced crypto investors. It offers an NFT marketplace, a debit card for making fiat purchases with crypto and support for over 350 crypto assets, which can be traded instantly and for relatively low rates. The desktop exchange offers charting tools, advanced order types and lower fees.
Pros
  • Wide selection of cryptos
  • Staking and lending
  • Non-custodial DeFi wallet
  • Crypto.com debit card for everyday purchases
  • Streamlined NFTs purchases
  • Pre-registered with the Ontario Securities Commission
Cons
  • Higher fees on the app than on desktop
  • Limited NFT collections compared to larger marketplaces like OpenSea
Deposit methods Bank transfer, Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card
Deposit fees $0
Withdrawal fees $1.99 per withdrawal ($0 for Prime members)
Trading fees Spreads: 0.01% – 0.08%
Taker fees: 0.05% – 0.075%
Maker fees: 0.06% – 0.075% (0% for Prime members trading more than US$10 million)
Advanced Trading Features Yes

2. Kraken: Recommended for advanced traders

Kraken

★★★★★
Finder score
200+
Supported cryptos
7
Fiat currencies
Kraken has been leading the way in the digital currency space. But it really shines for advanced traders. Kraken Pro gives traders access to advanced charting tools, a highly-customizable interface and hundreds of crypto assets. You can stake assets, and customer support is available 24/7.
Pros
  • Over 200 crypto assets and even more trading pairs
  • User-friendly app for beginners and experts
  • Kraken Pro offers advanced charting tools and asset staking
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Filed for pre-registration with the Ontario Securities Commission
Cons
  • Fees can be high (but there are discounts for high-volume trades)
  • No margin or futures trading in Canada
  • Pro account verification can take days
Deposit methods Bank transfer, Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Deposit fees Interac e-transfer: 0.5%
Apple Pay/Google Pay: Free
Crypto: Free for most cryptos
Wire transfers: $0-$3
Canada Post cash/debit: $5.20+0.25%
Withdrawal fees Interact e-transfer: $10 CAD
EFT: 0.35%
Wire: $0-$35
Crypto: Fees vary
Trading fees Maker (Pro account): 0.00%-0.25%
Taker (Pro account): 0.10%-0.40%

3. Paybis: Best crypto trading platform for self custody

Paybis Cryptocurrency Exchange

★★★★★
Finder score
80+
Supported cryptos
60
Fiat currencies
Use code Finder25 to get a 25% discount on all commission for 1 transaction. T&Cs apply.
Paybis is a P2P crypto exchange on which you can buy over 85 different crypto assets and sell around 10 popular cryptos, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether. It conveniently supports many fiat currencies and six deposit methods. This platform is great for those who prefer to manage their own crypto as you'll need a non-custodial wallet.
Pros
  • Direct exchanges with buyers and sellers in around 180 countries
  • Allows self-custody for digital assets
  • Supports many payment methods
  • Easy registration process
Cons
  • User must buy and learn how to use private wallets
  • Unclear fee structure and high fees for fiat transactions
  • Can only sell around 10 cryptos
Deposit methods Bank transfer, Credit card, Debit card, Neteller, Skrill, Apple Pay
Deposit fees Bank transfer: 0.99%
Debit / credit card: 2.49%
Neteller: 2.95%
Skrill: 4.95%
Processing fee (additional to other fees): 4.5% - 6.99%
Withdrawal fees Bank transfer: 0.99%
Debit / credit card: 2.49%
Neteller: 2.95%
Skrill: 4.95%
Processing fee (additional to other fees): 4.5% - 6.99%
Trading fees N/A

4. Bitbuy: Best crypto platform for asset protection options

Bitbuy Digital Currency Exchange

★★★★★
Finder score
50+
Supported cryptos
1
Fiat currency
Limited time only: Free $40* when you sign up and fund your Bitbuy account. T&Cs apply.
Bitbuy caught our eye as a top pick for asset protection because the exchange is regulated, keeps over 90% of its digital assets in cold storage and offers users extra optional security layers for their accounts. The platform is insured through BitGo, and Bitbuy is the first registered crypto marketplace in Canada.
Pros
  • Free deposits, free withdrawals via Interac e-Transfer
  • 90% of assets held in cold storage
  • Digital and cash assets are insured
  • Registered with FINTRAC, approved by the OSC and CSA
Cons
  • Only supports CAD fiat currency
  • No margin trading
Deposit methods Cryptocurrency, Interac e-Transfer, Wire transfer
Deposit fees Crypto: 0% (network fees apply)
Interac e-Transfer: 0%
Wire transfer: 0%
Withdrawal fees Crypto: varies
Interac e-Transfer: 0%
Bank deposit: 1.5%
Wire transfer: 1.5%
Trading fees Bitbuy Trade: 0.5%-2% spread
Bitbuy Pro: 0%-0.5% maker & taker fee

5. VirgoCX: Best automated crypto trading platform

VirgoCX Cryptocurrency Exchange

★★★★★
Finder score
70+
Supported cryptos
2
Fiat currencies
Get a $20 bonus when you open a new account and deposit $100+. T&Cs apply.
VirgoCX lets you trade over 75 cryptos and instantly fund your account via e-Transfer. You can set up recurring purchases, and VirgoCX supports grid trading, making it easy to trade automatically and implement dollar cost averaging (DCA). Get up to 90% off VirgoCX's spreads through the platform's tiered rewards program.
Pros
  • Recurring buys help you dollar-cost average (DCA) into owning digital assets
  • Grid feature allows you to automate purchasing crypto when it falls below a certain price
  • Quickly fund your account via Interac e-transfer
  • Discounted spreads with the tiered rewards program
  • Registered with the OSC
Cons
  • Trading spreads can reach 2.5%
  • $3,000 limit for transferring out via e-transfer, debit or credit
Deposit methods Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card, Interac e-Transfer, Wire transfer
Deposit fees Interac e-transfer: $0
Wire transfer: $0
Bill payment: $0
Debit card: 2.99%-5.99%
Credit card: 3.99%-6.99%
Crypto: variable (plus network fees)
Withdrawal fees Interac e-transfer: $0
Wire transfer: $0
Crypto: variable (plus network fees)
Trading fees Maker: N/A
Taker: N/A

6. Ndax: Best crypto exchange for simple, straightforward fees

Ndax Cryptocurrency Trading Platform

★★★★★
Finder score
40+
Supported cryptos
1
Fiat currency
Ndax makes it easy to trade crypto in Canada with a single, flat fee for buying and selling and low or no fees for making deposits and withdrawals. Security is a priority, as Ndax is the first Canadian crypto platform to receive SOC2 Type II certification. Cold and hot wallet assets are covered by millions of dollars worth of insurance.
Pros
  • Low 0.2% fee to buy and sell crypto
  • No deposit fees, only $1.50 per Interac e-Transfer withdrawal
  • Easy signup and instant ID verification
  • Support via live chat, phone, email and support ticket
  • Crypto and fiat currencies are highly safeguarded
  • No min/max for deposits
Cons
  • Limited cryptos supported
  • Only supports CAD fiat currency
  • Flat $4.99 fee for wire transfer withdrawals
  • No margin, futures or options trading
Deposit methods Cryptocurrency, Interac e-Transfer, Wire transfer
Deposit fees Interac e-Transfer: $0
Wire: $0
Crypto: $0
Withdrawal fees Interac e-Transfer: $1.50
Wire: $4.99
Crypto: Varies (free instant transfers between Ndax accounts)
Trading fees 0.2% to buy or sell crypto

7. Coinbase: Best crypto exchange for beginners

Coinbase

★★★★★
Finder score
240+
Supported cryptos
1
Fiat currency
Coinbase is one of the largest crypto exchanges in world by trading volume. Deposit funds for free via Interac e-Transfer, and instantly purchase crypto via debit. The standard version of Coinbase is easy to use, and its mobile app is highly rated. Earn crypto rewards by watching learning videos and completing quizes.
Pros
  • Easy signup process
  • Trade 240+ cryptos
  • Free e-transfer deposits. Instant withdrawals to most banks.
  • Discounted volume pricing with Advanced Trade
  • Registered with the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA)
Cons
  • Only hold CAD in Canadian accounts
  • No credit card purchases in Canada
  • No margin, futures or options trading in Canada
Deposit methods Debit card, Electronic Funds Transfer, Interac e-Transfer, PayPal
Deposit fees Interac e-Transfer: free
Transfers from another Coinbase account: free
EFT: variable
Withdrawal fees Interac e-Transfer / EFT / PayPal: variable
Transfers to another Coinbase account: free
Trading fees Maker fee: 0.00%-0.6%
Taker fee: 0.05%-1.2%

8. Wealthsimple: Best crypto app based in Canada

Wealthsimple Crypto

★★★★★
Finder score
60+
Supported cryptos
2
Fiat currencies
Wealthsimple is the platform of choice for many Canadians, with no account minimums, low fees ranging from 0.5%-2% and support for over 60 coins. Crypto assets are insured, and customer support is available by chat, email and phone.
Pros
  • Canada's first regulated crypto trading platform
  • Offers a separate platform for trading stocks and ETFs
  • Majority of coins are held offline in cold storage. Hot wallet assets are insured.
  • Schedule your purchases with limit buy orders
  • Start with as little as $1
Cons
  • Higher fees than some competitors
  • Only supports CAD and USD accounts
  • Lacks advanced trading features
Deposit methods Cryptocurrency, Interac e-Transfer, Wire transfer, Linked bank account, Bank transfer (EFT), Online wallet, Debit/credit cards
Deposit fees None
Withdrawal fees None
Trading fees 0.5-2%

9. Netcoins: Best crypto broker in Canada

Netcoins Trading Platform

★★★★★
Finder score
30+
Supported cryptos
2
Fiat currencies
Netcoins is our pick for the best crypto broker in Canada. As a broker, it acts as an intermediary in transactions, unlike exchanges, which act as marketplaces for buyers and sellers to transact among themselves. Enjoy free fiat e-transfers and simple 0.5% pricing for all trades (plus conversion spreads). Creating an account and getting started is easy.
Pros
  • Flat 0.5% trade fee (plus spreads)
  • Trade between $10 and $10 million
  • Supports limit orders and price alerts
  • Free e-transfer and crypto deposits. Free ACH withdrawals.
  • Live chat, email and phone support
Cons
  • Fee for bank wire deposits under $3,000 CAD
  • Limited selection of digital assets compared to some exchanges
Deposit methods Cryptocurrency, Interac e-Transfer, Bank Wire
Deposit fees Interac e-Transfers: None
Cryptocurrency: None
Bank Wire: None for deposits over $3,000 CAD or $2,000 USD; $30 CAD or $20 - $25 USD for less
Withdrawal fees Interac e-Transfers: None
Cryptocurrency: Varies
Bank Wire: Free for withdrawals over $25,000 CAD or $6,000 USD; $50 CAD or $75 USD for less
Trading fees 0.5%

What’s the best crypto exchange in Ontario?

If you’re an Ontario resident looking for an international exchange, you can use platforms like Coinbase, Crypto.com or Kraken. However, some features (such as futures trading on Kraken) on international exchanges may be disabled for Ontarians. Crypto exchanges that are regulated or pre-registered by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) include:

What is a crypto exchange?

A crypto exchange is a platform that lets you buy and sell cryptocurrencies, similar to buying and selling stocks on a stock exchange. Crypto exchanges are different to crypto brokers in that exchanges provide a place for buyers and sellers to transact with each other, while brokers transact directly with customers.

Most crypto exchanges charge a fee per transaction, which can be a flat fee, a percentage of the trade volume or a markup on the conversion rate applied to the transaction.

How to choose the best crypto exchange in Canada

The best crypto trading platform depends on what you’re looking for, so consider the following:

Trading tools

The best crypto apps have user friendly interfaces with clearly laid out tools and features for beginners and advanced investors alike. Experienced traders may want advanced charting tools, many order types, margin trading and other special features. Some exchanges let you earn by lending or staking crypto.

Payment methods

Can you deposit funds into your account via bank transfer, debit, credit or a crypto wallet? The more payment options an exchange has, the better. Make sure to check the fees for your preferred method.

Cryptocurrency & fiat currency selection

There are thousands of cryptos, and it’s tough to find a platform that lists every one. Most exchanges support major cryptos like BTC, ETH and USDT, but rare altcoins may be much harder to find. The best crypto exchanges in Canada let you deposit CAD, but support for other fiat currencies varies.

Fees

From depositing to trading and withdrawing funds, how much will it cost you to buy and sell crypto on each platform? Most brokers or instant buy services charge a service fee that adds less than 1% up to several percentage points above the going rate of an asset.

Some of the best crypto apps on our list like Crypto.com, Kraken and VirgoCX let you set the price you want to pay and then wait for your order to be filled when that price is reached.

Limits

Are there any limits on the amount you can deposit, buy or sell per transaction or per day? This question typically only applies to “crypto whales” or people who make transactions ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. You might be able to raise your transaction limits by providing additional personal information as part of the exchange’s Know Your Customer (KYC) process.

Mobile and desktop apps

How can you access your trading account? Certain platforms only allow you to trade through a web browser, while other offer mobile apps for buying and selling on the go. Look for a crypto app with a smooth, user-friendly design and high ratings from other customers.

Liquidity

If there’s a high level of liquidity—or if the exchange has a high trading volume—then trades should be completed quickly and easily. But low liquidity can lead to substantial price fluctuations. The benefit of trading on large crypto exchanges is that there are enough orders to match buyers and sellers without difficulty. Check liquidity on websites like CoinGecko or CoinMarketCap.

Security features

Security is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a crypto exchange. Ask the following:

  • Is the exchange licensed to operate in your province or territory?
  • Is multi-factor authentication (2FA) supported?
  • What percentage of assets are stored offline in cold storage to reduce the possibility of theft?
  • What level of verification is required to open an account?

Customer support

Is customer support available through email, phone and/or live chat? Can you get help 24/7 or only during specific hours? Customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau can give you an idea of how responsive an exchange is when issues arise.

James Edwards's headshot
Our expert says

"It’s difficult to find one exchange with all the coins and features you want. I spread my trading around several exchanges to make sure I’m getting exactly what I need, while also diversifying my risk should the exchange get hacked or shut down. To further reduce risk I use one registered locally so it’s subject to local laws and regulations."

Editor

How to use a cryptocurrency exchange

Say you want to buy Bitcoin (BTC). Here’s what you might do on a typical exchange:

  1. Find the best crypto app for your needs, considering features like fees, security and supported currencies.
  2. Open an account by providing personal and financial details as well as ID.
  3. Login to your account and navigate to the Buy screen.
  4. Select the crypto you want to buy, enter the amount and choose your payment method.
  5. Review the details of your transaction, including fees, and submit the order.
  6. Once the transaction has processed, your cryptocurrency will be deposited into the crypto wallet linked to your account.

How to pay for crypto in Canada

Deposit methods vary between platforms, but Canadian crypto exchanges may accept:

  • Interac e-Transfers
  • Bank and wire transfers
  • Credit and debit cards
  • Cryptocurrency transfers
  • Peer-to-peer (P2P) payments
  • Neteller, Skrill and other online payment services
  • Apple Pay and Google Pay

Which crypto exchanges are registered in Canada?

All cryptocurrency exchanges in Canada must register as money service businesses (MSBs) with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) and follow regulations designed to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.

Many of the best crypto apps and exchanges in Canada have gone even further and pursued registration with provincial securities regulators and/or the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA). As of the time of writing, the following crypto exchanges are registered with the CSA:

  • Bitbuy
  • Bitvo
  • Coinbase
  • Coinberry
  • Coinsquare
  • Fidelity
  • Hibit
  • Netcoins
  • Newton
  • Shakepay
  • CoinSmart
  • VirgoCX
  • Wealthsimple

Compare more crypto trading platforms in Canada

1 - 8 of 13
Name Product GXFCY Deposit methods Fiat currencies Cryptocurrencies Offer Disclaimer Go to site
Uphold
Uphold
Bank transfer, Credit card, Debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay

27

237

Go to site

Capital at risk

View details
Paybis Cryptocurrency Exchange
EXCLUSIVE
Paybis Cryptocurrency Exchange
Bank transfer, Credit card, Debit card, Neteller, Skrill, Apple Pay

60

87

Use code Finder25 to get a 25% discount on all commission for 1 transaction. T&Cs apply.
Go to site

Capital at risk

View details
Kraken
Bank transfer, Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay

7

207

Certain trading features are limited or unavailable to residents of Ontario and Quebec.
Go to site

Capital at risk

View details
OFFER
Bitbuy Digital Currency Exchange
Cryptocurrency, Interac e-Transfer, Wire transfer

1

53

Limited time only: Free $40* when you sign up and fund your Bitbuy account. T&Cs apply.
Go to site

Capital at risk

View details
OFFER
Bitget
Bank transfer, Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card

45

874

Sign up and receive a 6,200 USDT newcomer's gift package.
Go to site

Capital at risk

View details
OFFER
VirgoCX Cryptocurrency Exchange
Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card, Interac e-Transfer, Wire transfer

2

78

Get a $20 bonus when you open a new account and deposit $100+. T&Cs apply.
Go to site

Capital at risk

View details
Changelly Crypto-to-Crypto Exchange
Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card, Wire transfer, Apple Pay

58

391

Go to site

Capital at risk

View details
MyBTC.ca Cryptocurrency Exchange
MyBTC.ca Cryptocurrency Exchange
Cash, Credit card, Debit card, Flexepin, Interac e-Transfer, Bank Wire

1

2

Go to site

Capital at risk

View details
Disclaimer: Star ratings are only displayed for products with 10 or more reviews.
loading

Risks of using a crypto exchange

  • Cybersecurity breaches. Security breaches and targeted phishing scams can be a major concern for exchanges and customers.
  • Not your keys. Ever heard the phrase “not your keys, not your crypto”? Storing your crypto on an exchange instead of using your own non-custodial wallet relinquishes some control over your assets. Some might say this is contradictory to the decentralized philosophy of crypto.
  • Lack of consumer protection. While crypto exchanges are increasingly held accountable in Canada and may be registered with local securities regulators, many consumer protections like mandatory insurance are still lacking.
  • Proof of reserves. Since the widely publicized collapse of FTX, many traders and investors have demanded that centralized exchanges provide proof of reserves and user deposits. This may be done by a third-party auditor or through the use of on-chain data. Proof of reserves is still an evolving concept, and best practices are not yet clear.
  • Limits. While looking for the best crypto trading platform, you might notice that some have transaction, deposit and withdrawal limits. Limits vary and often increase if you provide additional information for security purposes.
  • Frozen accounts. If suspicious activity is detected, crypto exchange accounts can be frozen without warning. If your account is frozen, you can’t remove funds until the exchange approves or denies your request. For this reason, consider holding no more than a trading balance in your account.
  • Asset delistings. Centralized exchanges can delist a cryptocurrency any time for reasons like poor asset performance, security concerns or anti-money laundering (AML) breaches. When an asset is delisted, you’ll be notified and forced to sell or transfer it.

Should crypto exchanges be regulated like other financial trading platforms?

In 2023, we polled fintech specialists on the future of centralized crypto exchanges. Due to the collapse of FTX in 2022, more than half of our panellists (58.49%) said that crypto exchanges should be regulated just as much as other financial trading platforms.

Over one-third of our panellists (35.19%) believe that all crypto exchanges will be regulated as traditional financial institutions by 2030. Among these, 22.22% expect this to happen by 2025 and another 14.81% expect it to happen by 2024. The majority of our panellists (86.79%) feel that crypto exchanges should be required to disclose proof of reserves (PoR) and records of liabilities.

42.31% think that more crypto exchanges will face bankruptcy as a result of customer base reductions, with 15.38% contending this will play out over the next 5 years.

Best crypto app: FAQs

Why you can trust Finder’s crypto experts

free

We’re free

Our site is completely free to use. We link you directly to secure sign-up pages and may have offers you won’t find elsewhere.

expert advice

We’re experts

We’ve researched and rated dozens of exchanges across 60+ data points for our Crypto Trading Platform Awards.

independent

We’re independent

We’re not owned by an exchange. Our opinions are our own, and we put users first to help you find the product that’s right for you.

help

We’re here to help

We’re crypto nerds with experience in decentralized finance and investing, but we also remember how it feels to be a beginner.

Our crypto exchange reviews

More on crypto

Frank Corva's headshot
Written by

Writer

Frank Corva is business-to-business (B2B) correspondent for Bitcoin Magazine and formerly the cryptocurrency writer and analyst for digital assets at Finder. Frank has turned his hobby of studying and writing about crypto into a career with a mission of educating the world about this burgeoning sector of finance. He worked in Ghana and Venezuela before earning a degree in applied linguistics at Teachers College, Columbia University. He also taught writing and entertainment business courses in Japan and worked with UNICEF in Namibia before returning to the US to teach at universities in New York City. Earlier in his career, he spent years working as a publicist and graphic designer for record labels like Warner Music Group and Triple Crown Records. During that time, he was also a music journalist whose writing and photography was in published in Alternative Press, Spin and other outlets. See full bio

Stacie Hurst's headshot
Co-written by

Associate editor

Stacie Hurst is an editor at Finder, specializing in loans, banking, investing and money transfers. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Writing, and she has completed FP Canada Institute's Financial Management Course. Before working in the publishing industry, Stacie completed one year of law school in the United States. When not working, she can usually be found watching K-dramas or playing games with her friends and family. See full bio

Read more on this topic

  • Bitget is a fully-featured crypto exchange, but how does it actually measure up?

  • Paybis review

    Your review of the Paybis cryptocurrency exchange, including supported cryptos, fees and payment methods.

  • Shakepay review

    Canada-based Shakepay makes it easy to buy and sell Bitcoin and Ethereum with zero trade fees. But it’s features are limited.

  • VirgoCX review

    VirgoCX is a regulated Canadian platform that lets you buy and sell over 75 cryptos. Learn more about its fees and features.

  • Crypto.com review

    In our detailed review, we break down the pros and cons of using Crypto.com in Canada.

  • Kraken review

    Kraken is a feature rich platform for Canadian crypto traders, but the fees can be a little steep. Learn more in our Kraken review.

  • Coinbase review

    Find out how Coinbase stacks up against the competition in our review of the platform’s fees and features.

  • Ndax review

    Ndax is well-designed for Canadian crypto traders looking to buy and sell major cryptos. But there are some drawbacks.

  • Bitbuy review

    Bitbuy has a lot to offer Canadian crypto traders, but the platform has its limits. Learn more in our Bitbuy review.

  • Gemini review

    Gemini is no longer available in Canada. Learn more about the platform and compare alternatives.

Ask a question

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Go to site