Gate.io is a popular global crypto exchange with over 20 million users worldwide. It lets users trade over 3,600 cryptocurrencies online and via a user-friendly mobile app, plus it offers a Web3 wallet along with a copy trading feature.
But can you use Gate.io in Canada? Keep reading to find out.
Is Gate.io available in Canada?
No. While Canadians were previously able to trade on Gate.io, the platform’s user agreement now lists Canada as a restricted location.
So, if you want to trade crypto in Canada, you’ll need to look for Gate.io alternatives—and the five exchanges we’ve profiled below are a great place to start.
If you're searching for a Gate.io alternative with something to offer beginners as well as more advanced traders, Kraken is well worth a look. Founded in 2011, this popular platform is among the world's largest crypto exchanges in terms of trading volume. It doesn't boast anywhere near the same number of coins as Gate.io, but there's still a decent range on offer—over 350 cryptocurrencies to be specific. It's quick and easy to get started, while experienced crypto enthusiasts will enjoy the advanced and customizable features of Kraken Pro.
Pros
Established exchange
Lots of trading pairs
Good for beginners as well as advanced traders
User-friendly app
Cons
Some negative customer reviews
You'll find cheaper fees elsewhere
Deposit methods
Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card, Interac e-Transfer, Wire transfer, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Deposit fees
Interac e-Transfer: 0.5% Apple Pay/Google Pay: variable Crypto: Free for most cryptos Wire transfers: $0-$3 Canada Post cash/debit: $1.25+0.25%
Use code Finder25 to get a 25% discount on all commission for 1 transaction. T&Cs apply.
If you're new to the world of crypto, Paybis offers a simple and straightforward introduction to digital currencies. The platform makes it quick and easy to buy BTC and other cryptos with your debit or credit card with dozens of coins and tokens available. 24/7 support is also provided, so help is on offer if you have any questions about your account.
Pros
User-friendly platform
Launched in 2016
Decent user reviews on Trustpilot
24/7 support
Cons
You can only sell a limited number of cryptos
High fees
Paybis wallet is not available in Canada
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%
Unlike Gate.io, VirgoCX is based in Canada—in Toronto, to be precise. Founded in 2018, it allows you to trade over 90 cryptocurrencies, and it's quick and easy to buy crypto with your CAD or USD. Free cash deposits and withdrawals are available too, and there's a user-friendly app if you prefer a mobile trading experience.
Pros
Regulated Canadian exchange
Purchase crypto with CAD
Easy to get started
Multilingual support
Cons
High fees for credit and debit card deposits
Spread fees of 0.5%-2.5%
Supports much fewer cryptocurrencies than Gate.io
Deposit methods
Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card, Interac e-Transfer, Wire transfer
Uphold is a US-based crypto exchange designed to make it easy to buy and sell digital currencies. Launched in 2015, the platform provides access to over 350 cryptocurrencies online and via a trading app. Uphold also displays real-time proof of its reserves to provide users with added peace of mind.
Sign up and receive a 6,200 USDT newcomer's gift package.
Bitget doesn't offer access to the same huge range of cryptos as Gate.io, but it still supports an impressive 800+ cryptocurrencies. It also offers a copy trading feature as well as futures trading, just like Gate.io, along with a user-friendly mobile app. Bitget charges competitive trading fees too, with discounts available for high-volume traders.
Pros
Trade over 800 cryptos
Copy trading feature
Advanced trading tools
Highly rated mobile app
Cons
May be a little overwhelming for new crypto buyers
Mixed customer reviews
Deposit methods
Bank transfer, Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card
Gate.io is a popular cryptocurrency exchange where users in eligible countries can buy and sell thousands of coins. Founded in 2013, it offers the following features.
Gate.io supported cryptocurrencies
You can buy and sell over 3,600 cryptocurrencies on Gate.io, so there’s a diverse range of trading opportunities available. Access popular cryptos like BTC, ETH, DOGE and XRP along with a huge range of altcoins. There’s an Express Buy option and a wide range of payment methods are supported, while Gate.io also supports spot, margin and P2P trading.
Gate.io offers competitive trading fees, but fees vary depending on your VIP membership level. In the US, Gate.io charges maker fees of 0.02%-0.2% and taker fees of 0%-0.3%. Fee discounts are available for GateToken (GT) holders. Withdrawal fees also apply, depending on the crypto network you’re withdrawing to.
Trading fees are higher at several Gate.io alternatives featured here, but you’ll find a similar fee structure on Bitget. Bitget charges maker fees of 0.02%-0.10% and taker fees of 0.032%-0.10%. Users on the highest Bitget VIP level can take advantage of discounted maker and taker fees.
Does Gate.io require KYC?
Yes. You will need to complete KYC before depositing funds to, or withdrawing funds from, your Gate.io account. Verifying your account also allows you to access higher withdrawal limits and provides increased account security.
To complete KYC, you’ll need to provide your nationality, country of residence, full name and ID number. You’ll also need to upload photos of your ID, verify your address and undergo facial recognition.
Gate.io app
Available for Android and iOS devices, the Gate.io app allows you to trade thousands of cryptocurrencies from your smartphone. Spot and futures trading are available, while you can also take part in airdrops, mining and staking. At the time of writing, Gate.io boasts an average user rating of 4.7/5 based on over 70,000 Google Play reviews and an average of 4.2/5 based on over 4,000 App Store ratings.
Gate.io Wallet
The Gate.io Web3 Wallet is a decentralized wallet that supports coins and tokens across more than 100 blockchain networks. You can use it to manage your crypto assets, trade tokens, perform cross-chain swaps, earn passive income and more. Users can create a Web3 Wallet on the Gate.io website or mobile app.
If you want to use your crypto holdings to earn passive income, Gate.io also offers a range of staking and interest-earning opportunities through its platform. Crypto loans are available too, allowing you to use your crypto assets as collateral to borrow other cryptocurrencies.
Is Gate.io legal in Canada?
Gate.io is not available to use in Canada. While the exchange is not listed as a banned crypto trading platform by the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA), Canada is listed as a restricted location in Gate.io’s user agreement.
So, if you want to trade cryptocurrency in Canada, you’ll need to consider Gate.io alternatives.
When did Gate.io come to Canada, and why did it leave?
Gate.io was founded in 2013 as Bter.com, but it later rebranded to Gate.io in 2017. In early 2022, Gate.io contacted Canadian customers to inform them that their accounts would be closed in April. The exchange’s withdrawal from the Canadian market was likely due to securities regulators tightening restrictions on crypto trading platforms.
Does Gate.io work in Canada?
Canadian Gate.io users were required to close all positions and withdraw all assets from their accounts by April 10, 2022. Gate.io also announced its intention to permanently close those accounts after April 30, 2022.
Meanwhile, if you’re a resident of a country where Gate.io is available, you may still be able to access your Gate.io account while visiting Canada. However, you may need to use a VPN to log in.
What countries does Gate.io operate in?
Gate.io’s trading platform is available in more than 100 countries and has over 20 million users worldwide. Check with Gate.io to find out more about which countries the platform serves.
Gate.io restricted countries
In its user agreement, Gate.io lists the following restricted locations:
Canada
United States of America
Mainland China
Singapore
France
Germany
Turkey
Hong Kong
Malaysia
Malta
Cuba
Iran
North Korea
Sudan
Syria
Crimea Region
Spain
Luhansk
Donetsk
Netherlands
Bolivia
UK
Myanmar
Venezuela
Uzbekistan
Austria
India
Indonesia
Japan
Argentina
Cambodia
Bottom line
Gate.io isn’t available in Canada, but there are several other reputable crypto exchanges that are. Compare the five Gate.io alternatives listed above with a range of other top platforms to find the crypto exchange that meets all your trading needs.
Frequently asked questions about Gate.io
Crypto trading platforms in Canada are overseen by provincial securities regulators like the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) and the BC Securities Commission (BCSC), and you can visit the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) website for a list of banned and authorized crypto trading platforms in Canada.
FINTRAC also plays a key regulatory role, and cryptocurrency exchanges must report large virtual currency transactions to FINTRAC and ensure that they meet Anti Money Laundering and Know Your Customer (AML/KYC) requirements.
Originally known as Bter.com, Gate.io was initially based in China. However, it rebranded to Gate.io in 2017. Multiple online sources list Gate.io as being headquartered in the Cayman Islands, but the Gate.io website states that the platform "is not registered and does not maintain any address in the Cayman Islands."
The Gate.io app is free to download from Google Play for Android devices and from Apple's App Store for iOS devices.
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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Stacie Hurst as part of our fact-checking process.
Tim Falk is a freelance writer for Finder. Over the course of his 15-year writing career, he has reported on a wide range of personal finance topics. Whether you're investing in stocks and ETFs, comparing savings accounts or choosing a credit card, Tim wants to make it easier for you to understand. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors. See full bio
Changelly is a crypto-to-crypto exchange that lets you trade over 900 cryptocurrencies.
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