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As one of the earliest altcoins, Litecoin (LTC)'s reputation as a low-cost payments crypto steered it to an all-time-high price of $590.77 in May 2021.
While this has helped make LTC the #27 crypto by market cap, Litecoin is still a highly volatile asset capable of major price swings in a single day.
Today, LTC is trading for $144.99, which is slightly up from yesterday's trading price of $142.21. Litecoin has an increased by 44% over the past year.
So before you buy Litecoin, make sure you understand these unique risks as well as its legal, regulatory and tax status here in Canada.
If you're ready to get started, read on for step-by-step instructions and a list of platforms you can use to buy Litecoin in Canada.
To buy LTC, all you'll need is a smartphone or computer, an internet connection, photo identification and a way to pay.
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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.
If this is your first time buying cryptocurrency look for a platform that accepts Canadian dollars, like VirgoCX or Uphold.
Don't worry too much about extra features or coins for now – you can always sign up with another exchange later.
Use the table to choose a platform that meets your needs and click the Go to site button to get started.
Litecoin (LTC) is a cryptocurrency built for payments. It enables near-instant, low-cost peer-to-peer transactions.
One of the earliest altcoins, Litecoin was launched in 2011 and was created from a copy – not to be confused with a fork – of Bitcoin's source code. Sometimes referred to as the silver to Bitcoin's gold, Litecoin's software is similar to Bitcoin's. However, compared to Bitcoin, it has:
The simpler algorithm that governs Litecoin's network allows for faster transaction processing. Transactions on the Bitcoin network can take up to hours. Depending on network congestion, transactions on Litecoin are completed within seconds.
For this reason, some think of Litecoin as a complement to Bitcoin, not a competitor. Litecoin and Bitcoin have many of the same properties, but Litecoin is often considered more of a payments technology and Bitcoin a store of value.
Read our beginner's guide to how Litecoin worksTo create an account with your chosen crypto platform, you only need an email address or mobile number. This will usually allow you to deposit cryptocurrency, but not CAD.
If you want to buy Litecoin with Canadian dollars, you'll need to pass a Know Your Customer (KYC) check.
This is a standard security procedure for most exchanges in Canada and requires you to upload some photo ID, and in some cases a selfie with today's date.
KYC is usually approved instantly, but in rare cases, you may have to wait a few hours or days.
Once you've set up your account, you'll need to deposit funds to buy Litecoin with. We've listed some popular ways to buy LTC and what you should know about each payment method.
Most exchanges let you buy as little as $5 worth of LTC, if not less. Just type in how much you want to spend in CAD and let the exchange work out the rest.
Some platforms only offer 1 way to buy Litecoin, while others provide several choices. The 2 most common ways to buy LTC are on the spot market or with an "instant buy" feature.
If it's your first time buying Litecoin, this will be the fastest method – but also the least cost-effective.
The instant buy section is usually located under a "Buy now" heading on the platform you've chosen.
It should feature a simple interface that lets you enter the amount of Litecoin you want to buy or Canadian dollars you want to spend.
This is usually the only option available for credit or debit card purchases, but you may also be able to make an instant buy if you've pre-funded your account with a bank transfer.
Be prepared to pay a markup on LTC's market rate in exchange for the convenience.
If you see colourful charts with a range of prices, you're probably in the spot market.
The spot market is where buyers and sellers come together to place bids for LTC on the open market. It's usually the cheapest way to buy Litecoin because it lets traders set their own prices.
You'll find the spot market under a "Trade" or "Spot" heading on the site or app menu of the platform you've chosen to use.
There are several different order types that you can make on the spot market.
There are dozens of different trading platforms to choose from when buying Litecoin in Canada, so to help you find your best option, keep these factors in mind:
There are plenty of places to buy Litecoin, and people in Canada can choose from platforms registered here at home or in locations all around the world. Opting for a locally registered LTC exchange typically offers more convenience but may have some downsides, depending on your goals.
You shouldn't invest in any asset, including LTC, without doing plenty of research first. Before you buy Litecoin, make sure you understand and weigh up these risks:
Compare today's price of Litecoin ($100.69 USD) against its all-time high (ATH) price of $410.26 USD on May 10, 2021. The closer the bar is to 100%, the closer LTC is to reaching its ATH again.
Litecoin is considered a digital asset by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and is taxed like an investment. This means you'll be taxed when you dispose of Litecoin (i.e. sell, gift, exchange or trade it).
For individuals, profits or losses are reported as capital gains or losses. For businesses, Litecoin earnings are reported as income or capital gains, depending on how a business classifies cryptocurrency.
Learn more in our guide to crypto tax in Canada.
If you want to buy Litecoin, start by comparing a range of crypto brokers and exchanges available in Canada. Look at their features, fees, security and overall reputation to decide which platform is right for you. Use an exchange registered with FINTRAC for added peace of mind.
Remember that owning and using Litecoin is not without its risks. Carefully consider investing in LTC as part of a wider strategy, and talk to a financial advisor if you have any questions.
Once you've bought some LTC, think about your short and long-term goals. This will help you decide whether to keep it on an exchange or move it to your own wallet.
Most beginners find it easiest to buy LTC through a centrd crypto trading platform, like the ones listed in our table.
If you've already got a personal non-custodial wallet, you can sometimes use it to purchase LTC directly via an in-built exchange integration.
The best place to purchase Litecoin depends on your needs. A good place to start your research is with our top picks.
If you are buying LTC to speculate on its price in the short term, you might want to buy it on an exchange such as VirgoCX or Uphold, platforms that custody the asset for you. This will let you sell your LTC at any time.
If you are buying LTC to hold it for the long term, consider buying it on an exchange and transferring it to a hardware wallet to keep the private keys safely offline.
Yes, you can purchase LTC and hundreds of other digital assets on Coinbase.
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Disclaimer: Cryptocurrencies, including Litecoin, are speculative, complex and involve significant risks – they are highly volatile and sensitive to secondary activity. Performance is unpredictable and past performance of LTC is no guarantee of future performance. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before relying on this information. You should also verify the nature of any product or service (including its legal status and relevant regulatory requirements) and consult the relevant Regulators' websites before making any decision. Finder, or the author, may have holdings in the Litecoin or any other cryptocurrency discussed.
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