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
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)
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%
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%
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
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
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
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)
Wealthsimple is the platform of choice for many Canadians, with trading minimums as low as $1, low fees ranging from 0.5%-2% and support for over 65 coins. Plus, you can also trade stocks and ETFs in the Wealthsimple app. Customer support is available by chat, email and phone.
Pros
No deposit or withdrawal fees
Beginner-friendly platform
Canada's first regulated crypto trading platform
Also trade stocks and ETFs in the Wealthsimple app
Start with as little as $1
Cons
Higher fees than some competitors
CAD is the only supported fiat currency
No futures, options or margin trading for crypto
Deposit methods
Cryptocurrency, Debit card, Interac e-Transfer, Wire transfer, Linked bank account, Bank transfer (EFT), Online wallet
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)
Free e-Transfer deposits and withdrawals. Free crypto deposits.
Prepaid Mastercard with 1% BTC rewards for fiat purchases
Live chat, phone and email support
Cons
Limited number of cryptos
Fees for some bank wire transfers
No margin trading and you can only stake ATOM, ETH and SOL
Deposit methods
Cryptocurrency, Interac e-Transfer, Bank Wire
Deposit fees
Interac e-Transfer: Free (bank wires under $3,000 CAD are free) Crypto: Free
Withdrawal fees
Interac e-Transfer: Free Crypto: Varies Bank wire: Free for withdrawals over $25,000 CAD, otherwise $50 CAD
Trading fees
0.5% (plus spread)
To find the best crypto apps and exchanges in Canada, we researched platforms that are registered to operate in Canada and compliant with FINTRAC (the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada). We considered factors like the range of cryptos and fiat currencies supported, fees, features, user-friendliness, mobile and desktop apps and availability across Canada.
If we show a “Promoted” pick, it’s been chosen from among our commercial partners and is based on factors like special features or offers and commissions we receive.
Our top picks for the best crypto exchange in Canada are suggestions and don’t reflect all available platforms on the market. The best crypto app or exchange for you ultimately depends on your individual needs. Learn more about our methodology.
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:
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.
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."
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
Coinsquare
Fidelity
Hibit
Netcoins
Newton
Shakepay
CoinSmart
VirgoCX
Wealthsimple
Compare more crypto trading platforms in Canada
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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.
Finder surveyed 56 fintech specialists in January 2023. Panellists are able to answer as many or as few questions as they like, meaning the number of responses received varies by question. Panellists may own some cryptocurrencies.
Best crypto app: FAQs
The best crypto app ultimately comes down to your needs, trading style and personal preference. But we've found that Ndax, Bitbuy, Wealthsimple and Netcoins all offer solid mobile apps for trading crypto in Canada.
A crypto exchange is a market on which buyers and sellers transact with each other, whereas a crypto broker transacts with customers directly. The advantage of using a broker is that transactions should be instant, which means your account updates immediately after buying or selling.
While a crypto exchange may offer brokerage services, you can also set asset prices. For instance, if you think bitcoin will go down from US$23,000 to US$21,000, you can set an order for US$21,000 and wait for it to be filled. Likewise, you can set an order to sell your assets above the market price.
To comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations, exchanges must gather specific details about their customers. That's why you might be asked to provide proof of ID as part of a process typically referred to as "Know Your Customer" or KYC.
The most secure exchanges are registered with major financial regulatory bodies in Canada like FINTRAC and the OSC (Ontario). The safest exchanges should also protect accounts with multiple layers of protection, including 2-factor authentication (2FA), holding most assets in cold storage and having insurance for digital assets.
Keep in mind that all centralized cryptocurrency exchanges are vulnerable to hacking and exploits, so consider using a hardware wallet for added security.
Why you can trust Finder’s crypto experts
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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 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
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