Since its launch, ChangeNOW has positioned itself as the bridge between the freedom of Web3 and the convenience of traditional financial services, serving over one million satisfied clients worldwide. BTCC’s user-centric features, including optional two-factor authentication, further enhance its safety credentials. It offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, including wire transfers and credit/debit cards, catering to both crypto enthusiasts and those entering the space for the first time. Users can feel confident knowing that Coinbase operates under stringent regulatory guidelines, adding an extra layer of trust. Meanwhile, ChangeNOW offers a seamless, registration-free trading experience, ideal for those who value efficiency and privacy. For instance, Bitget stands out with its support for CAD deposits, making it easier for Canadian investors to engage in the market without the hassle of currency conversion.
These audits verify the total amount of cryptocurrency held by Kraken. The platform provides cryptography-verified proof of reserve audits. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, the platform offers both an all-in-one exchange and a wallet, making it one of the easiest starting points with Bitcoin. ShakePay is a mobile crypto exchange and peer-to-peer wallet that is only available in Canada. Bitbuy is suited for both beginners (with their ‘Express Trade’ feature) and more advanced traders (with their ‘Pro Trade’ feature).
Top 3 Canadian Crypto Exchanges Fees
Investors in crypto do not benefit from the same regulatory protections applicable to registered securities. ETFs are subject to market fluctuation and the risks of their underlying investments. Invest in crypto like bitcoin and ethereum in a traditional, rollover, or Roth IRA. From bitcoin mining in 2014, to our first crypto service in 2018, Fidelity Digital Assets®, we learned by staying on the leading edge of crypto.
Frequently asked questions about the best crypto exchange platforms
Kraken places a high priority on security with advanced measures such as two-factor authentication and encryption techniques to protect user assets. Kraken also provides options for margin and futures trading, allowing users to leverage their positions for potentially higher returns. The platform supports Ethereum staking, enabling users to earn rewards by locking up their tokens. This broad selection allows users to explore numerous investment opportunities and effectively manage their crypto holdings. Beginners can access a simplified trading view, while advanced users enjoy spot, margin, and futures trading with up to 125× leverage and a lightning-fast matching engine capable of 10 million transactions per second.
- Kraken places a high priority on security with advanced measures such as two-factor authentication and encryption techniques to protect user assets.
- Blockchain enthusiasts in Canada should, however, be aware that they might be unable to access certain types of trading, depending on their respective jurisdictions.
- Risks include exchange hacks, phishing attacks, malware compromising private keys, SIM-swapping attacks defeating two-factor authentication, and social engineering exploits.
- These fees compensate the broker for the capital borrowed to maintain the leveraged trade, and the rate can vary based on the position (long or short) and the underlying cryptocurrency.
Featuring a comprehensive trading platform with an interactive chart system and various order types, BTCC ensures users—whether beginners or experienced traders—enjoy a smooth trading experience. Known for being one of the longest-running Bitcoin exchanges globally, BTCC attracts users with its cryptocurrency broker canada seamless fiat-to-crypto trading services and innovative Bitcoin mining solutions. No registered crypto platform can legally offer margin, credit, or leveraged trading of cryptocurrencies to retail traders. Individuals in Canada are permitted to trade cryptocurrencies in several ways, primarily through spot trading on registered crypto asset trading platforms regulated by provincial authorities under CSA oversight. As of 2025, all registered crypto platforms in Canada must comply with the no-margin trading rule for retail users, regardless of province. Since cryptocurrency is still relatively new to mainstream adoption, some brokers charge higher fees than traditional financial brokers.
- Our team has thoroughly assessed each platform, and below, you will find information on the regulations, fees, available coins, and everything else that will be of interest to someone who is looking to trade or own cryptocurrencies in Canada.
- Individual peer-to-peer trades may result in worse execution prices.
- Moreover, when cryptocurrencies are used in a business context, such transactions may also be subject to income tax.
Trading tools
A combination of these factors will steer you towards the optimal exchange for your trading activities. Additionally, users can stake Kraken’s native token, KRAK, to gain extra rewards and benefits. Kraken’s user-friendly interface enhances the trading experience by making navigation simple and intuitive.
This feature makes Coinbase not only a trading platform but also a great resource for personal growth in the crypto space. Additionally, Coinbase is one of the few exchanges that is publicly traded, further enhancing its credibility and transparency. In addition to its web platform, Coinbase has a highly rated mobile app that offers all the functionalities needed to manage digital assets on the go.
Buying bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in Canada
Exchanging crypto for goods and services, therefore, is considered a gain or loss and is taxed accordingly. Earlier, we noted that according to Canadian law, crypto does not fall under the designation of legal tender. Crypto may be taxed in two main ways, depending on the status of the trader and whether their profits count as capital gains or business income. Apart from the above, other types of fees include deposit costs, charges attached to withdrawals, and transaction fees (also known as gas fees).
Many brokers allow you to start with any amount, making cryptocurrency accessible at all budget levels. What is the minimum amount I need to start cryptocurrency trading in Canada? For example, some provinces restrict margin trading or derivatives trading of cryptocurrency. Are there regional restrictions for cryptocurrency trading in Canada? If you trade cryptocurrency frequently as a primary business activity, the CRA may classify 100% of your income as business income.
Best crypto platform for user experience: Newton Crypto
Preferred by those aiming to hedge risks or speculate on future market trends, these platforms often offer high leverage but also come with considerable risk. While P2P platforms enhance user control over transactions, they also necessitate a higher degree of trust between trade partners. Centralized exchanges are the most common type of cryptocurrency exchanges in Canada.
Kraken
Suitable for traders seeking to leverage their positions to boost purchasing power, these exchanges pose a high risk but can significantly increase returns for those confident in their trading strategies. Margin trading platforms in Canada allow users to trade using borrowed funds, potentially enhancing profits or exacerbating losses. These platforms are tailored for advanced traders who implement sophisticated strategies to manage risks or capitalize on market speculation. Futures exchanges in Canada allow traders to deal in cryptocurrency futures contracts, committing to buy or sell an asset at a set price on a future date. Peer-to-peer exchanges in Canada facilitate direct trades between users, providing a platform where buyers and sellers can negotiate terms directly. Crypto exchanges in Canada that prioritize user experience provide platforms that are straightforward to navigate for both beginners and advanced users.
Getting Started with Crypto Brokers in Canada
This guide delves into the top exchanges in Canada, including Coinbase, BTCC, ChangeNOW, Kraken, and Bitget, each offering unique features and robust security measures that cater to the specific needs of Canadian users. When it comes to brokers, this means having access to a typically modest yet sufficient number of cryptocurrency CFDs, and if you enjoy trading other products, you might also look at its other market options like forex, commodities, and the like. For professional traders, cryptocurrency trading results in business income and is thus taxed at a rate of 100%. Also, the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) recently excluded cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) from using reduced margin, which translates into lower leverage ratios available for this group of financial instruments. As is the case with other types of trading, the trading of cryptocurrencies is taxed, and on its website, the Canadian government offers comprehensive information regarding how crypto traders should file their taxes.
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Regulatory changes could impact which cryptocurrencies are tradable, platform features available, or tax treatment. Non-custodial brokers reduce counterparty risk but require more technical knowledge and personal responsibility for security. These brokers facilitate trades but don’t hold your assets directly. Cryptocurrency allows users to send and receive money globally, store value independently, and participate in decentralized finance—all without traditional financial intermediaries. Brokers facilitate your orders, execute trades, and hold your digital assets in secure custody.
Hardware wallets, such as those provided by Ledger and Trezor, are favored for their offline storage capabilities, safeguarding digital assets from online threats. In Canada, Bitcoin investors have a variety of wallet options to choose from for storing their digital assets. Although trading options can be intricate and risky, for experienced investors, they represent a vital part of the trading toolkit.
Unfavorable regulatory developments can trigger sudden price declines. Risks include exchange hacks, phishing attacks, malware compromising private keys, SIM-swapping attacks defeating two-factor authentication, and social engineering exploits. This volatility creates both opportunities and severe downside risks. Exchange hacks, mismanagement, or insolvency could result in permanent asset loss, though regulated brokers carry protections. When trading independently, you avoid intermediary commissions entirely.
Canadian crypto enthusiasts who make Kraken their platform of choice can trade either futures or partake in spot trading, all in one powerful interface. As per 2025 data, the exchange reported 15M+ clients, 560+ crypto assets, and $207B+ in quarterly trading volume. Frank Corva is business-to-business (B2B) correspondent for Bitcoin Magazine and formerly the cryptocurrency writer and analyst for digital assets at Finder. Our team has extensively reviewed dozens of cryptocurrency exchanges and apps to find the best crypto app in Canada. There are also several options available for buying and selling without verification on P2P exchanges, although they are much less user-friendly and are recommended for more advanced users.
Our team has thoroughly assessed each platform, and below, you will find information on the regulations, fees, available coins, and everything else that will be of interest to someone who is looking to trade or own cryptocurrencies in Canada. With its user-friendly interface, low fees, and deep liquidity, OKX stands out as an ideal choice for both novice and experienced traders seeking a reliable and feature-rich platform. Crypto.com supports over 300 cryptocurrencies providing liquidity and low fees for users worldwide. Crypto.com is a Singapore-based cryptocurrency exchange offering a wide range of financial services, including spot trading, margin trading, derivatives, and DeFi products.
