Investing in cryptocurrencies and trading them is booming in Canada, and finding a top crypto exchange is a critical step.
With so many options, you can feel overwhelmed. Some exchanges offer low fees but compromise on security. Others have great features but can be difficult to use.
This guide will help you explore these options and find the best crypto exchange that fits your needs.
Top Crypto Exchanges in Canada
Exchange
User Interface
Security
Supported Cryptos
Trading Fees
Deposit Fees
Withdrawal Fees
Fiat Currency Supported
Mobile App
Customer Support
Regulation
Unique Features
Referral Program
Advanced Trading Features
Bitbuy
Beginner‑friendly
High (2FA, cold storage)
64
0.5% maker/taker
Free
0.5 – 1.5%
CAD
Yes
Email, Chat
FINTRAC
Regulated Staking
Yes
Staking
ChangeNow
Extremely simple, no registration, fast swaps
Non-custodial, AML/2FA, no history of hacks, not gov-regulated
900+
0.5%‚-4% (standard 0.5% for swaps)
None (crypto), variable for fiat
Network only (crypto), variable for fiat
70+ (incl. CAD)
Yes
24/7 Chat, Email, Telegram
Not FINTRAC/CSA, registered offshore
DeFi swaps, liquidity, cashback, wallet, loans
Yes
ChangeNOW Pro
Bitget
Beginner‑friendly
High (2FA, cold storage)
1,400+
Tiered. Starts at 0.1% spot fees, 0.02% futures maker fee, and 0.06% futures taker fee
Free
From 0, depends on crypto
CAD, USD, EUR
Yes
24/7 Chat, Email
FINTRAC
Advanced charting tools; reward centre, Web3 wallet
Yes
Futures, margin trading, staking, bots
BTCC
Advanced
High (2FA, cold storage)
300+
Maker fee 0.200 %, taker fee 0.300 %
Free for crypto deposits
Automatically adjusted
CAD, USD, EUR, AUD
Yes
Email, Chat
FINTRAC
Futures trading, NFT marketplace
Yes
Futures trading
Crypto.com
Beginner‑friendly
High (Non-custodial, AML/2FA)
590
0-0.5%
Free
0.0006 BTC
CAD
Yes
24/7 Chat, Email
FINTRAC
Crypto debit card
Yes
Staking, OTC
Coinbase
Beginner‑friendly
High (2FA, insurance)
100
0 — 0.60% (may be higher based on market conditions)
Free bank transfer; 3.99% credit card
0.0005 BTC
CAD, USD
Yes
24/7 Chat, Email
FINTRAC
Insurance on USD balances; easy integration with wallets
Yes
OTC
Wealthsimple
Beginner‑friendly
High (2FA, encryption)
50
0.5 – 2%.
Free
Free bank transfer
CAD, USD
Yes
Email, Chat
FINTRAC, OSC
Simplified trading experience; no trading fees
Yes
Staking
Newton
Intermediate
High (2FA, cold storage)
70+
1% – 1.6%
Free
Free for Interac e-Transfer, wire transfers $10,000+
CAD
Yes
Email, Chat
FINTRAC, OSC
OTC trading, No trading fees; fast verification
Yes
OTC, staking
VirgoCX
Intermediate
High (Non-custodial, 2FA, AML, KYC)
90+
0.95% – 1.6%
Free
Free
CAD, USD
Yes
Email, Chat
FINTRAC, CSA
OTC Trading
Yes
OTC
Ndax
Advanced
High (2FA, cold storage)
45+
0.20%
Free
0.000065 BTC
CAD
Yes
Email, Chat
FINTRAC, CIRO
OTC Trading
Yes
Best Crypto Exchanges Reviewed
In this guide, the listed crypto exchanges are selected based on their security, user experience, and compliance with Canadian entities such as FINTRAC, the CSA, and CIRO.
The list was curated according to the range of available cryptocurrencies, trading tools, fee structures, and the availability of customer service channels.
Bitbuy: Best Overall for Canadians
Bitbuy is one of the oldest crypto exchanges in Canada and the most trusted among users. It was established in 2013 and was formerly known as InstaBT, making it quick and easy for Canadians to acquire Bitcoin.
Based in Toronto, Canada, Bitbuy has over 900,000 Canadian users and a lifetime trading volume of CAD $7 billion. The exchange lists over 60 cryptocurrencies—from Bitcoin and Ethereum to many more—and allows Canadians to invest with as little as $20. The only fiat currency accepted on Bitbuy is the Canadian dollar. Fiat and crypto deposits are free. Fees are applicable on withdrawals only.
Bitbuy has two trading platforms: Express Trade and Pro Trade. Express Trade is ideal for beginners who want to deposit, buy, and sell crypto. The Pro Trade platform is ideal for advanced traders seeking order books and TradingView charting tools. Bitbuy has other products including staking, over‑the‑counter (OTC) trading, and corporate solutions.
Pros
Designed to cater to Canadians.
Customer support from locally based agents.
Zero deposit fees and low fees on withdrawals.
User‑friendly interface and straightforward to use.
Cons
Limited crypto catalog compared to other exchanges.
No derivatives or futures trading platform.
Why Choose Bitbuy Exchange?
Bitbuy is the best for Canadians because it is tailored to their needs. Trading in Canadian dollars (CAD) and having domestic customer support make it a top choice for local users.
ChangeNOW: Best for Web 3.0 Traders
ChangeNOW is a user‑friendly crypto exchange that enables instant swaps of more than 1,500 coins. The exchange is non‑custodial, meaning users do not have to deposit or store their cryptocurrency holdings on the platform. Instead, ChangeNOW lets users maintain full control over their crypto swaps and funds.
Canadian users enjoy access to over 70 fiat options and 2,250,000 trading pairs on ChangeNOW. They can swap amounts ranging from under $2 to tens of thousands of dollars, with transactions completing within minutes.
Signing up on ChangeNOW grants Canadian users cash-back rewards starting at 0.1%, along with fund conversion services and low fees. Moreover, ChangeNOW offers AML checks to help detect suspicious crypto wallets and illegal activity.
Pros
Non-custodial exchange that gives users full control over their cryptocurrencies.
Easy to navigate and supports thousands of cryptocurrencies.
Advanced trading through ChangeNOW Pro.
24/7 customer support through live chat.
Cons
Additional fees may apply when purchasing crypto with a credit or debit card.
Why Choose ChangeNOW?
ChangeNOW is the best option for any crypto trader looking for fast swaps and privacy. It’s an excellent alternative to custodian-based exchanges like Coinbase and Bitget. As a Web 3.0 supporter, ChangeNOW is the best exchange for accessing and investing tokens from the Ethereum, Solana, and other layer-1 networks.
Bitget: Best for Derivatives Trading
Bitget is a leading crypto exchange established in 2018. It offers a wide range of services, including copy trading, bot trading, spot, and derivatives trading. The exchange particularly stands out for its crypto derivative markets. CoinMarketCap ranks it in the top 3 exchanges for derivatives trading. The exchange boasts 120 million registered users and over $50B daily trading volume.
The exchange is available in multiple languages, including English and French, Canada’s official languages. Supported deposit methods include Fiat through Advcash, SEPA, Faster Payments, and PIX. You can also make a direct bank or crypto deposit.
A factor that stood out to me was the exchange’s commitment to rewarding its users. The exchange runs multiple promotions and daily challenges, earning you up to 1,000 USDT, or more, through draws. This ‘rewards’ feature is accessible from Bitget’s Reward Centre.
Pros
Offers futures, margin trading, and detailed charting tools.
Cost-effective for frequent crypto trading.
Robust security measures protect crypto assets.
Has a Web3 wallet for non-custodial services.
Supports a diverse array of digital assets.
Cons
Some users have reported limited options for withdrawing fiat currencies.
Why Choose Bitget?
Bitget delivers top-notch security features, cold storage, and proof‑of‑reserves. Thanks to the Bitget Academy and advanced trading features, the exchange is ideal for both beginner and experienced traders. It offers high‑volume traders discounted fees, deep liquidity, and no hidden fees.
BTCC Exchange: Best for Security
BTCC is one of the oldest crypto exchanges, operating since 2011. Over the past 14 years, BTCC has maintained a flawless security record, reporting no breaches or hacks—unlike exchanges such as Binance, ByBit, and Coinbase.
The platform uses multi‑signature cold wallets and backs every deposited coin one‑to‑one. Moreover, BTCC does not offer loans backed by collateralized coins, nor issue a native token—hence there’s no staking or DeFi smart contracts.
BTCC has been available to Canadian citizens and residents since it was approved by FINTRAC as a virtual currency exchange. Users can deposit fiat and access hundreds of crypto trading pairs. In addition, BTCC offers pro trading tools such as copy trading.
Pros
High level of security and advanced encryption.
Demo trading with virtual USDT for beginners
Copy trading from established traders.
Futures trading with up to 500× leverage.
Cons
No native token, staking or DeFi smart contracts.
High risk leveraged trading.
Why Choose BTCC Exchange?
BTCC Exchange is ideal for experienced traders seeking a combination of robust security and high leverage. It also suits beginners who want access to spot trading pairs and the ability to practice with demo trading.
Crypto.com Canada: Best for Crypto Debit Cards
Crypto.com is a top crypto exchange that offers over 400 tokens and 20 fiat currencies on its Canadian platform. Users can deposit a fiat currency easily via bank transfer, Apple Pay, or Google Pay and begin trading BTC, ETH, and other cryptocurrencies. The platform also offers crypto baskets to help beginner investors diversify their portfolios.
Crypto.com makes it easy to spend cryptocurrencies with a Visa debit card. Canadians can convert their crypto gains seamlessly to fiat and earn crypto rewards in CRO, the platform’s native token.
Crypto.com’s advanced platform offers spot trading on over 590 coins for experienced traders. It also features a variety of trading bots, including a dollar cost averaging (DCA) bot and an arbitrage bot.
Pros
Offers up to 8% rewards on Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).
Offers a crypto debit card with up to 8% cashback.
Provides over 400 cryptocurrencies to beginners and experienced traders.
Regulated according to FINTRAC, Canada’s financial intelligence unit.
Offers relatively low fees compared to other exchanges.
Cons
Higher minimum withdrawal amount.
Charges high withdrawal fees.
High fees on crypto debit card usage.
Why Choose Crypto.com Canada?
Crypto.com is a good choice since it has zero fees on deposits and crypto transfers. The platform offers volume discounts and rewards for CRO holders.
Coinbase: Best for Beginners
Coinbase is a global crypto exchange that operates in over 100 countries. It is one of the most beginner‑friendly crypto exchanges. Coinbase Canada makes depositing fiat and trading a wide variety of digital assets straightforward. The platform supports over 200 cryptocurrencies—from Bitcoin and Ethereum to dozens of popular altcoins.
Creating a new account on Coinbase is simple thanks to its clean interface and intuitive layout. Canadians can deposit cash with zero fees via Interac e Transfers. Other payment options, such as direct bank transfers and credit‑card payments, are also available.
Coinbase provides a wealth of educational resources to help users navigate the platform. The exchange offers a broader range of order types—including Market, Limit, Stop Limit, and Auction Mode orders. Traders can seamlessly switch between Simple and Advanced trading modes while using TradingView‑powered charts with EMA, MA, MACD, RSI, and Bollinger Bands.
Pros
Easy to navigate and perfect for beginners thanks to its seamless user interface.
Provides plenty of learning materials and rewards users through the Earn & Learn program.
Offers secure storage and insurance for digital assets.
Supports various payment options, making it easy to fund your account.
Cons
Trading fees could exceed the 0–0.60% range depending on the crypto market conditions.
Experienced traders have fewer advanced tools compared to other platforms.
Why Choose Coinbase?
Coinbase is the best choice for beginners who want to invest in major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Utilizing an investment strategy such as DCA through Coinbase is ideal, because the platform links easily with major Canadian bank accounts. Additionally, Coinbase securely stores your cryptocurrencies and neither lends nor uses them.
Wealthsimple Crypto: Best for Crypto Investing
Wealthsimple launched in Canada in 2014 as a TradFi platform before expanding into cryptocurrency. Wealthsimple Crypto now offers over 100 coins, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. Traders can purchase cryptocurrencies starting at just CAD $1, making it attractive for beginners.
The platform features three tiers—Core, Premium, and Generation—each with its own minimum volume and trading fee. Core users can trade from CAD $1, Premium users require at least CAD $100,000, and Generation users maintain a minimum of CAD $500,000. Core users pay 2% per trade, Premium users pay 1%, and Generation users pay 0.5%.
Wealthsimple Crypto offers crypto staking as well as cold storage for virtual assets. The platform is fully regulated by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO).
Pros
A simple interface makes it easy to navigate its offerings.
Allows users to manage various investments in one place.
Stores most cryptocurrencies in offline cold storage.
Provides additional protection for digital holdings.
Cons
High fees of 2% per transaction compared to other exchanges
Why Choose Wealthsimple Crypto?
Wealthsimple is the best for keen Canadian crypto investors who want to manage all their assets and finances, including mortgages and portfolios, from one dashboard. Its secure storage and insurance provide peace of mind for Canadian crypto investors.
Newton Exchange: Best for OTC Trading
Newton Exchange is one of the best centralized exchanges for over-the-counter (OTC) trading in Canada. Newton OTC offers deep liquidity and a dedicated representative for users trading $30,000 or more. OTC desk traders pay no fees on deposits or withdrawals and benefit from low spreads, making trades cost-efficient. Moreover, Newton OTC offers fast settlement, typically within one business day.
Newton Crypto is another platform created for retail investors. On the Newton Exchange, creating an account and funding it through Interac e-Transfers takes just minutes—and it’s free. Users gain access to over 70 cryptocurrencies, from BTC to ETH, and even memecoins like PEPE and WIF. Withdrawals via Interac e-Transfers and wire transfers of $10,000 or more are also free.
Founded in 2018, Newton Crypto is a Canadian exchange registered as a restricted dealer with the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC). It serves over 800,000 users and has processed more than $6.5 billion in trades, with over $400 million in assets under custody.
Pros
Excellent choice for institutional traders and beginners.
Provides educational resources.
Personalized service for each OTC trader.
Relatively low fees and low spillage.
Protects assets and data through top security standards.
Cons
No futures, derivatives, or options trading.
No fee calculator in the app.
Lacks some tools needed by experienced traders.
Why Choose Newton Exchange?
Newton Exchange is ideal for both whales and retail investors. Newton OTC is the top choice for large-scale crypto traders in Canada, while Newton Crypto is a great option for beginners focused on spot market trading.
VirgoCX: Best for Security
VirgoCX is a non-custodial crypto exchange based in Toronto, Canada. The exchange has been operational since 2018 and currently lists over 90 cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, SOL, and even TRUMP and MELANIA.
VirgoCX has two crypto portals: Market and Wealth. The Market portal is designed to make purchasing and trading crypto accessible to retail investors. Canadians can deposit fiat using Interac e‑Transfer, wire transfer, or debit/credit card and start trading crypto. VirgoCX charges no deposit fees; however, crypto withdrawal fees apply.
The Wealth Portal provides deep crypto liquidity for institutional investors, with a minimum transaction size of $50,000 CAD. Moreover, institutional clients such as miners and investment funds benefit from personalized service, low trading costs, and fast settlement.
Pros
Provides strong security measures to protect assets.
Offers affordable trading costs.
Bilingual customer support in English and French.
Assets are insured, which gives an extra layer of protection for users.
Cons
Limited selection of cryptocurrencies.
No staking or yield products.
No derivatives or margin trading.
Why Choose VirgoCX Exchange?
With a strong focus on security, VirgoCX offers two-factor authentication, cold storage, and insurance. The platform supports many cryptocurrencies and offers competitive fees. VirgoCX also has a mobile app on the App Store and Google Play.
Ndax: Best for Crypto Trading
Ndax is an all-in-one crypto trading platform built for Canadians. It was established to serve both retail and institutional clients. As one of the best crypto exchanges in Canada, its philosophy involves collaborating with regulators and financial institutions to set the benchmark for the Canadian cryptocurrency industry.
Ndax supports over 45 cryptocurrencies and boasts strong security and competitive fees. The platform offers professional trading options and supports multiple trading pairs. Ndax also has an OTC desk for large trades and supports Canadian dollar transactions.
Pros
Offers many trading options.
Affordable for frequent traders.
Protects user digital assets with robust measures.
Provides options for large volume trades.
Cons
The platform can be challenging for new users to navigate.
Support responses can sometimes be slow.
Why Choose Ndax Exchange?
Ndax is a favored and trusted crypto exchange because of its wide range of supported cryptocurrencies and low fees.
Factors to Consider When Selecting an Exchange in Canada
Choosing a cryptocurrency exchange in Canada can be tricky. How do you find the right one? Here’s a simple guide to help you.
Know the Rules
First, understand the Canadian regulations. Why? Because following the rules keeps your money safe. Look for exchanges registered with FINTRAC which indicates that they follow anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) laws.
You don’t want to get associated with the dark side!
Check Security
Is security important? Absolutely! Make sure the exchange has strong security measures. The top criteria include two-factor authentication (2FA), encryption, and cold storage.
Look at Liquidity and Volume
Why is liquidity important? It helps you buy and sell quickly without big price changes. So, choose an exchange with high trading volume for better prices and smoother trades.
Compare Fees
Different exchanges have different fees. Some have low trading fees but high withdrawal fees.
You don’t want to lose large chunks of your profits to fees you didn’t anticipate, so check the total cost and look for exchanges with transparent fee policies.
Check Available Cryptocurrencies
You should also make sure the exchange supports those cryptocurrencies. Most significant exchanges offer BTC, ETH, and other popular coins.
However, some don’t offer many lesser-known altcoins, so you must check the list of supported cryptocurrencies.
User Experience and Support
Is the exchange easy to use? Does the exchange offer good customer support?
Good user experience and quick and helpful support are crucial. So, look for an intuitive interface, useful guides, and a reputation for solving problems quickly.
Payment Methods
It’s essential to check the payment methods to see if your preferred withdrawal or deposit method is available. Reliable exchanges offer Interac e Transfer deposits, wire transfers, credit/debit cards, and cryptocurrency transfers, so you can choose the one that suits you best.
If you’re interested in more than just trading? Some exchanges offer crypto staking, lending, and OTC trading. These features can provide extra income, and if you are interested in them, you can also find an exchange that offers them.
Reputation
You should also read reviews and testimonials and look for exchanges with good reputations. Avoid those with security breaches or scandals.
How are Crypto Exchanges Regulated in Canada?
Cryptocurrency exchanges operating in Canada are subject to regulatory oversight by several entities, including FINTRAC, the CSA, CIRO, and provincial securities commissions.
The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Center (FINTRAC) ensures that cryptocurrency exchanges are registered as Money Services Businesses (MSBs). FINTRAC prevents money laundering. It requires every exchange to implement Know‑Your‑Customer (KYC) measures and to monitor transactions. The financial center keeps a public record of all registered centralized exchanges.
Cryptocurrency exchanges that offer securities or derivatives must register with the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) as a marketplace under Canadian securities law. The CSA imposes specific custody and capital requirements on crypto exchanges, as well as risk‑management standards and continuous disclosure requirements. Moreover, the CSA requires crypto exchanges to segregate all customer assets, thereby ensuring fairness and transparency.
The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) oversees trading platforms that operate as investment firms. CIRO monitors trading activities to ensure compliance and prevent any abuse of the rules.
Investing and trading at regulated cryptocurrency exchanges by Canadian entities ensure the safety of customers’ assets and protection from fraud, and scams.
Best Decentralized Exchanges in Canada
Uniswap — Best for Decentralized Trading
Uniswap is one of the most popular decentralized exchanges (DEXs) globally and is widely used in Canada.
What makes Uniswap unique? Its automated market maker (AMM) model. This model uses smart contracts to pool liquidity from users, allowing trades without a traditional order book.
Uniswap’s simplicity and ease of use are unmatched. It also supports a wide array of tokens on the Ethereum blockchain.
Curve Finance — Best for Stablecoins
Curve Finance is the best decentralized exchange for trading stablecoins efficiently. Its focus on stablecoins and low fees provides a specialized service that appeals to users who want stability in their trades.
Its algorithm is optimized for low-slippage trades between stablecoins and other assets with similar prices. This makes it ideal for users looking to engage in liquidity mining with minimal risk.
Raydium — Best for Solana Based Coins
Raydium is one of the top decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and automated market makers (AMM) built on Solana. It gives access to over 3,460 Solana based coins. Raydium delivers deep liquidity, ultra‑low slippage, and near‑zero gas fees. Raydium is perfect for traders looking to dive deep in the Solana ecosystem and its memecoins.
Wrapping Up
The crypto industry in Canada is constantly expanding, making it an active hub for traders and investors. There are plenty of quality crypto exchanges where you can trade crypto, stake, earn, invest, and otherwise diversify your portfolio.
However, the ultimate choice comes down to your needs, so ensure that you research to identify what works best for you.