A crypto exchange is an online platform where you can buy, sell, trade, and store cryptocurrency. Exchanges give Canadians access to this market with security measures, regulatory oversight, and investor tools.
Every exchange in Canada has a unique set-up, including fees, coins, and mobile apps. Here's a look at how to find the best crypto exchange in Canada for you.
Key Takeaways
- Wealthsimpe Crypto is the best crypto exchange in Canada.
- The average trading fee range is between 0.1% and 1%.
- The best exchanges have strong security protocols and flexible payment methods.
- Crypto is a relatively new type of currency that poses risks for investors.
Best crypto exchanges in Canada
The best crypto exchanges in Canada are known for security, low fees, flexible payment methods, investor tools, and user-friendly platforms.
Methodology
To evaluate crypto exchanges, we analyze over 20 data points to generate a trustworthy Genius Rating. We consider all aspects of a crypto exchange, including supported cryptocurrencies, fees, platform availability, customer satisfaction, and extra perks, to assess its overall value. Then, the exchange’s features are rated based on how they stack up against other available options.
Best cryptocurrency exchange in Canada 2025 winner: Wealthsimple Crypto
Estimated # Of Supported Cryptocurrencies
100+
Supports CAD?
Standard Maker Fee
0.5%
Standard Taker Fee
0.5%
If you've ever wanted to get into the world of cryptocurrency trading but weren't quite sure where to start, Wealthsimple Crypto is designed for you. Wealthsimple Crypto supports 100+ cryptocurrencies – including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana. And while they charge higher transaction fees than other exchanges, the simplicity of Wealthsimple Crypto might be worth it.
Pros
- Incredibly easy to get started
- Designed by and for Canadians
- Ties directly to your Wealthsimple account
- Easy to understand transaction fees
Cons
- Higher transaction fees than some other options
- Lacks advanced trading features
Provinces
ALL
Eligibility
- Be a Canadian citizen, Canadian resident, or have a valid Canadian visa
- Meet the minimum age requirement set by your province
- Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Have a Canadian residential address
- Satisfy identity verification requirements
Why You Want It
Get $50 when you fund your account with $500 + Commission-free trades.
Special Features
- Quick and easy sign up
- No account minimums
- Simple and transparent pricing
- No fees to deposit or withdraw
- Extensive cold storage insurance coverage
Estimated # Of Supported Cryptocurrencies
100+
Supports Bitcoin?
Supports Ethereum?
Supports Litecoin?
Supports XRP?
Estimated # Of Supported Fiat Currencies
1
Supports CAD?
Supports USD?
Standard Maker Fee
0.5%
Standard Taker Fee
0.5%
Active Trader Discounts Available?
Interac E-Transfer Deposit Fee
N/A
Wire Transfer Deposit Fee
0%
Available On Desktop?
Available On IOS?
Available On Android?
Offers Staking
Our pick for the best cryptocurrency exchange in Canada for 2025 is Wealthsimple Crypto. Known for its user-friendly interface, security, and commitment to transparency, Wealthsimple makes jumping into buying and selling crypto easier than ever.
With a clear, competitive fee structure and a curated selection of top cryptocurrencies – including Ethereum and Bitcoin – Wealthsimple Crypto is a solid platform that's even suitable for beginners.
Available coins: 60+
Trading fees: 0.5 to 2%
Why we picked it:
- User-friendly platform
- By and for Canadians
- Transparent fees
Coinsquare
Estimated # Of Supported Cryptocurrencies
50
Supports CAD?
Standard Maker Fee
0.5%
Standard Taker Fee
0.5%
In 2008, a still-unknown person developed Bitcoin (BTC), the world’s first cryptocurrency. Since then the market has exploded, now boasting over 200 cryptocurrencies. If you know what any of this means, you probably also know that there are a vast number of services that allow you to buy, sell, and trade these things, known as cryptocurrency exchanges.
Pros
- Easy to deposit Canadian funds
- Easy to buy cryptocurrencies with Canadian dollars
- Reasonable trading, deposit, and withdrawal fees
- Multi-layer security that hasn’t been directly compromised (yet)
- Special features for high wealth or high volume traders
Cons
- Deeply troubling and controversial corporate behaviour
- Limited mobile app
- Limited trading options
- Lacklustre customer support
- Requires 3 pieces of personally identifiable information to get started
- Limited number of supported cryptocurrencies
Provinces
ALL
Eligibility
- Canadian resident
- Age of majority
- Provide proof of identity (passport, driver's license)
- Provide proof of address (bank statement or utility bill)
- Valid mobile number
Why You Want It
As low as 0.50% maker and taker fees + Easily deposit Canadian funds.
Special Features
- Mining venture arm and capital markets division for high net worth investors
- Referral program
Estimated # Of Supported Cryptocurrencies
50
Supports Bitcoin?
Supports Ethereum?
Supports Litecoin?
Supports XRP?
Estimated # Of Supported Fiat Currencies
1
Supports CAD?
Supports USD?
Standard Maker Fee
0.5%
Standard Taker Fee
0.5%
Active Trader Discounts Available?
Interac E-Transfer Deposit Fee
0%
Wire Transfer Deposit Fee
0%
Available On Desktop?
Available On IOS?
Available On Android?
Offers Staking
Coinsquare is a Canadian company with a straightforward platform and easy Interac e-Transfer options. Fees are comparable to competitors, or lower, and there are special options for high-volume traders.
We like the mobile app and we like that it’s Canadian, but your currency options with Coinsquare are more limited than with other exchanges.
Available coins: 50+
Trading fees: 0.5% to 1.85%
Why we picked it:
- Easy for beginners
- Reasonable fees
- Canadian-owned
- High net worth options
VirgoCX
Estimated # Of Supported Cryptocurrencies
90
Supports CAD?
Standard Maker Fee
N/A
Standard Taker Fee
N/A
With VirgoCX, you can buy and sell cryptocurrencies with no maker or trader fees. Plus VirgoCX doesn't charge any fees for depositing or withdrawing from your account.
Pros
- No trading fees
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
- Supports over 90 cryptocurrencies
- New user offer
Cons
- Does not support offers staking
Provinces
ALL
Eligibility
See Issuer for Details
Why You Want It
Invest in cryptocurrencies with no trader or maker fees.
Special Features
See Issuer for Details
Estimated # Of Supported Cryptocurrencies
90
Supports Bitcoin?
Supports Ethereum?
Supports Litecoin?
Supports XRP?
Estimated # Of Supported Fiat Currencies
2
Supports CAD?
Supports USD?
Standard Maker Fee
N/A
Standard Taker Fee
N/A
Active Trader Discounts Available?
Interac E-Transfer Deposit Fee
0%
Wire Transfer Deposit Fee
0%
Available On Desktop?
Available On IOS?
Available On Android?
Offers Staking
With VirgoCX, you're getting a crypto exchange that has very little fees. There are no deposit or withdrawal fees, as well as no maker or trader fees.
On top of that, it's also a Canadian owned platform.
Available coins: 90+
Trading fees: 0%
Why we picked it:
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
- No maker or trade fees
- Canadian-owned
Kraken
Kraken has excellent security, a huge range of currencies, and a supportive team to help you manage your crypto exchange experience. While you could pay lower fees with a competitor, Kraken’s value is in its trustworthy safety protocols.
Note that fees go down the more volume you trade and there are net purchase limits for some Canadian clients.
Available coins: 175+
Trading fees: 0% to 2%
Why we picked it:
- Top-notch security (like cold storage)
- Educational materials
- Good customer service
Crypto.com
Crypto.com has a well-built mobile app and the 2nd biggest range of currencies of any exchange on this list. Expect to pay low (or no) fees when buying with cash.
There are a few drawbacks to consider: there is no direct fiat CAD on-ramp, withdrawal fees are higher than average, and your only customer service option is chat-based support.
Available coins: 350+
Trading fees: 0% to 0.3%
Why we picked it:
- Fees can be extremely low
- Good for mobile trading
- 350 currencies available
- Also offers an NFT marketplace
KuCoin
With low fees and a robust platform, KuCoin is a crypto exchange available to Canadians everywhere except Ontario. There are advanced features and an astonishing 50 fiat currencies and hundreds of cryptocurrencies, with volume discounts for big trades.
There have been a few recent controversies, including lawsuits and hacking, but KuCoin assures customers that their assets are safe.
Available coins: 800+
Trading fees: 0% to 0.1%
Why we picked it:
- Low fees
- Offers staking
- Offers margin, futures, and peer-to-peer (P2P) trading
What is a cryptocurrency exchange?
Cryptocurrency exchanges are very similar to online brokers. They're simply platforms to perform trades on – but in this case, you're trading cryptocurrency on the crypto market.
With this type of online platform, you can buy, sell, and trade digital currencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others. You can store crypto on some exchanges, but some Canadians prefer to store their assets in a private digital wallet.
Each cryptocurrency exchange has different fees, coin options, and security features.
How to pay for crypto in Canada?
These are some ways you can pay for crypto in Canada:
- Bank transfer
- Cash
- Debit/credit
- Peer-to-peer
- Crypto-to-crypto
Note that these options are not available at every crypto exchange.
To get started, you'll need to create and fund an account on your chosen exchange platform. You may need to have your identity verified. Then, you can place an order that aligns with your investment strategy.
Once the order is complete, you can choose whether to transfer your crypto to a secure wallet.
How to pick the best crypto exchange
The best crypto exchange will have good security, affordable fees, a clear user experience and customer support, and a wide range of cryptocurrencies offered.
Here’s a checklist of key features to evaluate:
- Security: Look for strong security protocols like two-factor authentication and cold storage.
- Fee structure: Understand the trading fees, deposit/withdrawal fees, and any hidden costs that may apply.
- Funding options: Research payment methods. Some charge more for debit cards, and not all offer bank transfers.
- User experience: Each online platform and/or mobile app can be very different. Look for the one that feels intuitive to you.
- Range of cryptocurrencies: Most exchanges offer Bitcoin and Ethereum, but not all offer the full scope.
- Liquidity: Choose an exchange with a high trading volume if you want fast, favourably priced transactions.
- Regulatory compliance: Choose an exchange that adheres to local regulations to ensure your investments are protected and insured.
- Reputation: Read reviews, ratings, and headlines to gauge the overall trustworthiness of the exchange.
Types of cryptocurrency exchanges in Canada
There are centralized, decentralized, peer-to-peer, hybrid, brokerage, and ATM cryptocurrency exchange options in Canada.
- Centralized Exchanges (CEX): These are the most common type. Users create accounts and trade through the exchange. Example: Coinsquare.
- Decentralized Exchanges (DEX): You can trade directly with another user without a central authority, giving more privacy and control.
- Hybrid Exchanges: These include features of both CEX and DEX, balancing security and user control along with liquidity.
- Peer-to-peer (P2P) Exchanges: Buyers and sellers connect directly on these platforms. You negotiate and trade with each other, and payment methods vary by seller.
- Brokerages: The platform is your intermediary. You buy at a set price rather than through an order book.
- Crypto ATMs: You buy or sell at a physical machine with cash or a debit card.
Crypto exchange fees
The average range of crypto exchange trading fees falls between 0.1% and 1% per transaction.
Some exchanges charge fees for deposits and withdrawals, typically between $1 and $5 for bank transfers or higher for credit card transactions.
Some platforms also impose spreads, which is the difference between the buying and selling price.
Fees can impact your investments over time, especially if you’re trading frequently. Compare fee structures carefully based on your investment approach before choosing an exchange.
Pros and cons of crypto exchanges
Crypto exchanges are a convenient and accessible way for Canadians to buy, sell, and trade digital currencies.
But while crypto exchanges offer convenience, they also carry fees, risks, and privacy limitations.
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Editorial Disclaimer: The content here reflects the author's opinion alone, and is not endorsed or sponsored by a bank, credit card issuer, rewards program or other entity. For complete and updated product information please visit the product issuer's website.
FAQ
What is a Canadian crypto exchange?
A cryptocurrency exchange is an online platform where you can buy cryptocurrencies with money and trade one kind of cryptocurrency for another. It’s like a stock market but for crypto. Some are centralized and some are decentralized (peer-to-peer).
How do I use a cryptocurrency exchange?
Once you're a verified user (if required) you can transfer funds into your crypto account, which enables you to buy your preferred crypto coin. You can then buy, sell, and/or trade your preferred digital currencies with other users.
Are cryptocurrency exchanges safe?
Larger cryptocurrency exchanges like Coinsquare and Coinbase are considered relatively safe. However, it's recommended that you move your crypto coins off the exchange and into a private wallet, especially if you're not planning to trade regularly.
What cryptocurrency exchanges work in Canada?
Canadians can access most of the available cryptocurrency exchanges around the world, including our choice for the overall best platform, Wealthsimple Crypto. However, KuCoin is banned in Ontario. Future regulatory action may impact access to certain exchanges.
How do I choose a cryptocurrency exchange?
There are several important details to consider, including trading fees, funding fees, funding methods, the number of coins available, customer service options, and security features. Be sure to choose one that aligns with your trading needs and security preferences.
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