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How to buy Bitcoin with PayPal in Canada
Learn how to buy bitcoin and other cryptos using a US PayPal account.
Can you buy bitcoin with PayPal in Canada?
No. Currently, buying, selling, and holding bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies on PayPal is only available in the US (excluding Hawaii) and US territories. All trades must be executed in USD. PayPal plans to extend this ability to users outside the US soon.Compare other ways to buy and sell cryptocurrency
PayPal isn’t the cheapest way to buy and sell cryptocurrency, so if you’re going to be trading large amounts it is worth comparing other cryptocurrency exchanges and platforms to potentially save money.
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How to buy Bitcoin with PayPal
Here’s how to buy crypto with PayPal which can only be done through a US PayPal account. You can do so by using the PayPal app or by accessing your account online after you log in:
- Click on the cryptocurrency section of your account. This section can be found from the homepage. Alternatively, you can visit paypal.com/myaccount/crypto/ to access this page.
- Select the cryptocurrency you want to buy. Your options include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash and Litecoin. For other cryptocurrencies, you’ll need to compare alternative ways to buy.
- Click buy. If this is your first purchase you’ll need to confirm your account.
- Choose purchase amount and payment method. You can typically use bank accounts, debit cards or your PayPal balance to buy cryptocurrencies.
- Review and buy. Look over the details of your purchase and click Buy Now to make your purchase.
After buying cryptocurrency through PayPal you’ll be able to see your total balances in your account. Because PayPal stores your crypto for you, if you want more control over your private keys you’ll need to use a different method to buy cryptocurrency.
In a nutshell
Pros
- Easy to use. Buy cryptocurrencies through the PayPal app or through the website in a few clicks.
- Track your portfolio. See your current crypto-portfolio’s worth in a glance.
- Flexible payment options. Pay with a debit card, from your bank account or using your existing PayPal account balance.
- Instant transactions. Buying and selling crypto through PayPal is instantaneous.
Cons
- Fees. You’ll be charged a fee based on the total amount of your purchase.
- You don’t control your private keys. PayPal doesn’t give you access to your cryptocurrency keys, so you won’t be able to store your purchase in an external wallet.
- Limited options. PayPal currently only supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash and Litecoin.
- Exchange markups. Currency conversion rates will apply to your purchase, so you’ll be buying and selling cryptocurrencies at a slight price disadvantage.
- Not available for Canadian PayPal accounts. PayPal plans to expand this service outside of the US in the future but it’s not yet available for Canadian accounts.
PayPal cryptocurrency fees
Transaction fees are applied to your purchase when you buy or sell.
| Buy or Sell amount | Fee | Fee estimates |
|---|---|---|
| $1 – $24.99 | $0.50 | $0.50 |
| $25 – $100 | 2.30% | $0.575 – $2.30 |
| $100.01 – $200 | 2% | $2 – $4 |
| $200.01 – $1,000 | 1.80% | $3.60 – $18 |
| $1000.01+ | 1.50% | $15+ |
Fees accurate as of November, 2021.
Sometimes you can save on fees by buying a bit more cryptocurrency. For instance, you’ll pay less in fees to buy $200 in crypto than you would to buy $199. Consider making one larger purchase to save on fees instead of many smaller purchases, if possible.
Supported cryptocurrencies
Although PayPal may add support for more cryptocurrencies in the future, currently only four are supported.
- Bitcoin (BTC) – Released in 2009. Dig deep in our guide to learn more about Bitcoin.
- Ethereum (ETH) – Released in 2015. Explore our guide for a crash course on Ethereum.
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH) – Released in 2017. Learn more about how this cryptocurrency came into existence.
- Litecoin (LTC) – Released in 2011. Litecoin is thought of as the silver to Bitcoin’s gold. Learn where this cryptocurrency came from and what sets it apart.
How to sell cryptocurrency on PayPal
Because PayPal doesn’t allow you to import or export cryptocurrency private keys, like you can do with a hardware wallet, you’ll only be able to sell crypto bought through PayPal.
To sell cryptocurrency:
- Click on the cryptocurrency section of your account. This section can be found from the homepage and may have different names, including Curious about crypto?, Learn more about crypto and Buy Bitcoin and more. Alternatively, you can visit paypal.com/myaccount/crypto/ to access this page.
- Select the cryptocurrency you want to sell. Your options include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash and Litecoin.
- Click sell. If this is your sale, you’ll need to confirm some tax information for your account.
- Choose sale amount. You can only sell cryptocurrency that you bought through PayPal.
- Review and sell. Look over the details of your sale and click Sell Now to complete your sale.
Bottom line
It’s possible to buy bitcoin with PayPal if you have a US PayPal account, but the high fees involved and shortage of platforms that accept PayPal payments means that there are other more cost-effective and convenient options available.
Rather than funding your PayPal account from your credit card and then using that balance to buy crypto, you could use a platform that allows you to buy crypto directly with your credit card.
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex and involve significant risks – they are highly
volatile and sensitive to secondary activity. Performance is unpredictable and past performance 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 cryptocurrencies discussed.
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