By
Frank Corva&
Chelsey HurstEdited by
Stacie HurstUpdated
Self-Custody
Advanced Traders
Beginners
Best Overall
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.
Here’s a quick glance at the best crypto exchanges in Canada:
Finder’s investments experts reviewed 18+ exchanges available on the market to narrow down the best exchanges for buying, selling and trading cryptocurrency.
We analyzed each platform based on 33 key metrics we collected directly from exchanges and assessed each provider’s performance based on six different categories, weighing each metric based on the expertise and insights of Finder’s investment experts. We then scored and ranked each provider depending on how it performed in each category.
See how we weigh the overall rating
| Fees | Supported currencies | Account types & products | Tools, resources & features | Safety & security | User experience & support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20% | 20% | 20% | 15% | 15% | 10% |
We update our best picks as products change, disappear or emerge in the market. We also regularly review and revise our selections to ensure our best provider lists reflect the most competitive available.
| Platform | Number of coins | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Coinbase | 280+ | Maker fee: 0% and 0.4%Taker fee: 0.05% - 0.6% |
| Kraken | 370+ | Maker (Pro account): 0%-0.25%Taker (Pro account): 0.1%-0.4% |
| Paybis | 80+ | $5 USD minimum per transaction |
| VirgoCX | 40+ | Maker: N/ATaker: N/A |
| Crypto.com | 470+ | Taker fees: 0.18% - 0.50%Maker fees: 0.08% - 0.25% (0% with a 50,000+ CRO balance) |
| Bitbuy | 60+ | Bitbuy trade: 0.5% - 1.85% spreadBitbuy Pro: 0.5% maker & taker fee |
| Netcoins | 60+ | 0.5% (plus spread) |
| Wealthsimple | 100+ | 0.5%–2% |
| Newton Crypto | 95+ | Tier 1 Assets (BTC/ETH/USDC): 1%–1.15% Tier 2 Assets (LTC/SOL/XLM): 1.25%–1.45% Tier 3 Assets (all other cryptos): 1.5%–1.6% |
| Changelly | 920+ | Crypto-to-crypto: 0.25%Fiat-to-crypto: starts at 4%Crypto-to-fiat: starts at 3.95% |
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.
There are two types of crypto exchanges in Canada—Centralized Exchanges and Decentralized Exchanges. Let’s dive deeper into what these two types of exchanges are and what they mean for how you trade crypto.
What are Centralized Exchanges?A Centralized Exchange, also known as CEX, are crypto exchange platforms that act as a brokerage service between the trader and the coins. These platforms are typically regulated and provide services similar to standard stock trading platforms.
Centralized Exchange platforms were founded when crypto trading started becoming more common and the complexity of the original trading method made the process out of reach for most people. Thus, user-friendly CEX platforms were born.
Like stock trading platforms, centralized crypto exchange platforms will take a small fee for each trade in exchange for customers using their platform. Unlike Decentralized Exchanges, a Centralized Exchange will allow you to trade fiat money for crypto.
Most of the crypto exchange platforms you come across will be Centralized Exchanges. CEXs are also better suited for beginner crypto traders.
What are Decentralized Exchanges?A Decentralized Exchange (or DEX) enable peer-to-peer crypto exchanges, completely removing the need for any third-party brokerage service. DEX transactions are completed directly on the blockchain and are based on smart contracts.
Because these exchanges are often peer-to-peer and typically open-sourced, they are less user-friendly than CEXs. Since you and the person you are trading with are completing all aspects of the exchange process yourselves, there is a higher probability for catastrophic errors (like sending crypto to the wrong wallet).
Unlike Centralized Exchanges, a Decentralized Exchange will only allow you to trade crypto for crypto, and does not support fiat currency.
The best crypto trading platform depends on what you’re looking for, so consider the following:
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.
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.
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 SOL, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a crypto exchange. Ask the following:
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.
"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:
If you’re hoping to buy crypto using PayPal in Canada, your options are limited to only a couple of exchange platforms (Paybis or Coinbase) that accept PayPal as a payment method. Read our full guide to buying crypto with PayPal to learn more.
All cryptocurrency exchanges in Canada must register as money service businesses (MSBs) with a regulatory body in Canada, typically 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, like the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), and/or the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA).
| Exchange platform | CSA Registered | OSC Registered | FINTRAC Registered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitbuy | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Coinbase Canada | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Coinsquare | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hibit | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Netcoins | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Newton Crypto | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shakepay | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| CoinSmart | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| VirgoCX | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Wealthsimple Investments | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (Wealthsimple Payments Inc. is FINTRAC registered) |
| Kraken | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paybis | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| MyBTC.ca Cryptocurrency Exchange | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Changelly Crypto-to-Crypto Exchange | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Crypto.com | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ndax | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
There are over 1,000 crypto exchange platforms in the world. That said, the majority of these exchanges are not available in Canada. Some of these exchanges have not been approved by Canadian regulatory bodies, while others have not yet attempted to enter the Canadian market.
Interestingly, some of the biggest crypto exchanges globally do not operate in Canada. For example, Binance, which is the biggest crypto exchange platform in the world by trade volume, left the Canadian market in 2023 due to regulatory restrictions.
These other popular global crypto exchange platforms are also unavailable in Canada:
To make comparing even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Supported coins, account fees and features across 28 cryptocurrency trading platforms are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score, the better the exchange—simple.
Let’s say that you want to buy Bitcoin (BTC). On a typical exchange, you will need to follow a process like the one outlined below to get started trading crypto:
In our latest Finder: Consumer Sentiment Survey January 2025, we asked Canadians what features are most important to them when deciding between the best crypto exchange platforms.
Interestingly, 27.27% of Canadians said that security measures were one of their top priorities, which indicates that security is more important for traders compared to factors like coin offerings and trading features.
Beyond that, the next two features that matter most to Canadians are fee structure (22.18%) and ensuring that the crypto platform has a user friendly interface (18.68%).
Choosing the best crypto exchange platform can help ensure you have access to the range of coins and trading features you need. It also helps to make sure you’re getting the most competitive fee structure for your crypto trading plans so you’re not paying more than necessary.
The best crypto app for mobile trading ultimately comes down to your needs, trading style and personal preference. But we've found that Coinbase, Kraken and Paybis all offer solid mobile apps for trading crypto in Canada.
Crypto exchange platforms that are registered or pre-registered by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) include:
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 by $10,000, you can set an order for that new lower amount 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, the CSA 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.
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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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
Chelsey Hurst is a publisher at Finder, specializing in banking and investments. She loves empowering people to avoid financial pitfalls and make better decisions with their money. Chelsey has a Bachelor of Science from Redeemer University, a Master of Science from McMaster University, and has won multiple awards for research communication. In her spare time, Chelsey enjoys cooking and taking long walks in nature. See full bio
Uphold is no longer in Canada, but there are alternatives. Learn more about Uphold and explore other crypto exchanges in Canada.
Your review of the Paybis cryptocurrency exchange, including supported cryptos, fees and payment methods.
Find out which crypto exchange is better for cryptocurrency beginners between Bitbuy and Wealthsimple.
Netcoins offers free deposit options and simple, flat-fee trading. But the platform has some drawbacks.
We like this Canadian platform’s straightforward fees and features, but advanced traders may find it limited.
VirgoCX is a regulated Canadian platform that lets you buy and sell popular cryptos. Learn more about its fees and features.
Learn more about Wealthsimple Crypto—Canada’s first ever regulated crypto platform—in our review.
In our detailed review, we break down the pros and cons of using Crypto.com in Canada.
Find out how Coinbase stacks up against the competition in our review of its fees and features.
Bitbuy has a lot to offer Canadian crypto traders, but the platform has its limits. Learn more in our Bitbuy review.
Finder.com is an independent comparison platform and information service that aims to provide you with the tools you need to make better decisions. While we are independent, the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Finder receives compensation. We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn't influence our assessment of those products. Please don't interpret the order in which products appear on our Site as any endorsement or recommendation from us. Finder compares a wide range of products, providers and services but we don't provide information on all available products, providers or services. Please appreciate that there may be other options available to you than the products, providers or services covered by our service.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
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