Gate.io exchange alternatives in Canada

Gate.io is a popular global crypto exchange with over 20 million users worldwide. It lets users trade over 3,600 cryptocurrencies online and via a user-friendly mobile app, plus it offers a Web3 wallet along with a copy trading feature.

But can you use Gate.io in Canada? Keep reading to find out.

Is Gate.io available in Canada?

No. While Canadians were previously able to trade on Gate.io, the platform’s user agreement now lists Canada as a restricted location.

So, if you want to trade crypto in Canada, you’ll need to look for Gate.io alternatives—and the five exchanges we’ve profiled below are a great place to start.

Gate.io exchange alternatives in Canada

Finder Score	Cryptocurrencies	Fiat currencies	FINTRAC registered
Coinbase
9.7Excellent Coinbase Finder Award	9.7Excellent	288	1		Go to site Capital at risk More info Compare product selection Compare	loading	Why we like it Coinbase is one of the largest crypto exchanges in the world by trading volume. You can deposit funds for free via Interac e-Transfer, and instantly purchase crypto via debit. It offers a user-friendly platform and highly-rated mobile app. Coinbase also offers the option to earn crypto rewards by watching learning videos and completing quizzes. Pros & cons Pros Easy signup process Trade 280+ cryptos Free e-transfer deposits Instant withdrawals to most banks Discounted volume pricing with Coinbase Advanced Registered with the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) and Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) Cons Only hold CAD in Canadian accounts No credit card purchases in Canada No margin, futures or options trading in Canada
Kraken
8.8Great Kraken	8.8Great	381	7		Go to site Capital at risk More info Compare product selection Compare	loading	Why we like it Kraken is a well-known name in the crypto world, having been first established in 2011. This global platform lets you trade over 300 cryptocurrencies, offering a simple trading platform for crypto beginners as well as Kraken Pro for advanced traders. There's also a user-friendly mobile app available if you want to trade from your smartphone. Pros & cons Pros One of the world's oldest crypto exchanges Access a wide range of cryptos 24/7 customer support Good for beginners as well as advanced traders Cons Low Trustpilot user ratings You'll find lower fees on other platforms
Paybis
7.7Great Paybis	7.7Great	83	50		Go to site Capital at risk More info Compare product selection Compare	loading	Why we like it If you're searching for a platform that makes it quick and easy to buy crypto as a newbie, Paybis is worth a closer look. This global exchange offers a simple user interface that allows you to buy crypto with fiat currency, and you can also buy via a highly rated mobile app. With 24/7 support available, help is at hand if you have any questions. Pros & cons Pros Beginner friendly Supports a wide range of deposit methods Quick and easy to use Multiple payment options available Cons You can only sell a limited range of cryptos Other platforms have lower fees Paybis Wallet is not available in Canada
VirgoCX
7.3Great VirgoCX	7.3Great	45	2		Compare product selection Compare	loading	Why we like it Founded in 2018, VirgoCX is a Canadian crypto trading platform based in Toronto. This user-friendly platform offers free cash deposits and withdrawals and is designed to offer a quick and easy crypto buying experience for users. There are over 85 cryptos to trade on VirgoCX, and the platform is authorized to do business with Canadians by the CSA. Pros & cons Pros Canadian crypto exchange User-friendly platform Free deposits and withdrawals Multilingual support Cons Spreads of 0.95% to 1.60% Watch out for fees for credit and debit card deposits Not as many cryptocurrencies as some other platforms

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What is the Gate.io exchange platform?

Gate.io is a popular cryptocurrency exchange where users in eligible countries can buy and sell thousands of coins. Founded in 2013, it offers the following features.

Gate.io supported cryptocurrencies

You can buy and sell over 3,600 cryptocurrencies on Gate.io, so there’s a diverse range of trading opportunities available. Access popular cryptos like BTC, ETH, DOGE and XRP along with a huge range of altcoins. There’s an Express Buy option and a wide range of payment methods are supported, while Gate.io also supports spot, margin and P2P trading.

Gate.io fees

Gate.io offers competitive trading fees, but fees vary depending on your VIP membership level. In the US, Gate.io charges maker fees of 0.02%-0.2% and taker fees of 0%-0.3%. Fee discounts are available for GateToken (GT) holders. Withdrawal fees also apply, depending on the crypto network you’re withdrawing to.

Trading fees are higher at several Gate.io alternatives featured here, but you’ll find a similar fee structure on Bitget. Bitget charges maker fees of 0.02%-0.10% and taker fees of 0.06% - 0.10%. Users on the highest Bitget VIP level can take advantage of discounted maker and taker fees.

Does Gate.io require KYC?

Yes. You will need to complete KYC before depositing funds to, or withdrawing funds from, your Gate.io account. Verifying your account also allows you to access higher withdrawal limits and provides increased account security.

To complete KYC, you’ll need to provide your nationality, country of residence, full name and ID number. You’ll also need to upload photos of your ID, verify your address and undergo facial recognition.

Gate.io app

Available for Android and iOS devices, the Gate.io app allows you to trade thousands of cryptocurrencies from your smartphone. Spot and futures trading are available, while you can also take part in airdrops, mining and staking. At the time of writing, Gate.io boasts an average user rating of 4.7/5 based on over 70,000 Google Play reviews and an average of 4.2/5 based on over 4,000 App Store ratings.

Gate.io Wallet

The Gate.io Web3 Wallet is a decentralized wallet that supports coins and tokens across more than 100 blockchain networks. You can use it to manage your crypto assets, trade tokens, perform cross-chain swaps, earn passive income and more. Users can create a Web3 Wallet on the Gate.io website or mobile app.

Gate.io staking and loans

If you want to use your crypto holdings to earn passive income, Gate.io also offers a range of staking and interest-earning opportunities through its platform. Crypto loans are available too, allowing you to use your crypto assets as collateral to borrow other cryptocurrencies.

Is Gate.io legal in Canada?

Gate.io is not available to use in Canada. While the exchange is not listed as a banned crypto trading platform by the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA), Canada is listed as a restricted location in Gate.io’s user agreement.

So, if you want to trade cryptocurrency in Canada, you’ll need to consider Gate.io alternatives.

When did Gate.io come to Canada, and why did it leave?

Gate.io was founded in 2013 as Bter.com, but it later rebranded to Gate.io in 2017. In early 2022, Gate.io contacted Canadian customers to inform them that their accounts would be closed in April. The exchange’s withdrawal from the Canadian market was likely due to securities regulators tightening restrictions on crypto trading platforms.

Does Gate.io work in Canada?

Canadian Gate.io users were required to close all positions and withdraw all assets from their accounts by April 10, 2022. Gate.io also announced its intention to permanently close those accounts after April 30, 2022.

Meanwhile, if you’re a resident of a country where Gate.io is available, you may still be able to access your Gate.io account while visiting Canada. However, you may need to use a VPN to log in.

What countries does Gate.io operate in?

Gate.io’s trading platform is available in more than 100 countries and has over 20 million users worldwide. Check with Gate.io to find out more about which countries the platform serves.

Gate.io restricted countries

In its user agreement, Gate.io lists the following restricted locations:

Bottom line

Gate.io isn’t available in Canada, but there are several other reputable crypto exchanges that are. Compare the five Gate.io alternatives listed above with a range of other top platforms to find the crypto exchange that meets all your trading needs.

Frequently asked questions about Gate.io

• Which organizations regulate crypto in Canada?

  Crypto trading platforms in Canada are overseen by provincial securities regulators like the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) and the BC Securities Commission (BCSC), and you can visit the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) website for a list of banned and authorized crypto trading platforms in Canada.

  FINTRAC also plays a key regulatory role, and cryptocurrency exchanges must report large virtual currency transactions to FINTRAC and ensure that they meet Anti Money Laundering and Know Your Customer (AML/KYC) requirements.

• Is Gate.io a Chinese company?

  Originally known as Bter.com, Gate.io was initially based in China. However, it rebranded to Gate.io in 2017. Multiple online sources list Gate.io as being headquartered in the Cayman Islands, but the Gate.io website states that the platform "is not registered and does not maintain any address in the Cayman Islands."

• Where can I download the Gate.io app?

  The Gate.io app is free to download from Google Play for Android devices and from Apple's App Store for iOS devices.

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Stacie Hurst as part of our fact-checking process.

Written by

Tim Falk

Writer

Tim Falk is a freelance writer for Finder. Over the course of his 20-year writing career, he has reported on a wide range of personal finance topics. Whether you're investing in stocks and ETFs, comparing savings accounts or choosing a credit card, Tim wants to make it easier for you to understand. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors. See full bio

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