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Fiat currencies
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Cryptocurrencies
Name | VirgoCX Cryptocurrency Exchange |
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Deposit methods | Cryptocurrency, Interac e-Transfer, Wire transfer |
Supported Cryptocurrencies | BTC, ETH, LTC, DOT, ADA, EOS & 25+ more |
Trading Fee | Maker: 0% Taker: 0% |
Withdrawal Fees | 0.5% ($5–$20 minimum) |
Fiat Currencies | CAD, USD |
VirgoCX is a Canadian cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2018 and based out of Toronto. It is an attractive option for both new users and experienced traders. It carries zero deposit fees for both fiat and cryptocurrencies.
The exchange is targeted to both new users and experienced traders. The exchange, at the time of writing, lists over 50 cryptocurrencies available for trading, along with an NFT brokerage service. There are options available for every experience level, including options for large volume/institutional investors through their OTC desk which are handled directly.
The exchange has strong security measures and is fully compliant with all regulators where it operates. It stores the majority of its cryptocurrency in cold storage through Coinbase Custody. VirgoCX offers Canadians a solid option regardless of their knowledge base. Finder’s VirgoCX review has all the information needed before signing up.
Trying to straddle the line between appealing to experienced traders without scaring off new users with overly complex jargon is difficult. VirgoCX achieves this balance by offering an approachable and easy-to-understand UI. The exchange then has the option to learn more about the industry which can equip new traders with a knowledge base to tackle the more advanced options if they choose. By separating the larger volume/institutional traders from retail traders, they also offer a personalized option while helping to reduce the volatility of their spread. Overall VirgoCX offers Canadians a good option regardless of their experience or trade volume. There is something for everyone.
VirgoCX does carry withdrawal fees (0.5%) with minimum amounts. This is something smaller investors, in particular, should pay attention to. The NFT brokerage service that VirgoCX offers also carries fees varying on the price of the piece. Despite these fees, the security measures and compliance with regulators make these fees a reasonable trade-off. While no exchange can guarantee absolute security, VirgoCX’s proactive approach provides comfort to investors.
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At the time of writing, VirgoCX offers over 50 cryptocurrencies on the exchange. There is a good selection of layer 1 blockchains, dapps, decentralized gaming, meme coins and metaverse tokens, amongst others. Assets supported are:
Funding your VirgoCX account is straightforward and fast. When you log into your account, you will be brought to the dashboard. On the left-hand side, there is an option for funding. It will bring up options for depositing or withdrawing in fiat at the top with all the cryptocurrencies listed below with the same options. You will need to first complete the verification process before you will be allowed to fund your account. Fiat deposits and withdrawals are instant. Wire transfers are often completed within 45 minutes but may take up to 24 hours. Crypto deposit and withdrawal speeds depend on network congestion. Funds are available as soon as there is blockchain confirmation.
There are no deposit fees for fiat transfers. e-Transfers have no minimum deposit amount while wire transfers do incur a fee. Both methods have a 0.5% withdrawal fee and minimum withdrawal amounts. Crypto deposits are free. Crypto withdrawals are free for all assets apart from Ethereum ecosystem coins and tokens.
Deposit | Deposit amount | Withdrawal | Withdrawal amount | |
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Interac e-Transfer | $0 | Min: $0 Max: $10,000 | 0.5% ($5 minimum) | Min: $10 Max: $10,000 |
Wire Transfer | $0 | Min: $3,000 Max: Unlimited | 0.5% ($20 minimum) | Min: $3,000 Max: Unlimited |
Deposit | Withdrawal |
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$0 | Free (unless ERC-20) |
There is a lot to unpack with VirgoCX. For a new exchange, they are constantly adding new cryptocurrencies to their portfolio while also expanding their options beyond just simple cryptocurrency exchange. They do a good job of appealing to experienced traders through advanced options and features without intimidating new users.
Advanced trading options
VirgoCX offers the option for advanced trading and the ability to dig deep into the analytics of price fluctuations. Traders can engage in market or limit orders and have full customization on parameters of the price charts to help them tailor their trading strategy.
VirgoCX OTC
VirgoCX separates retail trading from large-scale and institutional trading. Trades that are $30,000 CAD and over are taken off the retail platform and are traded through the VirgoCX OTC desk. The reason these trades are processed like this is to reduce price volatility.
NFT brokerage service
VirgoCX offers a brokerage service for finding and minting your own NFTs. They have a team of experts who apply advanced analytics to monitor up-and-coming NFT projects. You are also able to use the brokerage service to help list your own NFT works. There are additional fees associated with going through the NFT brokerage service rather than navigating the space directly.
VirgoCX Learn
VirgoCX offers up-to-date articles on developments in the cryptocurrency industry. These include articles on trends, new regulations and opinion pieces, and are a good resource for new and experienced traders.
VirgoCX has a few different customer service options that users can take advantage of. The first option that users should try if they have an issue is to go through the automated support bot. The support bot generates responses based on frequently asked questions and is located in the bottom right of every screen. If a user has an issue that is not covered or only partially answered through the support bot, they can try live chatting with customer support.
To access the live chat, users first go into the support bot in the bottom right, search for an issue, and then a live chat option should be available in the bottom right of the support bot. If neither of these first 2 options work, users can contact VirgoCX directly through their contact page which also contains a contact us form.
Support offered | Wait times | |
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FAQ | ✅ | Instant |
Live chat | ✅ | Instant |
Contact us form | ✅ | < 24 hours |
VirgoCX does a good job of offering a simple trading option for new users, advanced options for more experienced traders, and a customized experience for large-scale and institutional traders through the OTC desk.
New users can take advantage of the quick trade option located at the top of the dashboard page when they log in.
Experienced traders can customize their experience through the advanced trading option. Here they can tailor market or limit orders and customize price charts to tailor their strategy.
Large volume ($30,000+) and institutional traders can contact the OTC desk directly through +1 (416) 583-1835 or otc@virgocx.ca. Or additionally, through the OTC tab located at the top of every screen.
There are zero fees attached for trading on VirgoCX, but they do use a spread between buying and selling. The spread can be seen in advanced trading options on the right-hand side under the cryptocurrency you are looking to trade.
VirgoCX has a few different referral promotions that they are currently offering. Below you can find details on them.
Each referral can earn a user up to $30. It is broken down into 2 steps. The first step for a referral is a $10 payout for you and your referred friend once they have their account verified. The second $20 step is paid out to both you and your referred friend once they make their first fiat deposit of $100 CAD or more.
A similar reward structure to the referral program (though open to negotiations based on audience reach). The affiliate program is designed for social media influencers who have a larger audience than an average individual. You need to apply to become an affiliate and they have some preferred qualifications. To apply to become an affiliate you can submit an application through the affiliate page located at the bottom of the homepage. If successful, you will then be supplied with an affiliate link which you can share on your media platforms.
The OTC desk is where trades with a nominal value of $30,000 and over are taken. The OTC referral program rewards users for referring these large and institutional investors. A one-time reward of $200 is given for the first trade made by the referred user. A 0.2% of the notional value of every subsequent trade is rewarded after. To take advantage of this program users can find a contact form on the VirgoCX OTC referral page or reach out to +1 (416) 583-1835 or otc@virgocx.ca.
VirgoCX offers an NFT brokerage service. They have industry experts employed who use advanced analytics to track up-and-coming NFT projects. The exchange operates a broker alerting when new projects or pieces are available for purchase. There is a fee associated with this service based on the price of the NFT. For more on NFTs, read our guide.
VirgoCX takes a proactive approach to regulation. They are fully compliant with the regulatory bodies and perform regular audits by chartered accountants. Security is one of the main reasons new users list as a concern for starting into cryptocurrency. By engaging in a proactive approach, VirgoCX offers these users comfort in knowing they are engaging in best practices. This proactive approach also helps reassure experienced traders who may have been burned by previous exchanges’ lesser security measures.
VirgoCX has never been hacked in its existence.
Personal information gathered by VirgoCX is never shared or sold unless required by law. VirgoCX is compliant with PIPEDA (privacy act in Canada for protection and personal information). They are also registered with FINTRAC and are compliant with all applicable regulations.
VirgoCX engages in full audits conducted by trusted third-party auditors. In December 2020, they completed a financial audit by DW LLP (a chartered professional accounting firm in Ontario where they are based). They also completed a Reserve Audit by Huayan CPA Professional Corporation and an AML audit by MNP LLP at the same time.
VirgoCX enforces institutional-grade control on all its transactions. Fiat assets are held within a trusted banking partner, and only a small amount of cryptocurrencies is kept in a hot wallet on the platform for trading purposes. The remaining cryptocurrency is held in cold storage secured by Coinbase Custody. VirgoCX also has an additional $1 million CAD in crime insurance coverage for cryptocurrencies held in custody with Coinbase Custody.
VirgoCX has made the registration process fast and efficient. It is fast and easy to understand, which makes it great for users new to the industry and experienced traders alike.
The first thing you will need to do is access the registration page on the top right-hand side of the homepage. Once you have registered your email address you will receive a verification number in your email that you will need to finish the registration. This verification number is only active for 60 seconds before a new one will be required.
Before you proceed to KYC, the verification process will ask you for a 2FA through a phone number. It will send an SMS text message with a verification code in it.
Before you can fund your account and begin trading, you will need to fill out a KYC where the exchange asks for personal information and a government-issued ID. Read Finder’s KYC guide here.
That’s it, you are all set to start funding your VirgoCX account and begin trading. The process is very quick and can be completed in under 5 minutes.
Yes. As much as an exchange can be. They are compliant with PIPEDA, registered with FINTRAC, carry out extensive audits by accredited accountants, and hold the majority of their cryptocurrency in cold storage under Coinbase Custody.
VirgoCX charges 0% on all trades. The exchange does operate with a spread.
There are currently over 50 coins available on VirgoCX at the time of writing, but they are continuing to add new coins constantly. Check the Supported Cryptocurrencies tab.