{"id":988248,"date":"2022-07-15T15:17:06","date_gmt":"2022-07-15T19:17:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/ca\/?p=988248"},"modified":"2026-03-16T23:46:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T03:46:24","slug":"coinbase-vs-wealthsimple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/ca\/cryptocurrency\/exchanges\/coinbase-vs-wealthsimple","title":{"rendered":"Coinbase vs Wealthsimple: Which crypto platform is better?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n Disclaimer:<\/b> This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of cryptocurrency or any specific\n provider, service or offering. It is not a recommendation to trade.\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

If you want to start trading crypto, Coinbase and Wealthsimple are two of the most popular platforms in Canada. Both platforms support a wide range of assets and make it quick and easy for crypto novices to start trading.<\/p>

But which is the better option? Let\u2019s compare Coinbase vs Wealthsimple side-by-side to find out.<\/p>

Coinbase vs Wealthsimple: Supported coins and tokens<\/h3>

Coinbase<\/a> and Wealthsimple<\/a> both allow you to trade an extensive range of crypto assets.<\/p>

Coinbase is a popular global exchange that lets you trade over 200 coins and tokens. These include major cryptos like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana as well as hundreds of other altcoins.<\/p>

Wealthsimple is a Canadian fintech that lets you buy and sell over 140 cryptocurrencies. And while many major digital assets are supported, in our full Wealthsimple review, we found that 7 of the top 20 cryptos in terms of market cap are not available on Wealthsimple.<\/p>

\"AwardWho\u2019s the winner?<\/h4>

Coinbase<\/strong> supports more coins and tokens.<\/p>

Coinbase vs Wealthsimple: Fees<\/h3>
Fee type<\/strong><\/th>Coinbase<\/strong><\/th>Wealthsimple<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Minimum deposit<\/td>$1<\/td>$1<\/td><\/tr>
Trading fees<\/td>
  • Coinbase: Total fee varies depending on payment method, order size, market conditions, cryptocurrency and Coinbase\u2019s spread<\/li>
  • Coinbase Advanced: 0.0% - 0.4% maker fee, 0.05% and 0.6% taker fee<\/li><\/ul><\/td>
  • Baseline trading fee: Core 2%, Premium 1%, Generation 0.5%<\/li>
  • Volume-based fee: 0.05%\u20132%, depending on 30-day trading volume<\/li><\/ul><\/td><\/tr>
Staking fees<\/td>Up to 35% of staking rewards<\/td>Core and Premium: 30%, Generation: 15%<\/td><\/tr>
Deposit fees<\/td>Usually $0, but a $30 fee applies to wire transfers of less than $10,000<\/td>None<\/td><\/tr>
Withdrawal fees<\/td>Fees vary depending on payment method<\/td>Varies by crypto and fiat<\/td><\/tr>
Get started<\/td>
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\"AwardWho\u2019s the winner?<\/h4>

The lower fees available through Coinbase Advanced see Coinbase<\/strong> take the win here. But if you just want to buy crypto quickly with Canadian dollars, it\u2019s worth comparing Coinbase and Wealthsimple for your specific transaction to see which is cheaper.<\/p>

Coinbase vs Wealthsimple: Canadian regulatory bodies<\/h3>

Wealthsimple is a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and is registered with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) as a Money Services Business (MSB). Coinbase is also registered with FINTRAC as an MSB.<\/p>

Both platforms are listed by the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) as crypto platforms authorized to do business with Canadians. But while Coinbase is registered as a Restricted Dealer with the Ontario Securities Commission, Wealthsimple is registered as an Investment Dealer.<\/p>

\"AwardWho\u2019s the winner?<\/h4>

Wealthsimple\u2019s<\/strong> Investment Dealer registration status sees it come out on top.<\/p>

Coinbase vs Wealthsimple: Crypto purchase limit<\/h3>

Coinbase and Wealthsimple set no purchase limits for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash and USD Coin. For all other crypto, in line with Canadian regulations, you\u2019re limited to a combined total of $30,000 per year.<\/p>

These purchase limits don\u2019t apply to investors in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec or Saskatchewan.<\/p>

\"AwardWho\u2019s the winner?<\/h4>

It\u2019s a tie.<\/strong><\/p>

Coinbase vs Wealthsimple: Payment methods<\/h3>

Coinbase users in Canada can choose from the following payment methods: Interac e-Transfers, electronic funds transfers, debit\/credit card payments, wire transfers, PayPal, Samsung Pay and crypto deposits.<\/p>

Wealthsimple accepts Interac e-Transfers, electronic funds transfers, wire transfers, Visa and Mastercard debit cards, and crypto deposits. You also have the option to transfer funds over from your Wealthsimple Chequing Account.<\/p>

\"AwardWho\u2019s the winner?<\/h4>

It\u2019s a tie.<\/strong> Coinbase and Wealthsimple both have enough payment options to keep everyone happy.<\/p>

Coinbase vs Wealthsimple: Trading tools<\/h3>

Coinbase and Wealthsimple are both very well set up for crypto novices. They offer a simple sign-up process, user-friendly web and mobile platforms, and make it easy to buy crypto with Canadian dollars in a matter of minutes.<\/p>

But what about for advanced traders?<\/p>

Wealthsimple offers trading tools like automated recurring purchases, market and limit orders, and easy crypto swaps. What it doesn\u2019t offer is much in the way of advanced trading tools.<\/p>

But Coinbase offers a host of features for more experienced traders with Coinbase Advanced (formerly Coinbase Pro). This free platform features real-time order books across over more than 550 markets, advanced TradingView charts and technical indicators. You also get plenty of flexibility when customizing your charts and trading interface to suit your needs.<\/p>

\"AwardWho\u2019s the winner?<\/h4>

Coinbase<\/strong> offers more advanced tools for experienced crypto traders.<\/p>

Coinbase vs Wealthsimple: Security features<\/h3>

If security is your top priority, Coinbase and Wealthsimple have got you covered. Both are legit and reputable exchanges, and both have a host of measures in place to help ensure the security of customer funds.<\/p>

Coinbase holds around 98% of customer assets in cold storage. It also uses bank-grade encryption, mandatory two-factor authentication, and multi-approval withdrawals from Coinbase Vault for added security.<\/p>

Most of Wealthsimple\u2019s crypto assets are held in trust in offline cold storage with three custodial partners:<\/p>