Best Crypto Exchanges in Canada – January 2026

How to Choose the Right Crypto Trading Platform in Canada

From Bitcoin to altcoins, crypto trading has gone mainstream — but not all platforms are created equal. With a huge range of fees, features, and safeguards, choosing the right crypto exchange can feel overwhelming (and we’re not even talking about the market volatility).

Whether you’re a seasoned trader or just dipping your toes into digital assets, our 2026 guide breaks down what you need to know to trade smart — and stay secure. We’ve sorted through over a dozen crypto platforms to help you compare, understand, and make an informed decision.

Top Crypto Trading Platforms Compared – January 2026 Edition

Note: Fees and features are subject to change. Crypto assets are high-risk. Neither CDIC nor CIPF protection applies to crypto holdings. Tax on profits may apply. These platforms are presented for informational purposes and are not listed in order of preference or ranking. Always verify with the platform directly before opening an account.

In-Depth Broker Reviews

Coinbase – Best for Education and User Experience

As one of the world’s most recognised crypto brands, Coinbase offers a polished experience. The “Learning Rewards” program allows users to earn crypto while learning, though fees can be high without the “Advanced” mode.

Supported Assets: 200+ Cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and Web3 wallet integration.

Regulation & Licensing: Registered as a Restricted Dealer with the CSA (Canadian Securities Administrators) in Ontario.

Platform Experience: The gold standard for UI/UX. Includes a separate Web3 wallet app and Coinbase Advanced for charts.

Fee Structure:

• Simple Trade: High (Variable spread + fees, often >2%).
• Advanced Trade: Maker/Taker model starting around 0.4% – 0.6%.

Pros:

• Incredible educational resources and “Earn” program.
• Highly intuitive interface.
• Strong global security reputation.

Cons:

• Standard fees are very high.
• Interac support exists but integration varies.
• Customer support can be automated/slow.

Best For: Users who want a polished, global platform and educational tools.

TFSA/RRSP Availability: Not available.

Read our full review of Coinbase

Kraken – Best for Low Fees and Advanced Traders

A global powerhouse with a strong Canadian presence, Kraken offers deep liquidity, advanced futures trading, and some of the lowest fees in the industry. It is excellent for traders who need advanced order types.

Supported Assets: 200+ Cryptocurrencies, Futures, and Margin trading options.

Regulation & Licensing: Registered with FINTRAC in Canada as a Money Services Business. Regulated globally (US, UK, etc.).

Platform Experience: ‘Kraken Pro’ offers a customizable interface with depth charts and live order books. The standard app is simple but costs more to use.

Fee Structure:

• Kraken Pro: Starts at 0.16% (Maker) / 0.26% (Taker), decreasing with volume.
• Instant Buy: ~1.5% fee + spread.
• Deposits: Free Interac e-Transfers.

Pros:

• Extremely low fees on the Pro interface.
• Massive selection of altcoins and staking options.
• High liquidity ensures good trade execution.

Cons:

• Interface can be intimidating for absolute beginners.
• Verification process can be stricter than local peers.
• Customer service response times vary.

Best For: Active traders, day traders, and those seeking diverse altcoins.

TFSA/RRSP Availability: Not available.

Wealthsimple Crypto – Best for Beginners

Part of the Wealthsimple ecosystem, this is the easiest entry point for Canadians. If you already use Wealthsimple for stocks or tax filing, adding crypto here is seamless, though you pay for the convenience.

Supported Assets: 50+ Cryptocurrencies. Stocks and ETFs available on the same app.

Regulation & Licensing: CIRO regulated. Highly trusted Canadian institution.

Platform Experience: Mobile-first, extremely minimalist design. No advanced charts or order books—just simple “Buy” and “Sell” buttons.

Fee Structure:

• Trading Fee: ~1.5% to 2% operational fee embedded in the spread.
• Deposits/Withdrawals: Free.
• Transfer Fees: Gas fees apply for crypto withdrawals.

Pros:

• Seamless integration with Wealthsimple Cash/Trade.
• Extremely user-friendly for first-timers.
• No account minimums or deposit fees.

Cons:

• High trading fees compared to dedicated exchanges.
• No advanced trading tools or limit orders.
• “Not your keys” (custodial) unless you withdraw.

Best For: Casual investors and beginners who value convenience over low fees.

TFSA/RRSP Availability: Not available for spot crypto (Only Crypto ETFs in Trade account).

NDAX – Best for Altcoins and Mid-Tier Traders

National Digital Asset Exchange (NDAX) is a Calgary-based platform that strikes a balance between user-friendliness and advanced features, offering a wide variety of coins with a flat fee structure.

Supported Assets: 30+ popular coins (Cardano, Dogecoin, XRP, etc.).

Regulation & Licensing: Registered with FINTRAC and compliant with Canadian banking regulations.

Platform Experience: Robust web platform and modern mobile app. Good charting capabilities provided by TradingView integration.

Fee Structure:

• Trading Fee: Flat 0.2% on all buys and sells.
• Withdrawal Fee: Flat $25 CAD fee (Fixed).
• Deposits: Free.

Pros:

• Transparent, low flat-rate trading fee (0.2%).
• Good selection of altcoins paired directly with CAD.
• Staking support available for yield generation.

Cons:

• Flat $25 withdrawal fee is expensive for small amounts.
• Fewer assets than Kraken.
• Liquidity lower than global giants.

Best For: Traders with medium-sized portfolios looking for altcoins in CAD.

TFSA/RRSP Availability: Not available.

Bitbuy – Best Overall for Canadian Security & Compliance

Bitbuy is a premier Canadian-owned exchange, heavily regulated and focused on security. It is the first Canadian marketplace to be regulated as a marketplace and restricted dealer, making it ideal for safety-conscious investors holding CAD.

Supported Assets: 25+ major cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, SOL, MATIC, etc.). Pure crypto focus.

Regulation & Licensing: Registered with FINTRAC and regulates as a marketplace by the CIRO (Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization). Regulated locally in Canada.

Platform Experience: Offers two interfaces: ‘Express Trade’ for beginners and ‘Pro Trade’ with advanced charting and order books—consistently high-rated mobile app.

Fee Structure:

• Pro Trade: 0.10% (Maker) / 0.20% (Taker).
• Express Trade: ~1.5% processing fee built-in.
• Deposits/Withdrawals: Free Interac deposits; a 1.5% withdrawal fee applies.

Pros:

• Top-tier regulatory compliance (CIRO Member).
• 99% cold storage policy for digital assets.
• Free and instant CAD deposits via Interac.

Cons:

• Limited altcoin selection compared to global giants.
• Express Trade fees are higher than Pro Trade.
• Withdrawal fees apply to CAD cash outs.

Best For: Safety-conscious investors and those who prefer a purely Canadian platform.

TFSA/RRSP Availability: Not available directly (Taxable accounts only).

Getting Started with Crypto Exchanges in Canada

The cryptocurrency market moves fast, and having the right exchange is crucial to staying competitive. Whether you’re a seasoned trader or just beginning your crypto journey, Canadian exchanges offer the tools, security, and regulatory compliance you need to trade with confidence. This guide covers everything from understanding exchange types to selecting the best platform for your trading goals.

CEX vs. DEX: Which Platform is Right for You?

Understanding the two main types of exchanges is the first step to trading safely.

Centralised Exchanges (CEX)

The “Bank” Model: Centralised exchanges act as a middleman between buyers and sellers. Like a bank, a company operates the platform, secures your funds, and provides customer service.

• Best For: Beginners and anyone needing to buy crypto with fiat currency (CAD/USD).
• Pros: User-friendly apps, customer support, and easy bank transfers (e.g., Interac).
• Cons: You do not hold your own private keys (custodial risk), and they are centralised targets for hackers.
• Examples: Bitbuy, Kraken, Wealthsimple.

Decentralised Exchanges (DEX)

The “Peer-to-Peer” Model Decentralised exchanges allow you to trade directly with other users via smart contracts, with no middleman holding your assets.

• Best For: Advanced traders seeking privacy or specific altcoins not listed on major exchanges.
• Pros: 100% control of your assets (non-custodial), high privacy, and no account freezes.
• Cons: Complex to use, no customer support to recover lost funds, and typically cannot trade CAD directly.
• Examples: Uniswap, dYdX.

Quick Comparison: CEX vs. DEX

How to Open a Crypto Exchange Account in Canada

Opening an account with a reputable crypto exchange in Canada typically involves these steps:

• Account Creation: Start by providing a valid email address and creating a strong password. Verify your email by clicking on the confirmation link sent to your inbox.
• Personal Information: Enter your full name, Canadian address, and local phone number. Most Canadian crypto exchanges will require you to upload a government-issued ID, such as your Canadian driver’s license, passport, or provincial photo ID card.
• Identity Verification: To comply with Canadian regulations, particularly FINTRAC requirements, crypto exchanges may ask you to take a selfie while holding your ID. This step helps prevent fraud and ensures compliance with Canadian anti-money laundering laws.
• Account Funding: Once your identity is verified, you can deposit funds into your account. Canadian crypto exchanges often support various payment methods, including Interac e-Transfer, bank wire transfers, and sometimes credit/debit cards.

Tax and Regulatory Compliance for Canadian Crypto Traders

Capital Gains Tax

In Canada, 50% of your crypto capital gains are taxable at your combined federal and provincial income tax rate. Selling, using for purchases, or trading crypto for another crypto triggers capital gains tax.

Tax-free crypto events in Canada include buying crypto with Canadian dollars, transferring crypto between your own wallets, simply holding crypto, or receiving crypto as a gift.

FINTRAC Reporting Requirements

Exchanges are required to report transactions exceeding CAD 10,000, and starting in 2026, stricter reporting requirements will be enforced, including the disclosure of customer information.

Is Cryptocurrency Trading Risky?

The short answer is yes. Cryptocurrency trading is risky because the currency itself is highly volatile. Exchanges reflect the current market prices of the cryptocurrencies they offer. The currency is speculative and high-risk, and it’s not uncommon for the value to fluctuate hundreds of dollars rapidly. Another major risk is cryptocurrency-related cybercrime.

Key Risks to Consider

• Market Volatility: It’s not uncommon for cryptocurrency value to plummet or suddenly skyrocket within hours or days.
• Cybersecurity Threats: Cryptocurrency-related cybercrime ranges from mishandling private information to hackers raiding and depleting users’ cryptocurrency accounts.
• Limited Protections: Cryptocurrency is not backed by the government. It doesn’t go through a bank, nor will securities regulators reimburse you if you lose all your money through fraud or exchange failure.
• Regulatory Changes: While Canada has clear regulations, the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, which could impact exchange operations or trading features available to Canadian users.

How to Protect Your Crypto Investments

When trading cryptocurrency in Canada, follow these best practices:

• Choose a regulated exchange registered with FINTRAC and the CSA. 
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account. 
• Use strong, unique passwords for your Exchange account. 
• Consider using cold storage wallets for long-term holdings. 
• Verify the exchange’s security certifications and insurance coverage. 
• Start with small amounts until you’re comfortable with the platform. 
• Keep detailed records of all transactions for tax purposes.

Which Crypto Exchange Is Best for Your Strategy?

Best for Beginners & Ease of Use

• Coinbase: Industry-leading educational resources through Coinbase Learn, intuitive interface, and a trusted global reputation make it ideal for first-time crypto investors.
• Wealthsimple Crypto: All-in-one Canadian app for trading crypto alongside stocks and ETFs, with no minimum deposit and integrated tax documents.

Best for Low Fees & Active Trading

• NDAX: Flat 0.2% trading fee—among the lowest in Canada—with free Interac e-Transfer deposits and staking on 13+ assets.
• Kraken: Competitive maker/taker fees starting at 0.16%/0.26% with volume discounts, plus advanced order types on Kraken Pro.

Best for Security & Canadian Regulation

• Coinbase: Publicly traded company (NASDAQ: COIN) with 98% cold storage and account protection for Coinbase One members.
• Bitbuy: One of Canada’s first CSA-registered marketplaces with 95%+ cold storage, proof-of-reserves, and a clean security record.

Best for Advanced Trading Tools

• Kraken: Pro platform with advanced charting, multiple order types (limit, stop-loss, trailing stop), and 400+ cryptocurrencies.
• Bitbuy Pro: Professional trading interface with real-time order books for experienced Canadian traders.

Best for Staking & Passive Income

• Crypto.com: Competitive staking APY on a wide range of assets plus cashback rewards via the Crypto Visa card.
• NDAX: Staking available on 13+ cryptocurrencies with a straightforward earning structure.

How Do We Review Crypto Trading Platforms?

Our review process involves evaluating platforms based on several key factors:

• Regulation & Security: We prioritize CIRO-registered marketplaces and FINTRAC-registered MSBs. We check for cold storage policies, 2FA availability, and insurance on digital assets.
  
• Fees & Costs: Transparent fee structures are essential. We compare deposit/withdrawal fees (specifically for Interac), maker/taker trading fees, and hidden spreads.
  
• User Experience: Platforms are assessed for ease of use across desktop and mobile apps, speed of verification, and CAD funding reliability.
  
• Crypto Selection: We review the variety of cryptocurrencies offered, including support for direct CAD trading pairs to avoid FX conversion fees.
  
• Customer Support: Availability of live chat, local Canadian support hours, and responsive help desks is crucial.

For more details on how we rate and review platforms, check out our Ratings Methodology.

Final Thoughts

Looking to take the next step on your trading journey? Whether you’re just starting out or refining your strategy, having access to reliable tools and trusted information can make all the difference. Dive into our Trading Guides to explore in-depth comparisons of trading platforms tailored to a variety of styles and goals.

Want to sharpen your skills? The Investing.com Academy offers educational content on trading, investing, and financial markets. Ready to go further? Gain access to premium tools, expert analysis, and real-time market insights with InvestingPro — built to help traders and investors make smarter decisions, faster.

Crypto Exchange FAQs

Do I need to provide ID to buy crypto in Canada?

Yes. Canadian crypto exchanges require identity verification to comply with FINTRAC and CSA regulations. This typically includes providing a government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport, or provincial photo ID), your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes a selfie verification while holding your ID. This Know Your Customer (KYC) process is mandatory for all regulated Canadian exchanges.

What payment methods do Canadian crypto exchanges accept?

Most Canadian crypto exchanges accept multiple payment methods, including Interac e-Transfer, bank wire transfers, EFT transfers, and debit/credit cards. Many exchanges offer free deposits via Interac e-Transfer. Some platforms also support in-person cash deposits. Payment method availability may vary by exchange and province.

How is cryptocurrency taxed in Canada?

In Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) treats cryptocurrency as a commodity. When you sell crypto or trade one cryptocurrency for another, you trigger a taxable event. Capital gains tax applies to profits, with 50% of capital gains taxable at your combined federal and provincial income tax rate. If crypto trading is your primary business activity, 100% of your income may be taxable. Buying crypto with Canadian dollars, transferring between your own wallets, holding, or receiving as a gift are not taxable events.

What should I look for when choosing a Canadian crypto exchange?

When selecting a crypto exchange in Canada, prioritize: FINTRAC registration, CSA compliance, cold storage of user funds, two-factor authentication (2FA), proof-of-reserves audits, insurance coverage for customer funds, transparent fee structures, responsive customer support, and a wide selection of cryptocurrencies. Additionally, check user reviews, security certifications (like ISO 27001), and whether the exchange has maintained a clean security record.

Are there regional restrictions for crypto trading in Canada?

Yes. Some provinces like Ontario and Alberta have specific regulatory frameworks and may restrict certain features. For example, some advanced trading features like margin trading or futures contracts may be unavailable in specific provinces. When opening an account, verify that your province supports the features you want to use. Most major exchanges operate across Canada, but always confirm during account setup.

What is the minimum amount I need to start crypto trading in Canada?

Minimum deposit amounts vary by exchange. Most Canadian exchanges have no minimum deposit requirement, though some may have minimum purchase amounts (typically CAD $5-$25). Many platforms allow you to start with any amount, making crypto accessible to all budget levels. However, fees may eat into very small investments, so consider starting with at least CAD $100-$250 to see meaningful trading activity.

More Popular Reviews

For a comprehensive analysis of each platform’s features, pricing models, and unique selling points, visit our detailed broker reviews:

• Coinbase Full Review
• Capital.com Full Review
• Exness Full Review
• Pepperstone Full Review 
• Interactive Brokers Full Review 

More Guides

• How To Buy Bitcoin
• How To Buy Ethereum
• How To Buy XRP