Last update: Jun 28, 2022

Best Crypto Exchanges in Canada

In this review, we’ll look at the top exchanges to choose from in our order of preference. We’ll cover the pros and cons of each one to help you make the right choice.

As a Canadian interested in getting into the cryptocurrency trading world, one of the first decisions you have to make is your choice of exchange. With so many best Canadian crypto exchanges to choose from, it’s easy to get confused about the perfect choice.

Best Crypto Exchange Canada 2024

  1. Bitbuy – Best Overall Crypto Exchange Canada for 2024
  2. Coinberry – Best to Buy Cryptocurrencies through DCA
  3. NDAX – Cheapest Crypto Exchange In Canada
  4. Binance Exchange – Lowest Fee Crypto Exchange for Trading
  5. Coinsmart Exchange – Best Bitcoin Trading Platform
  6. Kraken Exchange – Top Cryptocurrency Exchange in Canada for Margin Trading
  7. Coinbase Exchange – One of the Best Bitcoin Exchanges in Canada for Beginners
  8. Shakepay – The Fastest Way to Start Trading Crypto
  9. Newton Exchange – Low-Cost Crypto Trading for Canadians
  10. Coinsquare – A Top Choice for Alternative Coins in Canada
  11. Crypto.com – Best to Buy New Crypto Assets
  12. VirgoCX – Best for No Fees
  13. MyBTC Exchange
  14. Bittrex Exchange
  15. Wealthsimple Crypto
  16. Netcoins
  17. Mogo

We evaluated the best crypto exchanges in Canada based on several factors, including ease of use, competitive fees, and security. We looked at existing user reviews, security track records, customer support, and each Canadian platform that offers CFDs and other trading features. It was paramount for us to know that our readers, especially beginners, would transact with these platforms safely.

Best Cryptocurrency Exchange in Canada - Reviews

1. Bitbuy – Best Overall Crypto Exchange Canada for 2024

Bitbuy is the biggest Canadian crypto exchange, with more than 400,000+ customers. The platform, registered with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), also has the Ontario Securities Commission’s approval. Canadians can trade safely, knowing that the watchdogs are keeping an eye on the platform’s operations.

Traders new to cryptocurrency will find Bitbuy’s Express Trade platform super intuitive, while more advanced traders will enjoy the robust and in-depth trading experience on the Pro Trade platform. The latter has TradingView charts, bringing all the technical analysis tools the software is known for.

One of the biggest advantages of the platform is the transparency with fees. Interac e-transfers to and from your exchange account attract a 1.5% fee. Trading fees are as low as 0.20% per position.

The platform supports bank transfers, but only if you’re transferring 20,000 USD and above.

Bitbuy supports 15 cryptocurrencies. The number is limiting for traders for diversity, but you can find all the major coins on the platform. Some of the top options include Bitcoin, Chainlink, Ethereum, SushiSwap, Polkadot, Litecoin, etc.

On the customer service front, the platform is one of the best in the industry. The support desk is available round the clock, providing speedy assistance to customers. If you want to learn more about Bitbuy, I’ve written a more comprehensive article about it – Bitbuy Review – Canadian Crypto Exchange, check it out!.

Pros

  • Low trading deposit and trading fees
  • Fully regulated and registered in Canada
  • Pro Trade platform with TradingView
  • Round the clock customer service
  • Transparent pricing system
  • Fast account verification
  • Powerful mobile app (available for iOS and Android)
  • Get transparent and low fees with live order books for experienced traders

Cons

  • A small selection of supported currencies
  • No credit card purchases allowed
  • Minimum amount for non-Interac transfers set at $20,000
Exchange at a glance
Bitbuy details

Country:
Canada

Currency:
Canadian Dollars (CAD)

Fees:
0.16% maker fee and 0.26% taker fee

Available Cryptocurrencies:
17 Cryptocurrencies

4.3/5
Visit Bitbuy

2. Coinberry – Best to Buy Cryptocurrencies through DCA

Coinberry is another highly rated Canadian exchange delivering exceptional cryptocurrency trading tools and services to people in Canada. The supported cryptocurrencies on the platform include Ethereum, Litecoin, Stellar, Bitcoin, and Ripple.

Customers can buy cryptocurrency with Interac e-transfers, credit cards, and bank wire. One of the platform’s major selling points is the zero fees charged on deposits and withdrawals. However, it charges a 0.5% commission per trade.

For some people, the trading commissions erode any gains made by charging zero fees on deposits. However, if you don’t trade frequently, the Coinberry fees model will benefit you immensely.

You can set your term currency as Canadian dollars (CAD) on the platform.

The platform is another one of the few FINTRAC-supported local exchanges. Therefore, it’s fully compliant with Canadian Anti-Money Laundry policies and the regulatory framework for financial institutions in this category. The exchange practices segregated banking, keeping customer money away from the business account.

Pros

  • No fees charged on withdrawals and deposits
  • One-click trading on a highly intuitive trading app
  • Segregated banking to secure customer funds
  • Cold storage provided by Gemini

Cons

  • A tiny number of supported coins
Exchange at a glance
Coinberry details

Country:
Canada

Currency:
Canadian Dollars (CAD)

Fees:
0% and 2.5%

Available Cryptocurrencies:
29 Cryptocurrencies

4.1/5
Visit Bitbuy

3. NDAX – Cheapest Crypto Exchange In Canada

NDAX is a cryptocurrency exchange based in Calgary. The platform is another good option for both professional traders and newbies. The trading environment is one of the most intuitive.

They also offer a decent selection of cryptocurrencies to trade, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, EOS, Cardano, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Stellar, Tether (USDT), Chainlink, etc. The company occasionally adds new coins—a decent response to the calls from traders.

Account funding and withdrawal options include Interac e-transfer, credit and debit cards, certified cheque or bank drafts, crypto deposits, direct bank deposits, and wire transfer.

Due to the platform’s OTC trading desk, high-net-worth traders on NDAX get improved execution for orders above $40,000. Trading fees are as low as 0.20% per trade and a flat fee of $25 on all withdrawals.

Like other Canadian exchanges we’ve reviewed thus far, NDAX holds a FINTRAC registration.

Customers with complaints can reach support on multiple options, including live chat, email, and telephone.

Interested in learning more about this crypto exchange? Here’s a detailed NDAX Review article.

Pros

  • Zero charges on deposits
  • Low trading fees
  • Fast deposit processing
  • Quick account verification
  • Robust trading platform

Cons

  • Not the best platform for newbies
  • A flat fee of $25 per withdrawal may be prohibitive for small account holders
Exchange at a glance
NDAX details

Country:
Canada

Currency:
CAD, USD, EUR, AUD

Fees:
Starts at a fixed 0.2% for market takers

Available Cryptocurrencies:
30+ Cryptocurrencies

4.1/5
Visit NDAX

4. Binance Exchange – Lowest Fee Crypto Exchange for Trading

Binance is one of the most popular crypto exchanges in the world today. The brand’s powerful platform is where most professional crypto traders cut their teeth. However, it’s yet to create a less daunting platform for newbies in this space. Therefore, you won’t find it leading many lists.

One of the best things about Binance is the sheer number of cryptocurrencies available for trading on the platform. There are more than 200 coins to choose from, and the platform supports a wide range of fiat currencies from around the world, including Canadian Dollars (CAD).

The platform also charges some of the lowest fees in the industry. Traders pay a 0.1% flat fee on transactions, and holders of the Binance Coin token (BNB) get a further 50% discount on fees.

Traders can analyze the cryptocurrency market using TradingView charts. Binance also offers some of the best margin trading environments if you’re interested in leveraged trading.

As a Canadian, you can only fund your Binance crypto wallet using cryptocurrency or debit cards. The purchase limits on the card will keep your deposits under $10,000.

Here’s a comprehensive Binance Exchange Review if you want to learn more about the platform.

Pros

  • Huge selection of cryptocurrencies
  • Futures and margin trading allowed
  • Huge trading volume
  • Robust staking pool
  • Supports PayPal payment

Cons

  • Account funding limitations for Canadian residents
  • Feature-packed platform can get very confusing for newbies
Exchange at a glance
Binance details

Country:
Global

Currency:
Over 42 currencies

Fees:
0.1%

Available Cryptocurrencies:
600+ Cryptocurrencies

4/5
Visit Binance

5. Coinsmart Exchange – Best Bitcoin Trading Platform

Coinsmart is a recent addition to the list of Canadian crypto exchanges. It is one of the best Bitcoin exchanges right now. The platform supports the most popular cryptocurrencies, and they continue to add more. The overall interface is minimalist, which is a nice change from the overwhelming dashboards of most crypto exchanges.

The SmartTrade option allows newbies to quickly swap coins or exchange fiat for a specific coin without looking at complex charts or worrying about complex order types. If you want precise entries and can read technical charts, the TradingView charts are super useful.

You can set market orders and limit orders at your desired price levels. Conversion is easy as they offer CAD pairs on all the cryptocurrencies supported on the platform.

Larger trades go through CoinSmart’s OTC desk.

Coinsmart doesn’t charge any deposit and withdrawal fees, but traders pay 0.3% trading fees on all transactions.

Supported payment methods include wire transfer, bank draft, credit and debit cards, and Interac e-transfer. They offer same-day funding as well, making account funding easier for everyone. Unfortunately, Coinsmart doesn’t support same-day withdrawals. Some withdrawals take as long as five days to complete.

The Coinsmart support team is knowledgeable and is always online round the clock to attend to customers.

The company abides by FINTRAC’s regulations.

Pros

  • Excellent customer support
  • Competitive trading fees
  • No deposit and withdrawal fees
  • Excellent trading environment for professionals and newbies

Cons

  • A small selection of supported coins
  • Cash withdrawals take too long
Exchange at a glance
Coinsmart details

Country:
European Countries

Currency:
CAD, EUR, USD

Fees:
0.20% trading fee

Available Cryptocurrencies:
16 Cryptocurrencies

4.5/5
Visit Coinsmart

6. Kraken Exchange – Top Cryptocurrency Exchange in Canada for Margin Trading

Kraken is one of the most robust Crypto trading exchanges in the world today. This is no surprise as it had up to a decade of head start on some of the other exchanges. The American exchange offers more than 50 cryptocurrencies. It’s also one of the most secure platforms around.

Trading fees on the platform are as low as 0.26%, and professional traders have access to margin and futures trading on the platform.

However, the deposits and withdrawal solutions on the platform are not favorable to Canadians. Although you can send in CAD payments, you can’t deposit to the platform via credit or debit cards or Interac e-transfers.

Your options are limited to wire transfers from Credit Union Atlantic or in-person transactions via Canada Post. Both methods will take far too much time and incur high fees. You should choose Kraken if you want to trade futures and margin trading with a highly rated American exchange. Otherwise, options like Binance offer faster deposits and a similar trading experience.

Customer support on Kraken is limited to live chat, and they aren’t always available to help customers.

Now, if you want to learn more specifically about this exchange, here’s a comprehensive Kraken Exchange Review.

Pros

  • Highly respected exchange
  • Futures and margin trading supported
  • Competitive fee schedule

Cons

  • Deposit and withdrawal options not the most practical for Canadians
  • Limited customer support options
Exchange at a glance
Kraken details

Country:
Global

Currency:
CAD, USD, GBP & EUR

Fees:
0.9% to 1.5% fee

Available Cryptocurrencies:
144+ Cryptocurrencies

4.2/5
Visit Kraken

7. Coinbase Exchange – One of the Best Bitcoin Exchanges in Canada for Beginners

Coinbase is the leading cryptocurrency exchange for Cryptocurrency traders in the US. It’s another platform with years of history. However, you can trade more than 100 crypto assets on the platform, including some of the most popular. As one of the biggest crypto platforms around, Coinbase provides high liquidity.

Canadian traders can buy crypto on Coinbase with credit or debit cards. The platform processes card purchases instantly, but you have to pay a 3.99% fee. Trading fees on Coinbase can reach up to 0.50% per transaction.

If you’re a professional trader looking for a wider range of assets to trade, consider signing up for Coinbase Pro. This offshoot of the brand offers more than 250 cryptocurrencies and retains a similar fee structure. However, you get a more robust charting package for your technical analysis.

Here’s our in-depth Coinbase Review if you’re interested in learning more.

Pros

  • Intuitive user interface
  • High liquidity at all times
  • US-based cryptocurrency exchange

Cons

  • The fee structure is variable and can get confusing
Exchange at a glance
Coinbase details

Country:
100+ countries

Currency:
CAD, USD, GBP, EUR

Fees:
Varies

Available Cryptocurrencies:
160+ Cryptocurrencies

4.3/5
Visit Coinbase

8. Shakepay – The Fastest Way to Start Trading Crypto

Shakepay deserves its place in this article discussing the best crypto exchange in Canada. The app is one of the fastest ways to buy Bitcoin and Ethereum for Canadians.

Using the app is straightforward. You can complete your sign-up in minutes and transfer funds to your account using Interac e-transfer or wire transfer. Once your funds arrive, you can proceed to buy your BTC and ETH.

The customer support is responsive. Customers can expect quick replies to queries.

However, the app is only really an entry-level crypto trading platform. It’s a good option for newbies who want to hold some cryptocurrency without going too deep. Professional traders will find the choice of cryptocurrencies limiting. Also, there are no elaborate trading charts to work with.

Additionally, the spread on purchases is significantly wide. Shakepay is licensed as a Money Service Business by the AMF and FINTRAC to operate in all Canadian territories and provinces.

Pros

  • Fast and seamless sign-ups and account funding
  • Zero fees on withdrawals
  • Deposits as little as $5 allowed
  • Simple and intuitive app interface

Cons

  • Only Bitcoin and Ethereum supported
  • No charting software
  • Spreads as high as 2.5%
Exchange at a glance
Shakepay details

Country:
Canada

Currency:
CAD

Fees:
2.5%—3%

Available Cryptocurrencies:
Bitcoin and Ethereum

3.9/5
Visit Shakepay

9. Newton Exchange – Low-Cost Crypto Trading for Canadians

Newton Exchange is a Toronto-based platform offering more than 35 cryptocurrencies for trading. Launched in 2018, the exchange is quickly growing into a popular option for Canadian crypto enthusiasts.

Registered with FINTRAC, customers need to complete identity verification checks and adhere to Anti Money Laundering policies to trade on Newton Exchange.

Some of the cryptocurrencies you can buy on Newton include Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Ripple (XRP), Tether, Litecoin, etc. The platform supports CAD purchases, and the secure wallet can hold your digital currencies until you’re ready to move to a hardware wallet offline.

The platform operates a fee structure that only generates revenue from the spread. One downside to the Newton Exchange service is the 500 CAD trading limit on new accounts. The limit widens as you trade, but it’s an unnecessary bottleneck for many traders.

Pros

  • Competitive fees
  • High liquidity allowing speedy executions
  • Highly secure trading platform

Cons

  • Cryptocurrency selection may not be enough for pro traders
  • Trading limit on new accounts prohibitive
Exchange at a glance
Newton details

Country:
Canada

Currency:
CAD

Fees:
No commission fees

Available Cryptocurrencies:
60+

4.0/5
Visit Newton

10. Coinsquare

Coinsquare is a Toronto-based crypto exchange offering two trading portals to Canadian traders. The two portals, Quick Trades and Bit Markets, put the choice of platform firmly in the hands of the trader. While newbies will likely prefer the no-frills nature of the Quick Trades platform, professional traders will love the advanced charting package on the Bit Markets platform.

Traders can choose from ten cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ethereum Classic, Bitcoin Cash, and more. Trading fees on Coinsquare vary between 0.1% and 0.4%. Traders pay 0.20% fees for Bitcoin trades on the Quick Traders platform and 0.40% for non-BTC positions. On Bit Markets, traders have to pay maker and taker fees.

Account funding options on the platform include Interac e-transfer, wire transfer, Wealth Wire, and Rushed Wire. Traders enjoy free deposits on Interac and wire transfers but pay 1-2% deposit fees with the other options.

Pros

  • Intuitive platform
  • Client funds safe in cold storage
  • Flexibility in platform choice for professional and beginner traders

Cons

  • No margin or futures trading
  • Small selection of cryptocurrencies
Exchange at a glance
Coinsquare details

Country:
Canada and 25 European countries

Currency:
CA, EUR

Fees:
0.1 – 0.4%

Available Cryptocurrencies:
10

4.1/5
Visit Coinsquare

11. Crypto.com – Best to Buy New Crypto Assets Before They Go Mainstream

This exchange is a prominent global player that brings a well-established, proven exchange to Canadian crypto investors out there. As of writing this, it supports 100+ crypto assets, which makes iti a great fit for crypto enthusiasts looking to invest in undiscovered cryptocurrencies before the masses.

Crypto.com provides some unique features that no other Canadian exchanges can rival. Users can trade futures and options contracts, make trades with up to ten times leverage when the fell particularly confident in a crypto asset, and earn interest by staking their coins.

The exchange has invested a huge amount of money into their security aspect, which makes trading with them very safe. Moreover, Crypto.com is lightning quick as prices update several times per second, which gives day crypto traders the advantage over the rest of the market.

To sum it up, Crypto.com is an excellent cryptocurrency exchange for crypto enthusiasts looking to cash in on brand new crypto assets before they go mainstream. On a side note, if you just want to buy more well-established crypto like Bitcoin and Ethereum, we highly recommend you go with Bitbuy or CoinSmart instead.

Pros

  • Free deposits from all crypto assets
  • Buy newly-listed alt coins at up to 50% off
  • Earn daily interest by staking your cryptocurrencies
  • Trade crypto derivatives options and futures contracts
  • Allows up to ten times leverage
  • Supports over 100 cryptocurrencies
  • Free account opening

Cons

  • 0.4% Average trading fees
  • MasterCard and Visa deposit cost 2.99%
Exchange at a glance
Crypto.com details

Country:
Global

Currency:
21 fiat currencies

Fees:
0.04% to 0.4

Available Cryptocurrencies:
600+

4.4/5
Visit Crypto.com

12. VirgoCX – Best for No Fees

VirgoCX is based in Toronto and is another one of the best Canadian cryptocurrency exchanges out there. Right now, it offers over 50 crypto assets. VirgoCX’s mobile app and trading platform are easy to use and intuitive, even for newbies. It offers 26/7 customer support via email and live chat. You’ll also find an extensive frequentyl asked questions (FAQs) section on their website.

VirgoCX doesn’t charges withdrawal fees or deposit fees and covers the first $6 in mining fees on ERC20 withdrawals. Take note that it needs two-factor authentication on all accounts, and keeps a 95% cold storage policy to keep your crypto assets safe at all times.

Pros

  • 24/7 support available
  • Free fiat withdrawals and deposits
  • Free withdrawals and deposits on most cryptocurrencies
  • Completely regulated crypto exchange with untarnished record of security
  • Attractive fee structure that includes zero fees on wire transfers and trading
  • User-friendly for both beginners and experienced traders alike

Cons

  • Relatively small amount of liquidity compared to exchanges like Binance or Coinbase
  • Not available worldwide
Exchange at a glance
VirgoCX details

Country:
Canada

Currency:
CAD & USD

Fees:
0% fees

Available Cryptocurrencies:
50+

4.3/5
Visit VirgoCX

13. MyBTC Exchange

MyBTC exchange is the crypto platform for you if you want a platform that only offers Bitcoin trading. Apart from the BTC focus, the platform is similar to other Canadian crypto platforms. You can deposit trading funds via credit/debit card, Interac e-transfer, cash deposit at Canada Post, and bank transfers. You can also buy Bitcoin using Flexepin vouchers.

However, even with the plethora of account funding options, MyBTC is a very niche option for any crypto enthusiasts. Apart from the fact that the brand only supports BTC, traders have to shoulder a hefty 7.75% transaction fee for card, Flexepin, and Interac purchases.

Bank wire charges are the cheapest, but at 4.75%, not many people can afford it, especially with the options out there. You also need to wire a minimum of $5,000.

The simple platform, local presence, and CAD transactions mean that they deserve a place in this article. However, it’s not the best crypto exchange in Canada.

Pros

  • Quick Bitcoin purchase
  • Wide range of purchase options, including Flexepin vouchers
  • Transparency with the fee schedule

Cons

  • Only supports Bitcoin “Buy and Hold” purchases
  • No support for trading
  • Lengthy verification process
  • Very high purchase fees
Exchange at a glance
MyBTC.ca details

Country:
Canada

Currency:
CAD

Fees:
Between 4.75% and 9.75%

Available Cryptocurrencies:
Bitcoin, Ripple, Litecoin

3.6/5
Visit MyBTC

14. Bittrex Exchange

Bittrex is another full-feature American cryptocurrency exchange open to Canadians. The platform supports 100s of cryptocurrencies, which is a good thing for anyone seeking flexibility. However, it’s best to be wary of low volume, low capitalization coins on this platform.

Bittrex came under fire a few years ago for listing coins that are Ponzi schemes. Such coins are prone to manipulation by high-net-worth traders (known as whales). Retail traders who buy these coins end up holding the bag when the whales dump the coin—a scenario known as “rug pulling.”

However, if you know about an obscure altcoin with decent prospects, there’s a high chance you’ll find it listed on Bittrex.

You can deposit fiat to your Bittrex wallet via debit cards and wire transfers. The platform doesn’t support credit card purchases.

Bittrex is one of the leaders in platform security. The brand’s Chainalysis Know Your Transaction (KYT) technology monitors website traffic consistently to pinpoint suspicious trading patterns and abnormal website traffic.

If you’re not satisfied with this short summary, here’s a bit more comprehensive Bittrex Review.

Pros

  • A huge selection of cryptocurrencies to choose from
  • A straightforward verification process
  • Highly secure trading platform

Cons

  • Credit card deposits not allowed
  • Customer support isn’t the best
Exchange at a glance
Bittrex details

Country:
Global

Currency:
USD, EUR

Fees:
0.35% standard fee

Available Cryptocurrencies:
500+

4.0/5
Visit Bittrex

15. Wealthsimple Crypto

Wealthsimple entered the Canadian finance scene as a robo portfolio management service in 2014. Since then, it has grown into an online brokerage for stocks and ETFs trading—and now—a cryptocurrency trading platform.

You can buy and sell more than 15 cryptocurrencies from Wealthsimple’s web interface. The brand supports CAD deposits from your existing Wealthsimple accounts or your bank account. There are no fees on deposits and withdrawals. However, the spread on individual trades can reach 2%.

It’s important to note that you can’t transfer crypto assets purchased on Wealthsimple to another platform. Fortunately, the company’s wallet is super secure.

Like other robo-advisor platforms, the Wealthsimple interface is fun and intuitive. Unfortunately, it’s lacking in technical analysis tools.

Pros

  • Decent selection of major cryptocurrency
  • Highly company with years of history
  • Free deposit and withdrawals

Cons

  • Spreads are as high as 2%
  • Only suitable for buy and hold trading
Exchange at a glance
Wealthsimple details

Country:
Canada, UK, USA

Currency:
CA, GBP, USD

Fees:
1.5%-2%

Available Cryptocurrencies:
45+

3.6/5
Visit Wealthsimple

16. Netcoins

Netcoins launched in 2014 as a brokerage service and Bitcoin ATMs provider. However, they’ve since pivoted into the exchange business with a dedicated OTC desk. The exchange is one of the few publicly traded companies (through parent company BIGG Digital Asset) on our list.

The platform supports 22 cryptocurrencies, including but not limited to Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, Tether, Bitcoin Cash, and QCAD.

Trading fees on the platform are typically around 0.5% per transaction. As a custodial exchange, Netcoins offers a digital wallet for holding your crypto assets. The interface is highly intuitive. Traders can enter positions with market or limit orders.

You can deposit into your Netcoins account via Interac e-transfer or bank wire. The minimum deposit amounts through Interac and bank wire are $10 and $500, respectively. You can also transfer your crypto assets from other wallets and exchanges.

Pros

  • Low trading fees
  • Free deposits
  • Competitive trading fees
  • Multi-channel live support

Cons

  • No advanced trading
  • Limited number of crypto assets
Exchange at a glance
Netcoins details

Country:
Canada

Currency:
CAD

Fees:
0.5%

Available Cryptocurrencies:
22

3.9/5
Visit Netcoins

17. Mogo

Mogo is another Bitcoin-only platform for Canadians. It’s a part of the Mogo Inc group, launched in 2003. The publicly-traded company has 1.6 million registered users across Canada.

Account set up and verification is quick. You should expect to complete the process in less than 30 minutes. After verification is complete, you can deposit some money for your Bitcoin trading.

Mogo charges 1% for every Bitcoin purchase. However, like Wealthsimple, Mogo only allows speculation on Bitcoin price movement. You don’t own any actual Bitcoin, and thus, you can’t transfer Bitcoin to a wallet.

Standard Bitcoin trading strategies still work well here, but the only reward is the cash returns for getting your position right. The size of your profit depends on the size of your investment and the market movement.

A 5% move on Bitcoin from your date of buying will yield a 5% return on your trading capital (actually 4% if you include the 1% commission). Vice versa for a sell.

Pros

  • Simple Bitcoin derivatives trading
  • Fast account approval process
  • User-friendly trading environment

Cons

  • Bitcoin-only trading
  • Traders don’t own any assets
Exchange at a glance
Mogo details

Country:
Canada

Currency:
CAD

Fees:
1%

Available Cryptocurrencies:
Bitcoin

3.5/5
Visit Mogo

How to Choose a Cryptocurrency Exchange

Over the past few years, the cryptocurrency market has exploded with thousands of new investors looking to get in on this emerging digital economy. However, it can be challenging to know where to begin if you’re an investor who wants to do your research and make an informed decision about how best to exchange your fiat currency for cryptocurrency.

After researching your options, you should be able to narrow down your search. Ideally, you’ll want to use a digital currency exchange to easily buy and sell cryptocurrency without paying crazy transaction fees or delayed transfers.

User-Friendliness

Each Crypto exchange differs in user-friendly features such as presentation and layouts best suited to advanced traders with different skill levels. As a beginner, ensure that your exchange has an intuitive and user-friendly interface.

It should be simple enough for someone unfamiliar with different cryptocurrencies to navigate easily. A complex navigation structure often means spending more time navigating and less trading.

Contrastingly, a seasoned trader might prefer a more complex layout that provides extensive information into metrics, charts, graphs, and any other attribute that can help improve trading methods.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

The number of different cryptocurrencies supported is one of the main factors for choosing an exchange. The crypto market is growing rapidly, so select an exchange that supports your favorite cryptocurrencies and eligibility for SMSF.

Exchanges such as eToro offer fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, while Binance offers crypto-to-crypto trading pairs. You want to make sure the site supports your favorites before signing up by looking at their currency list and disclaimer. The most common and dominant assets on exchanges include Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Litecoin.

Crypto exchanges that feature newly-discovered coins such as Avalanche, Ripple, and Cardano are essential to diversify your trading portfolio.

Deposit & Withdrawal Methods

Every cryptocurrency exchange has different cash deposit methods and facilitates withdrawals. If you’re not sure how each one works, you should contact customer support or check out their FAQ section.

Look for exchanges that offer bank transfers such as BPAY and credit cards as withdrawal options. Note whether or not they have daily or monthly cash deposit/withdrawal limits.

Some exchanges may only accept crypto-to-crypto transactions (no fiat currency support).

This policy can be frustrating when transferring from your favorite payment method provider because it leaves no way for you to withdraw your funds in fiat currency without converting them into crypto first.

Trading Fees and Exchange Rates

There are three main types of transaction fees on cryptocurrency exchanges: trading, cash deposit, and withdrawal fees. The trading fees vary depending on the exchange, but they generally depend on the total transaction size.

If you’re choosing an exchange because it’s cheaper than others, make sure there aren’t any hidden costs that could pop up later. For example, one exchange might be more affordable if you convert your local currency into crypto on their site versus using other places to buy then converting it into crypto.

Security Features

It’s imperative to ensure your cryptocurrency is safe, so it’s essential to ensure your exchange has some security features before trading.

Good exchanges should provide different layers of protection and implement top-of-the-line security measures:

  • Multi-factor authentication
  • Cold storage of funds
  • Insurance protection from hacking or internal fraud
  • Secure servers behind firewalls with intrusion detection systems
  • Active DDoS mitigation

These security features make it harder for hackers to gain access and help protect against the loss of cryptocurrency in case of wallet hacks or data breaches.

Customer Support

When looking for an exchange, choose one with good customer support. This is particularly important when dealing with transactions and withdrawals. Answering any questions or concerns will help ensure you have a smooth experience with your chosen exchange.

Factors to consider under Customer support include:

  • Method of reaching the support team, i.e., email, live chat, or an inquiry form.
  • Do they have frequently asked questions on their site?
  • Do they offer 24/7 support?

Is It a Regulated Exchange in Canada?

Before you start trading cryptocurrency, it’s vital to ensure that you’re dealing with a reputable exchange. One of the best ways to evaluate an exchange is by making sure that it is appropriately licensed and regulated.

Cryptocurrency exchanges serving Canadians or Canada have to register with FINTRAC and AMF.

Best Crypto Exchange in Canada: Which Should You Choose?

Our review of the best cryptocurrency exchange in Canada has exposed you to a few of the best platforms you can start trading on as a Canadian crypto enthusiast. The right choice will come down to your personal goals.

A trader looking at robust trading platforms that allow owning some major crypto assets in different blockchains will love Bitbuy. If you are interested in leveraged trading, Binance is a good choice. If you intend to only make money by speculating on Bitcoin’s volatile price movement without holding any coins, Wealthsimple and Mogo are excellent choices.

author Marco Vela

A crypto obssessed digital marketer passionate about making a difference in the world. When he's not behind the computer he can be found hiking, camping and relaxing with his dog.