You want to buy some crypto but aren’t sure where to start? You’re not alone. Cryptocurrency has exploded in popularity, and plenty of Canadians are looking to get in on the action. The easiest way to buy Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and other digital assets is through a crypto exchange. But with so many options out there—including some sketchy ones—you’ll want to make sure you’re using a legit platform.
I’ve spent a lot of time testing different exchanges to see which ones stand out for Canadians in 2025. Whether you're a beginner, looking for no-fee trades, or into margin trading, I’ve got you covered.
| Crypto Exchange | Features | Score | Sign Up |
|---|---|---|---|
Best for Canadians  | ☑️ Huge range of 500+ cryptocurrencies available ☑️ Lowest trading fees (0.1% for spot and 0.02/0.06% for futures) ☑️ Copy Trading is available so you can learn and profit from the best | 9.9 | Open Account |
Most cryptocurrencies  | ☑️ Massive range of 600+ cryptocurrencies to trade ☑️ Support for several fiat currencies including CAD ☑️ Low trading fees: 0.1% for spot and 0.02/0.08% for futures | 9.7 | Open Account |
Best for Beginners  | ☑️ Easily deposit CAD instantly & get access to 50+ cryptocurrencies ☑️ Secure, Toronto-based company since 2016 (high trust-rating) ☑️ Offers a wallet, an app and round the clock customer support | 9.5 | Open Account |
How I Chose the Best Crypto Exchanges
I looked at a few key factors when comparing exchanges:
- Ease of use (especially for beginners)
- Fees (some platforms charge a lot more than others)
- Deposit & withdrawal options (how easily can you move money in and out?)
- Crypto selection (some exchanges have way more options than others)
- Advanced features (for traders looking for extras like leverage or automated trading)
The list of the top crypto exchanges in Canada below doesn't include every platform available, but these are the ones that stood out to me based on what most people are looking for.
Best Canadian Crypto Exchanges for 2025
#1. Bitget: Best for Canadians
If you’re looking for the best crypto exchange in Canada, I would recommend Bitget—it’s the one I’ve been using for a while, and I’ve been really impressed. The platform is super easy to navigate, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned trader. What really sets it apart is the wide range of 500+ cryptocurrencies available, plus the fees are some of the lowest I’ve seen in Canada, at only 0.1% for spot trading, and 0.02/0.06% for futures. I used to be on Binance, but after all the restrictions in Canada, I needed a reliable alternative, and Bitget turned out to be a great choice.
One of the best features of Bitget is their copy trading feature. If you don’t have time to sit and analyze charts all day, you can just follow experienced traders and mirror their trades automatically. It’s a great way to get started if you're not super confident in your own strategies yet. Security-wise, Bitget also stands out—they’ve got top-tier security measures in place, so you don’t have to stress about your funds being at risk.
Oh, and if you sign up through this unique link I found, you can get a $30,000 USDT bonus as a new user, which is a crazy good deal. It’s definitely worth taking advantage of, even if you’re just planning to dip your toes into crypto. The only downside? If you're in Ontario or Alberta, there are some restrictions, so you’ll want to double-check if you can use it. But for the rest of Canada, it’s hands-down the best option out there right now in 2025.
#2. WEEX: Most Cryptocurrencies
If you’re looking for a solid crypto exchange in Canada, WEEX is definitely one to consider. I started using it last year after searching for a reliable alternative, and I’ve been really happy with it. It’s been around since 2018 and has grown fast—over 5 million users and handling $400 million in daily trading volume. The interface is super clean and easy to use, even if you’re new to trading. Plus, they support 600+ cryptocurrencies, which is great if you like having options. One of the best parts? Low fee trading, so you don’t spend too much money on unnecessary fees.
If you're into futures and derivatives trading, WEEX has USDT perpetual contracts, inverse contracts, and simulated contracts (which I use to test strategies before risking real money). They also have a copy trading feature, which is a lifesaver if you don’t have time to analyze charts all day. You can literally just follow successful traders, and the platform automatically mirrors their trades for you. Also, security-wise, they take things seriously—WEEX is licensed and regulated, and they have a 1,000 BTC protection fund in case anything goes wrong. That definitely gives me peace of mind.
The best part? There’s a 30,000 USDT welcome bonus if you sign up using this referral link. I took advantage of it when I joined, and it was a nice boost to get started. The only small downside is that WEEX doesn’t support fiat withdrawals yet, so when you want to cash out, you’ll have to transfer your crypto to another exchange. But other than that, it’s a great platform—low fees, strong security, and some cool features that make trading easier. If you’re thinking about giving it a shot, I’d say go for it!
#3. Bitbuy: Best for Beginners
If you’re new to crypto and want a super easy way to get started, Bitbuy is a solid choice. The platform is designed with beginners in mind, making it simple to buy and sell top cryptocurrencies using their Express Trade feature. If you’re more experienced and want advanced charting tools, you can switch over to Pro Trade. They even offer OTC trading and an API for automated trading.
Bitbuy is a Canadian exchange, founded in Toronto, and lets you deposit CAD for free via wire transfer or Interac e-Transfer. It’s also one of the most secure and trusted exchanges in Canada, registered with FINTRAC as a Money Services Business. Their servers are locked down across multiple cloud providers with disaster recovery in place. Security-wise, they check all the boxes, and over 350,000 Canadians trust them—I do too.
The only downside? Their coin selection is a bit limited with around 50 cryptocurrencies. If you want access to a wider variety of cryptocurrencies, you might want to check out an international exchange like Bitget, which offers over 500 coins.
#4. VirgoCX: No Trading Fees (but there is spread)
VirgoCX is another great Canadian exchange, for ease of use. They charge 0% on all trades, but keep in mind there is a spread which varies from 0.2% up to 2.5% depending on the cryptocurrency. There are also high fees when purchasing using debit and credit cards.
Their interface is clean and modern, making it great for beginners, and they offer 90+ popular cryptocurrencies, which is enough for most casual investors. They accept CAD and USD deposits and withdrawals through Interac e-Transfer and wire transfer, making it easy to move money in and out.
#5. BYDFi: Best for Leverage Trading
f leverage trading is your thing, BYDFi is worth checking out. They offer insane leverage—up to 200x on futures trading. Most leverage trading platforms cap out at 100x or 125x, so this is a big deal if you want maximum flexibility in your trades.
Beyond leverage trading, BYDFi offers a variety of options, including spot trading on a ton of coins, a demo account for practicing strategies, and even Copy Trading. With Copy Trading, you can follow successful traders, and every time they make a move, your account automatically mirrors their trades—even when you’re asleep.
They also have two user interfaces: ‘Classic’ for beginners (simple and clean) and ‘Advanced’ for experienced traders (tons of technical indicators and charting tools). If you’re serious about leverage trading, BYDFi is definitely worth a closer look.
If you wish to delve deeper into BYDFi and explore all the features, I encourage you to read my comprehensive review here, or you can visit the official BYDFi website directly for more information.
#6. Kucoin: Best for Altcoins
Kucoin is a dream for altcoin hunters. They offer over 700+ different cryptocurrencies, which is way more than most exchanges. Fees are super low, starting at just 0.1%, and they have a loyalty program where you can earn KuCoin’s native token (KCS) just for trading.
For those who like options, KuCoin has it all: margin trading, spot trading, P2P marketplace, futures trading, and even crypto lending. If you want access to a huge variety of coins with competitive fees, KuCoin is a top choice.
Comparison Table of the Best Crypto Exchanges in Canada
Is it Safe to Store Cryptocurrency on an Exchange?
When you buy cryptocurrency, it needs to be stored somewhere. Most exchanges automatically give you a wallet when you open an account, which makes it super easy to leave your crypto there. But should you?
For short-term trading or convenience, sure. But keeping your crypto on an exchange long-term? Not the best move. The exchange holds the private keys, which means technically, they control your funds—not you. If the exchange gets hacked, goes bankrupt, or even decides to freeze accounts, your assets could be at risk. If you’re serious about security, moving your crypto to a private wallet (especially a hardware wallet) is a much safer bet.
How to Choose a Cryptocurrency Exchange
When it comes to picking a crypto exchange, it’s worth doing your homework. There are tons of options, and the best one for you depends on what you need—low fees, good security, ease of use, or access to specific coins. Take some time to compare platforms, read reviews, and figure out what works best for your situation before jumping in.
When comparing cryptocurrency exchanges, keep the following factors in mind:
If you are a newcomer to crypto, you will want a user-friendly interface that is simple to use, while more experienced traders usually prefer a platform that offers more advanced tools and features.
Consider how you want to deposit money into your online account and check that your chosen payment method is available. Most exchanges accept popular options like Interac e-Transfer, Wire Transfer or credit/debit cards.
Do you want to purchase crypto with CAD, trade crypto-to-crypto, or a combination of both? Different exchanges offer different trading options.
Some crypto exchanges have hundreds of different cryptocurrencies available to buy, sell and trade, while others only offer a handful. Consider the coins that you want to trade and check that the exchange has it on offer before signing up.
Check all the fees associated with the exchange. Deposit fees, trading fees and withdrawal fees all add up, so work out which is the most cost effective for your needs.
Check for any deposit and withdrawal limits that may apply when using a crypto exchange. If you plan on trading a very large or very small amount, you need to check the maximum and minimum limits.
Will you be trading crypto from a desktop, mobile app, or both? Check that the exchange you want to use supports your chosen devices.
If you are a frequent trader, you may want to choose an exchange that offers discounted trading fees for high-volume traders. Some exchanges offer discounted fees if you pay using their own cryptocurrency.
Compare cryptocurrency exchange rates (prices) across several different exchanges - one platform may have lower trading fees, but charge more per coin, so you need to work out the best option for you.
The more liquidity an exchange has, the quicker it will be to complete trades. Larger crypto exchanges tend to have higher liquidity than smaller ones.
Many crypto exchanges require identity verification before you can trade. Are you OK to give out your personal details, or do you prefer a platform that doesn't require full verification?
If you need quick access to your money, you will want an exchange that has quick deposit and withdrawal processing times. You don't want to be waiting for days for a deposit to be processed, in which time the price of all the coins have changed.
Security should be your #1 priority when looking for a crypto exchange. Look for a platform with multi-layered security including two-factor authentication, strong account verification processes, 24/7 security monitoring, and offline cold storage of crypto assets.
The cryptocurrency industry is still quite lightly regulated, and the extent to which it is regulated is based on where the exchange is headquartered. Canadian exchanges have stricter regulations, and are registered with FINTRAC as a Money Services Business, whereas some international exchanges have looser reporting obligations.
What is the customer support like on the exchange? Is there Live Chat support or can you only access help via an automated bot or email support?
Choose a crypto exchange that is well-known, and has a good reputation for being trustworthy and secure. Read many different reviews to find out about as many user experiences as you can, both the good and the bad.
How to Use a Cryptocurrency Exchange
Purchasing Crypto With CAD:
In this example, let’s assume that you’d like to buy Bitcoin and have CAD$500 available to spend. Follow these steps:
- Research and compare cryptocurrency exchanges to find one that you feel is a good fit for you.
- Register for an account and verify your account if needed by providing personal details and proof of your ID.
- Head to the ‘Buy’ screen.
- Select Bitcoin to purchase.
- Select your payment currency (CAD) and enter the amount that you want to spend ($500).
- Choose your payment method, such as bank transfer or debit card.
- Enter the relevant payment details to make the payment.
- Review the full transaction details. Check the fees and make sure that you are happy with the amount of Bitcoin you’re purchasing.
- Click ‘Buy BTC’ if you are happy to continue.
- The Bitcoin will be deposited into your exchange wallet or sent to an external wallet address provided by you once the transaction has been processed.
If you want to buy cryptocurrency with USD in America then read our guide.
How to Pay for Your Cryptocurrency
Before you can trade on a cryptocurrency exchange, you will need to deposit funds. There are many different methods that may be accepted, including:
Different platforms support different payment methods, so double-check that your preferred method is accepted before you open an account.
The Different Types of Cryptocurrency Exchange
Brokers
Best for: Novices and people who want an easy, quick way to trade digital currencies
Downside: May not offer as wide a selection of crypto, and can often cost more compared to other options
Brokers offer the most convenient and simplest method of purchasing digital currencies. Purchasing BTC, ETH, or altcoins from a broker is similar to purchasing from a shop. The broker will purchase the coins at wholesale rates before selling them on to you with their own margin added on top. They offer a fast, easy, and straightforward way to get into cryptocurrency trading with platforms that are easy to use and allow you to purchase cryptocurrency with your everyday fiat currency.
The Difference Between Centralized and Decentralized Exchanges
If you're looking into cryptocurrency exchanges, you've probably come across the idea of decentralized exchanges (DEXs). These let you trade crypto directly with other users, without needing a middleman. Instead of being run by a single company, they're hosted on a network of distributed nodes. This makes them more resistant to hacking and server downtime since there's no central point of failure.
One of the biggest perks of DEXs is that you don’t have to transfer your crypto onto the exchange itself. Instead, trades happen through smart contracts, so you can trade directly from your wallet and stay in control of your funds.
Finding the Right Exchange for You
There’s no one-size-fits-all exchange—what works great for someone else might not be the best fit for you. That’s why doing your own research is key. I’ve reviewed a bunch of top exchanges in Canada and worldwide, comparing their fees, features, pros, and cons. The more you know, the easier it is to find an exchange that fits your trading style.
How I Evaluated Crypto Exchanges
When comparing exchanges, I looked at a mix of factors to see how they stack up. Things like how beginner-friendly they are, what cryptocurrencies they offer, whether they support fiat purchases, and what kind of advanced trading features they have. Keep in mind, this isn't an exhaustive list—there could be an exchange out there that's a perfect match for your needs that I haven’t covered.
Beginner-Friendliness
I rated exchanges based on how easy they are to use, especially for newcomers. This included things like:
- Offering a built-in crypto wallet
- Letting users buy crypto directly with fiat (rather than trading with other users)
- Having a simple, clean interface
- A quick and straightforward sign-up process
- Good customer support
I also gave preference to platforms with strong regulations and legal protections for users.
Fiat Currency Purchases
If you're looking to buy crypto with CAD, this is a big one. I compared exchanges based on their fiat payment options, deposit fees, cash payment availability, and how fast they process transactions.
Fees
Nobody likes paying high fees, so I looked for exchanges that charged lower fees compared to the competition. I also checked for any hidden costs—like high deposit or withdrawal fees or wide spreads. Some platforms offer ways to lower trading fees if you trade in high volumes or use their native token, which can be a nice perk.
Cryptocurrency Selection
Some exchanges only offer a handful of coins, while others give you access to hundreds. I looked at how many cryptocurrencies each platform supports, how quickly they add new ones, and whether they tend to be first to list new tokens.
Best for Active Trading
Here, I considered a range of factors such as liquidity, fees, cryptocurrency selection, the option to go both long and short on crypto, the range of advanced trade types available, access to leverage, and API or bot trading support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is legal to buy, sell, trade, and own cryptocurrency in Canada.
There are many crypto exchanges available in Canada, and Bitget is my #1 top recommendation.
Yes, it is legal to trade cryptocurrency in Canada.
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