Looking for the best crypto exchange in Canada? 🇨🇦 With strong regulatory oversight, multiple CAD deposit options, and evolving market conditions, choosing the right exchange is crucial for secure and cost-effective trading.
This guide compares the top Canadian crypto exchanges, analyzing their fees, CAD deposit methods, security, and trading features—so you can make an informed decision. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy-to-use platform or an advanced trader seeking low fees, high liquidity, and futures trading, we’ve got you covered!
🔗 Want a global perspective? See how Canada compares to other regions in our full guide: Best Crypto Exchange by Region. 🚀
Table of Contents
Why Choosing the Best Crypto Exchange in Canada Matters?
🚀 The Growth of Crypto Trading in Canada
Canada has emerged as one of the leading countries for cryptocurrency adoption, driven by a strong financial system, regulatory clarity, and increasing interest from both retail and institutional investors. The country provides a relatively safe and structured environment for crypto trading, making it an attractive market for both beginners and experienced traders.
✔ Expanding Crypto Market – Canada has seen significant growth in crypto adoption, with millions of Canadians actively investing in digital assets.
✔ Secure Trading Environment – Unlike some countries with unclear regulations, Canada provides a well-regulated crypto market with oversight from government agencies and financial regulators.
✔ Multiple CAD Deposit Methods – Canadian crypto exchanges offer seamless funding options, including:
- Interac e-Transfer (Instant and low-cost)
- Bank Wire Transfers (Best for large deposits)
- Credit/Debit Cards (Convenient but with higher fees)
- Prepaid Cards & Direct Bank Deposits
🔍 Regulation & Compliance in Canada
Cryptocurrency exchanges operating in Canada must comply with strict regulations to ensure transparency and consumer protection. The key regulatory bodies overseeing crypto trading include:
✔ Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) – Mandates that exchanges comply with securities laws, ensuring legal operations and investor protection.
✔ FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada) – Enforces Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) policies, requiring exchanges to verify users’ identities before trading.
✔ Provincial Regulations – Each province, such as Ontario and British Columbia, may have additional requirements for crypto businesses to operate legally.
📌 Why It Matters
Using a CSA-registered and FINTRAC-compliant exchange ensures:
✅ Legally regulated crypto trading with strong investor protection.
✅ Lower risk of fraudulent or unregistered offshore exchanges.
✅ Seamless bank integrations for CAD deposits and withdrawals.
💰 CAD Deposit & Banking Restrictions
While Canada has a relatively crypto-friendly banking environment, some financial institutions impose restrictions on transactions with offshore or unregulated exchanges.
✔ Banking Limitations on Crypto – Some major Canadian banks, such as RBC and TD Bank, have placed restrictions on sending funds to non-registered crypto exchanges.
✔ Choosing a CSA-Compliant Exchange – Using a government-registered exchange ensures smoother bank transfers and prevents potential account freezes.
✔ Best CAD Deposit Methods – The fastest and most cost-effective ways to fund your trading account include:
- Interac e-Transfer – Instant, low-fee transfers from Canadian bank accounts.
- Bank Wire Transfers – Suitable for larger deposits but may take longer to process.
- Direct Bank Deposits & Prepaid Cards – Offer secure, local funding options.
📌 Key Takeaway:
Choosing a CSA-registered exchange that supports Interac e-Transfer or direct bank deposits is the best way to trade crypto efficiently in Canada. 🚀
📊 Quick Comparison: Top 5 Best Crypto Exchanges in Canada
📊 Comparison Table – Best Canadian Crypto Exchanges
Choosing the best Canadian crypto exchange depends on fees, deposit methods, regulation, and features. Below is a quick comparison of the top 5 crypto exchanges in Canada to help traders find the most suitable platform.
| Exchange | Maker/Taker Fees | CAD Deposit Methods | Regulation | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Binance Canada | 0.10% / 0.10% | Interac e-Transfer, Wire Transfer | FINTRAC-registered | Low Fees & High Liquidity |
| NDAX | 0.20% / 0.20% | Interac e-Transfer, Bank Transfer | FINTRAC-registered | Secure CAD Deposits |
| Kraken Canada | 0.16% / 0.26% | Interac, Wire Transfer, SWIFT | FINTRAC-registered | Pro Traders & Futures |
| Shakepay | No Trading Fees (Spread-based) | Interac e-Transfer | FINTRAC-registered | Beginners & Instant CAD Transactions |
| Bitbuy | 0.50% / 0.50% | Interac e-Transfer, Wire Transfer | CSA & FINTRAC-registered | Institutional & Large-Volume Trading |
🔹 Key Takeaways:
✔ Binance Canada offers the lowest trading fees (0.10%), making it the best option for active traders.
✔ NDAX provides a highly secure CAD deposit system with bank integrations, making it a trusted choice for Canadian traders.
✔ Kraken Canada is best for advanced traders, offering futures & margin trading with proof-of-reserves security.
✔ Shakepay is ideal for beginners, with zero trading fees but spread-based pricing. It supports instant CAD transactions via Interac e-Transfer.
✔ Bitbuy is well-suited for institutional investors, offering CSA & FINTRAC regulation, making it one of the most compliant exchanges for large-volume trading.
📌 Which exchange is right for you? If you prioritize low fees, choose Binance Canada. If you need a beginner-friendly exchange, Shakepay is a great option. For pro traders, Kraken Canada offers futures and margin trading. 🚀
🏆 Best Crypto Exchanges in Canada – Full Reviews
When selecting the best Canadian crypto exchange, traders should consider trading fees, CAD deposit options, regulation, and key features. Below is a detailed review of the top 5 crypto exchanges in Canada, focusing on their strengths and weaknesses for Canadian users.
Not sure which exchange is right for you? Our Top 5 Best Crypto Exchanges in Canada article ranks the best platforms based on trading fees, deposit options, and user experience.
Binance Canada – Best for Low Fees & High Liquidity
✅ Why Binance Canada Stands Out
- Lowest trading fees in Canada at 0.10% maker/taker.
- Deep liquidity and a wide selection of cryptocurrencies for spot trading.
- Supports fast CAD deposits via Interac e-Transfer & Wire Transfer.
❌ Potential Drawbacks
- Not CSA-licensed (only FINTRAC-registered for AML compliance). Despite not having a full CSA license, Binance Canada remains one of the most popular choices for low-cost trading. Thanks to its 0.10% maker/taker fees, deep liquidity, and wide range of supported cryptocurrencies, it is an excellent choice for Canadian traders looking to minimize costs.
📖 Read the full Binance Canada Review to explore its fees, security, and trading features in detail. - Limited fiat withdrawal options, requiring users to convert CAD to crypto first.
🔹 Best for: Experienced traders who prioritize low-cost trading & high liquidity.
NDAX – Best for Secure CAD Deposits
✅ Why NDAX Stands Out
- Fully FINTRAC-regulated, ensuring compliance with Canadian financial laws.
- Fast CAD deposits through Interac e-Transfer & direct bank transfers.
- Flat 0.20% trading fees with no hidden costs.
❌ Potential Drawbacks
- No futures or margin trading – lacks advanced trading tools for pro users.
- Limited staking options compared to Binance & Kraken.
🔹 Best for: Canadian traders who prioritize regulation, security, and easy CAD deposits.
Kraken Canada – Best for Pro Traders & Futures
✅ Why Kraken Canada Stands Out
- Supports futures trading & margin trading (up to 5x leverage).
- Proof-of-Reserves audits ensure 100% fund security.
- Low fees for high-volume traders (0.16% maker / 0.26% taker).
❌ Potential Drawbacks
- More complex UI, making it less beginner-friendly.
- Wire transfers take longer than Interac e-Transfer.
🔹 Best for: Advanced traders looking for futures & margin trading in a high-security environment.
For professional traders looking for futures & margin trading, Kraken Canada stands out with its 5x leverage, advanced trading tools, and proof-of-reserves audits ensuring 100% fund security.
📖 Check out our Kraken Canada Review for a detailed breakdown of its security, advanced trading features, and user experience.
Shakepay – Best for Beginners & Instant CAD Transactions
✅ Why Shakepay Stands Out
- No trading fees (operates on a spread-based model).
- Instant CAD deposits via Interac e-Transfer.
- Beginner-friendly app for easy Bitcoin & Ethereum trading.
❌ Potential Drawbacks
- Limited coin selection – only Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) are supported.
- Spread-based pricing can be higher than Binance & Kraken.
🔹 Best for: New traders looking for a simple, fee-free way to buy Bitcoin & Ethereum instantly.
Bitbuy – Best for Institutional & Large-Volume Trading
✅ Why Bitbuy Stands Out
- Fully CSA & FINTRAC-regulated, making it one of the most compliant exchanges in Canada.
- Designed for institutional investors, offering OTC trading and high-volume transactions.
- Interac e-Transfer & wire deposits available for seamless CAD funding.
❌ Potential Drawbacks
- Higher trading fees (0.50% per trade), making it less competitive for active retail traders.
- Limited altcoin selection compared to Binance or Kraken.
🔹 Best for: Institutional investors & high-net-worth traders looking for a secure & CSA-compliant exchange.
🔥 Key Takeaways
✔ Binance Canada offers the lowest trading fees (0.10%), making it ideal for cost-conscious traders.
✔ NDAX is the best choice for security-conscious traders, thanks to strict FINTRAC regulation & easy CAD deposits.
✔ Kraken Canada caters to pro traders with futures, margin trading, and proof-of-reserves security.
✔ Shakepay is perfect for beginners, offering zero trading fees & instant Interac e-Transfer deposits.
✔ Bitbuy is best for institutions, providing regulatory compliance, OTC services, and high-volume trading support.
📌 Next Steps: If you’re new to crypto, Shakepay is a great choice for instant CAD transactions. If you want low fees, Binance Canada is the most cost-effective option. Pro traders should consider Kraken Canada for advanced trading tools. 🚀
How to Choose the Best Crypto Exchange in Canada?
Choosing the best Canadian crypto exchange depends on several key factors, including regulation, fees, deposit options, trading features, and user experience. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider before selecting a platform:
🔹 Regulation & Security – Ensure Legal Protection
Why It Matters:
- Regulation ensures safety – Using CSA & FINTRAC-registered exchanges protects you from fraud and ensures compliance with Canadian laws.
- Some Canadian banks block transactions to offshore exchanges, making it harder to fund your account.
Best Regulated Exchanges:
✔ NDAX & Bitbuy – Fully CSA & FINTRAC-registered, ensuring full legal compliance.
✔ Kraken & Binance Canada – FINTRAC-registered but not CSA-licensed.
🔹 Takeaway: If regulation & compliance are your top priorities, NDAX or Bitbuy are the best choices.
🔹 Trading Fees & Costs – Which Exchange Has the Lowest Fees?
Why It Matters:
- Lower fees mean higher profits, especially for active traders.
- Some platforms use spreads instead of standard maker/taker fees.
Fee Comparison:
- Binance Canada – 0.10% maker/taker fees, the lowest in Canada.
- Kraken Canada – 0.16% maker / 0.26% taker fees, ideal for pro traders.
- Shakepay – No trading fees, but operates on a spread-based model, which may be costlier.
- NDAX & Bitbuy – 0.20% – 0.50% fees, offering strong security but at a higher cost.
🔹 Takeaway: For low-cost trading, Binance Canada is the cheapest option. Shakepay is fee-free but has hidden costs due to spread-based pricing.
🔹 Deposit & Withdrawal Options – Fastest Way to Fund Your Account
Why It Matters:
- The best exchanges support fast & cheap CAD deposits like Interac e-Transfer.
- Wire transfers are better for large amounts, but take longer to process.
Best CAD Deposit Methods:
✔ Shakepay & NDAX – Instant CAD deposits via Interac e-Transfer.
✔ Binance Canada & Kraken – Interac & Wire Transfers, ideal for larger deposits.
✔ Bitbuy – Supports bank wire transfers for high-volume trading.
🔹 Takeaway: If you want the fastest & cheapest deposit method, use Interac e-Transfer with Shakepay, NDAX, or Binance Canada.
🔹 Trading Features – Which Exchange Offers Advanced Tools?
Why It Matters:
- Pro traders need advanced tools like futures, margin trading, and staking.
- Some exchanges focus on security & fiat on-ramp rather than trading tools.
Feature Breakdown:
✔ Kraken Canada – Futures trading & margin (5x leverage), best for pro traders.
✔ Binance Canada – Spot trading, staking, and a wide coin selection.
✔ NDAX & Bitbuy – Focus on security & regulated trading, not many advanced features.
✔ Shakepay – Basic buy/sell features only, no futures, staking, or margin trading.
🔹 Takeaway: Kraken Canada is the best choice for pro traders needing futures & margin. Binance Canada is great for staking & altcoin variety.
🔹 User Experience – Best Platforms for Beginners & Pro Traders
Why It Matters:
- Some exchanges cater to beginners, while others are built for experienced traders.
- A complex interface may overwhelm new users, while simple platforms may lack features for advanced traders.
Best for Different Experience Levels:
✔ Shakepay & Bitbuy – Beginner-friendly, simple buy/sell interface.
✔ NDAX – Easy-to-use, but also offers advanced tools for security-conscious traders.
✔ Binance Canada & Kraken – Feature-rich but requires learning, best for advanced traders.
🔹 Takeaway: If you’re a beginner, Shakepay & Bitbuy offer the easiest experience. If you’re a pro trader, Kraken Canada & Binance Canada provide the best tools.
🔥 Final Thoughts – How to Pick the Right Canadian Crypto Exchange
✔ Best for Regulation & Security: ✅ NDAX & Bitbuy (CSA & FINTRAC-registered).
✔ Best for Low Trading Fees: ✅ Binance Canada (0.10%) & Kraken Canada (0.16%/0.26%).
✔ Best for Fast CAD Deposits & Withdrawals: ✅ Shakepay, Binance Canada, & NDAX (Interac e-Transfer support).
✔ Best for Advanced Trading (Futures & Margin): ✅ Kraken Canada (5x leverage).
✔ Best for Passive Income (Staking Rewards): ✅ Binance Canada & Kraken Canada.
✔ Best for Beginners & Simple UI: ✅ Shakepay & Bitbuy.
Best Canadian Crypto Exchanges for Different Types of Traders
Choosing the right Canadian crypto exchange depends on your trading style, experience level, and security needs. Below is a breakdown of the best exchanges for different types of traders in Canada.
📌 Best for Beginners – Shakepay
✅ Why? Simple UI, instant CAD deposits, and zero trading fees
✔ Easy to use – Designed for beginners with a no-frills interface.
✔ Instant CAD deposits – Supports Interac e-Transfer for fast funding.
✔ No trading fees – Uses a spread-based model, eliminating maker/taker fees.
❌ Limited coin selection – Only supports Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).
❌ No advanced trading features – No staking, futures, or margin trading.
🔹 Best For: New traders who want a hassle-free, fee-free trading experience.
📌 Best for Low Fees – Binance Canada
✅ Why? Lowest trading fees (0.10% maker/taker) & high liquidity
✔ Ultra-low fees – 0.10% trading fees, making it the cheapest option in Canada.
✔ High liquidity – Tight spreads, deep order books for large-volume trading.
✔ Multiple CAD deposit methods – Supports Interac e-Transfer, Bank Transfers, and Wire Transfers.
❌ Not CSA-licensed – Only FINTRAC-registered for AML compliance.
❌ More complex for beginners – Best suited for traders with some experience.
🔹 Best For: Active traders looking for the lowest fees & deep liquidity.
📌 Best for Pro Traders – Kraken Canada
✅ Why? Offers futures, margin trading, and advanced order types
✔ Futures trading – Up to 5x leverage, ideal for professional traders.
✔ Margin trading – Access to leverage for advanced trading strategies.
✔ Proof-of-Reserves audits – Ensures 100% user fund security.
❌ Complex user interface – May be overwhelming for beginners.
❌ Limited fiat deposit options – Supports Interac & Wire Transfers, but lacks instant deposit options.
🔹 Best For: Advanced traders who need margin, futures, and professional-grade tools.
📌 Best for Security – NDAX
✅ Why? Fully FINTRAC-regulated & secure CAD deposits
✔ Highly regulated – Fully FINTRAC-registered, ensuring AML & KYC compliance.
✔ Safe CAD deposits – Supports Interac e-Transfer & direct bank deposits.
✔ Strong security measures – Cold storage for crypto funds & multi-layer security.
❌ Limited trading features – No futures or margin trading.
❌ Higher fees than Binance – 0.20% maker/taker fees, making it slightly more expensive.
🔹 Best For: Traders prioritizing compliance, security, and regulated trading.
📌 Best for Institutional Traders – Bitbuy
✅ Why? CSA-compliant, high-volume OTC trading, and advanced security
✔ CSA & FINTRAC-registered – Ensures compliance with Canadian regulations.
✔ OTC trading – Designed for institutions & high-net-worth investors.
✔ Supports high-volume trading – Deep liquidity and institutional-grade execution.
❌ Higher trading fees – 0.50% maker/taker fees, more expensive than Binance or NDAX.
❌ Not ideal for retail traders – More suited for corporate & institutional clients.
🔹 Best For: Large-scale traders & institutions looking for a regulated, high-volume trading platform.
Conclusion – Which Crypto Exchange in Canada is Right for You?
- Beginners → Try Shakepay for its simple interface & instant CAD deposits.
- Low-cost trading → Binance Canada offers the lowest trading fees (0.10%).
- Advanced traders → Kraken Canada provides pro tools like futures & margin.
- Security-focused users → NDAX ensures FINTRAC compliance & secure CAD deposits.
- Institutions & high-volume traders → Bitbuy is best for regulated OTC trading.
FAQs – Common Questions About Crypto Exchanges in Canada
❓ Are Crypto Exchanges Legal in Canada?
✔ Yes, but only FINTRAC-registered exchanges can legally operate.
✔ Some platforms are also CSA-compliant, offering additional investor protection.
✔ Offshore exchanges like Binance may still accept Canadian users but face banking restrictions.
🔹 Key Takeaway: Use FINTRAC & CSA-compliant exchanges like NDAX, Bitbuy, or Kraken Canada for secure & regulated trading.
❓ What’s the Cheapest Way to Trade Crypto in Canada?
✔ Binance Canada (0.10% fees) is the lowest-cost option for frequent traders.
✔ NDAX (0.20%) offers competitive rates with strong regulatory compliance.
✔ Shakepay has no trading fees but uses a spread-based model, which may cost more.
🔹 Key Takeaway: If you want the lowest trading fees, go with Binance Canada. If you prioritize security & compliance, NDAX or Bitbuy are great alternatives.
❓ What’s the Fastest Way to Deposit CAD to a Crypto Exchange?
✔ Interac e-Transfer – Instant & low-cost for Binance, NDAX, Shakepay, and Bitbuy.
✔ Bank Wire Transfer – Higher limits but slower (1-2 business days).
✔ Credit/Debit Cards – Fast but higher fees (2-4%), available on CoinSmart & Bitbuy.
🔹 Key Takeaway: Use Interac e-Transfer for the fastest & cheapest CAD deposits.
❓ How Is Crypto Taxed in Canada?
✔ Capital Gains Tax (CGT) applies to crypto profits.
✔ Income Tax applies if you trade crypto as a business.
✔ Use tax-tracking tools like NDAX, Bitbuy, or Koinly to simplify reporting.
🔹 Key Takeaway: Report crypto gains to the CRA and use tax-tracking tools for easy filing.
📢 Stay Connected with the Canadian Crypto Community!
Get real-time updates on the best crypto exchanges in Canada, expert trading insights, and the latest market trends. Join our active Telegram group and trade smarter with a supportive community!
👉 Join now 🚀
💡 Looking for more crypto insights? Explore our homepage for the latest guides and exchange reviews!