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Compare the top FINTRAC-registered Canadian crypto exchanges — fees, coin selection, security, and which platform is best for your needs.
KOHO is the smart choice for your CAD spending while you invest in crypto. No monthly fees, instant e-transfers, earn cash back on everyday purchases.
Get KOHO Free — Code BREMO2026Choosing the right cryptocurrency exchange in Canada requires weighing several factors: regulatory compliance, fees, coin selection, ease of use, and security. All legitimate Canadian exchanges must be registered as Money Services Businesses (MSBs) with FINTRAC — Canada's financial intelligence unit. This registration provides a baseline of regulatory oversight and consumer protection.
| Exchange | Best For | Trading Fees | Coins | FINTRAC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newton | Low fees, variety | Spread ~0.5% | 100+ | ✅ |
| Shakepay | Bitcoin simplicity | Spread ~1.5% | BTC, ETH | ✅ |
| Wealthsimple Crypto | Beginners, TFSA/RRSP ETFs | Spread ~1.5% | 50+ | ✅ |
| Bitbuy | Pro trading | 0.2% maker/0.3% taker | 30+ | ✅ |
| CoinSmart | Smart order routing | ~0.3–0.5% | 30+ | ✅ |
| Coinbase | International, wide selection | ~1.49%+ flat | 250+ | ✅ (MSB) |
Newton is Canada's largest domestic crypto exchange by trading volume. It offers over 100 cryptocurrencies, low spreads, and supports Interac e-Transfer funding. Newton is FINTRAC-registered and stores the majority of customer funds in cold storage. It's particularly popular for active traders who want a wide selection at competitive fees.
Shakepay focuses exclusively on Bitcoin and Ethereum with an incredibly simple user experience. It's the top choice for first-time buyers who want to buy BTC with an Interac e-Transfer in minutes. Shakepay's "ShakingSats" feature rewards users with small BTC amounts for daily app interactions.
Wealthsimple Crypto integrates seamlessly with Wealthsimple's broader investment platform. You can hold crypto alongside stocks, ETFs, and your TFSA/RRSP — though direct crypto is in a separate account, not inside a registered account. The interface is clean and beginner-friendly.
Bitbuy offers an advanced trading interface with maker/taker fee structure, making it cost-effective for high-volume traders. It was one of Canada's first regulated exchanges and maintains strong security practices including segregated cold storage.
Many Canadians also use international exchanges like Kraken, Binance, or Bybit. While these are not Canadian entities, they are accessible to Canadians and some are FINTRAC-registered as foreign MSBs. Using international exchanges is legal for Canadians, but you must still report all gains and income on your Canadian tax return — regardless of where the exchange is based.