Best Crypto Exchanges in Canada (2025 Guide)

AI summary

Canada’s cryptocurrency market is expanding steadily in 2025, supported by clear regulations, FINTRAC compliance, and a tech-savvy population. The article compares top Canadian crypto exchanges—such as Bitbuy, NDAX, Newton, and Kraken—highlighting factors like fees, security, and regulation, and emphasizes the importance of transferring assets to self-custody wallets like Tangem for maximum security. As regulations tighten and the market matures, Canadians are advised to prioritize safety, transparency, and self-custody when investing in crypto.

Canada’s cryptocurrency market continues to grow steadily in 2025. The country has a clear regulatory framework, a tech-savvy population, and exchanges that operate under strict compliance standards. Every legitimate platform in Canada must be registered with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) as a Money Services Business (MSB) to comply with anti-money-laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) rules. In this guide, you’ll learn how to compare the best crypto exchanges in Canada by fees, safety, usability, and regulation. You’ll also see why more Canadians are moving toward self-custody wallets like Tangem, which let you hold your crypto securely and offline—far from exchange risk.

How to Choose the Best Crypto Exchange in Canada

With numerous platforms available, selecting the right exchange can be overwhelming. The key is to focus on the following factors.

• FINTRAC Regulation and AML Compliance: All Canadian exchanges must register as MSBs under FINTRAC and follow strict AML/KYC rules, which ensure transparency, prevent fraud, and provide the legal operation of our activities within Canada.
• Security and Proof-of-Reserves: Security should be a top priority. The best platforms store funds in cold wallets, use multi-signature security, and publish proof-of-reserves audits to verify that they back all client assets 1:1.
• Fees and Hidden Costs: Compare both trading and withdrawal fees. Some platforms advertise “zero fees” but make up for it with wider spreads. Always check the actual cost per trade.
• Supported Coins and Liquidity: Ensure the exchange supports the assets you plan to trade and has enough liquidity for fair pricing.
• Deposit Methods: Look for platforms supporting Interac e-Transfer, bank wires, and credit cards. These methods make it easy to fund your account in Canadian dollars.
• Customer Support and Reputation: Choose platforms with responsive support, transparent operations, and positive community feedback.
• Self-Custody After Purchase: Once you buy your crypto, don’t leave it on the exchange. Transfer it to a hardware wallet, such as Tangem, to keep your assets in your hands—not someone else’s.

Pro Tip: Even the most secure exchange isn’t immune to hacks. Once you’ve purchased your crypto, transfer it to a self-custody wallet like Tangem for maximum control and offline safety. Learn more about safely moving your coins from exchanges in our How to Buy Bitcoin in Canada guide.

Top 7 Best Crypto Exchanges in Canada (2025)

We ranked Canada’s leading exchanges based on compliance, security, fees, and ease of use. All platforms listed are FINTRAC-registered and compliant with Canadian laws for residents.

1. Bitbuy – Best Overall Canadian Exchange

Bitbuy is Canada’s most established exchange, trusted by both retail and institutional investors. It offers an Express Trade option for beginners and a Pro Trade platform for advanced users.

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Regulation: FINTRAC MSB, approved by Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA)

Why Canadians like it:

• Transparent fee structure (~0.5%)
• Secure cold-storage and insurance coverage
• Supports 50+ cryptocurrencies
• Easy CAD funding via Interac e-Transfer and wire transfer

Best for: Canadians who want a reliable, local exchange with full regulatory oversight.

Security Tip: Once your purchase is complete, transfer your crypto to a Tangem wallet for self-custody—you’ll have full control over your private keys.

2. NDAX – Best for Low Fees and Altcoins

NDAX offers flat 0.2% trading fees and supports over 30 cryptocurrencies. It’s ideal for those who frequently trade without incurring high costs.

Location: Calgary, Alberta
Regulation: FINTRAC-registered, CSA-compliant

Highlights:

• Low fees for trading, deposits, and withdrawals
• Strong cold-storage policy
• Transparent compliance record

Best for: Low-fee traders and altcoin investors.

NDAX’s straightforward structure makes it a top choice for cost-conscious Canadians. After trading, transferring your crypto to a Tangem wallet keeps it secure and easy to access offline.

3. Newton – Best for Beginners & Zero-Fee Trades

Newton promotes itself as a zero-fee exchange, though it builds costs into trading spreads. It’s beginner-friendly, with a simple app and instant CAD deposits.

Why Newton stands out:

• No trading fees (spread-based model)
• Fast Interac e-Transfer deposits
• 70+ supported assets

Caution: Always compare actual purchase prices, as spreads may vary.

4. Kraken – Best for Security & Advanced Trading

Kraken is one of the world’s oldest and most trusted exchanges. It’s FINTRAC-registered in Canada and has never suffered a significant hack.

Top features:

• Hundreds of supported cryptocurrencies
• Proof-of-reserves audits
• Advanced tools for margin and futures trading

Best for: Experienced traders who prioritize safety. Kraken’s robust infrastructure makes it an ideal choice for serious investors seeking a secure platform. For long-term storage, however, hardware wallets like Tangem remain the gold standard for keeping assets.

5. Coinbase Canada – Best for Ease of Use

Coinbase’s straightforward interface and educational content make it popular among beginners. The exchange is FINTRAC-registered and compliant with Canadian regulations.

Pros:

• User-friendly design
• Large asset selection (200+)
• Integrated mobile and desktop apps

Cons:

• Higher trading fees (typically 0.4%–1%)

If you’re new to crypto and value convenience over cost, Coinbase is a solid start.

6. Binance (Restricted Access) – Best for Experienced Traders

Binance provides global-level liquidity and ultra-low fees (~0.1%), but evolving regulations have restricted its access in Canada.

Considerations:

• Partial service availability by province
• Large asset selection (300+)
• Advanced trading features

Best for: Experienced traders who understand regulatory limitations. While Binance remains a global powerhouse, Canadians should exercise caution and use FINTRAC-compliant exchanges whenever possible.

7. Wealthsimple Crypto – Best for Traditional Investors

Wealthsimple combines traditional investing with crypto trading in one app. It’s fully regulated under both IIROC and FINTRAC, ensuring strong oversight.

Highlights:

• Seamless integration with Wealthsimple Invest & Trade
• Trusted Canadian brand
• Ideal for beginners in traditional finance

Drawbacks:

• Limited crypto features
• Higher spreads (~1.5%–2%)

Wealthsimple is excellent for casual investors who prefer simplicity over flexibility. For active crypto users, transferring funds to a Tangem wallet ensures long-term control and security.

Comparison Table – Best Canadian Crypto Exchanges (2025)

Fees on Canadian Crypto Exchanges

Most exchanges charge 0.1%–0.5% per trade, though deposit and withdrawal costs vary.

Key Fee Types

• Maker/Taker fees: Paid per trade, depending on liquidity provided.
• Network fees: Blockchain transaction costs for withdrawals.
• Spreads: Built into the price on “zero-fee” exchanges.
• Deposit/Withdrawal fees: Often lower via Interac e-Transfer.

Example: Buying $1,000 CAD of Bitcoin might cost around $2 on NDAX (0.2%), $4–$5 on Bitbuy, or up to $10 on Coinbase, depending on the method.

To minimize ongoing costs, store your Bitcoin offline in a Tangem wallet—it’s a one-time investment that eliminates recurring custody or withdrawal fees.

Safety & Regulation of Crypto Exchanges in Canada

Canadian exchanges operate under strict supervision from FINTRAC and the CSA, which requires them to maintain comprehensive AML and KYC procedures.

What to Know:

• FINTRAC-registered exchanges are required to verify user identities and monitor suspicious transactions.
• The Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF) does not protect funds held on exchanges.
• Avoid offshore, unregistered platforms—they may be unsafe or non-compliant with regulations.

Best Practice: After purchasing, withdraw your crypto into a self-custody solution. Tangem wallets are ideal for Canadians due to their ease of use, full offline functionality, and robust security features.

Alternatives to Crypto Exchanges in Canada

If you prefer to avoid centralized exchanges, you have several options:

• Peer-to-Peer (P2P) trading – Platforms like Bisq and LocalCoinSwap let you buy directly from others using CAD.
• Bitcoin ATMs – Found in most major cities, although they often charge fees of 5–10%.
• Self-Custody Wallets – A secure alternative for buying, storing, and spending crypto privately.

Future of Crypto Exchanges in Canada

Looking ahead, Canada’s crypto landscape will likely continue tightening regulations while improving consumer trust.

• FINTRAC and CSA are pushing for full proof-of-reserves transparency.
• Banks such as RBC and TD are exploring partnerships for crypto custody.
• Canada’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) research could influence how fiat on-ramps operate.

As the market matures, expect increased collaboration among regulated exchanges, banks, and wallet providers like Tangem to simplify and enhance the safety of crypto ownership for Canadians.

FAQ – Best Crypto Exchanges in Canada

What is the safest crypto exchange in Canada?

Bitbuy, NDAX, and Kraken rank among the safest exchanges due to their strict FINTRAC registration, use of cold storage, and publication of proof-of-reserves.

Which crypto exchange has the lowest fees in Canada?

NDAX charges a flat 0.2% trading fee—currently one of the lowest.

Can I use Binance in Canada?

Binance is only partially available. Some provinces restrict access due to compliance issues.

What is the most popular crypto app in Canada?

Wealthsimple Crypto and Newton are widely used by newcomers thanks to their ease of use.

Is Coinbase better than Kraken in Canada?

Coinbase is simpler for beginners, while Kraken is better for experienced traders and offers lower fees.

Does FINTRAC regulate Canadian crypto exchanges?

Yes. All legal exchanges in Canada must register as MSBs under FINTRAC and follow AML/KYC rules.

Final Thoughts

Canada offers a strong, regulated environment for crypto investing. Whether you’re trading on Bitbuy, NDAX, or Kraken, the most crucial step is protecting your assets. Once you’ve made your purchase, transfer your funds to a Tangem wallet—it’s the simplest, most secure way to hold your Bitcoin and altcoins offline.