Compare Canada’s Crypto Exchanges

A detailed overview of crypto exchanges available in Canada. This page has been maintained since 2021, tracking 20+ platforms across 60+ features. Data is updated regularly but may change.

NDAX

Best overall with low fees.

Kraken Pro

Low fees with more altcoins.

Bitget

Best overall if you fund with crypto.

Top Picks

Having tested over 50 CEXs and DEXs over the years, we present our best crypto exchanges in Canada. See our awards to find more information.

NDAX

NDAX is Canada's best crypto exchange if you just want to buy Bitcoin with the lowest fees possible.

  • Lowest fees to buy Bitcoin
  • Free e-transfer deposits
  • Based in Canada
  • Low volume on some altcoins
  • Only 37 coins
Kraken Pro

Kraken Pro is the cheapest Canadian exchange for altcoins. It has high volume and supports CAD deposits.

  • Billions in trading volume
  • Interac e-Transfers
  • 400+ coins
  • Mostly USD trading pairs
  • $10 to withdraw CAD
BYDFi

BYDFi is the best no KYC, no VPN exchange to trade altcoins and crypto futures. A good Binance and KuCoin alternative.

  • 500+ Coins
  • No KYC, No VPN
  • Up to 200x Leverage
  • No fiat trading pairs
  • Not beginner friendly
Bitget

Bitget is the best exchange for altcoins and futures trading with low fees. Canadians can surprisingly join with KYC.

  • 750+ coins and futures
  • Great reputation
  • 0.10% trading fees
  • No fiat trading pairs
  • Not beginner friendly

Read Review

Newton.co

Newton has an amazing UX for beginners and 70+ coins. It was our 2022 Winner, but their spread fees went up a lot since then.

  • $5 off crypto withdrawals
  • Free e-transfer deposits
  • Sleek user interface
  • High spreads on small coins
  • Spread fees increased

Learn More

Tips to Choose a Crypto Exchange

No matter what kind of investor you are, there are 5 common criteria when choosing a crypto exchange:

  • Robust Security: Assess all of the safety measures ranging from the cold storage policy to the company reputation.
  • Fees: Consider trading fees, spreads, liquidity, deposit and withdrawal fees, and the fees for the features you'll be using.
  • Cryptocurrency Selection & Features: Some platforms only focus on cryptocurrency trading, while others have dozens of services like trading bots, NFT marketplaces, crypto reward cards, and more.
  • User Experience: Consider the user interface, customer support, and overall experience in order to have a positive experience.
  • Deposits & Withdrawals: Look for hassle-free ways to transfer money quickly, reliably and cheaply.

More Info

How To Sign Up For An Exchange

Canadian KYC requirements require you to verify your identity, similar to opening a bank account. However, DEXs, some offshore exchanges and Bitcoin ATMs offer more anonymous ways to purchase digital assets. Here is how to sign up for most Canadian-based exchanges:

  1. Visit the exchange and sign up
  2. Verify your email address and start the application
  3. Verify your identity (Name, address, photo of government-issued ID)
  4. Take a selfie photo on your phone
  5. Most people will be automatically approved here unless you are flagged for manual approval.
  6. Take a short risk assessment quiz
  7. Deposit funds and start trading

Some companies have a more intrusive KYC process while others are more seamless and privacy focused.

What Are The Different Types Of Crypto Exchanges?

There are many different types of crypto exchanges, but there are three popular one:

1. Centralized Exchanges (CEX)

A Centralized Exchange lets you trade crypto through a trusted intermediary. CEXs are the most common way to trade crypto and Coinbase and Crypto.com are examples of centralized platforms. CEXs are generally useful for user-friendliness, fiat on-ramps, high liquidity, customer support and licenses and regulations. The downsides can be censorship, less security, no anonymity and less tokens.

2. Decentralized Exchanges (DEX)

Decentralized Exchange is a peer-to-peer marketplace where you can trade crypto without middle men or intermediaries. DEXs run on smart contracts and are useful because you can trade quickly without KYC, stay in control of your private keys, get access to more tokens, and stay anonymous. The largest DEX right now is Uniswap which is built on the Ethereum blockchain.

3. Non-Custodial Exchanges

Non-Custodial Exchanges do not have access to users coins. All purchases are sent directly to the users crypto wallet, making them more safer than most custodial excahnges

Is It Safe To Leave Crypto On An Exchange?

Crypto exchanges are the least secure places for storing crypto, since they are a big target for hackers. While they are convenient for trading and having easy access to your funds, you should hold as little money as possible with third parties. The safest way to store your crypto is offline using a hardware wallet.

Which Crypto Exchanges Don't Ask For ID?

Decentralized Exchanges are the best way to trade crypto without ID. Platforms like Uniswap, PancakeSwap and many others are popular examples. Many centralized exchanges have optional ID as well, but it's important to do your research to stay safe.

How Often Is This Page Updated?

Every year we do an annual review where every data point is updated. However, we also make small updates at least once a week because new features are always rolling out. All of the info on this site is 100% free.

How Is This Info Collected?

At RankFi, we manually sign up for every crypto exchange and pass KYC to collect this info. Sometimes the company websites are outdated or don't show all the details. That's why we sign up so you don't have to.

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