Summary: The best way to buy Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in Canada is through a trusted and regulated digital asset trading platform in the country. With this method, you can deposit Canadian Dollars (CAD) via Interac e-Transfer, or debit card & credit card to buy and sell cryptocurrencies.
For investors looking to get started quickly, we recommend the Bitbuy platform. They are Canada's largest and most trusted exchange that offers a wide selection of assets, crypto staking and more.
Best Crypto Exchange in Canada
- Fast and cheap Canadian Dollar (CAD) deposits from any bank. Interac e-Transfer, Credit Card & Bank Wire available.
- Trade 100+ Cryptocurrencies with low fees and Stake 30+ coins
- Regulated by FINTRAC and approved by the Ontario Securities Commission.
How to buy Bitcoin or Crypto in Canada
Buying Bitcoin in Canada is much easier than many people think. All you need to do is select a regulated exchange in Canada like Bitbuy, create an account, deposit Canadian Dollars (CAD) and you are ready to buy.
Follow our simple 4 step guide to start investing in digital assets:
- Sign up to the Bitbuy exchange and verify your personal or company information.
- Deposit Canadian Dollars from any bank account via Bank Transfer (Interac e-Transfer).
- Find the crypto asset you want to buy on the Bitbuy platform.
- Input the amount of Canadian Dollars you ant to invest and select 'Buy'.
Is buying Crypto or Bitcoin legal in Canada?
Yes buying Bitcoin is legal in Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency has recently provided clarity and classified Bitcoin as a commodity - stating that the use of Bitcoin to pay for goods and services is to be considered a barter transaction. Canada’s tax laws and rules, such as the Income Tax Act, also apply to Bitcoin/crypto transactions.
#1 Crypto Exchange in Canada
Established in 2017, Bitbuy is one of the oldest and most trusted Bitcoin exchanges in Canada. Their platform is secure and regulated by FINTRAC and Canada, making them a licensed digital asset brokerage platform.
Their platform allows you to buy, sell and store Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Sushiswap, Uniswap, AAVE and 40 other cryptocurrenices. Their platform currently services over 400,000 Canadian's, making it the most popular exchange in the country.
Pros
- Offers over 100 different cryptocurrencies
- Low fees starting at 0.1%
- Regulated trading platform with audited proof of reserves
- Clean and easy to use iOS/Android App
- Fast and cheap CAD deposits via Interac e-Transfer
Cons
- User interface looks and feels outdated
- Limited product offering
Best Alternative Crypto Exchanges in Canada
In addition to Bitbuy, there are a number of other reliable exchanges for buying Bitcoin and digital assets in Canada. We have outline the top 5 alternatives to Bitbuy below for investors looking to do more diligence. All platforms hold the same regulatory standing as Bitbuy and are available to users in Canada.
- Coinsquare - Coinsquare is Canada's premier bitcoin exchange with low fees and a wide variety of digital currencies available. They are the #1 choice for institutional investors.
- CoinSmart - CoinSmart is a trusted Canadian cryptocurrency exchange allowing users to easily buy, sell, trade, and store over 20 different cryptocurrencies.
- Newton - Newton is a secure cryptocurrency exchange based in Canada allowing users to buy Bitcoin and Ethereum with CAD. They have competitive rates and fast transaction processing times.
- Coinberry - Coinberry is a Canadian based cryptocurrency exchange allowing users to safely buy Bitcoin and Ethereum with CAD.
- Wealthsimple - Wealthsimple is a Canadian multi-asset broker with low fees and user friendly interface. They offer quick deposits and withdrawals so users can easily trade crypto, stocks, ETFs, commodities and more in one platform.
Buying Bitcoin OTC in Canada
If you are a high-net-worth individual or institution looking to buy Bitcoin shares (over $100,000 CAD) - we recommend you check out a Bitcoin over-the-counter (OTC) desk in Canada. Bitcoin OTC desks offer a personalized and secure service that allows you to buy over $100,000 CAD worth of Bitcoin without worrying about getting a bad price.
Buy Bitcoin Bank recommends Coinsquare as the go to OTC desk for Bitcoin in Canada.
Tax Implications for Bitcoin Investing
The Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) has recently declared that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are taxable as commodities as opposed to traditional currencies. This means that Bitcoin transactions are viewed as barter transactions.
With respect to profits from trading or selling Bitcoin in Canada, this is considered capital gains. This is largely due to the fact that only a part of that profit will be taxable at the applicable rate.
Meaning you will only be taxed the amount that you profited from the transaction, for example:
- John buys 1 Bitcoin in Canada at $30,000 CAD
- John then sells that same Bitcoin for $50,000 CAD
- The taxable amount is the $20,000 profit on 1 Bitcoin
Is it possible to buy Bitcoin with PayPal?
Unfortunately no major cryptocurrency exchange in Canada let users deposit Canadian Dollars with PayPal to buy digital assets. The only way you can reliably fund an account is through a trusted bank account like TD Bank or RBC Bank.
Central Bank of Canada's Stance on Crypto
The Central Bank of Canada has taken a clear stance on crypto assets, stating that they are not considered legal tender in Canada. The bank has also warned investors about the risks associated with investing in these assets, cautioning that they are subject to high price volatility and are not backed by any government or regulatory body.
Despite this, the Central Bank of Canada has acknowledged the potential of blockchain technology and is currently exploring its use case in the country's financial sector.
Final Thoughts
Bitcoin investing in Canada has grown significantly over the last few years, as more and more people are becoming aware of its potential and benefits. Canadians can access a variety of exchanges to purchase Bitcoin and other digital assets, and while there are some risks involved it is important to do your research before investing. Be sure to only invest what you can afford to lose, and always consult with a financial advisor who is experienced in cryptocurrency investing.
Additionally, it is important to be mindful of the tax implications associated with Bitcoin investing in Canada. The Canadian Revenue Agency has declared that trading or selling Bitcoin for profit is considered capital gains, which means only the difference between what you paid and what you sold it for will be taxed at the applicable rate.
We hope this guide has helped to shed some light on Bitcoin investing in Canada and provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
