Comparing and Selecting the Best Crypto Exchanges for Canadians: My Methodology

What Crypto Exchanges Did I Test in Canada?

As mentioned before, we tested over 60 crypto exchanges to compile the list of the best cryptocurrency exchanges for Canadians. These are some of them:

What Factors Matter Most For Canadians When Picking Crypto Exchange?

Having traded crypto since 2016 and tested over 60 crypto exchanges specifically for Canadian users, I've developed a clear understanding of what really matters when choosing a crypto platform in Canada. Based on my research and survey data from Canadian crypto traders, I've identified the key factors that should guide your decision.

What's the most important factor for you when picking a crypto exchange

Safety and Security (41% Priority)

Security tops the list for good reason – I've seen too many Canadian crypto traders lose funds to hacks and exchange failures. This factor is crucial for everyone, regardless of your trading experience or investment size. When evaluating exchanges, I look for platforms that store at least 90% of digital assets in cold storage and offer insurance coverage for Canadians. I also verify they have robust security measures like two-factor authentication, wallet whitelisting, and email notifications for account activity.

Fees and Spreads (21% Priority)

Fees can quietly eat into your profits, especially if you're an active trader. Through my testing, I buy $100 worth of Bitcoin on each Canadian crypto exchange to calculate the real cost of trading. This matters most for frequent traders and those working with smaller amounts where fees represent a larger percentage of their investment. Casual, long-term holders might prioritize other factors over minimizing every basis point in fees.

Range of Coins Offered (14% Priority)

Coin selection matters depending on your trading strategy. If you're sticking to Bitcoin and Ethereum, most exchanges will serve you well. However, if you're interested in altcoins (e.g. Kaspa or Fartcoin) or day trading opportunities, you'll need a platform with diverse offerings. During my reviews, I found that only a few Canadian exchanges list more than 100 cryptocurrencies, so this becomes a differentiating factor for active traders.

Legal Compliance with Canadian Laws (8% Priority)

This is non-negotiable, regardless of your trading style. I ensure most crypto exchanges I recommend is registered with FINTRAC and follows Canadian regulations (the ones that do not are marked properly). While platforms like KuCoin might offer attractive features, they lack proper Canadian oversight. If something goes wrong – like the FTX bankruptcy – your funds won't have the same protections as regulated exchanges.

Ease of Use (7% Priority)

User experience matters most for newcomers to crypto. Advanced traders might appreciate complex interfaces with detailed charts and order books, but beginners need intuitive, straightforward platforms. I test each exchange's interface to ensure it doesn't overwhelm new users while still providing necessary functionality.

Additional Considerations

The remaining factors – customer support, brand reputation, deposit methods, staking opportunities, and OTC desk access – each matter to specific user groups. For example, OTC desks are essential if you're trading over $25,000 CAD, but irrelevant for smaller investors. Similarly, staking opportunities appeal to long-term holders looking for passive income, while day traders might prioritize superior customer support for quick issue resolution.

My Evaluation Process

When testing each exchange, I focus on practical elements that impact real-world usage:

  • Deposit Methods: I prioritize platforms accepting Interac e-Transfer with 0% fees, as this is the fastest and most cost-effective option for Canadians
  • Trading Features: I evaluate both basic features for beginners and advanced tools for experienced traders
  • Educational Resources: Not everyone enters crypto with deep technical knowledge, so I assess the quality of educational materials
  • App Performance: I analyze over 1,000 Canadian user reviews and test mobile apps on both iOS and Android
  • Customer Support: I verify response times and availability, as issues can arise when you least expect them

This comprehensive approach, built from nearly a decade of crypto trading experience and extensive testing, ensures my recommendations serve Canadian traders across all experience levels and investment strategies.

What Crypto Exchanges Are Authorized in Canada in 2025?

Canada has tough regulations for crypto exchanges operating within its borders. Typically, decisions regarding the legitimacy of these exchanges fall under the purview of FINTRAC and the Ontario Securities Commission. For instance, the OSC previously prohibited Binance and ByBit for Ontario residents. As a result, these exchanges, facing stringent FINTRAC guidelines, opted to leave the Canadian market altogether. Nonetheless, some exchanges, such as Bitget and Kucoin, continue to operate in Canada without adhering to these regulations. While it's essential to weigh the associated risks and benefits. If you want to be safe, it's good to use exchanges that follow Canadian laws. Here's a list of those exchanges we recommend, from best to worst:

Final Word

I hope this breakdown gave you a solid understanding of Canada's crypto exchange landscape and what options are available to you. Having been in this space since 2016, I've watched the industry evolve rapidly – new exchanges emerge, regulations change, and features that seem cutting-edge today become standard tomorrow.

The crypto industry moves at breakneck speed, and what's true today might shift within months. New exchanges launch, existing platforms add features, and regulatory changes can impact which services are available to Canadians. That's why staying informed isn't just helpful – it's essential for making smart trading decisions.

To keep up with the latest developments in Canada's crypto scene, I encourage you to subscribe to my email newsletter on the home page. I also regularly share insights and updates on my YouTube channel, where I break down new exchange launches, regulatory changes, and trading opportunities as they happen.

The crypto landscape in Canada is constantly evolving, and I'm here to help you navigate it with the most current information and expert analysis based on real-world testing and experience.

Author

Oleg is a Canadian citizen & crypto expert who has been trading since 2016. He started out with Coinbase, Kraken and Peer-to-Peer exchanges. After some time, centralized exchanges started charging crazy fees to their users.

He decided to review different crypto exchanges that operate in Canada and start a Youtube channel in order to educate Canadians on what kinds of things are going inside each one while giving them unbiased advice. On top of that, Oleg also has experience with NFT, airdrops, and crypto staking and he is constantly checking on new crypto assets.

His writing has been featured in popular Canadian media sources such as Toronto Sun and Ottawa Citizen. 

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