Security Compliance
Bitbuy remains one of the safest crypto exchanges for Canadians. Client assets are segregated and held predominantly in insured cold storage with custodian BitGo, protected by mandatory two-factor authentication, and verified through quarterly proof-of-reserves reporting required under CIRO oversight. Bitbuy has operated since 2016 without a hack. The Robinhood acquisition doesn't change these protections, since Robinhood stepped into Canada's existing regulatory structure rather than around it. As always, crypto itself isn't covered by CIPF, so long-term holdings belong in your own wallet.
Netcoins keeps the majority of client crypto in cold storage with custodian BitGo, whose private keys live in air-gapped offline systems, while hot wallet operations run through Fireblocks. Two-factor authentication is mandatory for withdrawals, and multi-signature wallets add another layer. Its parent company's blockchain surveillance technology monitors wallet addresses and transactions for fraud and links to criminal enterprises. Netcoins has operated since 2014 without a hack.
Bitbuy remains one of the safest crypto exchanges for Canadians. Client assets are segregated and held predominantly in insured cold storage with custodian BitGo, protected by mandatory two-factor authentication, and verified through quarterly proof-of-reserves reporting required under CIRO oversight. Bitbuy has operated since 2016 without a hack. The Robinhood acquisition, completed June 1, 2026, doesn't change these protections — Robinhood stepped into Canada's existing regulatory structure. As always, crypto itself isn't covered by CIPF, so long-term holdings belong in your own wallet.
Netcoins keeps the majority of client crypto in cold storage with custodian BitGo, whose private keys live in air-gapped offline systems, while hot wallet operations run through Fireblocks. Two-factor authentication is mandatory for withdrawals, and multi-signature wallets add another layer. Its parent company's blockchain surveillance technology monitors wallet addresses and transactions for fraud and links to criminal enterprises. Netcoins has operated since 2014 without a hack.
Bitbuy holds client assets in insured cold storage with BitGo, mandates 2FA, and publishes quarterly proof-of-reserves under CIRO requirements. Netcoins publishes full custody details: BitGo cold storage with air-gapped keys and Fireblocks for hot wallets, plus blockchain surveillance. Both platforms are transparent about their security arrangements and have clean fund-safety records.
Regulatory Compliance
Bitbuy's regulatory pedigree is among the best in Canada: it was the country's first registered crypto marketplace back in 2021, is registered with FINTRAC, and operates under CIRO oversight through the WonderFi group's registered dealer. In June 2026, Robinhood completed its C$250 million acquisition of WonderFi after CIRO approved the transfer of control, making Bitbuy part of a Nasdaq-listed company while keeping all Canadian registrations in place. The old IIROC Crypto-Asset Working Group reference is obsolete, as IIROC merged into CIRO in 2023.
Netcoins is one of the most regulated exchanges in Canada. Beyond its FINTRAC MSB registration, it has been registered as a Restricted Dealer with the Canadian securities regulators in every province since 2021, among the very first platforms to achieve this, and is working toward full investment dealer registration and CIRO membership. Its parent, BIGG Digital Assets, is publicly traded and must publish audited financial statements, adding a transparency layer most private exchanges can't match.
Bitbuy's regulatory pedigree is among the best in Canada. It was the country's first registered crypto marketplace in 2021, is registered with FINTRAC, and operates under CIRO oversight through the WonderFi/Robinhood group's registered dealer structure. On June 1, 2026, Robinhood completed its C$250 million acquisition of WonderFi after CIRO approved the transfer of control, bringing Bitbuy under Robinhood's international operations while keeping all Canadian registrations intact.
Netcoins is one of the most regulated exchanges in Canada. Beyond its FINTRAC MSB registration, it has been registered as a Restricted Dealer with the Canadian securities regulators in every province since 2021, among the very first platforms to achieve this, and is working toward full investment dealer registration and CIRO membership. Its parent, BIGG Digital Assets, is publicly traded and must publish audited financial statements, adding a transparency layer most private exchanges can't match.
Both Bitbuy and Netcoins are registered with FINTRAC and fully authorized to serve Canadians. Bitbuy operates under CIRO oversight through the Robinhood/WonderFi group; Netcoins is a CSA Restricted Dealer working toward full CIRO investment dealer registration.
Customer support
Bitbuy has FAQs and a knowledge centre on its website, with support handled through email tickets. There's no live chat or phone line, and replies can take a while for complex issues, which is a genuine weakness compared to competitors like NDAX or Netcoins that offer real-time channels. Bitbuy account holders should also watch their inbox for Robinhood migration communications and review new terms carefully before accepting them.
Netcoins offers email, live chat and phone support seven days a week, and phone support remains rare among crypto exchanges. Its reputation for customer service is strong, with reviewers consistently praising the fast, human support and quick verification, though some negative reviews cite blocked withdrawals during compliance checks. Check the live Trustpilot page for the current rating before quoting a number.
Bitbuy has FAQs and a knowledge centre on its website, with support handled through email tickets. There's no live chat or phone line, and replies can take a while for complex issues — a genuine weakness compared to competitors like NDAX or Netcoins that offer real-time channels. Bitbuy account holders should watch their inbox for Robinhood migration communications and review new terms carefully before accepting them.
Netcoins offers email, live chat and phone support seven days a week, and phone support remains rare among crypto exchanges. Its reputation for customer service is strong, with reviewers consistently praising the fast, human support and quick verification, though some negative reviews cite blocked withdrawals during compliance checks.
Netcoins' seven-days-a-week phone, chat and email support is a clear advantage over Bitbuy's email-only model. For users going through the Robinhood migration or with complex questions, Bitbuy's email-only channel is a friction point.
Conclusion
Both Bitbuy and Netcoins are strong, well-regulated Canadian exchanges, and the right choice depends on what you value.
Bitbuy is the stronger pick for Canadians who want staking on nine coins, an OTC desk, Express and Pro trading platforms in one app, and the backing of a Nasdaq-listed company under CIRO oversight. Its C$2.1 billion in Canadian assets under custody and decade-long clean security record are real strengths. The near-term trade-off is migration uncertainty — new fees, a new interface and new terms are coming under the Robinhood platform, and users should read those communications carefully. The 39% staking cut is also the highest in Canada.
Netcoins is the stronger pick for Canadians who want a Canadian-focused platform with phone and live chat support seven days a week, a Visa card with 3% bitcoin cashback, credit card purchases via Simplex, USD support, and the transparency of a publicly traded parent company. The flat 0.5% fee plus spread is clear and predictable, and the instant automated verification is one of the fastest account-open experiences in Canada.
We recommend Bitbuy for Canadians who want staking and CIRO-supervised custody with Robinhood backing, and Netcoins for those who want phone support, a Visa card and a locally focused platform. By using our referral links, you get $50 on Bitbuy and $25 on Netcoins, and support us in conducting comprehensive independent analyses of crypto trading options for Canadians.
If you find that neither Bitbuy nor Netcoins meets your requirements, we encourage you to explore our monthly-updated list of the best exchanges for Canadians to trade crypto.
