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Bitcoin Well vs. Crypto.com: What Works Better For Canadians in 2024

Oleg Galeev

Last updated October 10, 2024

When diving into the cryptocurrency landscape in Canada, two exchanges stand out prominently: Bitcoin Well and Crypto.com. While Bitcoin Well has established its reputation as a trusted platform primarily for Bitcoin enthusiasts, Crypto.com offers a more expansive suite of services, extending beyond just cryptocurrency trading.

Description

Bitcoin Well is a Canadian bitcoin platform that gives customers the choice of buying bitcoin online through their bank or with cash at one of their roughly 200 Bitcoin ATMs across Canada. Every purchase is sent directly to the customer's own wallet, and the platform never takes custody of your coins. Bitcoin Well has also expanded into the US, where its online portal operates in all 50 states.

Crypto.com is one of the world's largest crypto platforms, with over 140 million users globally, and one of the few global exchanges fully registered to operate in Canada. It offers its own coin (CRO), staking, prepaid Visa crypto cards with cashback, and an all-in-one app suitable for Canadians looking for an easy way to buy crypto.

Coins

Bitcoin only, with full Lightning Network support for buying, selling and even paying bills.

400+ globally, though the selection for Canadians is somewhat smaller since regulated platforms must restrict certain assets. Notably, USDT is not available to Canadians following CSA stablecoin guidance.

Fees

The online portal charges a 1.2% spread on buys, sells and bill payments, with no withdrawal, account or hidden fees. In your dashboard you can pick your blockchain fee setting: choose the free batched option if you don't mind waiting a few hours, or pay a priority fee if you need your bitcoin right away. Lightning transactions skip miner fees entirely. Cash vouchers carry higher costs (a 4% funding fee plus a 3% spread), and ATM purchases carry typical ATM premiums.

  • Free CAD deposits via Interac e-Transfer
  • Variable withdrawal fees by coin
  • Send crypto to other Crypto.com users for free
  • App purchases are priced with a spread built in, while the exchange uses tiered maker/taker fees that drop with 30-day volume and CRO lockup

Pros

  • Immediate self-custody of assets
  • Option to buy bitcoin with cash at ATMs or via cash vouchers
  • Buy online with Interac e-Transfer, wire transfer or bill payment from your bank
  • Lightning Network support for instant, near-free transactions
  • Sell bitcoin directly from your own wallet
  • Pay bills and buy gift cards with bitcoin
  • Public company (TSXV: BTCW), which offers transparency
  • One of only two major global exchanges registered as a restricted dealer in Canada, across every province and territory
  • Wide range of coins
  • Suitable for beginners and pro traders
  • Interac e-Transfer available with free deposits
  • Visa cards with CRO cashback
  • Staking available
  • 20+ fiat currencies supported

Cons

  • Only Bitcoin available
  • 1.2% spread is not the cheapest in Canada
  • No advanced order types
  • Customer service is a common complaint, chat-based and often slow
  • App pricing includes a spread on top of quoted fees
  • USDT delisted for Canadians, and no margin or leverage products under restricted dealer conditions
  • Some altcoins subject to annual purchase limits in smaller provinces

Account Limits

  • Personalized limits shown in your account dashboard
  • Transactions of $50,000 or more go through Bitcoin Well Infinite, their OTC desk with a dedicated advisor for high-value transfers
 
 

As a registered restricted dealer, Crypto.com applies regulator-required limits: residents outside Ontario, BC, Alberta and Quebec face an annual net purchase limit (around $30,000) on non-major altcoins, while BTC, ETH and other major assets are unlimited everywhere.

Methods to buy

  • Interac e-Transfer
  • Wire transfer
  • Bill payment from your online banking
  • Cash via Bitcoin ATMs
  • Cash vouchers
  • Interac e-Transfer
  • Debit/credit card
  • Crypto deposits

Security

As a public company Bitcoin Well has a duty to be transparent with its investors and adhere to all Canadian regulations. Additionally, since you always take full custody of your bitcoin, you do not need to worry much about platform security, because your coins are never sitting on an exchange in the first place.

  • Customer crypto held predominantly in cold storage via institutional-grade custody
  • Multi-factor authentication and mandatory whitelisting of withdrawal addresses
  • Large third-party insurance coverage for custodied assets
  • SOC 2 and ISO security certifications

Mobile and Desktop Trading

Bitcoin Well offers a user-centric desktop interface, tailor-made for both beginners and seasoned traders. While specific app ratings weren't provided, it's evident that the platform ensures a comprehensive trading experience on the desktop. Crypto.com, on the other hand, boasts a feature-packed mobile app. With a rating of 4.5 stars from 162,000 reviews on the Apple App Store and a 4.5-star rating from 490,000 reviews on Google Play, it has solidified its stance in mobile trading. Its desktop version, although rich in features, might require a slight learning curve for novices.

Bitcoin Well

Bitcoin Well has a simple website since most transactions happen either in person at a Bitcoin ATM or through your bank. Once your account is verified, you get full access to your online dashboard, where you can set blockchain fee preferences, manage recurring buys and pay bills.

Transaction limits on Bitcoin Well

Setting up the account with Bitcoin Well

Crypto.com

In the Crypto.com app, users can buy and sell crypto easily, stake, apply for a Visa card, track favourite coins, and withdraw to external wallets. It's an all-in-one platform that's genuinely beginner-friendly. For advanced tools, the separate Crypto.com Exchange offers deeper charting and order types at lower fees, though its interface can overwhelm beginners. Most Canadians will only ever need the app.

Crypto.com advanced trading view

Advanced Desktop Trade

List of coins available for trading on Crypto.com desktop app

List of coins

Crypto.com app interface

Crypto.com app interface

Crypto com app while trading

Crypto.com app interface while trading

Security Compliance

As a public company Bitcoin Well has a duty to be transparent with its investors and adhere to all Canadian regulations. Additionally, since you always take full custody of your bitcoin, you do not need to worry too much about the security measures of the platform, since you hold your bitcoin yourself. 

Crypto.com is a highly secure exchange by industry standards: cold storage custody, two-factor authentication, encrypted user data, mandatory withdrawal address whitelisting with email confirmation, and substantial insurance coverage on custodied assets. For balance, it did suffer a hack in January 2022, when roughly $34 million was taken from around 483 accounts, but Crypto.com fully reimbursed affected users and overhauled its security in response, and there have been no comparable incidents since. As always, we recommend moving long-term holdings to your own crypto wallet.

Safety is paramount in the digital currency world. Bitcoin Well prioritizes user security with features like multi-factor authentication, cold storage solutions, and persistent monitoring. Crypto.com showcases an impeccable security record. With 100% of customers’ funds in cold storage and mandatory 2FA for withdrawals, it places a high emphasis on user safety.

Regulatory Compliance

Bitcoin Well is registered with FINTRAC (registration M19811620) and with Revenu Québec, and is fully legal in Canada. As a company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, it also publishes audited financials, a level of transparency almost no other Canadian bitcoin platform offers.

Crypto.com is among the most regulated crypto platforms available to Canadians. It was the first platform to sign a Pre-registration Undertaking with the CSA and OSC in August 2022, and in May 2025 it received restricted dealer registration in every province and territory, making it only the second major global exchange after Coinbase to reach this status. It's now working toward full investment dealer registration and CIRO membership. It's also registered with FINTRAC, and globally holds a MiCA license in the EU, US money transmitter licenses, and licenses in Singapore, the UK and Dubai.

In terms of regulatory compliance within Canada, both platforms are commendable. Bitcoin Well operates within the Canadian regulatory framework, emphasizing transparency and adherence to the nation's legal standards. Meanwhile, Crypto.com has made a significant stride by becoming the first global crypto exchange to pre-register with the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), reinforcing its commitment to Canadian users.

Customer support

Bitcoin Well runs an in-house Canadian support team available around the clock, and you can browse their help centre, open a support ticket, or even call or text their team. Most crypto platforms do not offer a phone number, so this is a big plus. Their Trustpilot rating sits around 4 stars across a modest number of reviews.

Crypto.com's customer support remains its weakest area: users love the app, security and coin range, but support is chat and ticket-based and can be slow for complex issues. On the education front, the platform now offers Crypto.com University with courses and articles for beginners, so our earlier criticism about missing educational resources no longer applies.

The essence of an efficient trading platform isn't just in its tech prowess but also its user support. Bitcoin Well understands this sentiment, providing stellar customer support ready to assist with a multitude of concerns. In contrast, Crypto.com faces some criticism regarding its customer service, with reviews pointing towards a somewhat slow response and lack of educational resources.

Conclusion

Both Bitcoin Well and Crypto.com have carved niches for themselves in the Canadian cryptocurrency domain. However, while Crypto.com offers an expansive range of services, Bitcoin Well's emphasis on user experience, dedicated customer support, and strict compliance with Canadian regulations makes it a preferable choice for many. If one had to choose based on an all-rounded experience, Bitcoin Well would emerge as the winner.

Bitcoin Well stands out from Crypto.com with its Recurring Buy feature, allowing users to automate Bitcoin purchases at set intervals. This is especially helpful for those wanting to invest gradually over time without manually handling each transaction. In addition, Bitcoin Well has expanded its services to cater not only to Canadian customers but also to the USA, broadening its reach across North America. These developments set it apart, especially for users focused solely on Bitcoin and long-term investment strategies.

When comparing Crypto.com to other exchanges, it's essential to note that Crypto.com stands out by offering over 350 cryptocurrencies, making it one of the most comprehensive platforms available. It also provides a Visa card with customizable cashback rates and different card types to suit user preferences. Additionally, Crypto.com’s robust DeFi services and competitive staking options, with regularly updated APY rates, make it a versatile choice for investors. Furthermore, its security certifications, such as SOC2 and ISO standards, further enhance its appeal by ensuring a high level of safety and trustworthiness.

We recommend choosing Bitcoin Well over Crypto.com for your cryptocurrency trading needs. By opting for Bitcoin Well through our referral link, you support us in conducting comprehensive independent analyses of crypto trading options for Canadians.

If you find that neither Bitcoin Well nor Crypto.com meets your requirements, we encourage you to explore our monthly-updated list of the best exchanges for Canadians to trade crypto. This list provides a range of alternative options that may better suit your specific needs and preferences.

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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