In our previous article, we covered how to buy bitcoin in Canada. While many people aim to hold Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for the long term, it’s always a good idea to take profits when possible.
There could be a million reasons why you might want to sell bitcoin, but it’s not always obvious how to do it. Depending on how you bought bitcoin in the first place, there are several ways you can sell bitcoins in Canada. There are exchanges, peer-to-peer websites, and other ways you can sell. If you’d like to know more, read on for our guide about how to sell cryptocurrency in Canada.
1. Sell Bitcoin Through Canadian Crypto Exchanges
When you first buy bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, you’ll usually have to sign up to a Canadian crypto exchange. This process involves verifying your account and depositing funds or buying crypto with a credit or debit card.
To sell bitcoin in Canada, one of the easiest ways is to use the same crypto exchange where you bought your crypto. Since you’re already signed up and verified, the process will be quick. However, if there’s no option to sell and transfer the money to your bank account, then you can simply transfer your bitcoin to one of the crypto exchanges listed below to cash out bitcoin in Canada.
To sell cryptocurrency in Canada using any of these exchanges, first login to your account then follow the steps:
Sell Cryptocurrency On Bitbuy: Step-By-Step
- Go to ‘express trade’
- Click ‘sell’
- Select the crypto you want to sell
- Enter the amount and confirm the sale
- Go back to your wallet
- Click ’withdraw’ next to Canadian dollars
- Preview and confirm withdrawal to your bank account
Sell Cryptocurrency On Ndax: Step-By-Step
- Go to Quick Buy/Sell
- Select the coin you wish to sell
- Enter the crypto and amount you want to sell for CAD
- Click on it, review, and confirm
- Click “Confirm selling”
Sell Cryptocurrency On Coinberry: Step-By-Step
- Select buy/sell
- Enter amount
- Select ‘preview order’
- Click ‘sell now’
- Go to ‘withdraw’
- Select Interac e-Transfer or wire transfer
- Enter the amount
- Preview and ensure email is correct
- Click send
Sell Cryptocurrency On Newton: Step-By-Step
- On the right, click trade
- Select crypto to CAD
- Enter amount to sell
- Click ‘review trade’
- Preview and click ‘Sell *name of the coin*’
- On the right, click up arrow (withdraw)
- Select Interac e-Transfer or bank transfer
- Enter amount of CAD and email address
- Click “Withdraw” and review withdrawal
- Click confirm
Sell Cryptocurrency On Coinfield: Step-By-Step
- Go to trade
- Select ‘quick trade’
- Select sell
- Click on your crypto you want to sell
- Enter amount and select CAD
- Click sell
- Go to Wallets
- Select ‘transfer’
- Next to CAD select withdraw
- Choose Interac e-Transfer or bank transfer
- Enter amount
- Select withdraw
Sell Cryptocurrency On Coinsmart: Step-By-Step
- Click ‘buy/sell/trade’
- Click ‘sell’
- Select your crypto
- Enter amount
- Click review
- Click sell
- Go to wallet
- Click fiat
- Select CAD and click withdraw
- Ensure details are correct
- Confirm
2. Sell Bitcoin and Other Crypto On Peer-to-peer Exchanges
If you’d rather not use a crypto exchange to cash out bitcoin in Canada, you can use a peer-to-peer exchange like Localbitcoins. Here, you can sell bitcoin to another person. Trades are quick, and you can sell bitcoin in Canada without having to go through a KYC process.
How to sell bitcoin in Canada using Localbitcoins:
- Select ‘quick sell’
- Enter the amount in CAD and click search
- Find an offer that has the withdrawal method you want (e.g. Interac)
- Click sell
- Enter the amount you want to sell
- Enter your email address
- Click ‘send trade request’
- Buyer has a set time to send your money before trade is cancelled
- Your bitcoin is held in escrow until you are paid
- Once you’ve been paid, click ‘release bitcoins’
- You can leave a ‘trust’ review for your buyer to give them feedback
If you’re looking for a quick cash payment without signing up then you can use FastBTC to sell bitcoin in Canada. Here, you simply enter your email address where you want to receive the Interac e-Transfer, scan the QR code and send your bitcoin, then wait for your cash payment.
Cash Out Crypto Via Gift Cards and Charity
There are other ways to cash out cryptocurrency in Canada without having to sell. Some people choose to gift their crypto away so it does not count as income for you or the receiver. The less income you have, the lower your taxes. However, you could still be liable for capital gains tax if the price of the crypto increased in the time you bought it the time you gifted it. When the receiver sells they will also be liable for any capital gains.
Other people cash out their cryptocurrency using gift cards. The most popular and reliable service for Canadians to do that is Coingate. Keep in mind that buying a gift card with crypto counts as a taxable event and you could be liable for capital gains tax. However, buying gift cards for someone else with crypto can be considered a gift as well, so the receiver won’t incur income tax and it can lower your income tax overall.
Some good gift card options that accept cryptocurrency payments include Coingate and Coincards.
You could also give some of your crypto to charity, which could lower your income tax for the year. However, charitable contributions with crypto are not exempt from capital gains tax.
4. Spend Crypto In Canada
Another way to cash out bitcoin in Canada is to spend it on websites such as Newegg or Overstock. These websites accept several cryptocurrencies as payment including bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin and Litecoin. Remember that buying anything with crypto could incur capital gains tax.
For other ways to spend bitcoin in Canada, see our previous article.
5. Use Bitcoin ATM to Sell Crypto In Canada
Another way to sell cryptocurrency in Canada is to use a bitcoin ATM. There are thousands of bitcoin ATMs all over the world, so finding one is not difficult. To sell cryptocurrency in Canada using a bitcoin ATM, simply use the touch screen and follow the instructions. Bear in mind that there are many different ATMs with different processes. For some, you may have to scan your ID, and others you won’t. The basic process goes like this:
- On the ATM, select ‘withdraw’ or ‘sell’
- Enter your phone number
- Enter SMS verification code
- Select your crypto
- Enter amount or select ‘other’ and enter amount
- Click ‘finish’
- Open your wallet app on your phone
- Select your crypto and go to transfer or send
- Enter the exact amount of crypto as stated on ATM and withdraw
- Scan the QR code on the ATM
- Send the crypto from your wallet
- Click confirm on the ATM
- Take your receipt from the ATM
- Wait for SMS notification that says your crypto is ready (could take minutes or hours)
- Click ‘redeem’ on ATM
- Enter phone number
- Enter SMS verification code
- Enter redemption code on receipt
- Click ‘finish’
- Take your cash and receipt from ATM
When you’re looking to cash out bitcoin in Canada, we recommend using a crypto exchange. They are safe, offer the lowest fees, and you can withdraw Canadian dollars straight to your bank account. If you choose to spend crypto or gift it, be mindful of taxes you will be liable for. You can find out more about crypto taxes in Canada in our tax guide.