Best Canadian Online Brokers 2025
Written by: Theo MacDonald
Top Cryptocurrency Trading Platforms in Canada
4.9 / 5
FREE to buy and sell
100% FREE
Canada’s Best Overall Broker: Free Trading, $0 Account Fees, Best Online Platform, Superb Services, Rated #1 by The Globe and Mail
4.9 / 5
Free to buy and sell
$0 - only ECN fees
Runner Up Best Broker: Best Options Trading, Advanced Data Streams, Customer Service Lacking
4.9 / 5
$9.99 per ETF trade
$9.99 ($7 for Active Traders)
Best Big Bank Brokerage: Excellent Platform. A+ Globe and Mail Rating. Good Convenience. High Fees.
4.9 / 5
Free to buy and sell
$0 - only ECN fees
Canada’s Best Overall Broker: Free Trading, $0 Account Fees, Best Online Platform, Superb Services, Rated #1 by The Globe and Mail
4.9 / 5
FREE to buy and sell
$0 - only ECN fees
Runner Up Best Broker: Best Options Trading, Advanced Data Streams, Customer Service Lacking
4.9 / 5
$9.99 per ETF trade
$9.99 ($7 for Active Traders)
Runner Up Best Broker: Best Options Trading, Advanced Data Streams, Customer Service Lacking
4.9 / 5
Free to buy and sell
$0 - only ECN fees
Best Big Bank Brokerage: Excellent Platform. A+ Globe and Mail Rating. Good Convenience. High Fees.
4.9 / 5
FREE to buy and sell
100% FREE
Runner Up Best Broker: Best Options Trading, Advanced Data Streams, Customer Service Lacking
4.9 / 5
Free to buy and sell
$0 - only ECN fees
Canada’s Best Overall Broker: Free Trading, $0 Account Fees, Best Online Platform, Superb Services, Rated #1 by The Globe and Mail
4.9 / 5
$9.99 per ETF trade
$9.99 ($7 for Active Traders)
Best Big Bank Brokerage: Excellent Platform. A+ Globe and Mail Rating. Good Convenience. High Fees.
4.9 / 5
FREE to buy and sell
$0 - only ECN fees
Runner Up Best Broker: Best Options Trading, Advanced Data Streams, Customer Service Lacking
4.8 / 5
$9.99 per ETF trade
$9.99 ($7 for Active Traders)
Runner Up Best Broker: Best Options Trading, Advanced Data Streams, Customer Service Lacking
4.8 / 5
FREE to buy and sell
$0 - only ECN fees
50 Free Trades via TD Easy Trade
4.8 / 5
Free to buy and sell
100% FREE
Best Big Bank Brokerage: Excellent Platform. A+ Globe and Mail Rating. Good Convenience. High Fees.
4.8 / 5
$9.99 per ETF trade
100% FREE
Canada’s Best Overall Broker: Free Trading, $0 Account Fees, Best Online Platform, Superb Services, Rated #1 by The Globe and Mail
4.8 / 5
FREE to buy and sell
$9.99 ($7 for Active Traders)
Runner Up Best Broker: Best Options Trading, Advanced Data Streams, Customer Service Lacking
4.8 / 5
$9.99 per ETF trade
$0 - only ECN fees
Canada’s Best Overall Broker: Free Trading, $0 Account Fees, Best Online Platform, Superb Services, Rated #1 by The Globe and Mail
4.7 / 5
Free to buy and sell
$0 - only ECN fees
Best Big Bank Brokerage: Excellent Platform. A+ Globe and Mail Rating. Good Convenience. High Fees.
4.7 / 5
FREE to buy and sell
100% FREE
Runner Up Best Broker: Best Options Trading, Advanced Data Streams, Customer Service Lacking
4.7 / 5
$9.99 per ETF trade
$0 - only ECN fees
Canada’s Best Overall Broker: Free Trading, $0 Account Fees, Best Online Platform, Superb Services, Rated #1 by The Globe and Mail
4.7 / 5
$9.99 per ETF trade
$0 - only ECN fees
Canada’s Best Overall Broker: Free Trading, $0 Account Fees, Best Online Platform, Superb Services, Rated #1 by The Globe and Mail
4.6 / 5
Free to buy and sell
100% FREE
Best Big Bank Brokerage: Excellent Platform. A+ Globe and Mail Rating. Good Convenience. High Fees.
Key Considerations for Canadian Crypto Traders
Before diving into specific platforms, understanding the fundamental criteria for selection is essential for Canadian investors.
Regulatory Compliance and Security
Regulation is paramount. Platforms registered as Restricted Dealers with the CSA and FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada) are subject to regulatory standards that offer a layer of security and trust.
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CSA Registration: Look for platforms that are officially registered to operate in Canadian provinces and territories. This often means they comply with stricter operational and financial requirements.
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FINTRAC Registration: Registration as a Money Service Business (MSB) with FINTRAC is standard for crypto exchanges handling fiat currency transactions.
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Security Measures: The best exchanges employ industry-leading security, including two-factor authentication (2FA), holding a majority of assets in cold storage (offline wallets), and having insurance policies.
Fees and Pricing Structure
Fees can significantly impact trading profitability, especially for high-volume traders. Platforms typically charge fees in a few ways:
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Trading Fees (Maker/Taker): These are charged for executing a trade. A Maker order adds liquidity to the exchange, while a Taker order removes it. These fees are often volume-tiered.
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Spreads: Some exchanges, particularly those geared towards beginners, offer “zero commission” but build their profit into the spread—the difference between the asset’s buy and sell price.
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Deposit/Withdrawal Fees: Fees for depositing or withdrawing Canadian dollars (CAD) or cryptocurrencies. Free CAD deposits via Interac e-Transfer are highly desirable.
Asset Selection and Features
The variety of cryptocurrencies and the availability of advanced trading features can dictate a platform’s suitability.
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Cryptocurrency Variety: Beginner investors may only need access to major assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), but advanced users often seek a wider selection of altcoins.
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Advanced Trading Tools: Features like limit orders, stop-loss orders, and access to advanced charting (e.g., TradingView integration) are vital for active traders.
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Staking and Earning: The ability to earn passive income through staking or yield programs is a major draw for long-term investors.
Top Cryptocurrency Trading Platforms in Canada
Several platforms stand out for their blend of security, low fees, and user experience for Canadian users.
Bitbuy
Bitbuy is a Canadian-based exchange, highly regarded for its security and commitment to the Canadian market. It offers a straightforward experience for new users while providing a professional platform for advanced traders.
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Best For: Canadian-focused reliability and security.
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Key Features: Two distinct interfaces: Bitbuy Express for simple, instant trades, and Bitbuy Pro for advanced market/limit orders. It is registered with the CSA.
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CAD Deposits: Offers free Interac e-Transfer deposits.
Wealthsimple Crypto
As a division of the popular Canadian financial services company Wealthsimple, this platform excels in user experience and integration with traditional investment accounts.
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Best For: Beginners and existing Wealthsimple users looking for a simple, all-in-one financial app.
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Key Features: Integration with stocks, ETFs, and managed portfolios. Extremely easy-to-use mobile app. It was Canada’s first regulated crypto platform.
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Fee Structure: Zero commission, but revenue is generated via a built-in spread (typically between 1.5% and 2.0%).
Coinbase
Coinbase is a globally recognized and publicly traded exchange that offers a massive selection of assets and a highly intuitive interface, making it a favorite for global and Canadian retail investors.
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Best For: Broad asset selection and a highly reputable, beginner-friendly global brand.
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Key Features: Excellent security track record, educational content, and the ability to earn rewards on certain assets like USDC. Offers both a simple and an Advanced Trade platform for different user needs.
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CAD Deposits: Supports free deposits via Interac e-Transfer and Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).
Kraken
Kraken is one of the oldest and most respected global exchanges, appealing strongly to more experienced and high-volume traders due to its comprehensive features and competitive fee structure.
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Best For: Advanced traders and high-volume institutional investors seeking low maker/taker fees and deep liquidity.
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Key Features: Wide range of cryptocurrencies, advanced charting, margin, and futures trading options (where permissible). It is registered with the CSA.
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Fee Structure: Very competitive, volume-tiered maker/taker fees, starting very low.
NDAX (National Digital Asset Exchange)
NDAX is another Canadian-based exchange known for its low, flat trading fees and focus on regulatory compliance. It balances simplicity for newcomers with advanced trading tools.
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Best For: Traders prioritizing flat, low-cost trading fees.
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Key Features: Flat-rate trading fee, robust staking options for various coins, and a clean, straightforward user interface suitable for various experience levels.
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Fee Structure: One of the lowest flat-rate trading fees in the Canadian market.
Comparison of Top Canadian Crypto Platforms
The following table summarizes the key metrics for the leading crypto trading platforms available in Canada.
| Platform | Best For | Registration Status | Trading Fee Structure | CAD Deposit/Withdrawal Fees | Crypto Selection | Key Feature |
| Bitbuy | Canadian Reliability | CSA Registered | Maker/Taker (often 0.10%-0.20%) | Free/Variable | 60+ coins | Bitbuy Pro/Express dual platform |
| Wealthsimple Crypto | Beginner Investors | CSA Registered | Spread-based (0.5% – 2.0%) | Free/Free | 100+ coins | Integrated with stocks and managed portfolios |
| Coinbase | Global Brand & Range | CSA Registered | Maker/Taker (0.00% – 0.60%) | Free/Variable | 250+ coins | Coinbase Earn rewards, Advanced Trade |
| Kraken | Advanced Traders | CSA Registered | Maker/Taker (0.00% – 0.26%) | Free/Variable | 400+ coins | High liquidity, advanced order types |
| NDAX | Low Flat Fees | CSA Registered | Flat 0.20% | Free/Variable | 60+ coins | Robust staking program |
Choosing the Right Platform for You
Selecting the “best” platform depends on individual trading style, experience level, and financial goals.
For the New Investor:
If you are new to crypto, Wealthsimple Crypto or the basic interface of Coinbase are often the best starting points. They offer the most user-friendly mobile apps, simple onboarding, and strong security from well-known financial entities. Wealthsimple, in particular, simplifies the process by integrating crypto with traditional investments.
For the Active Trader:
Active and experienced traders should lean towards platforms with a maker/taker fee model and advanced tools, such as Kraken or NDAX. Their tiered or flat-fee structures are generally more cost-effective for frequent transactions. These platforms offer charting tools and order types necessary for complex trading strategies.
For the Security-Conscious Canadian:
For those prioritizing Canadian-specific regulatory compliance and security history, Bitbuy is often considered a top contender, given its Canadian origin and focus on security audits and compliance within the local regulatory framework.
Importance of Regulatory Compliance in Canada
The push for mandatory registration of crypto trading platforms by the CSA is a defining characteristic of the Canadian market. This registration ensures platforms meet standards for segregation of client assets, capital requirements, and Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) processes. Trading on a fully registered platform minimizes the risk of platform failure, fraud, or abrupt regulatory shutdowns.
Beyond Trading: Additional Services
Many leading Canadian platforms now offer services that go beyond simple buying and selling:
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Staking: Earning rewards by holding specific cryptocurrencies (available on Kraken, NDAX, Wealthsimple).
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Over-The-Counter (OTC) Trading: Private trading desks for large-volume transactions, often used by high-net-worth individuals and institutions (available on Bitbuy, Kraken).
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Crypto Debit Cards: Cards that allow users to spend their crypto holdings or earn crypto rewards on daily purchases.
In summary, the Canadian market is served by a highly competitive and increasingly regulated selection of crypto trading platforms. Investors have excellent options, from the simplicity of Wealthsimple to the advanced trading power of Kraken, all operating under stricter local oversight. The right choice is ultimately the one that best aligns with your personal investment goals, risk tolerance, and trading frequency.