Buying Crypto

There are a lot of options when it comes to investing in cryptocurrency, but what is the best way to buy Bitcoin in Canada?

The good news is there are plenty of methods to choose from so there is something for everyone. Below we have outlined the pros and cons of 10 different ways to purchase crypto. We have also given each one a score out of five for the following categories: convenience, security, and value.

Read on to find out the best way to buy Bitcoin in Canada for you.

How can I buy Bitcoin in Canada?

The good thing about living in a relatively crypto-friendly country like Canada is there are lots of options to exchange fiat currency for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies like Litecoin and Ethereum.

The first decision you have to make is whether you want to trade online or in person at a physical location. That’s right, you can actually swap cold hard cash for cryptocurrency!

The next step is to choose a payment method. In a short space of time, trading platforms have expanded their ways to pay exponentially. While it may seem intimidating at first, don’t fear! We have compiled some of the most popular options out there to help you make up your mind.

Crypto gift cards

Crypto gift cards just like any gift card you might buy at a normal retail store. The main difference is you can’t buy goods and services with it. Instead, you can send someone a digital gift card with crypto assets from your own wallet or by buying a certain amount with fiat currency.

Pros:

• Potential to increase in value: A crypto gift card is essentially a hot wallet, meaning it holds a certain amount of crypto on it. This means the value could increase if you hodl it.
• Great gift idea: Whether you are looking for a present for a Bitcoin maximalist or someone who knows next to nothing about crypto, a gift card is a fun and easy gift idea. The recipient doesn’t even need a bank account. All they need is a crypto wallet.

Cons:

• Lack of flexibility: Once you buy a gift card using fiat, you lock in your chosen coin. If the recipient is more into altcoins, for example, you’d probably be better off just sending them some cash.
• Not secure: If a gift card gets lost in the mail, there’s not much you can do to retrieve your coins. Similarly, if it gets stolen, someone could easily extract the value for themselves. This is a lot riskier than simply sending it from your wallet.

Convenience: 3/5

Security: 1/5

Value: 3/5

Bitcoin ATM

Bitcoin ATMs, also known as Bitcoin kiosks or BTMs, enable you to exchange cash for BTC, Litecoin, Ethereum, or other cryptocurrencies in person. Although they are different from the machines you would find at a traditional bank, just like an ATM, you can deposit or withdraw cash. The main difference is you buy cryptocurrency when you deposit cash and you sell it when you make a withdrawal.

Bitcoin ATMs are a great option because they save a lot of the hassle of going through lengthy online sign up processes and they are one of the easiest methods to use.

Pros:

• Simple to use: It doesn’t get much easier than inserting cash into a machine and instantly buying your cryptocurrency of choice. All you need is cash, a phone, and a digital wallet. This makes it a great way to explore the market without the hassle of creating an account with an online exchange.
• Direct: There is no middleman at all if you buy from an ATM. It’s a direct transaction so there’s no waiting for funds to arrive from your bank or for an online exchange to approve your transaction.
• Secure: Bitcoin ATM providers are regulated by FINTRAC. If you are unsure about whether the machine you are using is legit, you can search for the name of the company on FINTRAC’s registry for peace of mind your transaction will be secure.

Cons:

• Must have cash: If you don’t happen to have cash on you, there are not a lot of options out there to buy at a machine. Fortunately, there are ways you can still transact without cash, such as via Interac® e-transfer.
• Fees: one of the drawbacks of machines is that trading fees are usually higher than online exchanges. Of course this all depends on your personal preference and plenty of people prefer to use Bitcoin ATMs for the convenience and ease of use.

Convenience: 5/5

Security: 5/5

Value: 3/5

OTC Desk Locations

OTC, or over-the-counter, involves buying cryptocurrency via a broker, either in person or virtually. This option is ideal for investors looking for a personalized service.You speak directly to an account manager who provides advice and handles the trade for you.

The downside is you usually have to spend a certain amount to qualify, however, using private exchange services makes sense for large volume trades. 

Pros:

• Personalized service: Having someone else place a trade on your behalf removes a lot of the stress involved in buying Bitcoin.
• Expert advice: OTC brokers usually have experience when it comes to making trades. If you’re new to the world of cryptocurrency, expert advice can help maximize your investment.

Cons:

• Fees: At the end of the day, you are paying for a service with OTC, and this is reflected in the slightly higher fees you pay.
• Large volume: OTC is designed for people with large sums to invest in Bitcoin, meaning it is not suitable for the average customer.

Convenience: 5/5

Security: 5/5

Value: 3/5

Purchase Bitcoin direct from a seller

There are forums and posts on sites like Facebook Marketplace, Reddit, and Craigslist (That’s right! Remember Craigslist?) as well as niche sites where people will literally sell you Bitcoin. Of course, there are risks involved because you’re essentially buying from a stranger.

It is possible to find cheaper rates, but this method is more labour intensive than other alternatives. When you buy from a reputable company, you do not need to scour multiple websites for a cheaper deal, customers know exactly what to expect every time.

Pros:

• Bargain deals: People who buy crypto this way are usually looking to squeeze every satoshi they can out of a deal. It is possible to find some great rates, especially if you find a motivated seller.

Cons:

• Risky: Buyers take on a lot of risk when they buy directly from a seller online. Often there is no way of knowing if the seller will deliver what they promise.
• Time consuming: Searching through page after page to find the best deal consumes a lot of time and effort.

Convenience: 1/5

Security: 1/5

Value: 3/5

INTERAC® e-Transfer

INTERAC® e-Transfer is arguably the best way to buy Bitcoin in Canada. It is as easy as sending money to a friend, it takes just a few minutes, and the fees are relatively low. Transactions are secure when you buy Bitcoin via e-Transfer from a reputable company and service is convenient and fast.

The sign up process is much shorter for e-transfer than it is for online crypto exchanges like Newton or Shakepay, which can take hours or even days to go through. Similarly, you don’t have to wait what seems like an age for a bank wire transfer to fund your account.

Pros:

• Fast: Transactions are usually seamless and completed in a matter of minutes.
• Secure: So long as you are buying from a trusted source, you can rely on the proven INTERAC® e-Transfer infrastructure, so you know your funds will be safe.
• Simple: All you need to get started for transactions below $1,000 is a phone number and there are no extra hoops you have to jump through like there are for online exchanges.

Cons:

• Limited transaction size: A downside to using e-Transfer is your bank will usually limit the amount you can send in one day. So long as you only plan to purchase Bitcoin below a few thousand Canadian dollars in value, however, this option is perfectly suitable.

Convenience: 5/5

Security: 5/5

Value: 3/5

Debit

Buying digital currencies with a debit card is a simple way to join the cryptocurrency world. It works just like making a standard purchase online. All you need to do is pick a trustworthy trading platform, sign up for an account and enter your card details.

The downside of debit transactions is that not all banks allow it and some operators will flag crypto purchases as fraudulent. This can lead to long, frustrating delays.

Pros:

• Fast: Most exchanges can process transactions quickly.
• Simple: The sign up process usually takes a few minutes, unlike online exchanges.

Cons:

• Bank restrictions: Banks can sometimes get involved and prevent purchases from going through

Convenience: 3/5

Security: 5/5

Value: 3/5

Credit

You should tread carefully when buying crypto with a credit card. Customers should avoid making speculative purchases and only spend what they know they can pay back comfortably.

One of the key drawbacks of using a credit card is the fees. Banks usually charge more for purchases of cryptocurrency on credit because of the inherent risk the borrower might not be able to pay it back.

Having said that, if you’re responsible and know what you’re doing, buying Bitcoin with a credit card is as equally straightforward as using a debit card.

Pros:

• Convenient: Just like debit transactions, the process is usually fast and simple.

Cons:

• Fees: There are cheaper options out there that are just as fast and convenient.

Convenience: 3/5

Security: 5/5

Value: 1/5

Bank wire transfer

If the fees involved with using a credit card put you off and you have some time on your hands, bank wire transfers are a cheaper alternative. There are usually no bank fees involved in transferring money to fund your crypto account, however, whether you run into problems with your bank is another question.

Bank transfers can take days to go through, especially if you are a first time buyer. This can be annoying to say the least, especially if you miss out on an opportunity with a Bitcoin price fluctuation, for example.

Pros:

• Free: Bank transfers to fund your account usually cost nothing.

Cons:

• Time: Wires sometimes take a day or two to go through.

Convenience: 1/5

Security: 5/5

Value: 3/5

Apps

Some mobile apps, such as Wealth Simple, offer Bitcoin investment options. The apps are usually user-friendly and if you are familiar with how they work, funding your account is simple enough.

It is important to exercise caution when choosing which app to go with. Make sure the app allows you to send BTC to your crypto wallet. Some providers only allow you to keep funds in their custody wallet, meaning you do not have total control over your crypto asset.

Pros:

• User-friendly: If you’re new to crypto, the apps will help to guide you through the whole process.

Cons:

• Lack of control: Some apps only allow you to keep funds in their custody wallet.

Convenience: 2/5

Security: 3/5

Value: 3/5

Online exchanges

If you have looked into buying cryptocurrency at all you are bound to have come across online exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken. These trading platforms are usually good for beginners and offer a wide range of altcoins in addition to the more established cryptocurrencies.

While they are a lot of people’s first step into the crypto universe, many people soon start looking for alternatives. Users are put off by lengthy sign up processes, privacy concerns, and poor customer service.

Pros:

• Guidance: Most sign-up processes, while lengthy, are well designed and walk the user through step-by-step.

Cons:

• Slow: If you are using an exchange for the first time, it can take a long time to get your account approved and funded.
• Invasive: Some online exchanges require you to surrender a lot of information before you can start trading.

Convenience: 3/5

Security: 3/5

Value: 3/5

Conclusion

There is no shortage of methods you can use to buy Bitcoin. INTERAC® e-Transfer is the best way to buy Bitcoin in Canada from an overall perspective. It scored highest in our ratings and is generally fast, secure, and good value.

The ultimate deciding factor in what defines “best”, however, is you. That is the great thing about cryptocurrency today: with more ways to buy than ever before there is bound to be an option that fits your needs and level of knowledge.

Click here to buy using INTERAC® e-Transfer