Bitbuy review
Bitbuy is the strongest all-round option for Canadians, because it is one of the few platforms that pairs the top Canadian registration tier with pricing that stands up against the global venues.
It operates as Coinsquare Capital Markets Ltd., which registered as an Investment Dealer and CIRO member in October 2024. That matters more than it sounds. Most crypto platforms serving Canada hold a Restricted Dealer registration, which is a transitional category. Investment Dealer with CIRO membership is the same tier as a conventional Canadian brokerage, and it brings client-asset rules and CIPF-style oversight that the restricted category does not. Coinsquare and Bitbuy are now the same business, so the two brands you may remember are one platform.
Pricing splits the usual two ways. Bitbuy Pro, the order-book interface, charges from 0.10 percent maker and 0.20 percent taker. Express Trade, the one-click route, costs more and is where casual buyers quietly lose money.
Funding is where it is genuinely strong: Interac e-Transfer deposits are free, which is the rail nearly every Canadian uses, and wires cost a flat 10 dollars. Withdrawals return over Interac. As with any custodial platform, move long-term holdings to a wallet you control.
- Founded
- 2016
- Headquarters
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Fees
- Bitbuy Pro charges from 0.10 percent maker and 0.20 percent taker; Express Trade costs more. Interac e-Transfer deposits are free and wires cost 10 dollars.
- KYC
- Required
- Payment methods
- Interac e-Transfer, Wire transfer, Credit or debit card
- Status
- Operating
How you can pay on Bitbuy
Every deposit rail Bitbuy supports in at least one market.
- Domestic bank rail
- Interac e-Transfer
- International wire
- Wire transfer
As published by Bitbuy: Interac e-Transfer, Bank transfer or wire, Debit card.
Pros and cons
What works
- Registered as an Investment Dealer and CIRO member, the highest tier any Canadian crypto platform holds
- Free Interac e-Transfer deposits, the rail nearly every Canadian buyer actually uses
- Bitbuy Pro fees start at 0.10 percent maker and 0.20 percent taker, competitive with global venues
- Canadian-domiciled and CAD-native, so there is no currency conversion on the way in
What to watch
- Express Trade costs noticeably more than the Pro order book for the same bitcoin
- Wire deposits carry a flat 10 dollar fee, so Interac is the sensible route for most amounts
- Custodial until you withdraw, like every platform on this list
Fees in detail
- maker
- From 0.10 percent on Bitbuy Pro
- taker
- From 0.20 percent on Bitbuy Pro
- spread note
- Express Trade is the one-click route and is priced above the Pro order book. Check the live quote before confirming.
- deposit note
- Interac e-Transfer deposits are free. Wire transfers carry a flat 10 dollar fee.
- withdrawal note
- CAD withdrawals return over Interac e-Transfer; bitcoin withdrawals to self-custody are supported.
Where we recommend Bitbuy
Countries where Bitbuy ranks in our local guide. Availability beyond these is possible but unverified by us.
CanadaFrequently asked questions
What does Bitbuy charge to buy bitcoin?
Bitbuy Pro, the order book, starts at 0.10 percent maker and 0.20 percent taker. Express Trade, the one-click route, is priced higher. Using Pro is the single biggest saving available on the platform.
Is Bitbuy the same as Coinsquare?
Yes. Coinsquare Capital Markets Ltd. is the legal entity, and it operates under the Bitbuy brand. If you held a Coinsquare account, it is the same business.
What does Investment Dealer registration mean for me?
It is the same regulatory tier as a conventional Canadian brokerage, with CIRO membership and client-asset rules attached. Most crypto platforms serving Canada hold a Restricted Dealer registration instead, which is a transitional category with lighter obligations.
How should I fund a Bitbuy account?
Interac e-Transfer, which is free and usually clears within the hour. Wires cost a flat 10 dollars and are only worth it for larger amounts your bank will not send over Interac.