Where to buy bitcoin in Canada

The mainstream exchange — publicly traded, licensed where it operates, with local-money buying in 45+ countries (in ~50 more it's crypto-to-crypto only). The simple buy button costs ~1.5% plus spread; the Advanced Trade screen on the same account drops that under 0.6%.

Why it’s here: The safe, boring on-ramp — a household name that answers the "is this legit?" fear.

Local note: Bank (EFT), card and PayPal buys; Interac for adding and cashing out dollars

A Canadian bitcoin-only exchange, now licensed across Europe and serving parts of Latin America, that never holds your coins — every buy pays straight out to your own wallet, Lightning included. Not available in the US.

Why it’s here: You can't leave coins on the exchange even if you try — the biggest beginner mistake made impossible.

A veteran exchange, running since 2011, serving 190+ countries and every US state except New York and Maine. Instant Buy costs ~1.5%, but the same account unlocks Kraken Pro at 0.25–0.4% — and Lightning withdrawals are free.

Why it’s here: The cheapest all-in route on this list, if you're willing to learn a real exchange screen.

A Swiss peer-to-peer app where you buy directly from another person, the bitcoin held in multisig escrow until you've paid. No account, no ID, up to roughly 1,000 CHF a day. Payment methods are Europe-centric; not available in the US.

Why it’s here: The gentlest of the no-ID options — it feels like an app, not a trading floor.

A P2P marketplace running since 2018: no ID at any trade size, every trade locked in 2-of-3 multisig escrow where you hold one of the keys. Works from any browser — though its terms bar US residents since 2026.

Why it’s here: No ID at any amount — and holding an escrow key means the trade can't move without you.

The decentralized old-timer: software that trades over Tor with no company behind it at all. The newer Bisq Easy mode is far friendlier, but sellers there charge a real premium — often 10% or more — as the price of its reputation-based security.

Why it’s here: The most censorship-resistant way to buy there is — you pay for that in the premium, not in fees.

An entirely Lightning-based P2P exchange reached over Tor. Fees are tiny and trades settle in minutes — but you'll need a Lightning wallet and the Tor browser before you can start.

Why it’s here: For the already-comfortable: the cheapest private sats on the internet.

What faucets really pay per hour — honest math, and whether any are still worth a claim.

The full list — surveys, signup bonuses, games, cashback, passive apps, and bitcoin jobs. Tested, updated monthly, no gambling.

Sats to USD, USD to sats, and more — quick calculators built for people counting their first sats.