How to Buy Bitcoin in Canada — Definitive Guide (2026)

Buying Bitcoin in Canada is straightforward when you know what you're doing.

Here's the complete process.

Step 1: Choose a FINTRAC-Registered Exchange

In Canada, all legitimate Bitcoin exchanges must be registered with FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre). This protects you as a buyer.

1Bitcoin.ca FINTRAC Registration: M21226416 — verify at fintrac-canafe.gc.ca.

Avoid unregistered platforms, peer-to-peer sellers, or anyone who promises to skip the KYC process.

Step 2: Create Your Account

Go to 1bitcoin.ca, click "Get Started", enter your email, create a password, and verify your email.

Estimated time: 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Complete Identity Verification (KYC)

Identity verification is required by Canadian law under FINTRAC regulations.

What You'll Need

Government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or provincial ID
Proof of current address such as a utility bill, bank statement, or government document dated within 3 months
Selfie or facial recognition verification

Time: 10–15 minutes. Most accounts are approved within minutes.

Step 4: Set Up a Bitcoin Wallet

A wallet holds your private keys — proof that you own your Bitcoin. 1Bitcoin.ca delivers Bitcoin directly to your wallet; we never hold your funds.

Recommended Wallets

For beginners: BlueWallet mobile wallet or Muun Wallet
For larger amounts ($1,000+): Hardware wallet such as Ledger, Trezor, or Coldcard

Important: Get your Bitcoin receiving address ready before funding.

Step 5: Fund Your Account via Interac e-Transfer

Log into your Canadian bank app such as TD, RBC, BMO, Scotiabank, or CIBC
Go to Interac e-Transfer and select Add Recipient
Use the email address shown in your 1Bitcoin.ca account under "Add Funds"
Include your account reference code in the message field
Send your desired amount

Minimum: $20 CAD
Processing: Typically within minutes during business hours

Step 6: Buy Bitcoin

Once your e-Transfer arrives:

Log into 1Bitcoin.ca
Select "Buy Bitcoin"
Enter the amount in CAD or BTC
Enter your Bitcoin wallet address
Confirm the transaction
Bitcoin is sent to your wallet

Triple-check your Bitcoin wallet address.

Bitcoin transactions are irreversible. Sending Bitcoin to the wrong address can result in permanent loss.

Step 7: Verify Your Bitcoin Arrived

Check your wallet app. Your Bitcoin should appear within a few minutes.

You can also verify the transaction on a block explorer such as mempool.space using the transaction ID.

Fees

Buy fee: 3.49% flat — no hidden spreads
Sell fee: 0.49% flat
Withdrawal fee: None

Tax Reminder

In Canada, buying Bitcoin is not a taxable event.

Selling Bitcoin is a capital gains taxable event. Keep records of every purchase for CRA tax reporting.

Start Buying Bitcoin at 1Bitcoin.ca →