How to Buy Bitcoin in Canada
Buy Bitcoin in Canada through a regulated, Bitcoin-only platform built for Canadians who want compliance, clarity, and control — no altcoins, no speculation, no confusion.
1Bitcoin.ca provides Canadians with a straightforward, regulated way to buy Bitcoin — without altcoins, trading noise, or speculative distractions.
This platform is designed for individuals who want clarity, compliance, and direct ownership of their Bitcoin.
Buy Bitcoin. Take custody. Hold on your terms.
How to Buy Bitcoin in Canada
Why Canadians Are Buying Bitcoin
Inflation hedge — Bitcoin’s fixed supply of 21 million makes it resistant to currency debasement
Portfolio diversification — Bitcoin is uncorrelated with traditional assets
Self-sovereignty — You can hold Bitcoin yourself, outside the banking system
Global access — Send value anywhere in the world, 24/7
Canada was the first country to approve a Bitcoin ETF, signaling mainstream acceptance. But buying actual Bitcoin (not an ETF) gives you true ownership and the ability to self-custody.
Methods to Buy Bitcoin in Canada
1
Canadian Bitcoin Exchanges (Recommended)
2
Bitcoin ATMs
Pros:
- Buy with cash
- Some require no ID for small amounts
Cons:
- High fees (often 8-15%)
- Limited locations
- Purchase limits
Best for: Small cash purchases, privacy-focused buyers
3
Peer-to-Peer (P2P)
Pros:
- More privacy
- Various payment methods
Cons:
- More complex
- Counterparty risk
- Less beginner-friendly
Best for: Experienced users who prioritize privacy
4
Bitcoin ETFs
Pros:
- Easy to buy in TFSA/RRSP
- No wallet management
Cons:
- You don't own actual Bitcoin
- Management fees
- Can't withdraw Bitcoin
- Counterparty risk
Best for: Investors who want exposure without ownership
How to Choose a Bitcoin Platform in Canada
Must-Haves
2. Canadian company — Easier support, CAD deposits, and legal recourse
3. Non-custodial option — The ability to withdraw Bitcoin to your own wallet
4. Transparent fees — Know what you're paying before you buy
Red Flags
- Can't withdraw Bitcoin (only sell back)
- Hidden fees or wide spreads
- Poor reviews or scam reports
- Pushing altcoins aggressively
Why We Built 1Bitcoin.ca
We encourage you to withdraw to your own wallet
Based in Canada, for Canadians
We believe in Bitcoin, not crypto casinos
We help you understand what you're buying
Step-by-Step: Buying Bitcoin on 1Bitcoin.ca
1
Create Your Account
Visit 1Bitcoin.ca and click “Create Account.” You’ll need:
– Email address
– Phone number
– Strong password
2
Verify Your Identity
Canadian law requires all crypto platforms to verify users. You’ll need:
– Government-issued ID (driver’s license or passport)
– Selfie for verification
– Basic personal information
Most users are verified within minutes. This is a one-time process.
3
Fund your account via Interac e-Transfer or bank wire
We accept:
Interac e-Transfer — Fastest option, funds arrive in minutes
Bank wire — For larger amounts
There are no deposit fees.
4
Buy Bitcoin
Once funded, buying is simple:
1. Enter the CAD amount you want to spend
2. Review the Bitcoin amount you’ll receive
3. Confirm the purchase
5
Withdraw to your own wallet (recommended)
We strongly recommend withdrawing your Bitcoin to a wallet you control. Options include:
Hardware wallet (Coldcard, Trezor, Ledger) — Most secure
Mobile wallet (Muun, Blue Wallet) — Convenient for smaller amounts
Not Your Keys, Not Your Coins
Fees: What You'll Actually Pay
Typical Fee Structure in Canada
Platform Type
Major exchanges
OTC brokers
Bitcoin ATMs
P2P platforms
Spread/Fee
1.5% – 2.5%
0.5% – 1.5%
8% – 15%
Varies
1Bitcoin.ca Fees
We charge a transparent fee on each transaction — no hidden spreads or surprise charges. View current rates at 1bitcoin.ca/fees
Tax Implications
In Canada, Bitcoin is treated as a commodity by the CRA. This means:
Buying Bitcoin — No tax event
Selling Bitcoin for CAD — Capital gains tax applies
Spending Bitcoin — Treated as a disposition (taxable)
Holding Bitcoin — No tax until you sell
Keep records of all your purchases including dates, amounts, and CAD values. Many Canadians use crypto tax software to track this automatically.
This is not tax advice. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Security Best Practices
Protect Your Bitcoin
1. Use a hardware wallet for long-term storage
2. Enable 2FA on all accounts
3. Never share your seed phrase — No legitimate service will ever ask for it
4. Beware of scams — If it sounds too good to be true, it is
Common Scams to Avoid
– “Double your Bitcoin” schemes
– Fake customer support on social media
– Phishing emails mimicking exchanges
– Romance scams requesting Bitcoin payment
If anyone pressures you to buy Bitcoin urgently, it’s likely a scam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to buy Bitcoin in Canada?
Yes. Bitcoin is legal to buy and own in Canada. Use a reputable Canadian service that follows applicable compliance requirements.
What's the minimum amount I can buy?
Most services let you start with as little as $20 to $50 CAD. You do not need to buy a whole bitcoin; you can buy fractions (satoshis).
How long does it take to buy Bitcoin?
With Interac e-Transfer, the full process from sign-up to owning bitcoin can often be completed in under 30 minutes.
Should I keep Bitcoin on an exchange?
For small amounts you plan to trade, leaving funds on an exchange can be convenient. For larger amounts or long-term holding, moving bitcoin to your own wallet is generally safer.
What's the best time to buy Bitcoin?
No one can time the market perfectly. Many Canadians use dollar-cost averaging (DCA), buying a fixed amount on a regular schedule regardless of price.
Do I have to pay taxes on Bitcoin?
In Canada, taxes may apply when you sell, trade, or spend bitcoin. Keep records of purchases, sales, fees, and dates so you can report properly.
Ready to Buy Bitcoin?
Getting started is easy:
1. Create a free account at 1Bitcoin.ca — Takes 2 minutes
2. Verify your identity — Usually instant
3. Fund with Interac e-Transfer — Arrives in minutes
4. Buy Bitcoin — You’re done
Have questions? Our Canadian support team is here to help.
About 1Bitcoin.ca
1Bitcoin.ca is Canada’s Bitcoin-only platform. We help Canadians buy, sell, and understand Bitcoin — without the noise of altcoins or crypto speculation.
Founded in 2018, we’re focused on education and empowerment. Our goal isn’t just to sell you Bitcoin — it’s to help you become a confident Bitcoin holder.