1Bitcoin vs Shakepay:

Honest Comparison for Canadians

While both platforms help Canadians access Bitcoin, they operate with very different approaches. Shakepay is designed as a crypto brokerage app, while 1Bitcoin focuses on direct Bitcoin onboarding and ownership education.

Platform Comparison Table

The table below highlights the main differences Canadians should understand before choosing where to buy Bitcoin.

Feature	1Bitcoin.ca	Shakepay
Platform focus	Bitcoin-only platform	Crypto app supporting Bitcoin and Ethereum
Custody model	Focus on direct Bitcoin ownership	Custodial wallet by default
Pricing transparency	Clear pricing shown before purchase	Spread-based pricing built into the buy/sell price
Trading fees	Transparent service pricing	Advertised as 0% fees but spread included
Supported assets	Bitcoin	Bitcoin and Ethereum
Funding methods	Canadian banking options	Interac e-Transfer, bank transfers
Target user	Canadians focused on long-term Bitcoin ownership	Beginners looking for a simple crypto app
Additional features	Bitcoin onboarding and guidance	ShakingSats rewards, Shakepay Card

Key Difference

Custody Model — Who Holds Your Bitcoin?

With 1Bitcoin.ca, purchases are sent directly to a wallet you control. This non-custodial approach means you hold the private keys, not the platform.

Learn more about why this matters: → non-custodial

Shakepay is custodial by default. While users can withdraw to self-custody, Bitcoin initially sits on Shakepay’s platform, exposing users to counterparty risk during that period.

Coin Selection — Focus vs Convenience

1Bitcoin.ca is Bitcoin-only by design. This removes distractions, altcoin speculation, and platform incentives that don’t align with long-term Bitcoin ownership.

Shakepay offers Bitcoin and Ethereum and promotes cashback and rewards programs. While popular with beginners, these incentives often encourage frequent transactions rather than long-term custody.

Fee Structure — What You Actually Pay

1Bitcoin.ca: Fees are quoted transparently before purchase. You see exactly how much Bitcoin you receive.
Shakepay: No explicit trading fee, but costs are embedded in the spread, which can widen during volatility.

Reality check: “Zero fees” usually means fees are hidden in the spread.

Funding & Withdrawals

Both platforms support Interac e-Transfer. Withdrawals on both platforms are subject to Bitcoin network fees, which fluctuate based on congestion.

Recent Notes & Considerations

Shakepay has remained operationally stable, but like all custodial platforms, users depend on platform uptime, withdrawal availability, and internal controls.

Who Should Use Shakepay

Shakepay may be a fit if you:

Want a simple app with rewards and cashback
Are new to Bitcoin and value convenience over custody
Don’t mind holding Bitcoin temporarily on a platform

Who Should Use 1Bitcoin.ca

1Bitcoin.ca is ideal if you:

Want Bitcoin sent directly to your own wallet
Value non-custodial ownership from day one
Prefer transparent pricing over incentives

Want Canadian-based human support

1Bitcoin FAQs

Why do some Canadians choose 1Bitcoin instead of Shakepay?

Shakepay is a popular crypto app designed for convenience, but many Canadians who are specifically focused on Bitcoin eventually look for platforms that prioritize Bitcoin ownership and transparent pricing.

1Bitcoin focuses exclusively on helping Canadians buy and understand Bitcoin, rather than offering multiple cryptocurrencies or trading features. This Bitcoin-only approach appeals to users who are primarily interested in long-term Bitcoin accumulation instead of general crypto trading.

Because of this focus, some users prefer a platform like 1Bitcoin when their goal is simply to buy and hold Bitcoin with clear pricing and guidance.

How is pricing different between 1Bitcoin and Shakepay?

Shakepay advertises 0% trading fees, but the platform earns revenue through a spread included in the Bitcoin price shown in the app. This spread is the difference between the buy price and sell price at the same time.

Because the spread is built into the price rather than listed as a separate fee, it can sometimes make it difficult for users to understand the exact cost of their transaction.

1Bitcoin focuses on transparent pricing, allowing users to clearly see the cost of their purchase before completing the transaction. For many Bitcoin buyers, especially those making recurring purchases, transparency in pricing can be an important factor when choosing a platform.

Is 1Bitcoin Bitcoin-only?

Yes. Unlike many crypto apps that support multiple assets, 1Bitcoin focuses entirely on Bitcoin.

This approach is intentional. Many investors believe Bitcoin is fundamentally different from other cryptocurrencies because of its fixed supply, decentralized design, and role as a long-term store of value.

By focusing exclusively on Bitcoin, platforms like 1Bitcoin aim to provide a simpler experience centered around buying and holding Bitcoin rather than trading multiple digital assets.

Why do some Bitcoin users prefer Bitcoin-only platforms?

Bitcoin-only platforms remove many of the features that exist on traditional crypto apps, such as altcoin trading or speculative tokens.

For long-term Bitcoin users, this can provide several advantages:

• A simpler platform focused on Bitcoin accumulation

• Less emphasis on short-term crypto trading

• Education around Bitcoin ownership and security

• A clearer understanding of Bitcoin’s long-term value proposition

For Canadians who see Bitcoin as a long-term monetary asset, this focused approach can be appealing.

Can I withdraw Bitcoin to my own wallet?

Owning Bitcoin truly means controlling the private keys to your Bitcoin wallet.

Many Bitcoin users choose to withdraw their Bitcoin to a self-custody wallet rather than leaving it on a platform.

Learning about self-custody is an important step for anyone planning to hold Bitcoin long term, and Bitcoin-focused services often emphasize this principle as part of the onboarding process.