Shakepay vs Bitbuy: Which Canadian Crypto Exchange Is Better? (2026)

By • • Research Methodology
Who writes this: Guides, reviews, and exchange comparisons are researched and maintained by the HowToBuyBitcoin101 Research Team, independent Canadian digital asset analysts evaluating platform solvency, order book liquidity, and regulatory compliance since 2018.
How we test: We open verified accounts, deposit Canadian dollars ($CAD) via Interac e-Transfer, execute real trades to calculate true bid-ask spread markups, and test withdrawal execution to cold hardware wallets.
Regulatory verification: FINTRAC Money Services Business (MSB) registrations and Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) restricted dealer orders are cross-referenced with public provincial securities registers. Editorial policy.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links are referral links that may generate a commission at no cost to you. Commercial partnerships never dictate fee calculations, safety ratings, or editorial verdicts. Full disclosure.

Comparing Shakepay and Bitbuy — fees, regulation, supported coins, and which is better for Canadian crypto investors.

TOP PICK
Shakepay
~0.5% - 2.0% Spread
$20 CAD Bonus
  • Deposit: $0
  • Withdrawal: Free (Normal)
  • Regulation: CIRO / CIPF
  • Coins: 3 (BTC, ETH, USDC)
  • Best For: Beginners & Free BTC
Visit Shakepay →
Bitbuy
~1.50% Express / 0.10% - 0.20% Pro Trade Spread
$20 CAD Bonus
  • Deposit: $0
  • Withdrawal: Network fee
  • Regulation: FINTRAC / CSA
  • Coins: 40+
  • Best For: Active Traders
Visit Bitbuy →
On this page

Both Shakepay and Bitbuy are popular options for Canadians looking to buy and sell cryptocurrency. Here's how they compare on the metrics that matter most.

Direct Fee Comparison

Feature Shakepay Bitbuy
Trading Spread ~0.5% - 2.0% ~1.50% Express / 0.10% - 0.20% Pro Trade
Deposit (Interac) $0 $0
Crypto Withdrawal Free (Normal ~12hr) / Network fee (Fast ~10min) Network fee
Regulation CIRO Dealer (CIPF) Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) / CSA Restricted Dealer
Best For Beginners, daily dollar-cost averaging, and free Bitcoin withdrawals Institutional-grade Canadian regulation and Pro order book trading
Signup Bonus $20 CAD → $20 CAD →

Who Should Pick Shakepay?

Shakepay is best for beginners, daily dollar-cost averaging, and free bitcoin withdrawals. It's headquartered in Montreal, QC and has been operating since 2015.

Who Should Pick Bitbuy?

Bitbuy is best for institutional-grade canadian regulation and pro order book trading. It's headquartered in Toronto, ON and has been operating since 2016.

Final Recommendation

  • Choose Shakepay if you prioritize beginners, daily dollar-cost averaging, and free bitcoin withdrawals.
  • Choose Bitbuy if you prioritize institutional-grade canadian regulation and pro order book trading.

Looking for a different matchup?

Browse All Exchange Comparisons →

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has lower fees, Shakepay or Bitbuy?

Shakepay charges a spread of ~0.5% - 2.0%. Bitbuy charges ~1.50% Express / 0.10% - 0.20% Pro Trade. Compare the total cost including deposit and withdrawal fees for your specific purchase size.

Are Shakepay and Bitbuy regulated in Canada?

Yes. Shakepay is CIRO Investment Dealer (Jan 2025) / CIPF Member. Bitbuy is Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) / CSA Restricted Dealer. Both are registered MSBs with FINTRAC.

Can I deposit Canadian dollars on both platforms?

Yes. Both Shakepay and Bitbuy support free Interac e-Transfer deposits. Shakepay deposit fee: $0. Bitbuy deposit fee: $0.

Which platform supports more cryptocurrencies?

Shakepay supports 3 coins. Bitbuy offers multiple cryptocurrencies.