Wealthsimple vs Netcoins: 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 Wealthsimple and Netcoins — fees, regulation, supported coins, and which is better for Canadian crypto investors.

Wealthsimple
~1.50% - 2.00% (Core) / 0.50% (Generation) Spread
$25 CAD Bonus
  • Deposit: $0
  • Withdrawal: Network Fee
  • Regulation: FINTRAC / CSA
  • Coins: 60+
  • Best For: All-in-One App
Visit Wealthsimple →
TOP PICK
Netcoins
~1.25% - 1.50% Spread
$10 CAD Bonus
  • Deposit: $0
  • Withdrawal: Network fee
  • Regulation: FINTRAC / CSA
  • Coins: Multiple
  • Best For: Canadian Traders
Visit Netcoins →
On this page

Both Wealthsimple and Netcoins 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 Wealthsimple Netcoins
Trading Spread ~1.50% - 2.00% (Core) / 0.50% (Generation) ~1.25% - 1.50%
Deposit (Interac) $0 $0
Crypto Withdrawal Network fee Network fee
Regulation Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) / CSA British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) / CSA Restricted Dealer
Best For Unified investing with stocks, ETFs, TFSA, RRSP, and crypto in one app Zero-fee CAD withdrawals and Netcoins Visa Bitcoin cashback card
Signup Bonus $25 CAD → $10 CAD →

Who Should Pick Wealthsimple?

Wealthsimple is best for unified investing with stocks, etfs, tfsa, rrsp, and crypto in one app. It's headquartered in Toronto, ON and has been operating since 2014.

Who Should Pick Netcoins?

Netcoins is best for zero-fee cad withdrawals and netcoins visa bitcoin cashback card. It's headquartered in Vancouver, BC and has been operating since 2014.

Final Recommendation

  • Choose Wealthsimple if you prioritize unified investing with stocks, etfs, tfsa, rrsp, and crypto in one app.
  • Choose Netcoins if you prioritize zero-fee cad withdrawals and netcoins visa bitcoin cashback card.

Looking for a different matchup?

Browse All Exchange Comparisons →

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has lower fees, Wealthsimple or Netcoins?

Wealthsimple charges a spread of ~1.50% - 2.00% (Core) / 0.50% (Generation). Netcoins charges ~1.25% - 1.50%. Compare the total cost including deposit and withdrawal fees for your specific purchase size.

Are Wealthsimple and Netcoins regulated in Canada?

Yes. Wealthsimple is Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) / CSA. Netcoins is British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) / CSA Restricted Dealer. Both are registered MSBs with FINTRAC.

Can I deposit Canadian dollars on both platforms?

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

Which platform supports more cryptocurrencies?

Wealthsimple offers multiple cryptocurrencies. Netcoins offers multiple cryptocurrencies.