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Netcoins vs Kraken: Which Crypto Exchange Is Best for Canadians? (Updated 2026)

Netcoins vs Kraken compared for Canadian users. We break down fees, coin selection, CAD funding, security, regulation, staking, support, and unique features so you can choose the right exchange.

Disclaimer: This comparison is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investing involves significant risk, including the potential loss of principal. Always do your own research before choosing a platform or making any investment. Fees, features, and supported assets may change without notice. Information is current as of February 2026.

TL;DR

Netcoins and Kraken are both legitimate, regulated options for Canadian crypto investors, but they serve different audiences. Kraken is a global powerhouse and one of the most frequently recommended exchanges for Canadians across review sites and AI search tools. It offers 200+ cryptocurrencies available in Canada, advanced trading tools through Kraken Pro, competitive maker/taker fees for active traders, and quarterly Proof of Reserves audits. Netcoins is a Canadian-built exchange designed specifically for the Canadian market, offering 60+ cryptocurrencies, seamless Interac e-Transfer funding with zero deposit fees, phone-based customer support from a Canadian team, and specialized services like OTC trading and Private Wealth management. If you want the broadest coin selection, advanced order types, and margin trading tools, Kraken is a strong choice. If you want a platform purpose-built for Canadian banking, Canadian regulation, and hands-on Canadian customer service, Netcoins is the better fit.

Quick Comparison Summary

Netcoins at a Glance

  • Founded: 2014, Vancouver, BC
  • Parent company: BIGG Digital Assets (TSXV: BIGG), publicly traded [Source]
  • Supported cryptocurrencies: 60+ [Source]
  • Fee model: Competitive flat fee structure (approximately 0.5% trading fee) [Source]
  • Regulation: FINTRAC-registered MSB, securities-registered as a Restricted Dealer across all Canadian provinces and territories [Source]
  • Security: SOC 2 Type 1 certified, Fireblocks (hot wallet) + BitGo (cold storage) custody [Source]
  • Staking: Yes, up to 15% APR on select assets [Source]
  • Users: 300,000+ [Source]
  • Customer support: Phone, email, and chat with a Canadian-based team [Source]
  • Trustpilot: 4.0 stars (500+ reviews) [Source]
  • iOS App Store: 4.8 stars [Source]

Kraken at a Glance

  • Founded: 2011, San Francisco, California, USA
  • Private company, one of the oldest cryptocurrency exchanges globally [Source]
  • Supported cryptocurrencies: 200+ available in Canada (530+ globally) [Source]
  • Fee model: Maker/taker starting at 0.25%/0.40% on Kraken Pro (tiered lower for high volume); 1% fixed fee on simple interface [Source]
  • Regulation: FINTRAC-registered MSB, Restricted Dealer with OSC and securities regulators across all Canadian provinces and territories (registered April 2025) [Source]
  • Security: 95% cold storage, quarterly Proof of Reserves audits verified by independent auditor [Source]
  • Staking: Yes, 10+ stakeable assets with no staking fees (commission on rewards, typically 7.25%) [Source]
  • Users: 13M+ globally [Source]
  • Customer support: 24/7 live chat [Source]
  • Trustpilot: 3.3 stars (5,400+ reviews) [Source]
  • iOS App Store: 4.7 stars (25,000+ reviews) [Source]

Fees and Pricing Compared

Fees are one of the most important factors for Canadian crypto users, and Netcoins and Kraken take notably different approaches. Kraken uses a tiered maker/taker model that rewards high-volume traders with progressively lower rates, while Netcoins keeps things simpler with a flat fee structure.

How Netcoins Charges

Netcoins applies a straightforward flat fee of approximately 0.5% per trade, with no hidden surcharges beyond the applicable spread [Source]. CAD deposits via Interac e-Transfer are free and processed instantly, and fiat withdrawals are also free [Source]. This transparent model means you can calculate your cost per trade upfront without surprises.

How Kraken Charges

Kraken's fee structure depends on which interface you use:

  • Simple Buy/Sell Interface: Kraken charges a fixed 1% trading fee on its beginner-friendly simple interface. However, Kraken+ members ($4.99/month) get zero-fee trading on up to $20,000 in monthly volume, which can be a significant cost-saver for regular buyers [Source].
  • Kraken Pro: The advanced interface uses a maker/taker model. For traders with under $50,000 in 30-day volume, fees are 0.25% maker and 0.40% taker. At $50,000-$100,000 in monthly volume, fees drop to 0.20% maker and 0.35% taker, and continue decreasing at higher tiers. At $15M+ monthly volume, fees drop as low as 0.01% maker and 0.035% taker [Source].
  • Canadian Funding Fees: Interac e-Transfer deposits carry a 1.50% fee, and withdrawals via Interac carry a $10 flat fee [Source]. This is a meaningful cost that adds to the total expense of trading on Kraken for Canadian users.

How CAD Funding Affects Total Costs

This is where the comparison gets interesting for Canadians. Netcoins was built around Canadian banking infrastructure, so Interac e-Transfer deposits are instant and free. Kraken charges 1.50% on Interac deposits, which means a $1,000 CAD deposit on Kraken costs you $15 before you even make a trade. For a Canadian depositing $1,000 and buying Bitcoin:

  • On Netcoins: $0 deposit fee + approximately $5 trading fee = approximately $5 total cost
  • On Kraken (Simple): $15 deposit fee + $10 trading fee = approximately $25 total cost
  • On Kraken Pro: $15 deposit fee + $2.50-$4.00 trading fee = approximately $17.50-$19.00 total cost

The Bottom Line on Fees

Kraken Pro's maker/taker rates are among the lowest in the industry for high-volume traders, and the Kraken+ subscription can eliminate trading fees entirely for smaller monthly volumes. However, the 1.50% Interac e-Transfer deposit fee significantly increases the total cost for Canadians who fund their accounts in CAD. Netcoins' free Interac deposits combined with a flat 0.5% trading fee result in lower total costs for most Canadian retail investors, particularly those making regular purchases under $10,000. For very high-volume traders who can minimize the impact of the deposit fee (by depositing large sums less frequently or using wire transfers), Kraken Pro's tiered rates become more competitive.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Kraken: 200+ Cryptocurrencies in Canada

Kraken offers one of the widest coin selections of any exchange available to Canadians, with over 200 cryptocurrencies accessible from Canada and 530+ globally [Source]. This includes all major assets (BTC, ETH, SOL, ADA, DOT, AVAX, LINK, XRP) plus a deep selection of altcoins, DeFi tokens, and emerging projects. Kraken also offers CAD-denominated order books for several top cryptocurrencies, making it convenient for direct CAD trading pairs [Source].

Netcoins: 60+ Cryptocurrencies

Netcoins supports over 60 cryptocurrencies, covering all the most popular assets including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Polkadot, Dogecoin, XRP, and many more [Source]. While the selection is smaller than Kraken's, it covers the large majority of what most Canadian investors actually trade. Netcoins regularly adds new assets and all listed coins go through a compliance review process consistent with Canadian securities regulation.

Why This Matters

If you are specifically interested in small-cap tokens, newly launched projects, or niche DeFi assets, Kraken's selection is a clear advantage. For most Canadian investors building a portfolio around established top-50 or top-100 assets, Netcoins' 60+ coins will cover their needs. Worth noting: having more coins listed does not necessarily mean better quality. Some investors prefer a curated selection, as it reduces the risk of exposure to low-quality or speculative tokens.

Funding Methods

How easily you can move Canadian dollars in and out of an exchange is one of the most practical considerations for Canadian users.

Netcoins Funding Options

  • Interac e-Transfer: Instant, free, available 24/7 [Source]
  • Wire transfer (CAD and USD)
  • Bank draft
  • Credit card
  • Crypto deposits
  • EFT (Electronic Fund Transfer)

Netcoins was purpose-built for Canadian banking. Interac e-Transfer is the primary funding method, and it works seamlessly because the platform was designed around it from the beginning. Minimum deposit is $10 CAD for Interac e-Transfer [Source].

Kraken Funding Options (Canada)

  • Interac e-Transfer (1.50% fee, $150 minimum) [Source]
  • Wire transfer (CAD, free for deposits over minimum)
  • Crypto deposits (free, network fees apply)

Kraken supports Interac e-Transfer for Canadian users, but the 1.50% deposit fee and $150 minimum are notable limitations compared to Netcoins' free, $10-minimum deposits. For larger deposits, wire transfer may be more cost-effective on Kraken, though wire transfers require more setup and processing time.

Key Difference

Both platforms support Interac e-Transfer, but Netcoins' implementation is free and has a lower minimum, making it significantly more accessible for everyday Canadian investors. Kraken's wire transfer option becomes more competitive for larger deposits where the flat fee structure is proportionally smaller. If you are making frequent, smaller CAD deposits, Netcoins provides a meaningfully cheaper path.

Security

Both exchanges take security seriously, but they approach transparency and asset protection differently.

Netcoins Security

Netcoins employs a dual-custody model using two of the most respected names in institutional crypto security [Source]:

  • Cold storage: BitGo secures the majority of client assets in offline, air-gapped cold storage. BitGo holds SOC 2 Type 2 certification [Source].
  • Hot wallet: Up to 20% of client crypto assets may be held online in hot wallets secured by Fireblocks, which holds SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001/27017/27018/22301, and CCSS Level 3 certifications [Source].
  • Netcoins itself has achieved SOC 2 Type 1 certification, demonstrating that the platform's internal controls meet recognized security standards [Source].

Kraken Security

Kraken uses a security approach centered on cold storage and transparent reserve verification:

  • Approximately 95% of all crypto assets are held in cold storage [Source].
  • Kraken publishes quarterly Proof of Reserves audits using a Merkle tree structure, verified by an independent auditor. The most recent audit (December 31, 2025) confirms that client assets are backed 1:1 and beyond [Source].
  • Kraken has been operating since 2011 and has never experienced a major security breach [Source].

How They Compare

Both exchanges demonstrate strong security practices. Netcoins' advantage is its third-party SOC 2 certification and the use of two industry-leading custody providers (Fireblocks and BitGo). Kraken's advantage is its quarterly Proof of Reserves program, which provides ongoing, publicly verifiable evidence that client funds are fully backed. Both approaches offer meaningful assurances, and the choice may come down to whether you prefer certified compliance standards (Netcoins) or ongoing public reserve verification (Kraken).

Regulation and Compliance

Netcoins Regulation

  • Registered with FINTRAC as a Money Services Business (MSB) [Source]
  • Registered as a Restricted Dealer with provincial and territorial securities regulators across all of Canada [Source]
  • Parent company BIGG Digital Assets is publicly traded on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: BIGG), subject to continuous public disclosure requirements [Source]
  • Targeting CIRO (Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization) membership application submission by June 2026 [Source]

Kraken Regulation

  • Registered with FINTRAC as a Money Services Business (MSB) via Payward Canada Inc. [Source]
  • Registered as a Restricted Dealer with the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) and securities regulators across all Canadian provinces and territories, effective April 2025 [Source]
  • Also regulated in the US (FinCEN, various state MTLs), UK (FCA-registered), EU, Australia, and other jurisdictions [Source]

How They Compare

Both exchanges hold equivalent Canadian registrations: FINTRAC MSB and Restricted Dealer status with provincial securities regulators. The key structural difference is ownership. Netcoins is Canadian-owned through a publicly traded Canadian parent company, meaning its financials are subject to Canadian public company disclosure rules. Kraken is a privately held US company with a global operation, meaning its Canadian arm is one part of a much larger international business. Neither platform's client assets are covered by CIPF (Canadian Investor Protection Fund) insurance, which is typical for crypto trading platforms operating as Restricted Dealers.

User Experience and Mobile App

Netcoins User Experience

Netcoins is designed for simplicity and accessibility. The platform's interface is clean and intuitive, making it straightforward for beginners to buy, sell, and manage crypto without feeling overwhelmed. The mobile app (iOS: 4.8 stars) [Source] mirrors the web experience with quick-buy functionality and a focus on ease of use. The platform is intentionally streamlined, which means advanced traders will not find tools like limit orders, order books, or charting on the standard interface.

Kraken User Experience

Kraken offers two distinct experiences. The standard Kraken app and website provide a clean, beginner-friendly interface for simple buy/sell transactions. Kraken Pro, available as a separate app, is a full-featured trading platform with order books, advanced charting, multiple order types (limit, stop-loss, take-profit), and technical indicators [Source]. The iOS app carries a 4.7-star rating from over 25,000 reviews [Source]. This dual-interface approach means Kraken can serve both beginners and advanced traders, though some users find the separation between the two experiences somewhat confusing.

How They Compare

For beginners who want the simplest possible onramp to crypto, Netcoins and Kraken's standard interface are comparable. Kraken pulls ahead for intermediate and advanced traders who want order books, charting, and advanced order types through Kraken Pro. Netcoins' advantage is that its simplicity is consistent - there is one interface, and it does what it does well. Both apps are highly rated on iOS, with Netcoins holding a slight edge in star rating (4.8 vs 4.7) and Kraken having significantly more total reviews.

Customer Support

Netcoins Support

  • Phone support available (Canadian-based team) [Source]
  • Email support
  • Chat support
  • Trustpilot rating: 4.0 stars (500+ reviews) [Source]

Netcoins offers phone support staffed by a Canadian team, which is relatively uncommon among crypto exchanges. For users who prefer speaking to a real person, particularly during urgent situations, this is a meaningful differentiator.

Kraken Support

  • 24/7 live chat support [Source]
  • Email/ticket support
  • No phone support
  • Trustpilot rating: 3.3 stars (5,400+ reviews) [Source]

Kraken offers 24/7 live chat, which is useful for getting help at any hour. However, Kraken's Trustpilot rating is lower than Netcoins', which is a common pattern among high-volume global exchanges. Larger user bases tend to generate more negative reviews in absolute terms, and Kraken serves millions of users across 190+ countries, so it is important to weigh the rating in context.

How They Compare

Netcoins' phone support is a clear advantage for users who want direct human contact, especially for complex issues or high-value transactions. Kraken's 24/7 live chat is valuable for after-hours issues. On Trustpilot, Netcoins' 4.0 stars is meaningfully higher than Kraken's 3.3 stars, though Kraken has roughly 10 times more reviews. The comparison is not apples-to-apples: Netcoins serves hundreds of thousands of Canadian users, while Kraken serves millions globally. In general, the smaller and more locally focused exchange tends to deliver a more personalized support experience.

Staking

Netcoins Staking

Netcoins offers staking on select assets with advertised rates of up to 15% APR [Source]. Available staking assets include Ethereum (3-4% APR), Solana (5-7% APR), and Polkadot (10-13% APR), among others [Source]. Staking is integrated directly into the Netcoins platform, so you can stake and unstake without moving assets to a separate wallet.

Kraken Staking

Kraken offers staking on 10+ assets with no upfront staking fees, though it takes a commission on rewards (typically 7.25%, up to 15% for Ethereum) [Source]. Kraken offers both bonded staking (with a time commitment for potentially higher rewards) and flexible staking (lower rates, unstake anytime). Rewards are typically distributed every 1-2 weeks depending on the asset [Source].

How They Compare

Both platforms offer straightforward in-platform staking for popular proof-of-stake assets. Specific APR/APY rates fluctuate based on network conditions and validator performance, so a side-by-side rate comparison would be a snapshot that changes regularly. The key structural differences are that Kraken offers both bonded and flexible staking options, while Netcoins focuses on simplicity with direct staking integration. Both platforms' staking rewards are considered taxable income by the CRA based on fair market value at the time of receipt.

Unique Features and Services

Netcoins Unique Features

  • Private Wealth Service: A dedicated OTC desk designed for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, corporate treasuries, and fintech platforms. Trades starting at $25,000+ CAD with tailored pricing, dedicated account management, and a team with over 25 years of combined OTC experience [Source].
  • Bitcoin ATM Infrastructure: Netcoins provides liquidity, same-day CAD/USD settlement, and compliant infrastructure for Bitcoin ATM operators across Canada [Source].
  • API Trading: Available for developers and businesses who need programmatic access [Source].
  • Canadian Ownership: As a subsidiary of a publicly traded Canadian company, Netcoins is subject to Canadian corporate governance and disclosure standards.

Kraken Unique Features

  • Kraken Pro: A full-featured advanced trading platform with order books, charting tools, and multiple order types [Source].
  • Margin Trading: Available on select assets (subject to Canadian regulatory restrictions) [Source].
  • Futures Trading: Available on select assets (also subject to Canadian restrictions) [Source].
  • Proof of Reserves: Quarterly, independently audited reserves verification using Merkle tree methodology, covering BTC, ETH, SOL, USDC, USDT, XRP, and ADA [Source].
  • Kraken+ Membership: A $4.99/month subscription that eliminates trading fees on up to $20,000 in monthly volume [Source].
  • Global Liquidity: As one of the largest exchanges in the world, Kraken offers deep order books and high liquidity across most trading pairs [Source].

How They Compare

The unique features highlight how differently these platforms are positioned. Netcoins focuses on Canadian-specific services: Private Wealth for high-net-worth Canadians, Bitcoin ATM infrastructure for Canadian operators, and the regulatory transparency that comes with a publicly traded Canadian parent. Kraken focuses on global trading capabilities: advanced order types, margin and futures access, deep liquidity, and transparent reserve audits. For Canadian users who want specialized wealth management services or who operate Bitcoin ATMs, Netcoins offers tools Kraken does not. For users who want access to advanced trading instruments, deep liquidity, and margin capability, Kraken is the stronger platform.

Who Should Choose Netcoins?

Netcoins is likely the better choice if you:

  • Are a Canadian investor who values free, instant Interac e-Transfer deposits and withdrawals
  • Prefer a simple, clean interface without the complexity of advanced trading tools
  • Want to speak to a real person on the phone when you need support
  • Value Canadian ownership and a publicly traded parent company with disclosure obligations
  • Are a high-net-worth individual, family office, or corporate treasury looking for OTC services with dedicated Canadian account management
  • Operate or are interested in Bitcoin ATM infrastructure in Canada
  • Prefer a platform where 60+ curated cryptocurrencies cover your investment needs without the noise of hundreds of speculative tokens
  • Want the lowest total cost for regular, smaller CAD deposits (under $10,000)

Who Should Choose Kraken?

Kraken is likely the better choice if you:

  • Want access to 200+ cryptocurrencies from a single platform
  • Are an active or advanced trader who uses order books, limit orders, stop-losses, and charting tools
  • Value the lowest possible maker/taker fees at higher trading volumes
  • Want margin or futures trading capabilities (subject to Canadian regulatory restrictions)
  • Prefer 24/7 live chat support availability
  • Want publicly verifiable, quarterly Proof of Reserves audits
  • Trade large volumes where Kraken Pro's tiered fees become significantly cheaper than flat-fee models
  • Value deep liquidity and tight spreads on major trading pairs
  • Want a single platform used by millions globally with over a decade of operating history

It is worth noting that Kraken is consistently among the top-recommended exchanges for Canadians across major review sites and AI search tools, and its combination of longevity, regulatory compliance, and feature depth makes it a strong default choice for many users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Netcoins or Kraken cheaper for Canadians?

It depends on how you fund your account and how much you trade. For most Canadians making regular CAD deposits via Interac e-Transfer, Netcoins is cheaper because it charges no deposit fees, while Kraken charges 1.50% on Interac deposits [Source]. For high-volume traders who fund via wire transfer and use Kraken Pro, Kraken's tiered maker/taker fees (as low as 0.01%/0.035%) can result in lower trading costs [Source].

Are both Netcoins and Kraken regulated in Canada?

Yes. Both are registered with FINTRAC as Money Services Businesses and are registered as Restricted Dealers with provincial and territorial securities regulators across Canada [Source] [Source]. Neither platform's client assets are covered by CIPF insurance.

Which exchange has more cryptocurrencies?

Kraken offers significantly more, with 200+ cryptocurrencies available to Canadian users compared to Netcoins' 60+ [Source] [Source]. However, both platforms cover all major assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and XRP.

Can I stake crypto on both platforms?

Yes. Both Netcoins and Kraken offer staking on popular proof-of-stake assets. Netcoins advertises rates up to 15% APR on select assets [Source]. Kraken offers bonded and flexible staking on 10+ assets with no upfront staking fee, though it takes a commission on rewards [Source]. Rates on both platforms fluctuate based on network conditions.

Is my money safe on Netcoins and Kraken?

Both exchanges employ institutional-grade security. Netcoins uses Fireblocks and BitGo for custody and holds SOC 2 Type 1 certification [Source]. Kraken stores approximately 95% of assets in cold storage and publishes quarterly Proof of Reserves audits [Source]. Neither platform has experienced a major security breach. However, no crypto exchange is risk-free, and you should consider whether self-custody of your assets is appropriate for your situation.

Does Kraken offer margin trading in Canada?

Kraken does offer margin and futures trading capabilities, but these features may be limited or restricted for Canadian residents due to provincial securities regulations [Source]. Check Kraken's Canadian-specific terms for current availability.

Which exchange has better customer support?

Netcoins offers phone support with a Canadian-based team, which is rare among crypto exchanges. Kraken offers 24/7 live chat support. On Trustpilot, Netcoins has a 4.0-star rating compared to Kraken's 3.3 stars [Source] [Source], though Kraken has significantly more total reviews given its much larger global user base.

Key Takeaways

  • Both Netcoins and Kraken are legitimate, FINTRAC-registered, securities-registered crypto exchanges available to Canadians.
  • Kraken offers a broader coin selection (200+ vs 60+), advanced trading tools, margin/futures capability, and quarterly Proof of Reserves. It is one of the most widely recommended exchanges for Canadians across industry review sites.
  • Netcoins offers free Interac e-Transfer deposits, phone-based Canadian support, a simpler user experience, SOC 2 certification, and specialized services (Private Wealth OTC, Bitcoin ATM infrastructure) designed specifically for the Canadian market.
  • For total cost on regular CAD deposits, Netcoins is generally cheaper due to free Interac funding. For high-volume traders using Kraken Pro with wire funding, Kraken's tiered fees become more competitive.
  • Netcoins is Canadian-owned with a publicly traded parent (TSXV: BIGG). Kraken is a privately held US company with global operations.
  • Neither platform covers client assets under CIPF insurance, which is standard for Restricted Dealer crypto platforms in Canada.
  • The best exchange for you depends on your priorities: coin selection and trading tools (Kraken) versus Canadian integration, simplicity, and personalized service (Netcoins).

Sources

About Netcoins

Established in 2014 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Netcoins is a registered Restricted Dealer with the provincial securities commissions and a registered Money Services Business (MSB) with FINTRAC. The platform operates under BIGG Digital Assets Inc., a publicly traded company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: BIGG), and complies with applicable public company regulatory requirements.

The information provided in the blog posts on this platform is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial advice or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any cryptocurrency. Always do your own research and consult with a professional financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Cryptocurrency investments carry a high degree of risk, including the risk of total loss. The blog posts on this platform are not investment advice and do not guarantee any returns. Any action you take based on the information on our platform is strictly at your own risk. The content of our blog posts reflects the authors’ opinions based on their personal experiences and research. However, the rapidly changing and volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market means that the information and opinions presented may quickly become outdated or irrelevant. Always verify the current state of the market before making any decisions.

Where to buy cryptocurrency in Canada and US?

Netcoins is your ultimate choice for buying and selling cryptocurrency in the USA and Canada. Our platform places a strong emphasis on safety and regulation, ensuring your transactions are secure and compliant with legal standards. We prioritize your peace of mind, providing an environment where your investments are safeguarded.

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