Interest in cryptocurrency investing has surged among Canadian investors, driven by Bitcoin’s continued growth and increasing mainstream adoption. As regulations evolve, many are wondering whether Questrade crypto trading is available — or if they can access digital assets through one of Canada’s most trusted brokerages. In other words, investors are asking the key question: does Questrade Have Crypto, and how can they use the platform to gain exposure to this fast-growing market?
This article explores whether Questrade allows direct crypto trading, what alternatives exist, and how investors can still gain exposure to digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum through regulated funds and ETFs.
What Is Questrade?
Founded in 1999, Questrade is one of Canada’s leading online brokerages, known for its low fees and advanced trading tools. The platform allows investors to buy and sell stocks, ETFs, options, and other traditional assets through both self-directed and managed portfolios.
Questrade is regulated by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF), which safeguards client accounts up to $1 million in case of insolvency.
In short, Questrade provides a secure, established way to invest in traditional markets — but what about cryptocurrency?
Can You Trade Crypto on Questrade?
Currently, you cannot trade or buy crypto directly on Questrade. The platform does not allow the direct purchase, sale, or holding of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), or any other tokens within a Questrade account.
However, investors can still gain crypto exposure through ETFs and other funds that track the price of digital assets. These products offer a way to participate in the crypto market without owning the coins directly.
Some popular crypto ETFs available on Questrade include:
- Purpose Bitcoin ETF (BTCC) — one of the first Bitcoin ETFs approved in Canada.
- CI Galaxy Ethereum ETF (ETHX) — designed to track the price of Ethereum.
- Evolve Bitcoin ETF (EBIT) and 3iQ CoinShares Ether ETF (ETHQ) — additional options for investors seeking crypto exposure.
These funds are traded like regular stocks or ETFs, providing a regulated and accessible method to buy crypto exposure and invest in the broader cryptocurrency sector.
Can You Buy Bitcoin or Crypto on Questrade?
In short — no, you cannot buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any other cryptocurrency directly on Questrade.
This limitation stems mainly from regulatory restrictions and the platform’s focus on traditional investments. Questrade operates under Canadian securities laws, which currently impose stricter rules on crypto custody and trading.
Instead of holding actual coins, Questrade clients can invest indirectly through ETFs that track the value of Bitcoin or Ether. While this doesn’t offer true ownership or the ability to withdraw tokens, it provides a simpler and safer way to gain exposure without needing a crypto wallet or exchange account.
Will Questrade Add Crypto?
As of 2025, Questrade has not announced any plans to add direct crypto trading.
There have been no official statements suggesting that the company will introduce cryptocurrency features soon. While investor demand for crypto access is rising, several factors — including regulatory compliance, custody requirements, and market risk management — make such integration complex for traditional brokerages.
Community discussions on platforms like Reddit often speculate about future crypto support. Some users believe Questrade might eventually follow competitors who have added crypto-trading options. However, until regulations become clearer, the company appears focused on maintaining its reputation for security and transparency rather than expanding into volatile crypto markets.
Pros and Cons of Using Questrade for Crypto Exposure
Pros
- Regulated access to crypto ETFs — Gain exposure to Bitcoin and Ethereum through official market instruments.
- No need for a crypto wallet — Ideal for traditional investors who prefer simplicity and security.
- Eligible for RRSP and TFSA accounts — Tax-advantaged investing options are available for crypto ETFs.
- Transparent fees — Questrade offers low trading commissions and clear account costs.
- Strong investor protection — Funds are covered by CIPF and regulated by CIRO/IIROC.
Cons
- No direct ownership — You can’t buy, sell, or withdraw real cryptocurrencies.
- Limited product range — Only a few crypto-related ETFs are available.
- ETF performance may vary — Prices may not fully reflect spot crypto market movements.
- No staking or DeFi options — Lacks the features found on dedicated crypto exchanges.
Best Alternatives to Questrade for Crypto Trading
If your goal is to buy or trade crypto directly, several regulated platforms in Canada provide this service.
Here are some of the best alternatives to Questrade for crypto investing:
- Coinbase – A global exchange known for reliability, user-friendly design, and educational resources for beginners.
- Kraken – Offers advanced trading tools, staking, and strong security practices.
- Bitbuy – A Canadian-registered platform with transparent fees and direct CAD deposits.
- Binance – Popular for its wide range of coins, low trading fees, and high liquidity.
- Newton – Great for quick mobile trading and no-fee deposits/withdrawals.
These platforms allow you to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies directly, offering more flexibility than Questrade. However, they may involve higher risk and less investor protection, so users should conduct proper research before investing.
FAQ
Does Questrade Offer Crypto?
No, Questrade does not currently offer direct cryptocurrency trading. You can, however, gain exposure through crypto-focused ETFs such as BTCC and ETHX.
Can You Buy Bitcoin on Questrade?
You cannot buy Bitcoin directly on Questrade. Instead, you can invest in Bitcoin ETFs that mirror the asset’s market performance.
What’s the Best Way to Buy Crypto in Canada?
The best way depends on your goals. For direct ownership, use a regulated Canadian exchange such as Bitbuy or Kraken. For indirect exposure within registered accounts, Questrade’s crypto ETFs may be the better option.
While Questrade does not yet allow direct crypto trading, it remains an excellent platform for traditional investors seeking regulated, low-cost exposure to the crypto sector through ETFs. For those who want to own digital currencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum directly, specialized Canadian crypto exchanges remain the best route — at least for now.
