Over the years, technology has changed how we handle money, run businesses, and make transactions. Today, one of the biggest changes is the use of cryptocurrencies. People are not just investing in them but also using them to pay for goods and services.
Although cryptocurrencies aren’t officially recognized as legal tender in Canada, many businesses still accept them. This shift is happening because more and more people are choosing digital currencies over traditional payment methods.
A 2022 survey found that 75% of young people believe cryptocurrencies will play a big role in the future of finance. This shows how much trust younger generations are placing in cryptocurrencies and their potential to change the financial landscape.
In this guide, we’ll explore why cryptocurrencies are becoming more popular, where you can spend them in Canada, and the challenges that come with using them.
Key Takeaways
- Businesses in sectors such as payment platforms, retail, financial services, hospitals, and health are embracing crypto payments to meet consumer demand.
- Crypto debit cards and payment platforms such as UPay simplify using cryptocurrency for everyday purchases.
- The Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) requires cryptocurrency users to track transactions for tax compliance.
- Volatility and lack of consumer protection remain challenges when spending crypto.
Why Canada Is a Thriving Crypto Hub
Source: Freepik
1. Supportive Regulations
Canada has made it easy for crypto businesses to thrive by creating clear rules for the industry. For instance, the country was one of the first to regulate cryptocurrency exchanges as money service businesses, ensuring they follow anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) rules. This helps create a trustworthy environment where investors feel secure. A great example is how Toronto has become home to multiple blockchain startups due to these regulations.
2. Crypto-Friendly Culture
Canada’s crypto community is growing fast, with more people and businesses adopting cryptocurrency. Cities like Vancouver and Toronto are buzzing with innovation, from blockchain research to crypto-focused tech companies. One of the co-founders of Ethereum, Vitalik Buterin, is Canadian, showing how much the country has influenced the global crypto scene.
3. Cheap, Green Energy for Mining
Canada is also a top choice for crypto mining thanks to its low-cost and renewable energy options. Provinces like Quebec, with its abundance of hydroelectric power, offer some of the cheapest electricity rates for miners. This makes it easier for companies to run their operations efficiently, while also being environmentally friendly. In fact, Canada’s mining sector has become so popular that many companies are flocking there to take advantage of these benefits.
Best Places to Spend Crypto in Canada
In 2025, Canada continues to lead with innovative platforms that simplify spending cryptocurrencies, even in places where merchants don’t directly accept them. Here are some of the top locations where you can spend your crypto in Canada:
| S/N | Best Places to Spend Crypto in Australia | Categories |
| 1. | UPay | Crypto Payment Platforms |
| 2. | CoinGate | Crypto Payment Platforms |
| 3. | Bitrefill | Crypto Payment Platforms |
| 4. | Greater PROPERTY Group | Real Estate |
| 5. | SKYBLÜ Condos | Real Estate |
| 6. | Creiland Consultants: | Real Estate |
| 7. | Matrix Mortgage Global | Financial Services |
| 8. | Downtown Dental Hygiene Clinic | Hospital and health |
| 9. | Birks Group | Retail |
| 10. | Newegg | Retail |
| 11. | Coincards | Retail |
1. Crypto Payment Platforms
One of the best ways to spend crypto in Canada is through a crypto payment platform. These platforms make it easy to use digital currencies for everyday transactions, offering secure, fast, and convenient solutions for shopping and payments.
a. UPay
Supported crypto: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others
UPay makes it easy to use cryptocurrency for everyday spending in Canada. With the UPay crypto card, digital assets can be used just like regular money anywhere. Transactions are seamless, with a low 1% fee and no annual charges.
The platform instantly converts crypto to Canadian Dollars (CAD), making it simple to use for shopping, dining, and other daily expenses. Both virtual and physical cards are available, and they can be linked to Apple Pay and Google Pay for contactless payments.
Similarly, UPay prioritizes security with advanced encryption to protect your funds. The UPay app also makes it easy to track spending and manage transactions, offering a seamless way to incorporate crypto into your everyday life.
How to Sign Up for a UPay Account?
- Step 1: Visit the UPay website or Download the APP click the “Please Sign In” button.
- Step 2: Choose to sign up using your email or phone number, get the verification code, set your password, and agree to the terms.
- Step 3: Enter your email or phone number, password, and click “Log In”.
- Step 4: Login successfully.
b. CoinGate
Supported crypto: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and more
CoinGate is a flexible platform that lets you spend cryptocurrencies on things like gift cards, bills, and shopping at participating merchants. You can use it for services like Netflix or stores like Walmart, making it easy to spend crypto on everyday items, whether you’re in Canada, or elsewhere.
If you’ve considered using crypto for gift cards or streaming subscriptions, CoinGate makes it easy. You can enjoy discounts of up to 40% when purchasing gift cards in bulk. Additionally, by sharing your affiliate link, you can earn an 8% commission on every gift card purchase made through it.
This means that while you’re spending your digital assets, you’re also positioning yourself to earn—creating a win-win situation when you choose to spend crypto on CoinGate.
c. Bitrefill
Supported crypto: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and others
Bitrefill is another popular crypto payment platform available in Canada, offering an easy way to use your cryptocurrencies for a variety of everyday expenses. Whether you’re purchasing gift cards, paying for mobile top-ups, or settling household bills, Bitrefill has you covered.
For example, you can use Bitcoin to buy a gift card from Amazon or pay your mobile phone bill through the platform.
Bitrefill supports different brands and services, from entertainment and retail to utility providers, making crypto spending both convenient and efficient. With Bitrefill, you can seamlessly integrate crypto into your daily financial activities.
2. Real Estate
Real estate is a great way to spend crypto in Canada, providing a solid avenue for investment. With secure and transparent transactions, it’s an easy way to turn digital assets into tangible property. Here are some of the best real estate businesses where you can invest your crypto:
a. Greater PROPERTY Group
Supported crypto: Bitcoin
This real estate brokerage lets clients buy homes with Bitcoin, connecting digital assets with real property investments. In fact, it’s one of the first brokerages to use Bitcoin for real estate transactions. Greater PROPERTY Group also helps buyers and sellers understand how to use cryptocurrency for property deals, making the process smoother and more secure.
So, if you’ve been thinking about buying property, Greater PROPERTY Group makes it easy to use Bitcoin to purchase a home in Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, and Connecticut
b. SKYBLÜ Condos
In 2022, developer Ray Junior Courtemanche announced that his company now accepts cryptocurrency payments for condo purchases in Quebec. In his words:
“More and more people are turning to cryptocurrency. I was just waiting for a simple and effective way to be able to accept crypto, and today, the solution exists and it’s from Quebec! At this point, I was sold on that idea.”
If you’re looking to invest or spend your crypto assets in real estate, this is a great option worth considering.
c. Creiland Consultants
Supported crypto: Bitcoin
This firm helps you facilitate real estate transactions using Bitcoin, including deposits and down payments, by issuing invoices in Canadian dollars and accepting equivalent cryptocurrency payments. They make the process smooth by bridging traditional real estate practices with modern digital currencies, making it a reliable option for you to invest in property with crypto
3. Financial Services
Source: freepik
a. Matrix Mortgage Global
Supported crypto: Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoin, and others
Recognized as Canada’s three-time Broker of the Year, this company allows you to use your cryptocurrencies—like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, XRP, Ethereum, and stablecoins—for payments. This includes your mortgage payments and Mortgage Agent Registration costs, using BitPay to make the process easy and accessible for you.
4. Hospital and health
a. Downtown Dental Hygiene Clinic
Supported crypto: Bitcoin
Downtown Dental Hygiene Clinic in Canada provides a full range of dental services and allows customers to pay with Bitcoin. The clinic helps with choosing and fitting dentures, and it serves all family members, including children, teaching them proper oral hygiene from an early age. They also provide oral cancer screenings to check for any mouth health issues.
5. Retail
Source: freepik
a. Newegg
Supported crypto: Bitcoin
Newegg, a major tech retailer in North America allows Canadian customers to pay with Bitcoin. Originally introduced for U.S. customers in 2014, the option has now been extended to Canada. Newegg offers over 10.5 million products, including electronics, computers, and gaming consoles. By partnering with BitPay, they enable their 25 million registered users to make secure payments with Bitcoin.
b. Coincards
Supported crypto: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and other cryptocurrencies.
Coincards bridge the gap between the crypto community and the broader world by enabling people to use their cryptocurrencies at a wide range of retailers. Available in Canada, Coincards offers physical gift cards for popular brands like Amazon, Starbucks, Netflix, and even Apple. You can buy these gift cards using Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and other cryptocurrencies.
c. Birks Group
Supported crypto: Bitcoin
Birks Group, one of Canada’s oldest luxury jewelry retailers, is a great place to invest and spend your crypto. You can use Bitcoin to buy high-end items like diamonds, pearls, gold, and vintage watches at their stores.
Whether you’re treating yourself or buying a gift, Birks offers a smooth shopping experience where you can easily use your digital assets. It’s the perfect spot for crypto users who want to combine luxury with innovation.
Tips for Spending Cryptocurrency in Canada
Source: Freepik
Track Transactions for Tax Purposes
The CRA treats cryptocurrency as a taxable commodity, which means you need to keep accurate records of your transactions. For example, use tools like UPay to stay organized and ensure you comply with tax rules
Fund Your Wallet
Ensure you have sufficient funds in your chosen cryptocurrency. You can easily acquire Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other popular coins through reputable exchanges like UEEx, eToro, Kraken, and Coinbase.
Use Crypto Debit Cards
Crypto debit cards, such as the BitPay Card or UPay make spending digital currencies simple. These cards automatically convert your crypto into Canadian dollars when you make a purchase, allowing you to shop easily at stores that don’t accept crypto directly.
Choose Stablecoins for Everyday Purchases
Stablecoins like USDT or USDC are great for daily transactions because their value stays tied to fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar. Using them helps you avoid the price swings often seen with other cryptocurrencies.
Stay Updated on Regulations
Canadian crypto regulations can change, so staying informed is key. Check reliable sources like the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) to ensure you’re aware of any updates affecting crypto use.
Use Crypto Payment Platforms
Platforms like UPay, CoinGate, or BitPay help you spend crypto at a wide range of retailers. For instance, you can buy gift cards or pay for services online using Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other digital currencies.
Challenges of Spending Crypto in Canada
Source: freepik
Volatility
Cryptocurrency prices can fluctuate dramatically, creating challenges for stable transactions. For example, a Bitcoin payment made today might lose or gain significant value before a merchant can convert it to fiat. This unpredictability makes cryptocurrencies less reliable for everyday purchases.
Limited Consumer Protections
Unlike credit cards or traditional banking systems, crypto transactions are irreversible, offering little recourse in cases of fraud or disputes. For instance, if you accidentally send Bitcoin to the wrong wallet address on a crypto exchange, recovering your funds might be impossible.
Merchant Adoption Barriers
Although adoption is growing, not all businesses accept crypto payments. For example, while major retailers like Newegg.ca accept Bitcoin, many smaller stores do not, making it harder to use crypto universally.
Regulatory Uncertainty
Cryptocurrency regulations in Canada are still evolving, which can create confusion for consumers and businesses. For example, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requires detailed reporting of crypto transactions, but some areas, like DeFi activities, lack clear guidelines.
High Transaction Fees
Fees for certain cryptocurrency transactions, particularly on networks like Ethereum during peak usage, can be quite high. For instance, buying a low-cost item with Bitcoin or Ethereum might result in fees that exceed the item’s price, making small purchases impractical.
Crypto Is Not a Legal Tender
In Canada, cryptocurrency is not considered legal tender, meaning it is not an official form of payment mandated by law for settling debts. As a result, transactions involving cryptocurrency do not have the same legal protections as those made with traditional currencies. For instance, if a dispute arises over a cryptocurrency payment, there may be fewer consumer protections in place.
Security Concerns
Security is a major concern when spending cryptocurrency in Canada. While cryptocurrencies provide a decentralized and often more private way of making payments, they also come with inherent risks. As the popularity of crypto continues to grow, cybercrime targeting crypto holders and users has become more prevalent.
Popular Tools for Spending Crypto in Canada
Crypto Wallets
Securely store and manage your cryptocurrency using wallets. These wallets provide the necessary tools for storing, sending, and receiving digital currencies safely.
Crypto Debit Cards
Crypto debit cards allow direct spending of cryptocurrencies without prior conversion to fiat. For instance, UPay offers a globally accepted card that you can use for in-store transactions, cash withdrawals, and online shopping. It supports multiple cryptocurrencies and allows direct spending at Visa-compatible merchants.
Payment Platforms
Payment platforms simplify the process of spending crypto by offering seamless conversion and payment options, allowing businesses and consumers to transact effortlessly.
Stablecoin Payments
Using stablecoins helps minimize the effects of market volatility, providing a predictable and reliable way to make payments and manage transactions.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Transactions
P2P platforms allow direct transactions between individuals or businesses, offering flexibility and eliminating the need for intermediaries in crypto payments.
Conclusion
While cryptocurrency isn’t legal tender in Canada, many businesses are embracing it as a payment option. From real estate to retail, there are growing opportunities to spend your crypto.
However, challenges like price volatility and limited protections still exist, so it’s important to stay informed and use tools like crypto wallets and payment platforms to make transactions easier and safer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are cryptocurrencies becoming more popular in Canada?
Cryptocurrencies are gaining popularity due to their ease of use, the support of crypto-friendly regulations, and the growing number of businesses accepting them for payments.
Where can I spend my crypto in Canada?
You can spend your crypto at various places, including cafes, retailers, real estate companies, and service providers, as well as using platforms like Upay, CoinGate and Bitrefill for everyday purchases.
What are the benefits of using cryptocurrency for payments?
The benefits include faster transactions, lower fees compared to traditional methods, and the ability to make secure, borderless payments.
Are there any challenges when spending cryptocurrency in Canada?
Yes, challenges include price volatility, limited merchant adoption, security risks, and a lack of consumer protections compared to traditional payment methods.
