Does Questrade Have Crypto? A Clear Answer for Canadian Investors

Does Questrade Allow You to Buy Cryptocurrency?

No. Questrade does not support direct crypto purchases. It is not a crypto exchange.

Specifically, Questrade does not offer:

• Bitcoin purchases
• Ethereum purchases
• Altcoin trading
• Crypto wallets
• Crypto deposits or withdrawals
• Crypto staking

Instead, you can gain crypto exposure through Canadian-listed crypto ETFs. These ETFs trade on stock exchanges. You can hold them inside registered accounts, including:

• Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs)
• Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs)
• Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs)
• Non-registered investment accounts

How Questrade Gives You Crypto Exposure

Rather than buying actual crypto, you invest in ETFs that track Bitcoin or Ethereum prices. An ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) is a security that trades on a stock exchange. It holds assets on behalf of investors.

For example, buying shares of a Bitcoin ETF does not mean you own Bitcoin directly. Instead, you own shares in a fund whose value follows Bitcoin’s market price.

This approach removes the need to manage:

• Crypto wallets
• Private keys
• Blockchain transactions
• Exchange accounts

For many investors, this is a simpler way to enter the crypto market. It works especially well for those using registered accounts.

Crypto ETFs Available on Questrade

Questrade gives you access to several Canadian-listed crypto ETFs. Availability may change, so always check current listings on Questrade before you invest.

Bitcoin ETFs

• BTCC – Purpose Bitcoin ETF
• BTCX – CI Galaxy Bitcoin ETF
• BTCQ – 3iQ CoinShares Bitcoin ETF
• BITC – Ninepoint Bitcoin ETF
• BTCY – Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF

Ethereum ETFs

• ETHH – Purpose Ether ETF
• ETHX – CI Galaxy Ethereum ETF
• ETHR – Evolve Ether ETF
• ETHQ – 3iQ CoinShares Ether ETF

Availability may change over time, so investors should verify current listings through Questrade before investing.

How to Buy Crypto ETFs on Questrade

Buying a cryptocurrency ETF on Questrade is similar to purchasing any stock or ETF.

Step 1: Open a Self-Directed Account

Choose the account type that matches your goals:

• TFSA
• RRSP
• RESP
• Non-registered account

Step 2: Fund Your Account

You can fund your account using:

• Electronic funds transfer (EFT)
• Bill payment
• Wire transfer

Most deposits arrive within one to three business days.

Step 3: Search for the ETF

Enter the ETF ticker into Questrade’s trading platform.

Examples include:

• BTCC for Purpose Bitcoin ETF
• BTCX for CI Galaxy Bitcoin ETF
• ETHH for Purpose Ether ETF
• ETHX for CI Galaxy Ethereum ETF

Step 4: Place Your Order

Enter the number of shares you wish to purchase and submit your order.

Questrade offers commission-free ETF purchases, making it a cost-effective option for long-term investors.

What Does It Cost?

There are two primary costs associated with crypto ETFs.

Trading Fees

• ETF purchases are commission-free
• ETF sales may incur commissions

Always review the platforms latest pricing schedule before trading.

ETF Management Fees

Crypto ETFs charge annual management fees that are reflected in the fund’s Management Expense Ratio (MER).

Most Canadian crypto ETFs have MERs ranging from approximately 0.40% to 1.00% annually.

Crypto ETFs suit investors who want long-term exposure inside registered accounts. Direct ownership works better if you want full control or access to blockchain apps.

Is Questrade Crypto Right for You?

Questrade’s crypto ETF offering can be a good fit for investors who want exposure to Bitcoin or Ethereum without the complexity of owning cryptocurrency directly. It’s particularly appealing for Canadians who want to invest through a TFSA or RRSP, prefer using a traditional brokerage account, and don’t want to worry about managing crypto wallets, private keys, or blockchain transactions. For long-term investors looking for a simple and regulated way to gain exposure to the crypto market, crypto ETFs can be a convenient solution.

However, direct cryptocurrency ownership may be a better choice if you want full control over your assets. Buying crypto through a dedicated exchange allows you to hold actual Bitcoin or Ethereum, transfer funds between wallets, trade 24/7, and access features such as staking, decentralized finance (DeFi), and other Web3 applications. It also provides access to a much wider range of cryptocurrencies beyond the Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs available through Questrade.

Can You Trade Crypto Options on Questrade?

Questrade does support options trading for eligible accounts. However, it does not offer options on actual cryptocurrencies.

Some crypto ETFs may have listed options on Canadian exchanges. But trading volume and liquidity tend to be lower than for major stock or index options. If you want crypto derivatives, you’ll likely need a dedicated crypto trading platform.

Bottom Line

Questrade does not offer direct crypto trading. You cannot buy, store, or transfer Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other digital assets on the platform.

That said, Questrade does give you access to several Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. You can hold these inside a TFSA, RRSP, or other investment account.