How to Buy Bitcoin Legally in Canada
A complete, beginner-friendly guide: is it legal, how ShakePay works, a video walkthrough, fees, safety tips, and a step-by-step checklist — everything you need to buy Bitcoin with confidence and pay any Bitcoin-only merchant, including StreamIPTV.
Watch: How to Buy Bitcoin with ShakePay
This is an independent, community-made tutorial we found helpful — it is not produced or endorsed by ShakePay. For official information and the latest app screens, always check shakepay.com or ShakePay's own official YouTube channel.
Why We Accept Bitcoin
Bitcoin lets us confirm payments quickly and securely, with no chargebacks and no card processing fees — savings we can pass on to you. If you have never bought crypto before, that is completely normal: this guide walks you through it step by step, in plain language, whether you are paying us or any other Bitcoin-only merchant.
Is Buying Bitcoin Legal in Canada?
Yes. Buying, holding, and selling Bitcoin is fully legal in Canada. Cryptocurrency itself is not banned or restricted — it is treated as a commodity, similar to gold, by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
FINTRAC registration
Canadian crypto trading platforms must register with FINTRAC (Canada's financial intelligence agency) as money services businesses, with anti-money-laundering and identity-verification obligations.
CIRO oversight
Most Canadian platforms are also registered with CIRO (Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization) as restricted dealers, giving them real regulatory oversight — not a legal gray area.
This page is general information, not tax or legal advice. If you have questions about your own situation (for example, how crypto purchases affect your taxes), speak with a licensed accountant or tax professional.
Our Recommended Platform: ShakePay
A Canadian company, built for Canadians
ShakePay is one of Canada's most popular cryptocurrency platforms, trusted by over 1.5 million Canadians. You fund your account directly from your Canadian bank using Interac e-Transfer — no credit card needed — and can buy Bitcoin in minutes.
💳 Funding method
Interac e-Transfer from any Canadian bank — usually arrives within minutes.
📱 Ease of use
Simple mobile app designed for beginners, with a clean buy/sell screen.
🇨🇦 Canadian-first
Built specifically for the Canadian market, with CAD balances and support.
💰 Advertised fees
ShakePay advertises zero-commission Bitcoin purchases — always confirm the current price before buying.
We are not affiliated with ShakePay — we recommend them because they are a well-known, regulated Canadian option that is easy for beginners. Other regulated Canadian platforms such as Bitbuy, Newton, and Coinsquare also work fine if you prefer them.
Step-by-Step: Buying Bitcoin to Pay a Merchant
Create your ShakePay account
Go to shakepay.com or download the app, and sign up with your email. This takes a few minutes.
Verify your identity
As a regulated Canadian platform, ShakePay must confirm who you are — a standard, one-time step for any legitimate financial service.
Turn on extra security
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account before adding funds, so only you can access it.
Fund your account
Send an Interac e-Transfer from your Canadian bank account directly into your ShakePay account. This usually arrives within minutes.
Buy Bitcoin
Enter the CAD amount you want to spend and confirm the purchase. Your Bitcoin appears in your ShakePay wallet right away.
Copy the merchant's exact address
On the payment page, copy the Bitcoin address and amount shown exactly — do not round or retype it by hand.
Send it and confirm
Send your payment from your ShakePay wallet. Most merchants confirm automatically once it arrives on the blockchain, though it can take a few minutes.
Staying Safe When You Buy and Send Bitcoin
Double-check every address
Bitcoin payments cannot be reversed. Always copy-paste the receiving address rather than typing it, and confirm it matches before sending.
Never share your recovery phrase
No legitimate platform or support agent will ever ask for your password, 2FA code, or wallet recovery phrase. Treat these like the keys to your bank account.
Send the exact amount shown
The BTC amount at checkout is based on a live exchange rate. Sending the exact figure avoids under- or over-paying.
Watch for phishing
Only use ShakePay's official app or shakepay.com. Be suspicious of links in unsolicited emails or messages claiming to be ShakePay support.
Common Questions
Ready to Get Started?
Once you have your Bitcoin ready, come back and complete your order.