Newton vs Other Crypto Exchanges: Which One Is Right for You?
Compare Newton to Shakepay, Bitbuy, Coinbase, and other Canadian crypto exchanges. See fees, features, and bonuses side by side.
How does Newton compare to other Canadian crypto exchanges?
Newton is one of the most popular Canadian crypto exchanges, known for zero-commission trading and competitive spreads. Below is a comprehensive comparison with other major platforms available to Canadians.
Detailed Comparison Guides
| Comparison | Key Difference | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Newton vs Shakepay | 70+ coins vs 2 coins | Altcoin traders vs BTC-only |
| Newton vs Bitbuy | 0% commission vs 0.2% fee | Smaller trades vs larger trades |
| Newton vs NDAX | Free withdrawals vs $25 fee | Active withdrawers vs HODLers |
| Newton vs Wealthsimple | Crypto withdrawals vs no withdrawals | Self-custody vs simplicity |
Quick Comparison Table
| Exchange | Commission | Spread | Coins | Referral Bonus | Free Withdrawals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newton | 0% | 0.5-1% | 70+ | $25 | Yes |
| Shakepay | 0% | 1.5-2% | 2 (BTC, ETH) | $30 | Yes |
| Bitbuy | 0.2% | 0.5% | 25+ | $20 | No |
| NDAX | 0.2% | 0.2% | 30+ | Tiered | No |
| Coinbase | 0.6% | 0.5% | 250+ | $30 | No |
| Kraken | 0.16% | 0.2% | 200+ | $75 CAD | No |
| Exchange | Fees | Referral |
|---|---|---|
| Newton | 0% + spread | $25 |
| Shakepay | 0% + spread | $30 |
| Bitbuy | 0.2% + spread | $20 |
| NDAX | 0.2% + spread | Tiered |
| Coinbase | 0.6% + spread | $30 |
| Kraken | 0.16% + spread | $75 CAD |
Newton vs Shakepay: Which should you choose?
Newton offers more coins and lower spreads, while Shakepay focuses on simplicity with just Bitcoin and Ethereum. Here’s how they compare:
Newton advantages
- 70+ cryptocurrencies vs Shakepay’s 2
- Lower spreads (0.5-1% vs 1.5-2%)
- Free crypto withdrawals to external wallets
- Instant Interac e-Transfer deposits and withdrawals
Shakepay advantages
- Shake for sats — earn free Bitcoin daily by shaking your phone
- Simpler interface — perfect for beginners
- Shakepay Card — spend crypto anywhere Visa is accepted
- $30 referral bonus vs Newton’s $25
Verdict
Choose Newton if you want to trade altcoins or minimize spread costs. Choose Shakepay if you only want Bitcoin/Ethereum and like the gamified rewards.
Newton vs Bitbuy: Fees breakdown
Newton has zero commissions but wider spreads. Bitbuy charges 0.2% commission but has tighter spreads. For most casual traders, the total cost is similar.
| Trade Size | Newton Cost (1% spread) | Bitbuy Cost (0.2% + 0.5% spread) |
|---|---|---|
| $100 | $1.00 | $0.70 |
| $1,000 | $10.00 | $7.00 |
| $10,000 | $100.00 | $70.00 |
Note: Newton's spread varies by coin. Popular coins like BTC and ETH have tighter spreads (~0.5%), while smaller altcoins may have wider spreads (~1.5%).
Why choose Newton over international exchanges?
Canadian exchanges like Newton offer advantages that international platforms don’t:
- CAD deposits/withdrawals via Interac e-Transfer (free and instant)
- No currency conversion fees — buy crypto directly in CAD
- FINTRAC registered — compliant with Canadian regulations
- Canadian customer support — help when you need it
International exchanges like Coinbase or Kraken often require wire transfers or credit cards with additional fees.
Newton security features
Newton takes security seriously with multiple layers of protection:
- 95% cold storage — majority of assets stored offline
- 2FA authentication — protect your account with two-factor auth
- FINTRAC registered — regulated as a Money Services Business
- Insurance coverage — assets protected against certain losses
How to get the Newton referral bonus
- Sign up using a referral code
- Verify your identity (takes 5-10 minutes)
- Deposit at least $100 via Interac e-Transfer
- Make your first trade (buy any amount of crypto)
- Receive $25 in your account within 48 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Newton better than Shakepay?
It depends on your needs. Newton offers more coins and lower spreads, while Shakepay has simpler features and a popular shake-for-sats program. Both offer referral bonuses.
What are Newton fees in Canada?
Newton has no trading commissions. They make money through spreads, which are typically 0.5-1% depending on the coin and market conditions.
Is Newton safe to use in Canada?
Yes, Newton is registered with FINTRAC and provincial securities regulators. They use cold storage for the majority of crypto assets.
Can I transfer crypto from Newton to other wallets?
Yes, Newton supports free withdrawals for most cryptocurrencies to external wallets, which is a major advantage over some competitors.
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency investments are volatile and risky. This comparison is for informational purposes only. Always do your own research before investing.
About the Author
Alex Vance — Crypto Contributor
Alex helps Canadians discover the benefits of trading cryptocurrency with Newton. With a focus on accurate, up-to-date information about referral bonuses and crypto tips, Alex is committed to helping readers make informed decisions on their crypto journey.