Invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana through a crypto ETF with Qtrade from a single brokerage account. Units may be eligible for a range of registered and non-registered accounts (including, where permitted, RESPs and corporate accounts), though plan rules and brokerage eligibility can restrict certain ETFs.
Access leading digital assets with exchange-traded funds and place orders the same way you trade stocks.
Getting Started With Cryptocurrency Exchange-Traded Funds
These funds track assets such as Bitcoin or Ethereum and are bought and sold on a stock exchange.
| Feature | Crypto ETF | Direct Crypto |
|---|---|---|
| Where you trade | Trades on a stock exchange | Trades on a dedicated crypto platform |
| Account eligibility | May be eligible for TFSA or RRSP, depending on the fund and plan rules | Not held inside TFSA or RRSP |
| Who manages custody | Operated by a regulated fund manager | Self-managed and requires a crypto wallet |
| Trading hours | Available during market hours | Available 24/7 |
Most crypto ETFs aim to keep the trading price close to the fund’s net asset value (NAV). This is typically supported by a creation/redemption process where authorized participants can create new ETF units (or redeem existing units) in exchange for cash (and, in some structures, the underlying holdings), which helps reduce large premiums or discounts.
Crypto ETFs generally fall into two main structures: spot and futures-based. Spot crypto ETFs are designed to hold the underlying crypto asset in custody, while futures-based crypto ETFs gain exposure through futures contracts and can face additional costs or risks related to rolling contracts from one expiry to the next.
Different product types can include spot, futures-based, and leveraged ETFs (which seek magnified daily returns), as well as inverse ETFs (which seek to move opposite the underlying on a daily basis) and thematic ETFs (such as funds focused on crypto infrastructure or blockchain-linked equities). Product availability varies by market: Canada offers a range of spot crypto ETFs and related themes, while the U.S. lineup includes spot offerings as well as futures-based and other specialized structures.
Key Points About Crypto ETFs
Benefits
- Invest through Qtrade—no wallet required.
- Eligible for TFSA and RRSP.
- Professional oversight by fund provider.
Risks
- Expect volatility in prices. Crypto markets can move quickly on sentiment, macro conditions, and regulatory developments.
- Understand management fees and costs. Expenses can include fund fees, trading spreads, and potential tracking differences versus the underlying asset or reference index.
Your Next Step: Access Powerful Tools
Open a Qtrade account in minutes to research and trade digital-asset funds. To invest, open and fund your account, look up the ETF by name or ticker, choose an order type and quantity, review the order details, and place the trade; you can then monitor your position alongside the rest of your portfolio.
- Use the ETF screener tailored to crypto funds.
- Review fee details, holdings, and historical performance.
- Get insights to support informed decisions.
Explore Crypto ETFs by Asset
After signing up, filter and compare comprehensive performance data with the ETF screener.
Bitcoin: Fund Lineup Highlights
Examples of Bitcoin-focused symbols include BITX, BTCQ, ARKB, IBIT, GBTC, BTCC, and more. When choosing among them, compare factors such as the fund’s structure (spot vs. futures-based exposure), fees, liquidity and typical bid-ask spreads, trading currency and any hedging features, the provider’s custody approach, and how closely the fund has tracked its reference exposure historically. By assets under management, iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) is the largest crypto ETF, representing a substantial share of U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETF assets. Consult the screener for complete listings across Canadian and U.S. markets.
Ether: Fund Lineup Highlights
Representative Ether-focused symbols include CETH, ETHQ, ETHR, FETH, ETHE, ETHA, and others. Review the screener for the full catalog and exchange venues.
Solana: Fund Lineup Highlights
Available Solana-focused symbols include SOLQ, SOLA, GSOL, SOLZ, and SOLT, among others. See the screener for full coverage.
Multi-Asset and Other Themes
Broad and thematic funds span multiple crypto assets and related equities, with examples like BITQ, CMCX, REKT, FDIG, and STCE. Use the screener to view all options.
Blockchain-Linked Equity Funds
Equity ETFs tied to blockchain technology include HBLK, CBCX, BKCH, IBLC, and more. Compare strategies and markets in the screener.
