Buy and sell Bitcoin and crypto online and actually own it. VBX delivers your coins to a wallet only you control — never an in-app balance we hold — at a flat 2.5% fee, with real people by phone or in person when you want them.
Built by the team behind Vancouver Bitcoin — serving Canadian crypto clients since 2018 and registered with FINTRAC as a Money Services Business.
VBX vs Newton
Shakepay is a custodial, self-serve, online-only app that holds your crypto in an app balance until you choose to withdraw it — ideal for casual buyers who want a simple app. VBX is non-custodial, with an online platform plus retail branches you can phone or visit in Vancouver and Calgary, and transparently priced: your crypto goes directly to the wallet address you provide, real people are available by phone or in person at our Vancouver and Calgary branches, and a flat 2.5% fee is shown upfront.
Side by Side
OWNERSHIP & SECURITY
Shakepay is custodial — it holds your crypto in an app balance until you withdraw it. VBX is non-custodial: crypto is delivered to a wallet only you control. Why that can matter:
Security from platform failure. Coins in your own wallet aren't exposed if a platform is hacked, becomes insolvent, or collapses — risks the custodial model has faced repeatedly, from FTX to Canada's QuadrigaCX.
No deposit-insurance backstop. Cash in a Canadian bank is CDIC-insured; crypto left on most platforms typically isn't covered by deposit insurance.
No third-party freezes. Because a custodian controls the account, balances can be frozen and withdrawals paused or held. Self-custody keeps that control with you.
Built for patient holding. Owning your keys supports a buy-and-hold approach, which research consistently shows tends to outperform frequent trading for most investors over time.
Reach real people by phone and in person at our Vancouver and Calgary locations.
Crypto delivered to the wallet you control, never held on-platform by default. Your keys, your crypto.
A flat 2.5% shown before you confirm. No hidden spread, withdrawal fees, or surprises.
Pay Canadian bills directly from your crypto — something most exchanges don't offer.
Honest Advice
Shakepay is a capable self-serve app if you only want Bitcoin and Ethereum, and are happy holding balances in-app. If a polished, fully self-serve mobile experience is what you want, Shakepay may be the better fit.
Pricing
VBX charges a flat 2.5% rate that is fully transparent and shown before you confirm.
No hidden spread
No withdrawal fees
No surprises
Create your Free Account
Sign up in under 2 minutes and take control of your crypto.
Questions, Answered
Quick answers on the differences that matter most between VBX and Newton — who holds your crypto, the kind of support you get, and what you pay.
