How to Buy Optimism in Canada

What is Optimism (op)?

Optimism is a layer-2 blockchain that is built on top of Ethereum. Aiding in scalability, Optimism benefits from Ethereum’s security, resulting in transactions being recorded on Optimism but secured on Ethereum. Optimism aims to have the minimum number of moving parts while building a layer-two solution for Ethereum. In practice, this means using proven Ethereum code and infrastructure when possible. Optimism thus aims to keep its code as simple as possible and work directly with existing codebases. The Optimism roadmap aims to have L1-governed fault proofs ready by 2024.

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Why Optimism?

It’s powered by Optimistic Rollups, which bundle large amounts of transaction data into digestible batches. Optimism is cheaper to use than Ethereum, and it’s increasingly becoming popular along with other layer 2s, such as Arbitrum, another layer 2 which utilizes optimistic rollup.

Cryptocurrency is an exciting, new space to get involved in. Find out how to get in on the action.

* Although the term "stablecoin" is commonly used, there is no guarantee that the asset will maintain a stable value in relation to the value of the reference asset when traded on secondary markets or that the reserve of assets, if there is one, will be adequate to satisfy all redemptions.

Where do I buy Optimism?

Direct Purchase

You can buy cryptocurrency online, or send and receive it directly from another individual in person or over the web.

Via a regulated cryptocurrency platform

Recommended

Many people find it easier to purchase Optimism through a trading platform like Newton.

Why Newton?

‍Newton offers a dead-simple way to buy and sell cryptocurrency in Canada at prices that most other platforms simply cannot afford to compete with.

CREATE AN ACCOUNT

Here's how to buy Optimism in Canada

Sign-up in Canada for an account.

Create an account and add funds or choose an amount of your currency to trade.

Trade fiat or crypto for stablecoin*.

Trade your chosen currency into a stablecoin*.

Send to your desired exchange.

Find an exchange that offers op, then transfer your crypto to that exchange.

Initiate purchase and you're done.

Go through the steps to purchase, and that's it.

CREATE NEWTON ACCOUNT →

Why use stablecoins* when transferring to an exchange?

Because stablecoins* are designed to maintain a peg to fiat currencies, they can be useful tools. Coins such as USDC, USDT and QCAD generally experience lower volatility than other crypto assets.

GET STABLECOINS* →

It's easy to get started

Buy & Sell Optimism quickly on your phone or computer.

1 Create an account.

Provide some basic details about yourself to get verified. This process usually takes less than 5 minutes!

2 Fund your account.

Connect your bank account or utilize Interac e-Transfers to add or withdraw funds seamlessly.

3

Start buying.

You can start buying and selling crypto quickly and easily right away on your phone or on web browser.

Why you'll love trading Optimism on Newton.

Newton is Canada's low-cost cryptocurrency trading platform with transparent prices and low trading fees. We offer high liquidity and institutional-grade third party custody for your digital assets.

Some of the best prices in Canada.

On average our prices are 0.5–0.7% above spot at volumes of up to 3 BTC. This makes our overall price 3x lower than a leading competitor who charges approximately 2.25% in trading fees.

World-class security.

Newton uses machine learning to detect and prevent account takeover attempts, a common form of cryptocurrency fraud.

Low-cost and no-commissions.

Trading and funding your account is absolutely free. Transfer cryptocurrency to and from your account at no cost (we cover up to $5 per daily transaction in network fees).

Unique & functional design.

We take a first principles approach to design, resulting in an easy-to-use experience that is unlike any other platform.

Works on any device.

Get started on your web browser, or download the Newton app for Android and iOS to take control of your crypto on-the-go.

Proudly Canadian.

We want cryptocurrency to be taken seriously, so we go above and beyond to make sure we're compliant with current and anticipated Canadian regulations.

Where do I keep my Optimism?

After you've purchased crypto, the next step is to find the best way to secure it.

Wallets are often considered to offer some of the best security for your cryptocurrency. While you have the option of keeping your assets on Newton, Newton is primarily a low-fee cryptocurrency trading platform, and not a wallet service.

While we have institutional third-party custody to keep customers' digital assets safe, many individuals who buy cryptocurrency consider transferring a portion of holdings to external wallets for personal custody.