CADD vs QCAD: How Canada’s two stablecoins work

CADD and QCAD both target $1 CAD. Compare their issuers, reserve reports, cash-out rules and networks before choosing a Canadian-dollar stablecoin.

November 14, 20264 min read

Key Takeaways

Tetra Trust issues CADD. QCAD Digital Trust issues QCAD under a prospectus. Both Canadian-dollar stablecoins target $1 CAD per token.
Tetra’s direct CADD redemption fee is the greater of $50 CAD and 0.25%, plus applicable taxes. Stablecorp describes fee-free QCAD redemption through authorized partners.
Platform access depends on the network. Wealthsimple supports CADD on Base and Ethereum. Kraken lists Ethereum for QCAD deposits.

CADD and QCAD are Canadian-dollar stablecoins. They both target $1 CAD per token. The issuer, cash-out channel and supported network determine how you can use each one. Explore our other investing guides.

CADD vs QCAD: How do they compare?

The table covers CADD issued by Tetra Trust and QCAD issued by QCAD Digital Trust under its prospectus. Stablecorp administers QCAD. Earlier QCAD issued before November 20, 2025 has separate reserves and a separate redemption process. Stablecorp’s notice for holders of earlier QCAD.

CADD and prospectus-qualified QCAD compared
Feature	CADD	QCAD
Issuer	Tetra Trust Company	QCAD Digital Trust
Administrator	CAD Digital	Stablecorp
Reserve reporting	Daily ratio and monthly independent attestations	Monthly independent attestations on SEDAR+
Retail access example	Wealthsimple Crypto, with phased access	Kraken Canada
Redemption route	Through a distributor or directly with Tetra, subject to fees and terms	Through authorized partners, subject to eligibility and terms
Issuer-listed networks	Ethereum, Solana, Base, Tempo and Arc	Ethereum, Arc and Base

How can you check CADD and QCAD reserves?

Tetra holds the CADD reserve in trust for redemptions. Eligible assets include cash, deposits, short-term federal debt and Canadian money market fund units. CAD Digital publishes its daily reserve ratio. Baker Tilly prepares independent monthly attestations and audits the trust’s annual financial statements. CADD reserve reports.

Stablecorp identifies TD and VersaBank as reserve custodians for QCAD Digital Trust. Its SEDAR+ filings include the amended prospectus and monthly attestations. For either token, compare reserve assets and outstanding tokens on the report date. Check the platform separately for today’s price and withdrawal status. QCAD filings and reserve reports.

How much do you get when you redeem?

CADD and QCAD target $1 CAD per token at redemption. Your net proceeds depend on the redemption channel, fees and any applicable taxes. An exchange sale uses the quoted market price.

CADD at Wealthsimple. Wealthsimple describes redemption at $1 CAD per token. Our CADD guide on Ratesopedia covers the $2 CAD minimum and fee-free CAD sales as of November 14, 2026.
CADD from Tetra. Direct redemption costs the greater of $50 CAD and 0.25%, plus applicable taxes. At par, an eligible redemption of 1,000 CADD leaves $950 CAD before taxes on the fee. The percentage exceeds the minimum above $20,000 CAD. Tetra’s redemption terms.
QCAD from an authorized partner. Stablecorp describes redemption at par with zero fees through authorized partners. Check whether the partner accepts your network and account type. Trading or withdrawing on Kraken follows Kraken’s own pricing and limits.

For a direct CADD redemption, Tetra verifies your identity and bank details before supplying a redemption address. Send the tokens by 3:30 p.m. ET on the second business day after approval.

Which networks support CADD and QCAD?

Tetra lists CADD on Ethereum, Solana, Base, Tempo and Arc. Wealthsimple supports Base and Ethereum. Stablecorp lists QCAD on Ethereum, Arc and Base, and Kraken identifies Ethereum for QCAD deposits. Check the contract address and deposit network before sending.

For a $500 CAD invoice, ask which token the recipient can receive and what it costs to cash out. For an invoice in another currency, compare the final amount after transfer, conversion and withdrawal costs. For CAD bank deposits, see our guide to real-time payments.

Who regulates CADD and QCAD?

Alberta supervises Tetra Trust and the CADD program. Wealthsimple says CADD was offered without a prospectus. QCAD Digital Trust received a prospectus receipt on November 20, 2025. Wealthsimple’s CADD disclosure and CSA decisions on QCAD.

If you hold CADD in Wealthsimple Crypto, Milesopedia Canada’s guide to Wealthsimple’s safety and protections explains how protections differ for investments, deposits and crypto assets.

Canada’s federal Stablecoin Act received royal assent on March 26, 2026. The proposed regulations published October 24, 2026 target implementation in fall 2027. The Bank of Canada will supervise non-financial institutions that issue fiat-backed stablecoins to Canadians under the new framework. Canada Gazette.

What records should you keep for crypto taxes?

For a CADD or QCAD payment, keep the date, token quantity, CAD value, fees and transaction ID. The CRA distinguishes capital gains or losses from business income or losses when you dispose of a crypto asset. CRA guidance.

For everyday card purchases, see the Wealthsimple prepaid Visa switch checklist.

For a Canadian-dollar business account, see our Wealthsimple business chequing review. For a broader look at crypto, read Ratesopedia’s Canadian investing guide and Milesopedia Canada’s guide to platforms, ETFs and TFSAs.

Get our next guides in the Ratesopedia newsletter.

Can you send QCAD to a CADD deposit address?

A QCAD transfer requires a destination that supports QCAD on the network you choose. CADD and QCAD use different token contracts. An unsupported deposit can be unrecoverable.

Do CADD and QCAD earn interest?

CADD and QCAD have no built-in interest. Wealthsimple funds a separate reward on CADD. Kraken publishes a variable reward program for eligible Canadian QCAD holders. [Kraken QCAD rewards](https://support.kraken.com/ca/articles/stablecoin-rewards).

Are CADD and QCAD insured by the CDIC?

The Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) excludes crypto assets. CADD and QCAD reserves support redemption under the issuers’ terms.

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Annual Fee Waiver

Credit Card Rewards (Cashback Offer)

General Terms and Conditions

Wealthsimple is not responsible for maintaining the accuracy of information on this website. Refer to Wealthsimple’s page for more details.

Terms and conditions apply. For the latest product details, please visit Wealthsimple.com.

Annual fee

Primary card$240

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Earning rate

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