What is CAD Coin (CADC)? The Canadian Dollar-Backed Stablecoin Explained

Crypto & Blockchain What is CAD Coin (CADC)? The Canadian Dollar-Backed Stablecoin Explained

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Most people know about Bitcoin or USDC, but what if you wanted a digital version of the Canadian dollar that works just like cash but on the blockchain? That’s exactly what CAD Coin (CADC) is. It’s not a speculative crypto that swings up and down-it’s designed to hold steady at $1 CAD per token. If you live in Canada and use crypto, CADC gives you a way to hold Canadian dollars in digital form without dealing with bank delays or exchange fees.

How CADC Works: A Digital Canadian Dollar

CAD Coin (CADC) is a stablecoin, meaning its value is tied directly to the Canadian dollar. One CADC equals exactly $1 CAD. It’s not based on algorithms or market guesses-it’s fully backed by real Canadian dollars held in bank accounts by PAYTRIE AB Inc., a company licensed by FINTRAC, Canada’s financial intelligence unit. That’s the same kind of oversight banks and money services businesses face.

Every CADC token you hold has a real dollar sitting in reserve. If you want to turn your CADC back into Canadian dollars, you can do it directly through PayTrie’s platform using Interac e-transfer. No waiting days for a bank transfer. No hidden fees. Just a simple 1:1 swap.

This isn’t theoretical. As of October 2025, over 1.06 million CADC tokens are in circulation, each backed by a Canadian dollar. The total value of those reserves is around $1.06 million CAD. That’s not huge compared to USDC’s $82 billion, but for a niche product focused only on Canada, it’s meaningful.

Where CADC Lives: Ethereum and Base

CADC runs on two blockchain networks: Ethereum and Base. Ethereum is the original smart contract platform, but it can be expensive to use. That’s where Base comes in. Base is a faster, cheaper layer-2 network built on top of Ethereum, designed to make transactions affordable.

On Ethereum, sending CADC might cost $10-$50 in gas fees during busy times. On Base, that same transaction costs less than $1. For everyday use-like sending money to a friend or adding liquidity to a DeFi app-Base is the clear winner. Most trading happens here now.

The token follows the same smart contract design as USDC, created by Circle. That’s a big deal. It means CADC uses code that’s been tested under real-world conditions, not some new, unproven experiment. Security experts trust this foundation. It’s why CADC is considered one of the more technically sound Canadian crypto projects.

Where You Can Trade CADC

You won’t find CADC on Coinbase or Binance. It’s only available on decentralized exchanges (DEXs), mostly on Ethereum and Base. The most popular trading pair is CADC/USDC, with over $660,000 traded in 24 hours. The second biggest is CADC/WETH (Wrapped Ethereum), with around $277,000 in daily volume.

Two main exchanges handle most of the trading: Aerodrome SlipStream (on Ethereum) and Aerodrome Base. These are not big-name platforms like Binance, but they’re reliable and designed for DeFi users. If you’re used to trading Bitcoin or Ethereum, you’ll need to learn how to use a DEX like Aerodrome. That means connecting a wallet like MetaMask, understanding gas fees, and knowing how to swap tokens.

For Canadian users, the easiest way to get CADC is through PayTrie’s website. You can deposit CAD via Interac e-transfer, and they’ll send you CADC instantly. International users have to buy it on a DEX, which means you already need some crypto-like ETH or USDC-to swap for CADC.

Split comic panel showing frustration with bank transfers vs. instant CADC exchange via PayTrie in vibrant cartoon style.

Why CADC Matters for Canadians

Canada doesn’t have a national digital currency yet. The Bank of Canada is researching one, but it’s years away from launch. In the meantime, CADC fills a real gap: it lets Canadians use their own currency in crypto without worrying about exchange rate swings.

Imagine you’re earning CAD, but you want to lend your money on a DeFi platform. If you convert CAD to USDC, you’re exposed to USD fluctuations. If you convert to Bitcoin, you’re exposed to wild price swings. CADC removes both risks. You earn interest in a digital asset that never changes value relative to your paycheck.

That’s why Canadian crypto users on Reddit and Discord praise CADC. They like that it’s regulated, fast, and tied to the currency they use every day. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t promise 10x returns. But for people who want stability and local relevance, it’s one of the few options available.

Limitations and Challenges

CADC isn’t perfect. Its biggest weakness is visibility. With a market cap under $800,000, it’s ranked between #3900 and #4500 on CoinMarketCap. That’s tiny compared to top coins. Most people have never heard of it.

There are only about 1,030 unique addresses holding CADC. That’s not a sign of failure-it’s a sign of early adoption. But it also means liquidity can be thin. During high-volume periods, some users report slippage or slower trades.

Outside Canada, access is hard. If you’re in the U.S., Europe, or Asia, you can’t deposit CAD directly. You need to already own crypto to buy CADC on a DEX. That creates a barrier for newcomers. PayTrie hasn’t partnered with international fiat gateways yet, so global growth is limited.

Also, while CADC is regulated in Canada, it’s not recognized as legal tender. You can’t use it to pay your rent or buy groceries. It’s a crypto tool, not a replacement for cash.

DeFi landscape with CADC as a stable bridge over volatile crypto rivers, illustrated in playful bande dessinée art.

Price Predictions: Should You Expect Gains?

Some price forecast sites claim CADC could hit $0.90 by 2030 or even $0.96 by 2035. But here’s the catch: CADC is supposed to be pegged to $1 CAD. That’s $0.72 USD right now. If it rises above that, it breaks its own purpose.

These predictions ignore the core design. CADC isn’t meant to go up in value. It’s meant to stay stable. Any price movement above $0.72 USD is just a reflection of the CAD/USD exchange rate, not growth in CADC itself. If the Canadian dollar strengthens against the U.S. dollar, CADC’s USD price will rise. If it weakens, the price drops. That’s normal. It doesn’t mean the token is becoming more valuable-it just means the exchange rate changed.

Don’t buy CADC hoping to get rich. Buy it if you want to hold Canadian dollars in crypto form, safely and efficiently.

How to Get Started with CADC

If you’re in Canada and want to try CADC:

  1. Go to PayTrie.com and create an account.
  2. Verify your identity (required by FINTRAC).
  3. Deposit CAD using Interac e-transfer.
  4. Exchange your CAD for CADC instantly.
  5. Withdraw CADC to your wallet (MetaMask, Argent, or any ERC-20 or Base-compatible wallet).

If you’re outside Canada:

  1. Buy ETH or USDC on a major exchange like Coinbase or Kraken.
  2. Send it to a wallet connected to Base or Ethereum.
  3. Use a DEX like Aerodrome to swap USDC or ETH for CADC.

Always double-check the token contract address before trading. Scammers often create fake CADC tokens. The real one is issued by PayTrie and has been audited.

The Bigger Picture: Stablecoins and Canada’s Crypto Future

CADC is part of a global trend: regulated, fiat-backed stablecoins replacing risky crypto speculation with real-world value. The U.S. has USDC and USDT. The EU is exploring digital euros. Canada needs its own version-and CADC is the closest thing we have right now.

If Canada introduces stricter crypto regulations or a central bank digital currency (CBDC), CADC could either be absorbed, replaced, or become the foundation for a public-private partnership. For now, it’s the only game in town for Canadian dollar crypto users.

Its success depends on two things: more Canadians using it, and more DeFi platforms accepting it. Right now, adoption is slow but steady. With better education and more exchange listings, CADC could become the go-to stablecoin for Canadian crypto holders.

Is CAD Coin (CADC) a good investment?

CADC isn’t an investment in the traditional sense. It’s a digital representation of the Canadian dollar, designed to stay at $1 CAD. You shouldn’t buy it hoping for price gains. If you want to hold CAD in crypto form without exchange risk, it’s useful. If you want to make money from price swings, look elsewhere.

Can I buy CADC with a credit card?

No, you can’t buy CADC directly with a credit card. Canadians can deposit CAD via Interac e-transfer through PayTrie. International users must first buy ETH or USDC on a major exchange, then swap it for CADC on a decentralized exchange like Aerodrome.

Is CADC regulated in Canada?

Yes. CADC is issued by PAYTRIE AB Inc., which is licensed by FINTRAC, Canada’s financial intelligence agency. This makes it one of the few crypto assets in Canada with official regulatory oversight, giving it more legitimacy than unregulated stablecoins.

How is CADC different from USDC?

CADC is pegged to the Canadian dollar, while USDC is pegged to the U.S. dollar. Both are fully backed, regulated, and built on similar smart contract tech. But CADC serves Canadians who want to avoid USD exchange risk. USDC is global and has much higher liquidity. CADC is smaller, niche, and focused on Canada.

Can I use CADC in DeFi apps?

Yes. CADC is compatible with DeFi platforms on Ethereum and Base. You can lend it, stake it, or add it to liquidity pools. Many Canadian DeFi users use CADC to earn interest while keeping their exposure tied to the Canadian dollar instead of USD or volatile crypto.

What happens if PayTrie goes out of business?

If PayTrie shuts down, the CADC tokens still exist on the blockchain. But the 1:1 redemption service-exchanging CADC for CAD-would stop. Without the issuer, you’d still own the token, but you couldn’t cash it out through official channels. That’s why it’s important to understand that stablecoins rely on the issuer’s solvency and operational continuity.

CADC doesn’t need to be the next Bitcoin to be valuable. It just needs to work reliably for Canadians who want to use digital money tied to their own currency. Right now, it does that better than anything else available.

10 Comments

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    Eddy Lust

    November 26, 2025 AT 14:55
    I never thought I'd care about a Canadian dollar stablecoin, but honestly? This makes way more sense than gambling on meme coins. If I'm holding CAD anyway, why not keep it digital without the exchange drama?

    Just wish more platforms would list it. I'm tired of jumping through hoops to use my own currency.
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    Martin Doyle

    November 27, 2025 AT 07:39
    This is literally the most boring crypto project ever and that's why it's brilliant. No hype, no rug pulls, just a digital version of the money you already use. Why are people still chasing shitcoins when this exists?
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    SARE Homes

    November 29, 2025 AT 06:35
    Ugh. Another 'stablecoin' that's barely even used?? Only 1k addresses?? This is a joke. You call this adoption?? It's a digital ghost town. And don't even get me started on the fact that it's on BASE now-like, why not just use USDC and be done with it??
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    Grace Zelda

    November 29, 2025 AT 23:19
    I love how this exists but nobody talks about it. Like, imagine if every country had its own regulated, bank-backed stablecoin? Canada’s doing something quiet but actually smart.

    Meanwhile, the US is still arguing over whether CBDCs are dystopian or not. CADC is just… working. No fanfare. No drama. Just utility.

    Also, the fact that you can swap it via Interac? That’s next-level convenience. I’m so tired of waiting 3 days for a bank transfer.
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    Sam Daily

    December 1, 2025 AT 12:06
    This is the quiet hero of Canadian crypto!! 🙌

    People act like stablecoins are all the same, but CADC is the only one that actually respects your local economy. You earn interest on DeFi without worrying if your paycheck suddenly lost 5% value because the USD went nuts.

    Also, gas fees on Base are like $0.10. That’s cheaper than my morning coffee. Why aren’t more Canadians using this??
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    Michael Fitzgibbon

    December 2, 2025 AT 03:07
    I’ve been holding CADC for a year now. Not because I expect it to moon, but because it’s the only way I can move CAD on-chain without losing sleep over exchange rates.

    Used it to lend on Aave last winter-earned 4% APY in actual Canadian dollars. No USD exposure. No volatility. Just steady, boring, reliable money.

    It’s not glamorous. But if you’re a Canadian who uses crypto, this is the closest thing to digital cash we’ve got.
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    Tina Detelj

    December 2, 2025 AT 10:13
    I’m not sure why this isn’t trending everywhere… CADC is the *only* stablecoin that doesn’t make me feel like I’m betraying my own country’s economy.

    USDC? Fine. But why should I be forced to hold USD just to use crypto? I pay taxes in CAD. I get paid in CAD. I buy groceries in CAD. Why shouldn’t my crypto be in CAD too?

    And yes, the liquidity is small-but that’s because it’s new. Give it time. People are waking up.
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    George Kakosouris

    December 3, 2025 AT 02:28
    Let’s be real-CADC is a regulatory loophole dressed up as innovation. PayTrie is FINTRAC-licensed, sure, but that doesn’t make it ‘safe.’ It just means they’re not getting shut down… yet.

    And the fact that it’s only on DEXs? That’s not a feature-it’s a red flag. If it were truly mainstream, it’d be on Coinbase. It’s not. So why are you hyping this? It’s a niche toy for degens who think they’re patriotic.
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    Ben Costlee

    December 3, 2025 AT 21:19
    I get why people dismiss this-it’s not flashy. No 1000x dreams. No Elon tweets. But that’s exactly why it matters.

    Most crypto projects are built to make you rich. CADC is built to make you *stable*.

    And for Canadians who’ve been burned by exchange fees or USD swings? This is the quiet revolution we didn’t know we needed.

    It’s not about being the biggest. It’s about being the right one.
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    Mark Adelmann

    December 4, 2025 AT 04:10
    Just bought my first CADC today. Used Interac e-transfer on PayTrie-took 2 minutes. Got the tokens, sent them to MetaMask, and now I’m adding them to a liquidity pool on Base.

    Feels weird to be excited about a stablecoin, but honestly? This is the first time crypto felt… normal. Like, I’m not gambling. I’m just using money.

    Thanks for the guide. I’m telling my whole family about this.

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