After a whole year of “harvesting freebies,” I\u2019ve also discovered some areas that aren\u2019t typically covered by popular online bloggers. Here\u2019s a simple summary with very easy conditions\u2014most are almost instant rewards, without the Direct Deposit requirement that many banks have, making them suitable for unemployed students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although banks generally have strict requirements, often needing Direct Deposit, which can be a headache for unemployed students, there are some easier options. Credit cards aren\u2019t included here because frequent credit checks can affect our fragile credit scores, so it\u2019s more important to focus on straightforward, easy-to-claim rewards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tangerine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tangerine is a reliable online bank with a savings interest rate higher than all the major banks. After claiming the reward, it\u2019s also good for regular use. Just remember that they have an inactivity fee of C$10 per year, so make sure to have at least one transaction per year. According to their current Terms of Service, by using a referral code and depositing C$250 for 60 days, you can get a C$50 reward\u2014quick and easy, unlike many banks that have hidden conditions and delay rewards. Feel free to use my referral code (Orange Key): 70539322S1<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n EQ Bank<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Another online bank, EQ Bank, is quite similar to Tangerine. Their current promotion offers C$20 when you register using an invite link and deposit C$100 within 30 days. The reward is issued within a week, with no hidden fees, including no inactivity fees. So, if you don\u2019t use it regularly, it\u2019s still worth a try. Feel free to use my invite link: [click here]<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n CIBC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Traditional major banks also offer easy sign-up bonuses for student accounts, specifically for those under 25. Currently, registering and depositing C$100 within 60 days will get you a C$50 reward. Feel free to use my invite link: [click here]<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, if you set up a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) with CIBC before coming to Canada, you may receive C$50 by entering a referral email. This was my choice when I came to Canada. You can contact me through the “Contact Us” section if you need assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CIBC is also promoting their international money transfer service. If you use a referral link to make a transfer, you\u2019ll get C$50 in credit card credits. However, you\u2019d need to be a CIBC customer to use this, so it\u2019s worth trying. There\u2019s no minimum transfer amount, and a common method is to transfer a small amount to your Alipay account. Feel free to use my referral link: [click here]<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wise<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Wise is a multinational online bank known for excellent exchange rates. Some Canadian banks like EQ Bank even use Wise\u2019s services for their low-rate transfers. There aren\u2019t many direct rewards through Wise referral links, and I would need three invites to get a bonus, so I\u2019ll skip sharing my link here. Feel free to message me if you\u2019re interested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tims Financial<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Most “freebie bloggers” consider this card to be a poor option, as the initial reward is just 2000 Tims points, which aren\u2019t very useful. However, a recent enhancement allows Tims points to be redeemed for credits on this card, resulting in a 6% cashback rate, which many bloggers have yet to track. While it is a credit card, you can open a secured version to avoid a hard pull on your credit score. I also use a secured card, and aside from the cashback, everything else is the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wealthsimple<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A top recommendation, Wealthsimple is Canada\u2019s first commission-free brokerage, doubling as an online bank. You can keep a small investment after registering, and their Wealthsimple Cash account is fantastic, with a 4% savings interest rate and 1% cashback on purchases. I personally keep my spare cash here. Sign up with my referral code to receive an instant cash bonus! The reward amount changes, and the current offer is C$25. Use my code: HXKMQQ \ud83c\udf81or [click here]<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n MooMoo CA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Also known as Futu, a popular platform among the Chinese community, MooMoo just entered the Canadian market this year. Their early sign-up rewards are quite generous. By using a referral code, depositing C$100, and keeping it for 90 days, you can earn C$50. You\u2019re required to maintain a balance of at least C$100 but are not forced to invest it. Higher-tier rewards are available, with a deposit of C$10,000 yielding an additional C$100, though this isn\u2019t as cost-effective unless you were already planning to transfer funds. They also offer small bonuses like commission-free trades. Use my referral code: NKSJU9PM \ud83c\udf81 or click [here]<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Questrade<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Questrade, often mentioned alongside Wealthsimple, is a well-known brokerage in Canada. Their current referral offer provides C$50 if you open an account and deposit C$1,000 within 60 days. Use my referral code: 316533714479127<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Webull<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Webull is a brokerage firm well-known among Chinese users, and it officially entered the Canadian market a year ago. To celebrate its first anniversary, they are hosting a promotional event. Register using a referral code, open an account, and deposit C$100 to immediately receive C$50. Keep the funds in your account for 90 days to receive another C$50. Additionally, the rewards for transferring funds from other banks or brokerages are also very generous. The event specifies an expiration date, so please check the latest ToS for details. Feel free to use my referral link: Click here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Qtrade<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a relatively traditional brokerage with fairly strict KYC requirements. They don\u2019t have a referral program between users, so you should just keep an eye on the brokerage\u2019s official promotions, as these tend to change. For example, if you combine a recent deposit cashback offer with an account opening bonus like the GCB, the returns are actually quite substantial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All legitimate Canadian cryptocurrency platforms are registered with FINTRAC, licensed, and provide tax documents, so I\u2019ve included them in this financial institutions summary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shakepay<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When you sign up through a referral link and trade C$100, you get an instant C$5-C$20 bonus. Another highlight is Shakepay\u2019s \u201cShake\u201d feature, which gives daily crypto rewards. The rewards can add up, and I\u2019ve accumulated over a hundred dollars. Feel free to use my invite link: [click here]<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Newton<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Similar to Shakepay, Newton offers C$25 for trading C$100 through a referral link. Instant reward, highly recommended. Use my invite link: [click here]<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Netcoins<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sign up through an invite link and trade C$50 to earn C$25 immediately. It\u2019s a great deal. Use my invite link: [click here]<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n VirgoCX<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n With VirgoCX, you can earn C$5 just by signing up and verifying your identity through an invite link, and an additional C$15 when you deposit C$100, totaling C$20. No trading required, making it a low-risk option. The reward isn\u2019t instant, but it arrives within a few business days. Use my invite link: [click here]<\/a><\/strong> or enter the invite code DrFAaYdR<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coinbase<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Coinbase is a publicly traded exchange and one of the most regulated platforms in the crypto industry. It recently obtained licensing in Canada. One of its standout features is Learning Rewards<\/strong>, where users can earn cryptocurrency by completing quizzes or simple tasks related to new coin promotions. These rewards can often amount to tens of dollars and are a good option for those interested in holding crypto long-term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Previously, Coinbase didn\u2019t offer any referral bonuses. However, with the recent positive trend in the crypto market, Coinbase has introduced a referral reward of CAD $10 in Bitcoin. To qualify, you need to sign up using a referral link and complete a transaction of at least CAD $100. Feel free to use my referral link: Click Here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crypto.com<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Crypto.com is a steadily growing and compliance-focused exchange available in Canada. One of its highlights is the Crypto.com Visa Card<\/strong>, which offers some of the best benefits among crypto-based cards in Canada. I personally use one of their cards and have found it valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The referral rewards are divided into three tiers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Note: All activities and rewards are calculated in USD, so it’s recommended to transfer slightly more than the required amounts to account for exchange rate fluctuations.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Feel free to use my referral link: Click Here<\/a><\/strong> or directly input my referral code: sn2zwztcha<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kraken<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Kraken, a licensed major exchange, currently offers a very generous referral bonus. After trading C$200, you can receive C$100 worth of Bitcoin cashback. The usual practice is to buy and sell immediately, with a loss of just a little exchange fees. The bonus isn\u2032t instant; they promise to issue it within 14 days, and I waited ten. Additionally, Kraken\u2032s withdrawal fees are quite high across all methods. After looking around, for Canadian users, EMT with a C10 fee seems like the best option. In the end, I actually netted C$89.81, which isn’t a small amount. Feel free to use my referral code 7t3k7838<\/strong> or click the link<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cashback websites are a unique North American shopping model. By redirecting to shopping sites through these platforms, you can earn cashback rewards through their partnerships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rakuten<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, Rakuten is the best and most reliable platform, and I\u2019m a frequent user. By registering with an invitation link and making a C$30 purchase, you can receive a C$30 bonus. Don\u2019t worry about the spending threshold\u2014just buy a gift card on the site, which is easy and straightforward. Both my friends and I are doing this. Feel free to use my invitation link: click here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Great Canadian Rebates (GCR)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is Canada\u2019s oldest cashback site. The UI is a bit outdated, and the user experience is average, but it offers the most partner merchants. Registering through an invitation link gives you a C$3 bonus\u2014not much, but there\u2019s no spending requirement. Feel free to use my invitation link: click<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong><\/a>here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n TopCashBack<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is an American company, but it\u2019s available in Canada. Some previous cashback offers on VPN services reached up to 120%, giving you more back than you spent! Register through an invitation link and reach $10 in cashback to receive $35 (USD). It\u2019s worth keeping an eye out for similar offers, or use it when buying from a specific merchant. Feel free to use my invitation link: click here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canada has an overwhelming number of points programs that can be time-consuming to research. I\u2019ll mainly recommend ones that offer instant benefits, as the others would take a while to accumulate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aeroplan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is Air Canada\u2019s program. My experience has been less than ideal, but it does have some perks with partners. You can earn 750 points by linking with Starbucks, which is better than nothing. Other common partners include Uber and LCBO\u2014just link up and start earning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Air Miles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This program was considered lackluster, but it recently became more valuable after being acquired. It has strong offers; for example, during the Christmas promotion, you can earn 1,000 Air Miles (equivalent to C$100) just by earning points with four different partners. Just register and wait for an offer. Recently, the deals have been great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scene+<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the points program for Scotiabank, Sobeys supermarkets, and Cineplex. It\u2019s pretty standard\u2014just register and wait for offers. It\u2019s easier to accumulate points if you have their grocery card. Watch for opportunities like Cineplex’s ongoing promotion to earn 5,000 points (C$50) for watching three specific movies. Tickets are often cheaper on Tuesdays, so you can actually profit from this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PC Optimum<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the points program for the Loblaws chain. Look out for Shoppers Drug Mart offers. During Black Friday, I used the 20x points and points inflation program to buy a Dyson and a Switch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally, these aren\u2019t very lucrative but are still worth mentioning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For dining brands, almost every chain has its own app and rewards program. Tim Hortons, for example, offers free coffee upon registration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most chains have rewards programs, such as Wendy’s, A&W, DQ, Taco Bell, and several pizza chains. For those without special offers, it\u2019s often not worth it unless you frequent them often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These involve sharing some personal data, like receipts, so it\u2019s up to your preference. The same receipt can usually be uploaded to multiple apps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Receipt Scanning Apps<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Caddle<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n A good receipt scanning app with many surveys daily. You can cash out at C$20; I\u2019ve cashed out once. Registering with a referral link gives you C$1. Here\u2019s mine: click here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Receipt Hog<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n A receipt-only app with moderate earning potential. It can connect to your email for e-receipts, which requires sharing more personal information. Invitation reward is 250 coins, roughly C$1.25 (C$5 minimum cash out). My code: prev9127<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Air Miles<\/strong> also has receipt scanning. During Black Friday week, they offered 100 miles (worth over C$10) for one receipt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These apps connect to bank or credit card accounts for cashback based on transactions. They may collect more sensitive data but are backed by major banks, making them safer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paymi<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Backed by CIBC, offering cashback with partner merchants. Registering with a referral code and completing one transaction gives C$5. My code: AL4EUT<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avion Rewards<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Formerly Ampil, backed by RBC and now integrated into Avion Rewards for added security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Traditional mining isn\u2019t recommended, but there are apps that use idle bandwidth with low risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Honey Gain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This runs on idle devices and is ineffective on public networks. Registering with a referral code provides $5. Feel free to use my link: click here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are less commonly mentioned by rewards bloggers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n OLG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As a former Ontario resident, I used OLG. Typically, each province\u2019s lottery agency offers about $20\u2013$30 in free lottery tickets to try, but it\u2019s limited, and free tickets are unreliable for winning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s worth watching for special offers around holidays, as casinos and sports betting sites often have promotions. For example, on Canada Day, I signed up and received a C$240 bonus for sports betting. This amount could only be used for betting, but by placing a wager on a “sure win” game with odds of 1.01, I turned it into C$242.4, which was eligible for withdrawal! Of course, there\u2019s always a risk, so consider spreading out bets to reduce it. Just be careful not to get carried away\u2014betting comes with risks!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bills like insurance, utilities, property taxes, and phone charges are unavoidable, so it\u2019s worth exploring ways to save on them. I haven\u2019t delved into insurance yet, so that\u2019s still an area for future research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Neobanc<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n An emerging platform for paying rent and bills while earning cashback, similar to Chexy. The highlight is a 5% cashback option (paid out after one year), which is an impressively high rate. Sign up using my referral link<\/strong><\/a> to get a C$5 bill credit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Public Mobile<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Public Mobile has one of the most innovative rewards systems in the telecom industry. I recently switched to their Boxing Day $24\/month plan with 4GB data. Previously, auto pay gave a direct C$2 discount on the bill, but now it\u2019s switched to a point system with a 5% cashback rate. Points are valued at a 1:1 ratio, so the actual monthly fee comes to about $22.8. Signing up earns you 5 points, and using a referral code adds a C$10 credit. Feel free to use my referral code: 0OE693<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nHSBC CA<\/s><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nOriginally, there was an unconditional sign-up bonus plus a deposit-based bonus for HSBC, but this process could take up to seven months. Since I recently received a notice about HSBC transitioning to RBC, the future is uncertain. Although the Welcome Bonus page is still online, it\u2019s hard to guarantee anything, so I\u2019ll leave it out for now (they\u2019ve exited the Canadian market).<\/s><\/p>\n\n\n\nBrokerages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cryptocurrency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Cashback Websites<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nLoyalty Programs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nVarious Individual Programs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nData-for-Rewards Programs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBill-based Programs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPassive Mining<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nLottery and Casino Programs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Recurring Bills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n