20 Apps that Pay You in Canada

With the development of money-making apps, came an increase in job opportunities and earnings. This avenue has helped many people make ends meet by adding a little extra money to their income. Many Canadians are finding financial freedom from doing tasks on apps that pay them.

The internet has brought many opportunities and prospects for people looking to work remotely. More people are beginning to explore cyberspace for job opportunities, especially since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since most people cannot work in a physical space in the meantime, online/remote work is the go-to alternative.

In this article, we will be reviewing 20 apps that pay you in Canada.

20 Paying Apps in Canada

Below are some of the most prominent apps that pay you in Canada:

1. Swagbucks

One of the most popular apps that pay in Canada is Swagbucks, with an A+ rating with Better Business Bureau. This app pays you to:

• Answer short surveys
• Watch videos
• Shop online
• Purchase gift cards
• Surf the app
• Play games
• Refer to your friends
• Vote in daily polls
• Become a deal hunter
• Entering contests via social media

All these you can do from the comfort of your home using a smartphone. Swagbuck is available on desktop (website) and mobile apps. Once you partake in any of the tasks, you get points for each job. Accumulated points are called “Swagbucks.”

Signing up on Swagbuck is free, and setting up an account is a seamless process that takes a few minutes. There is a CA$5 sign-up bonus for every first-timer. All accumulated points can be easily redeemed using Paypal or gifts through Amazon, Walmart, Target, Starbucks, etc.

Pros of Swagbuck

• It is free
• You can earn in different ways
• Sign-up bonus available
• Points are convertible
• Easy user interface on website and app
• Remote use – you don’t need to leave the comfort of your space

Cons of Swagbuck

• Earning takes time
• Search engine points can be a hassle for people who can’t search.

2. Caddle

Caddle is a simple app with lots of benefits. It is a Canadian data insight space that rewards users with cashback for:

• Answering surveys
• Shopping at any store and scanning the receipt using your smartphone
• Watching videos
• Referrals

You will receive cashback for doing the tasks mentioned above, and you can cash out when the account balance reaches CA$20 or more. It is currently available only in Canada.

Signing up is easy, and you get CA$1 once you complete your first survey or watch an ad. The app is available on iOS or Google Play. Once you have the app, you can upload photos of your receipts for offers or complete surveys.

Pros of Caddle

• Easy to sign up and get started
• Saves time
• Offers instant cashback
• Allows remote shopping

Cons of Caddle

• Limited product
• Operates only in Canada

3. Pinecone Research

Pinecone Research is a survey research marketplace that pays users to:

• Take a survey
• Test products
• Product evaluation
• Participates in sweepstakes

This app pays about CA$3 – CA$5 for each survey you complete. You can get paid using PayPal, gift cards, and a prepaid virtual visa card. It is available in Canada and United States. Signing up is a seamless process; however, there are eligibility requirements members must meet.

• Be at least 13 years old and above.
• All intending members must be a resident of Canada, U.S, UK, and Germany
• You must sign up using an invite link

Note that when signing up, you will be required to enter your personal data. These details are what is used to personalize the surveys you’ll be required to answer. You can start earning rewards once you are done with registration.

Pros of PineCone Research

• High-paying survey
• Low minimum payout
• Free sign-up
• Swift payment
• Excellent customer service

Cons of PineCone Research

• Invitation-only

4. Drop

Drop is a cashback app that allows users to accumulate points while they shop. That is, you earn a reward for things you buy. This is a great option for frequent shoppers because it eliminates extra expenses and allows them to gain rewards. You can earn rewards on Drop by doing the following tasks:

• Play Drop Supercharge
• Shop with Rocketmiles
• Referring a friend
• Linking your card(s)

The platform works by linking your credit card purchases to offers available within its network of partner stores. You simply have to add your credit or debit card to the app.

You can reserve a flight on Expedia or order food using the drop app and get points redeemable at amazon, Netflix, and Starbucks. It is available in Canada and the United States.

Pros of Drop

• Excellent user experience 
• Earn money for shopping
• Backfill reimbursements

Cons of Drop

• Strict rules
• Card must be linked
• It is not compatible with VoIP

5. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is an online survey platform available to residents of Canada and the United States. It pays users to take surveys for different companies. These surveys are generally on consumer goods, although you may be required to fill out surveys on travel, technology, financial products, etc.

You must be 13 years or older to access this app. Signing up and completing a profile is easy. Once you’ve signed up, Survey Junkie will send you surveys matching your profile, answer those and start earning. You can redeem your e-gift cards from popular retailers or can cash out through PayPal or bank transfer.

With Survey Junkie, you can earn about CA$0.20 TO CA$3.50 per survey. Note that you cannot cash out your rewards until you have earned 1,000 points (CA$10.00).

Pros of Survey Junkie

• Excellent customer support
• Easy to use
• Paypal cashout
• Swift payout
• Safe and secured
• CA$10 minimum cashout

Cons of Survey Junkie

• Not available globally

6. Daily Rewards

Daily Rewards like many others on this list will pay Canadians to do a variety of tasks online. With Daily Rewards, you can earn money by:

• Watching videos
• Taking the survey
• Performing online tasks
• Playing games
• Shopping online
• Referring a friend

Pros of Daily Rewards

• Free sign-up
• CA$5 sign-up bonus
• Automatic upgrade
• Cashback via Paypal
• Daily surveys
• Partnered with other survey platforms
• Unlimited ways to earn cashback

Cons of Daily Rewards

• High minimum payout amount (CA$30)
• Unlimited non-qualifying surveys
• Low payout per task
• Unlimited survey qualifying questions

7. Topcashback

Topchashback is one of the most generous cashback platforms. The platform secures partnerships with brands and retailers and, in turn, offers cashback to their customers.

The outstanding feature about this app is that it does not receive a commission on every purchase initiated through its platform. Instead, it gives its users 100% of their commission alongside their cashback amount.

With Topchashback, you will get rewards from over 4400 stores, including Walmart, best buy, Groupon, E-bay, etc. You can earn rewards from the following programs in Topchashback:

• TopCashBack Coupons
• Payout Bonus
• Referral Bonus

Pros of Topchashback

• Unique Cashback Rates
• No Minimum Saving Restriction
• Unlimited Retail Network
• Reliable Partners
• User-Friendly
• Unlimited earning opportunities

Cons of Topchashback

• Cashback exclusion
• No sign-up bonus
• Cashback is available only for online shopping

8. Rakuten

Rakuten is one of the best sites to earn cashback in Canada. This platform gives users exclusive cashback deals for shopping through their website or by using their browser extension. You can make about 1 – 40% cashback on almost anything you buy via Rakuten. To start using this platform, you must be 18 or older.

Rakuten is in partnership with over 2,500 retailers like Nordstrom, Walmart, Amazon, Sephora, and Target to offer its users various options. You can request payment through PayPal or receive a cheque in the mail. After your first purchase of CA$25, you will receive a CA$10 bonus.

Pros of Rakuten

• Easy to use
• Great cashback rates
• Referral bonus
• Shopping variety

Cons of Rakuten

• Cashback payment is quarterly
• Product exclusion
• Issues with account being permanently  disabled without genuine reasons

9. I-SAY

I-SAY is a survey platform hosted through Ipos. The platform allows users to carry out surveys on the site. You will be rewarded points for taking surveys and engaging in specific tasks to help Ipos understand the needs of consumers.

You will be rewarded for sharing your opinion through the app. When you register in the app, a series of questions will be asked, and your profile will be based on the answers.

Note that you might not get surveys at the initial stage; once you are fit for the right customer, you can start your work and earn rewards.  Your earned rewards can be redeemed as cash through PayPal, gift cards, or virtual visa prepaid cards.

Pros of I-SAY

• All surveys are carried out within the i-Say platform
• Many ways to redeem points
• Free sign-up
• Low cashout minimum(CA$5)
• Easy user-interface
• Same-day redemption(e-gift cards)

Cons of I-SAY

• The surveys can be time-consuming
• Qualification is not automatic
• Low payout
• Slow cash payout process

10.  Instacart

Unlike other platforms that deal with surveys, Instacart is different. Generally, it is a grocery delivery service for people who have a tight schedule and cannot visit a physical store. This platform is a seamless way to get their grocery shopping done remotely.

Users can get groceries delivered to their doorstep by selecting their location, adding the grocery items, stating the preferred delivery time, and making payments.

Once payment is received, orders will be dispatched via an Instacart shopper or driver. Note that a delivery charge comes with this service. This app is available on iOS and Android. You must meet the following criteria before you can work with Instacart:

• Be 18 years of age and above.
• Applicants must have a Canadian or American work permit
• Have a smartphone
• For drivers; must possess a driving license
• Have access to the internet
• Must be able to lift an average of 12 – 20 kg

Both independent contractors and in-store shoppers can earn up to CA$25 per hour, and the payment is made weekly. There are other bonuses available for users who perform well. Also, traders can keep the tips they might receive.

Pros of Instacart

• A swift way to make money
• Easy user-interface
• No commission on tips
• Added perks and bonuses

Cons of Instacart

• Earning depends on your location
• Out-of-pocket cost for parking space
• Stipulated time delivery can be hectic to sort
• Handling customer can be a hassle
• Pay is not fixed

11.  Nielson Homescan

Nielsen Homescan is a program that offers its users rewards for reporting what they buy at the store. Aside from this means of earning, users can also receive tips by taking surveys and keeping product diaries.

Generally, you earn points for sharing your opinion and keeping your shopping tabs with Nielsen. The information gathered from users is utilized in several ways relating to marketing and streamlining decisions on what products people are not buying.

You are paid to scan your grocery purchase every week using the scanner they send you. And then, you will earn rewards that can be redeemed as gift cards or merchandise like outdoor gear, electronics, appliances, etc. 

Pros of Nielsen Homescan

• Easy to use
• Sign-up is free
• Free shipping of scanner
• Deactivation is easy
• Users can earn in several ways
• Scanning purchase is once per week

Cons of Nielsen Homescan

• Rewards are not cash redeemable
• Points take a long time to accumulate
• Poor customer service
• Scanning items can be a hassle for some people
• Acceptance is not immediate for some people

12.  Checkout 51

This app allows you to earn cashback as much as 35% on your shopping. It offers 35% cashback if shopping is done through the Checkout 51 app.

Multiple offers are sent to users weekly as Checkout 51 is in partnership with hundreds of brands. These partnerships are to better the offers user get and help them save on groceries, pet products, etc.

Offer purchases are redeemable at any qualifying store. To start earning, users have to scan and upload the receipt of their purchases in the app. Once you accumulate points, you can cash out when your balance reaches CA$20.

Pros of Checkout 51

• Easy to use
• Option to earn extra cash
• Sweepstakes
• Available on Andriod and iOS
• Gas cashback
• Tons of offers

Cons of Checkout 51

• Limited usage
• No e-receipts
• Limited payout options
• No referral program
• Limited offer quantities

13.  Ampli

Ampli is a cashback app that provides tailored offers to users. The app was birth from a partnership between RBC Ventures and Westjet.

It gives users the chance to earn cash back on their everyday purchases. You get rewards when you purchase items from Lowe’s, Leons, Gap, Burger King, Sportchek, CIBC, Mark’s, Lululemon, and others.

It is available in Canada and is free to join. All earnings can be cashed out via Interac e-transfer. You must do the following task to earn on Ampli:

• Refer a friend
• Spend CA$175 and above at The Source
• Give your opinion to improve its services
• Initiate four different purchases at Baskin Robbins
• Spend CA$140 or above at the Hudsons Bay

Pros of Ampli

• Cash rewards
• No commission on loyalty benefits
• Swift cashback offers
• Fun prize contests

Cons of Ampli

• Limited range of partners
• Buggy app
• Some offers get pulled out without notice

14.  Uber

Uber is the most famous and widely used car-hailing service amongst Canadians. It is a platform where drivers and riders connect at any time. You can make a decent income through this app and will get bonuses and other offers.

To register on Uber as a driver, download the app and sign up. You will need a driver’s license and vehicle registration for your car, along with at least a year’s worth of experience.

Ensure your car meets the minimum requirements, passed vehicle inspection each year, and doesn’t have police cases or others. You can use the app to find the riders and deliver them. The money you earned will be transferred to your bank account weekly.

Pros of Uber

• Flexible work hours
• Earn tips
• Instant payment
• An excellent way to meet people and see new places
• Surge pricing

Cons of Uber

• Ineffective rating system
• Drivers are responsible for the wear and tear of the car
• Alternating terms and conditions
• Risky at Times
• Time Consuming

15.  Rover

Rover is a petting sitting app for pet owners. It connects pet owners to find sitters who can either care for the pet at their home or other preferred space.

People who love to play with pets can sign up on the app and get paid. Below are some of  the services available:

• Dog Boarding
• House-sitting and Drop-ins
• Doggy daycare
• Dog walking

Using this app, you can schedule your time, rate per hour, and the type of pet you prefer. This app provides 24/7 support and a rover guarantee for all pet’s from accidents that may occur while in care.

Pros of Rover

• Free sign-up
• Payment via PayPal or Check
• Easy-to-use app
• Sitters can determine their price
• No experience needed
• A fun way to earn money

Cons of Rover

• Limited work availability
• 20% commissions from earnings
• No compensation to sitters for damages

 16. MobileXpression

MobileXpression is suitable for people who are heavy internet users. This app pays you for using the internet on your Android or iOS in Canada. You will be rewarded a CA$5 amazon gift for using the app for one week. Continuous users will be awarded gift cards.

You might win rewards every week if you are a frequent user. If you use the app for 90 days, the panel donates a tree on your behalf to Trees for Knowledge. The company ensures that your data will not be shared. You can read the privacy policy on their website.

Pros of MobileXpression

• Signing up is free
• A great way to earn money
• Lots of reward program

Cons of MobileXpression

• No cash-out option
• Bugg app
• Low survey frequency

17. Wealthsimple

Wealthsimple app lets you invest automatically using low-cost ETFs with fewer annual management fees. For first-time users, a CA$75 cash bonus is rewarded.

It is available in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. You can open both registered and non-registered accounts, and the bank automatically invests your extra charge.

Pros of WealthSimple

• Free access to human advisors
• No account minimum
• Free portfolio analysis
• A great way to invest and save money

Cons of WealthSimple

• High account management fees
• Limited finance tool

18.  GasBuddy

Where to go to gas up for less? This is the best app for that! It has over 3 million followers that keep you updated about the fuel prices in Canada.

GasBuddy allows users to update real-time gas prices for review, and in turn, users earn points and can enter contests to win weekly gas card giveaways. Below are some of the features of GasBuddy:

• Find Gas (Gas Station & Price Finder)
• Outage Tracker
• Trip Cost Calculator
• Gas Price Map
• Fuel Insights
• Vehicle Recalls
• Pay With GasBuddy

Pros of GasBuddy

• Free sign-up
• CA$0.05 discount off gas purchases
• Earn more rewards with premium membership
• Value-added tools
• No Credit Check Required

Cons of GasBuddy

• Premium not advisable for occasional drivers
• Not all stations accept payment with GasBuddy
• Pay with GasBuddy does not impact credit

19. VIPKID teacher

VIPKID is an online English teaching platform that pays teachers with a bachelor’s degree to tutor children. This app connects students from China with native speakers globally. Students are aged from 3 to 15 years old and have different levels of English comprehension.

The best part is, you can schedule the time according to your convenience. For this, you must be a bachelor in any field, should have at least one year of experience in mentoring, and must be eligible to work in Canada or the US. You can earn up to CA$14 – CA$22 per hour.

Pros of VIPKID

• Flexible Schedules
• Short Classes
• Stress-Free Side Gig
• Competitive Pay

Cons of VIPKID

• Classes can’t be changed once scheduled
• Issues with time zone
• Internet connection issues
• Technical issues

20.  Achievement

Achievement is a fitness app that rewards users for logging their physical activity. These rewards are cash redeemable. Details like name, email, birthday, and zip code are required to get started.

Once you are signed in, you will be required to accept certain physical dares like sleep schedule, food intake, weight change, etc. You will receive 6 points daily for logging in and up to 80 points for updating your daily routine.

Every 10000 points are equivalent to CA$10, which means CA$30 annually, and if you are not satisfied with the amount, you can earn more by participating in the health and fitness surveys available on the app.

Pros of Achievement

• Syncs with tons of fitness apps
• Free sign-up
• Lots of ways to earn bonus
• It can be used to receive payment

Cons of Achievement

• Earning is not immediate
• Qualification for health studies is not for every user
• More apps need to be synced to get better rewards

Conclusion

Money-making apps are simple and easy to use and are user-friendly. They often have few entry barriers and you can choose something that you are good at.

However, before signing up on any app, it is advisable to do a background check. Also, ensure to read the privacy policies and instructions very well before agreeing.