Cashback Rates in Canada: Stack & Maximize Cashback

Different cashback methods can help you earn money back on everyday purchases, from groceries and gas to travel and online shopping. In Canada, there are several ways to earn cashback, including cashback credit cards, cashback platforms and retailer programs. By understanding how each method works and its available cashback rates, you can choose the best strategy to maximize your rewards and overall savings.

Compare cashback rates

1. Cashback credit cards
2. Cashback sites
3. Cashback apps
4. Cashback browser extensions
5. Retailer cashback programs

1. Cashback credit cards

Cashback credit cards are one of the most straightforward ways to earn money back. You earn a percentage of what you spend, typically higher in categories like groceries, gas or recurring bills. Then, cashback is usually paid monthly or annually as a statement credit or deposit.

What are the best cashback credit cards in Canada?

The best cashback credit card in Canada depends on your spending habits, preferred reward categories and how you plan to redeem your rewards. For example, if you drive a lot, you may want a credit card that offers higher cashback on gas.

That being said, some of the most popular cashback credit cards in Canada include the BMO Cashback Mastercard, TD Cashback Visa Infinite, CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card and the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card as they offer competitive cashback rates with low or no annual fees.

2. Cashback websites

Cashback websites let you earn money back by shopping through their platform. You simply visit the site, click through to a retailer and complete your purchase as usual. The site earns a commission and shares part of it with you as cashback. It’s free to sign up and use a cashback website, but it can take a few weeks or months to receive your rewards.

3. Cashback apps

Cashback apps are similar to cashback websites, but they let you earn rewards on the go. Some require you to activate offers before shopping online or in person, while others reward you for uploading receipts with eligible purchases.

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4. Cashback browser extensions

Many cashback platforms have browser extensions you can install, which automatically alert you to available cashback offers when you search for a participating retailer or visit their website. With one click, you can activate the offer, ensuring your purchase is tracked so you earn cashback without needing to go through the cashback platform’s website first.

Can you have multiple cashback browser extensions at the same time?

Yes, you can have multiple cashback browser extensions installed at the same time, but you can only use one per purchase. Cashback tracking relies on cookies, and the last offer you activate before completing your purchase typically gets the credit. To maximize your earnings, use different browser extensions to find the best rate before activating an offer and completing your purchase.

Cashback browser extension preview: Rakuten

5. Card-linked cashback

Card-linked cashback programs allow you to link your debit or credit card and earn cashback automatically when shopping at participating retailers. This is a “set it and forget it” strategy since once your card is linked, you don’t need to activate offers or upload receipts to earn cashback.

How do you qualify for card-linked cashback?

To qualify for card-linked cashback programs, you typically need to:

• Create a free account with the platform
• Link an eligible debit or credit card
• Agree to data-sharing terms so the platform can track your purchases securely

Requirements for specific platforms:

• Avion Rewards: Anyone can join, but RBC cardholders can unlock higher earning rates.
• Paymi: Open to Canadians with a linked debit or credit card from one of 17 eligible financial institutions.
• Rakuten: Card-linked offers are optional and require linking a Visa card and activating in-store offers.

6. Retailer cashback programs

Retailers often run their own loyalty programs that function like cashback systems, offering points or credits that you can redeem for future purchases or other rewards, like a flight booking or free movie.

What are the popular cashback programs from retailers?

Two of the most popular cashback programs from retailers in Canada are PC Optimum and Scene+. PC Optimum lets you earn points at participating grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations that you can then redeem for products from participating retailers, such as Loblaws or Fortinos.

With a Scene+ card, you can earn points at participating grocery stores, Cineplex theatres, gas stations and restaurants. You can then redeem these points for travel, dining, entertainment or groceries.

Can you stack the different cashback methods?

Yes, you may be able to stack certain cashback methods if the platform allows it. Here are some ways you can stack different cashback methods:

• Cashback credit card + cashback website, app or browser extension
• Cashback credit card + receipt cashback app
• Cashback website + receipt cashback app
• Cashback credit card + gift card purchase with cashback (e.g. from Snaplii)
• Card-linked cashback program + cashback credit card
• Scan receipts on multiple cashback apps (though not all platforms allow this)

So, the best way to stack cashback methods is to get a cashback credit card and use it for cashback-qualifying purchases. Just be sure to check the platform’s terms and conditions before stacking different methods so you don’t invalidate your cashback.

What is the easiest cashback strategy to start with?

Using a cashback credit card is the simplest option since it requires no extra steps after setup. And you can combine it with other cashback strategies, like purchasing an eligible item through a cashback platform (e.g. Rakuten or Great Canadian Rebates).

Bottom line

Cashback programs in Canada offer a simple, and often passive, way to earn rewards on your everyday purchases. Choose one of the cashback strategies that matches your spending habits, whether it’s a cashback credit card, app or retailer program, and try to stack methods when possible. Just review the terms and conditions of each strategy before making your purchase to ensure you qualify for cashback and compare different cashback platforms to find the best rate.

Frequently asked questions

• Do cashback rewards expire?

  It depends on the provider. Some credit cards and cashback platforms have expiry policies, so it's important to check the terms and conditions. In many cases, cashback earned on credit cards doesn't expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing, while some apps or retailer programs may require you to redeem rewards within a certain timeframe or maintain account activity to keep your balance active.

• Are cashback earnings taxable in Canada?

  Cashback earnings are generally not taxable in Canada when they come from personal spending, such as credit card rewards or cashback apps. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) treats these rewards as a rebate or discount on your purchases, rather than as income, so you don't need to report them on your tax return.

• How long does it take to receive cashback?

  Credit cards may pay cashback monthly or annually, while cashback platforms can take weeks or months to confirm your purchase and pay out cashback.

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Leanne Escobal as part of our fact-checking process.

Written by

Rebecca Low

Writer

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Rebecca Low is a writer for Finder. She has contributed to a range of digital publications, including Wise, income.ca and Indeed, writing on topics like personal finance, career development, and travel. See full bio