Making extra money on the side has become more common—and more necessary—for many Canadians. Rising living costs, flexible work preferences, and better technology have all contributed to a growing gig and “side income” economy across Canada.
That said, most money-making apps won’t replace a full-time income. What they can do is help you earn supplemental cash, reduce everyday expenses, or turn spare time into something useful—whether that’s grocery money, savings, or help covering a bill.
This guide breaks down 14 apps available to Canadians in 2026, explaining how each one works, how you earn, realistic earning potential, and any Canada-specific considerations. The apps are grouped by category so you can quickly find what fits your lifestyle.
Cashback & Everyday Spending Apps
These apps won’t feel like “working,” but they can quietly put money back in your pocket—especially if you already spend regularly online or pay recurring bills.
1. Rakuten Canada
Category: Cashback shopping
How it works: Shop through Rakuten’s app or browser extension at partnered retailers and earn a percentage back.
How you earn: Cashback is paid quarterly via PayPal or cheque.
Earning potential: $5–$50+ per quarter, depending on spending habits.
Rakuten partners with Canadian retailers like Indigo and Hudson’s Bay, which means it often works smoothly for domestic purchases without foreign fees. If you already buy things online regularly, this is a “set-and-forget” way to earn a bit extra without doing extra work — just start your shopping through the app or browser extension and let the earnings accumulate.
2. FlipGive
Category: Cashback + group spending
How it works: Earn cashback on purchases while supporting a group (family, team, school, or personal goal).
How you earn: Cashback goes into your FlipGive account and can be withdrawn.
Earning potential: Depends on spending annually, especially for families or teams. Use the FlipGive calculator here.
FlipGive is Canadian-focused and popular for youth teams and school groups. It’s worth using if you’re already spending on groceries, gas, or events — especially since the cashback rewards can double as fundraising or shared family benefits. Before joining, consider whether your regular spending is enough to justify the time.
3. Chexy
Category: Bill payments with rewards
How it works: Pay rent, tuition, or business taxes using your credit card and earn rewards.
How you earn: Credit card points or cashback, minus Chexy’s fee.
Earning potential: Varies—valuable for points collectors.
For renters who already want to build credit or collect rewards, Chexy can be useful. Earn Aeroplane points and cash back on certain bills and expenses. However, weigh the fees against what you’d earn — sometimes fees can eat into rewards if the points value is low. This app makes the invisible earning opportunity more tangible, but be selective about which bills you pay this way.
4. Intelligent//Investing by Moka Financial Technologies
Category: Micro-investing
How it works: Rounds up purchases and invests spare change automatically.
How you earn: Investment growth over time (not immediate cash).
Earning potential: Long-term, not short-term income.
Moka works on your savings mindset, not as a quick-cash tool. Think of it as a gentle way to start investing with small amounts. If your goal is immediate extra spending money, this won’t feel like a direct income app — but if your goal is building savings slowly while you earn elsewhere, then it may be for you.
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice; use of Moka or any investing app is at your own discretion and risk.
Survey & Opinion Apps
These apps trade time and opinions for modest payouts. They’re best used in short bursts—commutes, breaks, or downtime.
5. Swagbucks
Category: Surveys, videos, shopping rewards
How it works: Earn points (SB) for surveys, offers, and watching content.
How you earn: Redeem for PayPal cash or gift cards.
Earning potential: $20–$100 per month with consistent use.
Swagbucks is an established survey/rewards app with payouts via PayPal cash or gift cards. It works best if you use it regularly — a few minutes here and there can add up, especially if you take advantage of daily polls and shopping bonuses. Just don’t expect high earnings overnight.
6. Survey Junkie
Category: Paid surveys
How it works: Take surveys tailored to your demographic.
How you earn: Cash via PayPal or gift cards.
Earning potential: $1–$3 per survey; $30–$60 monthly.
Survey Junkie has strong reviews and clear payout paths, including PayPal. In Canada, it’s usually worth setting up on both desktop and mobile since some surveys appear only in one place. The trick is profile completeness: the more info you give up front, the more targeted (and often better-paying) surveys you’ll receive.
7. Google Opinion Rewards
Category: Micro-surveys
How it works: Short surveys based on your activity or location.
How you earn: Google Play credit or PayPal cash.
Earning potential: $5–$30 per year.
Surveys are usually 1–4 questions and appear sporadically. You won’t make a full income here, but if you answer quickly when notifications appear, this app can be a fun way to earn credits with almost zero effort.
8. Prolific
Category: Academic research studies
How it works: Participate in university-backed research studies.
How you earn: Paid via PayPal.
Earning potential: $6–$12 per hour; studies are occasional.
Prolific doesn’t have a dedicated app — it’s browser-based — but many Canadians report better earnings here than on standard survey apps because studies tend to pay more and feel more engaging. Be aware that availability can fluctuate, and sometimes only a few studies appear each week.
Gig Work & Flexible Jobs
These apps require more effort—but also offer higher earning potential.
9. TaskRabbit
Category: Local gig work
How it works: Complete tasks like cleaning, moving, or furniture assembly.
How you earn: Set your own rates; paid per task.
Earning potential: $25–$60 per hour.
TaskRabbit is stronger in larger cities (Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary). Before you sign up, think about your skill set and transportation needs — jobs with tools or specialized skills pay better, while basic errands can still earn decent money. Consider the cost of supplies or travel time as part of your rate.
10. Amazon Flex
Category: Package delivery
How it works: Deliver Amazon packages using your own vehicle.
How you earn: Paid per delivery block.
Earning potential: $20–$30 per hour before expenses.
Availability depends on the city and demand. While earnings can be decent, remember that fuel, wear and tear, and insurance considerations affect net income. It works well for people who already prefer driving and want scheduled windows rather than totally unpredictable gigs.
11. Rover
Category: Pet care
How it works: Offer dog walking, sitting, or boarding services.
How you earn: Set your rates; Rover takes a service fee.
Earning potential: $15–$40 per service.
Pet care is in demand across Canadian cities. If you love animals and have the space or availability, this can turn weekends or afternoons into a reliable income. Higher rates often go to providers with good reviews, so focus on quality and communication.
Freelance & Skill-Based Platforms
These apps reward expertise rather than time alone.
12. Upwork
Category: Freelancing
How it works: Offer services like writing, design, admin, or tech work.
How you earn: Paid per project or hourly.
Earning potential: $25–$100+ per hour, skill-dependent.
Upwork is highly competitive, but Canadians with professional skills can do particularly well. Your profile is your storefront—use a strong portfolio and clear language about what you offer. Even a few repeat clients can create dependable side income.
Fees are deducted directly from each invoice on Upwork. Upwork FAQs state that fees are between 0% and 15%, and online Freelance forums suggest expecting fees on the higher end of that range. Within Canada, GST is charged on the fees Upwork takes, so budget for fees plus GST from the fees into your rate.
13. UserTesting
Category: Website & app feedback
How it works: Test digital products and share feedback.
How you earn: Paid per test via PayPal.
Earning potential: $10–$60 per test.
Tests don’t come every day, but when they do, they tend to pay well for short sessions, and they don’t require special skills beyond clear communication. Think of it as occasional high-paying mini gigs rather than a steady stream.
Passive & Low-Effort Income Apps
These probably won’t make you rich—but they can generate background income.
14. Pawns.app / Honeygain
Category: Passive internet sharing + surveys
How it works: Share unused bandwidth or complete surveys.
How you earn: Cash via PayPal or crypto.
Earning potential: $5–$30 per month.
These are genuinely “set-it-and-forget-it” apps, but earnings are modest. They pair well with more active apps — think of them as background income while you do surveys or errands.
How to Decide If an App Is Worth Your Time
Here’s a practical way to think about apps before investing your time. Ask yourself: What am I trading?
Time, data input, and attention are the currency here. If completing surveys or tasks eats into productive hours without much earnings, it might not be worth it.
Consider your goals:
Need quick cash? Focus on survey apps with low payout thresholds.
Want flexible gigs? Delivery or TaskRabbit might be better.
Prefer passive earnings? Honeygain or cashback apps fit that.
Check payout methods and minimums:
Some apps pay via PayPal — straightforward for most Canadians — while others require gift cards or higher withdrawal limits. Knowing this upfront prevents frustration.
Tips for Maximizing Earnings (and Staying Safe)
1. Understand Earning Potential vs Time and Fees— Some apps (like Google Opinion Rewards) send infrequent but quick surveys that may only pay small amounts. Others (Upwork or TaskRabbit) require work but can pay significantly more per hour. Balance how much time you have with how much you want to earn.
2. Consider Canada-Specific Availability — Not all survey opportunities pay the same in Canada, and some apps may have limited gigs in smaller cities. It helps to have a mix of global apps and those that work well here. Trying a few can indicate which ones deliver the most consistent tasks and payouts.
3. Avoid Scams & Hidden Fees — Legitimate apps will not ask you to pay to start earning, and they will clearly explain how you get paid. If payout terms are murky or there’s a charge just to register, it’s a red flag.
Taxes in Canada
Income you earn from these apps is generally taxable in Canada if it’s cash or an e-transfer received (especially if consistent or regular). Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) guidelines say you should report income from side gigs, surveys, and freelancing.
For detailed tax info, see Canada.ca’s tax page on self-employment income. Always keep records of your earnings, especially if you plan to claim gig-related expenses.
If you earn regularly, consider setting aside a portion for taxes or savings to avoid surprises later.
Protect Yourself
Never share passwords, SIN numbers, or banking information with apps that don’t have clear privacy policies. Legitimate platforms use secure login systems and don’t ask for your sensitive data beyond what’s needed to pay you.
Final Thoughts
Using apps to make extra cash in Canada is all about choosing the right mix for your lifestyle and goals. Some are passive and easy, others require time or skills. None of these apps is a replacement for a full-time job and steady employment income. But paired with smart time management, they can make a real difference in your monthly budget.
If you’re considering multiple options, test a few for a month and see what realistically fits your schedule and earnings expectations. Apps that match your habits and interests are the ones you’ll use consistently—and that’s where the real value starts.
