6 Easy Side Hustles in Canada

Are you new to Canada and seeking effortless ways to earn extra cash? Whether you’re adjusting to the cost of living, saving for future goals, or want a little financial cushion, there are plenty of side hustles that require little to no capital. Discover 6 simple ways to make more money in Canada, from earning cashback on your everyday spending to selling unused items online, these opportunities can help you boost your income with minimal effort.

I’ve personally tried most of these, and they are great for making extra money while settling into a new country. Managing your finances effectively is key to making the most of these opportunities—be sure to check out my guide on Financial Tips for Newcomers to Canada for more insights. Here are 6 Easy Side Hustles to do in Canada:

1. Earn Cashback on Everyday Purchases

Cashback is a great way to make more money in Canada by simply spending as you normally would. Many credit cards and cashback apps offer rewards for your purchases. My personal favourite is the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card, where you can choose specific spending categories to earn cashback. Why not earn money while spending money? To make the most of these benefits, it’s important to have the right credit card. Learn more in my article on Why Every Newcomer in Canada Needs a Credit Card.

Other cashback programs to check out:

Rakuten – Get cashback when shopping online at major retailers.
PC Optimum – Earn points when shopping at Loblaws, No Frills, and Shoppers Drug Mart.
KOHO – A prepaid Visa card that offers cashback on purchases.

With these programs, you get rewarded for spending on groceries, bills, and other essentials. Why not earn money while spending money?

2. Get Paid for Referrals

Many companies will pay you to refer new customers to their services. If you already use a service, why not take advantage of their referral programs?

Some of my top picks include:

KOHO – Earn cash when you refer friends to their financial products.
LemFi – A money transfer service that pays for referrals.
Rakuten – Refer friends and earn a cash bonus when they make a qualifying purchase.
Simplii Financial – Earn a cash reward when your referral opens an account.

The best part? You don’t need to do much—just share your unique referral link with friends and family.

3. Open a Bank Account with a Signup Bonus

Many Canadian banks offer promotional cash incentives for new customers who open an account. This is a super easy way to make extra money in Canada with minimal effort.

Here are a few banks that frequently offer these deals:

Scotiabank – Sometimes offers up to $350 for opening a new account.
BMO – Regularly provides cash bonuses for newcomers & Canadian residents
CIBC – Often has offers for students and newcomers & Canadian residents

Keep an eye on promotions from different banks to take advantage of these limited-time offers.

To help you choose the best option, check out my guide on Best Bank Accounts for Newcomers in Canada

4. Sell Unused Items on Facebook Marketplace

If you have things lying around your home that you no longer use, selling them on Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji is an easy way to make money fast in Canada.

You can sell:

Clothes and accessories
Electronics and appliances
Furniture and home decor

I’ve personally made money by selling items I no longer needed, and it’s a great way to declutter while earning extra cash.

5. Fill Out Online Surveys

Another easy way to earn extra money in Canada is by completing survey. These platforms pay you for sharing your opinions:

Survey Junkie – Earn points that you can redeem for cash or gift cards.
Swagbucks – Get paid for surveys, watching videos, and more.
Pinecone Research – Offers higher payouts for product testing and surveys.

It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, but filling out surveys in your free time can add up.

6. Test Websites for Money

If you enjoy browsing the internet, website testing can be a simple way to earn extra income in Canada. Companies pay for feedback on their websites, and you can earn anywhere from $5 to $10 per test.

Some platforms to check out: