Saving money in Canada can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can stretch your dollar further and enjoy great deals without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re looking for grocery discounts, online deals, or cashback rewards, here are some of the best money-saving tips for Canadians!
1️⃣ Use Cashback & Rewards Programs
Why pay full price when you can earn money back on everyday purchases? Here are some top cashback and rewards programs in Canada:
✅ Rakuten Canada – Earn cashback on online shopping (Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, etc.). Be sure to read our article on Rakuten!
✅ PC Optimum – Get points on groceries at Loblaws, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Esso gas stations. Take advantage of special points events.
✅ Air Miles & Aeroplan – Earn points for flights, hotels, and everyday purchases.
👉 Pro Tip: Always stack rewards by using a cashback credit card with these programs! See our article on cashback credit cards.
2️⃣ Get the Best Deals on Groceries
Food prices are rising, but you can still save big on groceries by shopping smart:
🛒 Check Flyers & Price Match – Use apps like Flipp or Reebee to find weekly deals. Many stores like Walmart and No Frills will match competitor prices if you show the flyer!
💰 Use Grocery Cashback Apps – Apps like Caddle, Checkout 51, and Eclipsa give you cash back when you upload a receipt.
🍪To Good to Go is a popular app for cheap food. They give you deep discounts on food that will expire soon so that it does not go to waste. Also check out: Flashfood, FoodHero, OLIO, and NoWaste.
📆 Shop on Discount Days – Many stores have weekly discount days for students, seniors, and loyalty members.
❄ Buy in Bulk & Freeze – Stock up on essentials when they’re on sale and freeze items to last longer.
3️⃣ Score Online Discounts & Coupons
Before buying anything online, always check for discounts and promo codes:
🏷 Amazon Coupons & Lightning Deals – Check Amazon Canada’s coupon section for instant discounts.
💻 Browser Extensions – Install Honey or Capital One Shopping to automatically find discount codes.
📦 Buy Refurbished or Open Box – Amazon Warehouse, Best Buy Open Box, and Newegg Refurbished offer big savings on electronics.
4️⃣ Save on Gas & Transportation
🚗 Use Gas Price Apps – Apps like GasBuddy or Petro-Canada’s Price Finder help you locate the cheapest gas nearby.
🚊 Public Transit Pass Discounts – Some cities offer discounted monthly passes for students, seniors, and low-income residents.
🏠 Carpool or Bike When Possible – Save on gas and maintenance by carpooling with coworkers or biking short distances.
5️⃣ Find Freebies & Local Discounts
Who doesn’t love free stuff? Here’s where to look:
🎁 Birthday Freebies – Get free treats at various restaurants like Tim Hortons. Check out our article on birthday freebies for the full list.
🏛 Free Museum & Park Days – Many Canadian museums have free admission days each month. Check local city websites for details.
📚 Library Perks – Borrow books, movies, and even museum passes for free with your library card.
6️⃣ Lower Your Monthly Bills
🏠 Negotiate Your Internet & Phone Bill – Call your provider and ask for a loyalty discount or threaten to switch—most will offer a deal to keep you! This works well with Telus. Be sure to call them every 6 months and ask what they can do to reduce your bill.
📺 Cut the Cable & Stream Instead – Switch to streaming services like Crave, Netflix, or Disney+ instead of an expensive cable package.
🚽 Reduce your utility bills – If you are a homeowner, install low-flow toilets, faucet aerators, and low-flow showerheads. Get leaks fixed promptly. Seal drafty windows and doors with weather stripping.
7️⃣ Shop Secondhand & Save Big
You can find amazing deals on secondhand items while also being eco-friendly!
👕 Thrift Stores – Value Village, Salvation Army, and Talize have brand-name clothing at a fraction of the cost. Best to arrive early to get the good stuff!
🛋 Facebook Marketplace & Kijiji – Get furniture, appliances, and gadgets for cheap (or even free!). Always try to bargain; most sellers expect it.
🎮 Refurbished Tech – Buy certified refurbished phones, laptops, and gaming consoles at Apple, Best Buy, and The Source.
💡 Final Tip: Always Stack Your Savings!
To maximize your savings, try stacking these strategies:
🔹 Use a cashback credit card on a sale item
🔹 Apply a promo code at checkout
🔹 Earn cashback with Rakuten or Ampli
🔹 Use a price match guarantee to pay the lowest price
By combining these money-saving methods, you’ll keep more cash in your pocket while still enjoying the things you love!
