How Canadian Seniors Can Claim Their CRA Data Breach Funds

Many of us use online government portals to track our pensions, check tax returns, or manage our Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) accounts. Keeping our personal data secure is always a top priority, but a major security event from a few years ago has just taken a historic turn on the legal stage.

A finalized $8.7 million class-action settlement has officially opened up its claims window. If your personal information or government accounts were caught up in the severe cyberattacks that hit federal portals back in 2020, you may be legally entitled to a financial payout.

Canadians who were affected by the 2020 federal portal cyberattacks can securely check their eligibility and claim up to $5,000 through the official KPMG settlement portal.

2026 Receipt Apps Rewarding Canadian Shoppers

5 Receipt Apps Rewarding Canadian Shoppers in 2026

Maximizing your grocery budget in 2026 is all about the "stack." By using multiple apps on a single purchase, you can turn one $100 grocery trip into rewards across several platforms at once.

📌 Pin this for later! Save these tips to your favorite "Frugal Living" or "Smart Shopping" board so you have them ready for your next grocery run.

Disclaimer: I am a fellow pensioner sharing my personal journey and deal-hunting finds. I may earn a small commission or referral bonus from some of the links in this post at no extra cost to you.For full details please see the policies page.

Table of Contents

• Pro Tip: The "Ultimate Stack"
• Why This Works in 2026
• Quick Start List

Beat the Squeeze: 5 Best Apps for Canadians to Earn Extra Cash in 2026

Feeling Squeezed? Try These Apps!

With the cost of living rising across Canada, from Vancouver to Halifax, many of us are looking for ways to stretch our budgets. While not all of these apps are headquartered in Canada, they are all fully accessible to Canadians and offer legitimate ways to earn real rewards in 2026.

Whether you want to earn while you sleep or get paid for your weekly grocery run, here are five of the most effective tools to help you fight inflation.

Five Phone Apps Paying Canadians -2026

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1. Rakuten Canada (The Shopping Essential)

Rakuten Canada is a staple for any Canadian who shops online. It essentially acts as a portal that passes a commission back to you. This is one of the easiest ways to make money online in Canada.

• How it works: Open the Rakuten app before you shop. Purchase yourself an e- gift card for the store you will be shopping at or click through to shop online at major retailers like Sephora, Canadian Tire, or Walmart.
• The Reward: Earn a percentage of your purchase back in cash (often 2%–10%).
• The Payout: Receive your "Big Fat Cheque" via mail or PayPal every quarter.

☆ Pro Tip - Use a friend's link or mine and get a special bonus when you sign up. Here's my link.  https://www.rakuten.ca/r/sistersu

2. Caddle (The Canadian Grocery Expert)

Proudly based in Ontario, Caddle is designed specifically for the Canadian retail landscape and offers unique localized rewards, fitting into the category of grocery coupon and cashback apps. When I downloaded Caddle and verified my email account they popped  a bit of money in my account to start me out!

• How it works: Browse weekly offers for specific grocery items or answer quick, 3-question consumer surveys.
• The Reward: Cash back for uploading receipts or providing feedback on brands.
• The Payout: You can cash out via cheque once your balance hits $20.

☆ Pro Tip - Use a friend's link or mine and get a special bonus when you sign up. Here's my link. http://ssqt.co/mQLeOgY or if you are a bit iffy on clicking links, use the code: SISTERSU to get a bonus when you download the Caddle app

3. Mode Earn App (The Music & Passive Income Leader)

The Mode Earn App (often associated with EarnApp features) is one of the most versatile ways to pad your wallet in 2026. It's one of the best apps that pay you to listen to music.

• How it works: You can earn by sharing unused internet bandwidth or by completing various tasks within the app.
• The Reward: "I get paid to listen to music on my phone with this app"—this is one of its most popular features, allowing you to earn points just for playing curated radio stations.
• The Payout: Points can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards.You can cash out for as low as 50 cents. This app pays in US funds!



So grateful to have received these funds from Mode Mobile.

4. Receipt Hog (The Universal Receipt Scanner)

Receipt Hog is an incredibly low-effort app that turns almost any shopping trip—from clothing to electronics—into points.

• How it works: Simply snap a photo of any physical receipt from the last 14 days or sync your email for digital receipts.
• The Reward: Every receipt earns you points based on the amount spent. You can also play the "Hog Slots" game for bonus points or win bonus coins in the monthly draw.
• The Payout: Points can be redeemed for gift cards (Amazon, or a VISA gift card.) or PayPal cash once you reach the 1,000 coin ($5) minimum.

5. Checkout 51 (The Reliable Staple)

Checkout 51 has been a favourite in Canada for years because it works at virtually any retailer, from Loblaws to your local corner store.

• How it works: Every Thursday, the app refreshes with new offers on everyday staples like milk, bread, and household cleaners.
• The Reward: Specific cash back amounts are added to your account once you upload a qualifying receipt.
• The Payout: Request a cheque or PayPal transfer once your balance reaches $20.

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Pro Tip: The "Triple Play"

To maximize your earnings, you should stack these apps. For example, if you buy groceries:

1. Check Checkout 51 and Caddle for specific product offers before you go.
2. Pay with a rewards credit card.
3. Upload your receipt to Caddle, Checkout 51, and Receipt Hog..

By using these together, you can turn a single $100 grocery trip into multiple rewards. In 2026, every bit of extra cash helps!

High Interest Savings Bank Wins Canadian Award!

EQ Bank Wins Forbes Top Bank Award!

Canadian Seniors and their families will want to know about this! 

Have you heard this news? 

EQ Bank has been  been named the #1 Bank in Canada on the Forbes 2023 list of the World’s Best Banks! Why?

Not only do they offer free banking - they have great high interest rates! 

I just got $20 for free overnight when I signed up with EQ Bank, thanks to the advice of a friend. EQ Bank is currently offering me 

• Free banking
• 2.5% interest on my funds
• Debit card to use free 
• .05% cashback on purchases I make with my free bank card
• Referral rewards

EQ Bank Card Benefits

If  I switch my savings to a US dollar account, I will get 3% interest.  EQ bank offers many excellent savings opportunities including Tax Free Savings accounts, RRSP's and GIC's.

Sign up through my EQ Bank link and get  a $20 bonus when you deposit $100. Then you can refer friends and get up to $500 more!

How to Get $520 Free From EQ Bank

Canadian Seniors Get Great Freebies Through Airmiles Rewards!

Savvy Canadian Seniors Watch for Gift Card Purchase Airmiles Rewards

When you purchase a gift card and get bonus Airmiles, it's like getting free money! Why? Basically, you still have the same funds that you started with! Here's an example:

Until July 2nd, 2022 you can get 20 Airmiles when you purchase select gift cards at Shell and show your Airmiles card. When it only takes 95 Airmiles to get $10 in free groceries, 20 Airmiles is a good bonus offer!

Get 20 Bonus Airmiles with a Gift Card Purchase

Note: This blog has referral links that help our writers eat when you make purchases through them. Would you like to write on Canadian Senior Savings? Guest Bloggers are welcome. Please drop a note in the comments below.

Shell Airmiles Bonus Details

Some Canadian Seniors Suffering with Cancer Can Get Compensated!

Did a Senior in Your Life Use These Products?

Canadians and Americans who used Johnson Baby Powder or Shower to Shower can be compensated for the loss of enjoyment and employment if they suffered cancer in a new class-action lawsuit.

Go to this link to see if you or your friend or family member might qualify for compensation from Johnson and Johnson.

Note: Posts on this blog have referral links that can help our authors eat when you shop through them. Want to join in the writing fun? Pop a note in the comments below.

Attention Frugal Bloggers