How to Make Money Online in Canada

Looking to earn some extra cash or start a new career path? There are plenty of ways to make money online in Canada.

Some methods will just pad your pocket money, while others could grow into something bigger.

Here's how to get started.

1. Complete online surveys

Survey sites are often the first stop for Canadians wanting to earn online. Sites like Freecash, Swagbucks, and Survey Junkie let you earn cash or points for sharing your opinions.

What's nice is you can start earning right away. Cash payments go to your bank account once you hit the minimum threshold, and points can be swapped for gift cards.

Most won't make you rich, but they're an easy way to earn during downtime.

2. Cash in on bank sign-up bonuses

Many Canadian banks will pay you—sometimes hundreds of dollars—just for opening an account. The process is usually straightforward: open an account online (takes minutes), set up direct deposits for the required period, and wait for your bonus to appear.

It's basically free money for a small time investment, and you can do everything online.

3. Sell things you don't need

Got stuff collecting dust? Turn it into cash. Sports gear, electronics, furniture, books—you can sell practically anything online.

Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, and eBay make it simple to list items and connect with buyers. Just snap a few photos, write a description, set your price, and wait for interested buyers.

4. Sell your car online

No need to deal with dealership hassles anymore. Online services like Clutch and Canada Drives let you sell your vehicle without leaving home. Just enter your car details, get an offer, and if you like it, drop off your car to complete the sale.

For potentially better prices (but more work), you can list on AutoTrader, Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace—just be ready to field some lowball offers.

5. Sell handmade items

If you're crafty, turn your hobby into income. Etsy makes it easy to sell journaling supplies, jewelry, home decor, and custom gifts to buyers worldwide. You can also build a following on Instagram or Facebook to sell your creations directly.

6. Try print-on-demand

Sites like RedBubble and Printful let you put your designs on products without handling inventory.

You create the designs, upload them to your online store, and when someone buys, the service prints and ships the item directly to them.

7. Start dropshipping

Similar to print-on-demand, dropshipping lets you run an online store without stocking products. When customers order from your site, the manufacturer ships directly to them.

You can sell almost anything—clothing, pet supplies, home good without needing storage space or handling shipping logistics.

8. Try affiliate marketing

With affiliate marketing, you earn commission by promoting other companies' products. Create a website or social media presence to direct potential customers to the company's site.

You get paid when they click your link or make a purchase.

9. Create YouTube videos

People watch videos about almost everything these days. Share your skills, gaming sessions, fitness tips, or DIY tutorials on YouTube.

Once you build enough views, you can earn from ads, sell merchandise, and find other ways to monetize your channel.

10. Become a freelancer

Sites like Upwork and Fiverr connect you with clients needing professional services. Whether you're a writer, designer, translator, programmer, or bookkeeper, there's likely work for your skill set.

You can freelance full-time or as a side hustle—the flexibility is one of its biggest perks.

This is what I did and launched my own SEO agency in Toronto.

Other income opportunities

• Work as a remote customer service rep from home

• Sell your photos to stock image sites

• Become an online tutor in your area of expertise

• Flip domain names by buying low and selling high

• Invest online through stock brokers and trading apps

Our digital world offers a lot

The digital economy offers Canadians more ways than ever to earn money online. Start with methods that match your current skills and resources—whether that's filling out surveys in your spare time or launching a freelance career in your professional field.

The key is to begin somewhere and be consistent. Some methods provide quick cash, while others build into more substantial income streams over time. With patience and persistence, you might find that what starts as a side hustle could grow into your primary source of income.

The best part? You can try most of these options with minimal upfront investment—just your time and existing skills. Pick something that interests you and get started today.