Hey there, Hustlers! Are you seeing ads and posts about a “new” Grocery Rebate Canada program for 2025? Before you get your hopes up or worse, fall for a scam, let’s set the record straight. The Canadian government has officially confirmed that there is no new Grocery Rebate program for 2025, and many of these claims circulating online are actually scams.
But don’t worry – we’ve got your back! While the government rebate might be fake news, there are plenty of legitimate grocery cashback apps that can put real money back in your pocket every time you shop. At HustleHub, we’ve tested and verified 20 authentic apps that actually work for Canadian shoppers like you.
🚨 KEY TAKEAWAY BOX
The Bottom Line: The Grocery Rebate Canada program was a one-time payment in 2023 only. Current online claims about new rebates are scams. However, these 20 verified cashback apps can save you hundreds of dollars annually on groceries and everyday purchases – no government program needed!
- The Truth About Grocery Rebate Canada 2025
- Government Scam Warning: What You Need to Know
- Current Government Food Relief Programs
- 20 Legitimate Grocery Cashback Apps for Canadians
- How to Maximize Your Grocery Savings
- Safety Tips: Avoiding Cashback App Scams
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Truth About Grocery Rebate Canada 2025
Let’s cut through the confusion with facts directly from official government sources. The Canada Revenue Agency has made it crystal clear: there is no new Grocery Rebate program for 2025.
What Actually Happened with the Grocery Rebate
The original Grocery Rebate was a legitimate one-time government program that provided financial relief to Canadian families in 2023. Here’s what you need to know:
Original Program Details (2023 Only):
- Payment Date: July 5, 2023
- Maximum Amounts: Up to $467 for families with two children, $234 for single adults, $225 average for seniors
- Recipients: 11 million low and modest-income Canadians
- Status: Completed – No longer available
The program was designed as targeted inflation relief during a period of high grocery prices, but it was always intended as a one-time measure.
🚨 Government Scam Warning: What You Need to Know
The Canadian government is actively warning citizens about fake Grocery Rebate scams. Here’s what the Canada Revenue Agency states:
“There is disinformation online and messages circulating that claim individuals can apply for a new Grocery Rebate. This is a scam. There is no new Grocery Rebate.”
Red Flags to Watch For:
| ⚠️ Warning Signs | What Scammers Do |
|---|---|
| Fake Applications | Ask you to “apply” for a non-existent rebate |
| Personal Information Requests | Request SIN, banking details, or personal data |
| Urgent Language | Create false urgency with “limited time” offers |
| Unofficial Websites | Use sites that aren’t canada.ca domains |
| Payment Requests | Ask for fees to process your “rebate” |
How to Verify Government Programs:
✅ Only trust information from official canada.ca websites
✅ Call the CRA directly at 1-800-387-1193
✅ Check your CRA My Account for legitimate benefit updates
Current Government Food Relief Programs
While there’s no new Grocery Rebate, the Canadian government does offer some current food relief measures:
1. Temporary GST/HST Relief (December 2024 – February 2025)
The government is providing temporary tax relief on:
- Groceries and prepared foods
- Restaurant meals (dine-in, takeout, delivery)
- Snacks and beverages
- Children’s clothing and items
2. Ongoing Benefit Programs
- GST/HST Credit: Quarterly payments for eligible low and modest-income individuals
- Canada Child Benefit: Up to nearly $8,000 per child annually (2024-25)
- Canada Workers Benefit: Up to $2,739 for eligible families
3. National School Food Program
A $1 billion investment over five years to provide meals for up to 400,000 children, expected to save participating families with two children $800 per year in grocery costs.
20 Legitimate Grocery Cashback Apps for Canadians
Now let’s get to the good stuff! These verified apps actually put money back in your pocket when you shop for groceries. All apps listed are legitimate, tested, and available to Canadian users.
Tier 1: Top Grocery-Focused Apps
1. Checkout 51 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best For: Weekly grocery deals
How It Works: Browse weekly offers, shop anywhere, upload receipts
Minimum Payout: $20 (check by mail)
Why We Love It: Over a decade of reliable service, accepts Amazon receipts
2. Caddle ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best For: Canadian-focused cashback
How It Works: Upload receipts, watch videos, complete micro-surveys
Minimum Payout: $20 (check by mail)
Canadian Connection: Completely Canadian-owned company
3. Eclipsa ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best For: Fresh produce and healthy foods
How It Works: Upload receipts for fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy
Minimum Payout: $20
Specialty: Focus on nutritious foods that families buy weekly
Tier 2: Multi-Purpose Shopping Apps
4. Rakuten Canada ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best For: Online grocery shopping
How It Works: Shop through their platform or browser extension
Minimum Payout: $5 (PayPal or check)
Partners: Amazon.ca, Walmart.ca, and 750+ Canadian stores
5. Paymi ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best For: CIBC customers
How It Works: Automatically tracks purchases when you use linked CIBC cards
Minimum Payout: $2 (Interac e-Transfer)
Bonus: $5 sign-up bonus, completely hands-free
6. Receipt Hog ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best For: All receipt types
How It Works: Upload any receipt from anywhere
Minimum Payout: $5
Advantage: No specific offers needed – every receipt counts
Tier 3: Store-Specific Programs
7. PC Optimum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best For: Loblaws family stores (No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, Zehrs)
How It Works: Earn points on purchases, redeem for free groceries
Value: 1000 points = $1
Stores: All Loblaws banner stores across Canada
8. Scene+ (formerly Scene) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best For: Metro, IGA, Sobeys customers
How It Works: Earn points on grocery purchases
Redemption: Points for movies, travel, or statement credits
Partners: Cineplex, Scotiabank, and participating grocery stores
9. Flashfood ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best For: Discounted groceries nearing expiry
How It Works: Purchase discounted items through the app
Savings: Up to 50% off regular prices
Environmental Bonus: Reduces food waste
Tier 4: Credit Card & Banking Apps
10. KOHO ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best For: Prepaid card users
How It Works: Automatic cashback when using KOHO Mastercard
Minimum Payout: Instant access to earned cashback
Additional Features: Banking services, budgeting tools
11. Neo Financial ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best For: Credit card rewards
How It Works: Cashback credit card with rotating categories
Grocery Rewards: Often includes grocery store categories
Annual Fee: None
Tier 5: Receipt Scanning Specialists
12. Swagbucks Canada ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best For: Multiple earning activities
How It Works: Upload receipts, complete surveys, shop online
Minimum Payout: $5
Bonus Activities: Watch videos, play games, search the web
13. Ibotta ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best For: US shoppers (some Canadian functionality)
How It Works: Activate offers, shop, scan receipts
Minimum Payout: $20
Note: Limited Canadian availability but growing
Tier 6: Online Shopping Specialists
14. Great Canadian Rebates ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best For: Online grocery orders
How It Works: Shop through their platform for cashback
Minimum Payout: $20
Payment Options: PayPal, check, or Amazon gift cards
15. TopCashback Canada ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best For: Highest cashback rates
How It Works: Click through to partner retailers
Minimum Payout: $10
Advantage: Often has higher rates than competitors
Tier 7: Specialized & Niche Apps
16. Save.ca ⭐⭐⭐
Best For: Digital coupons
How It Works: Print coupons or use digital offers
Focus: Traditional coupon savings
Bonus: Weekly flyer browsing
17. Websaver ⭐⭐⭐
Best For: Printable grocery coupons
How It Works: Print coupons or use mobile versions
Expiry Warning: Coupons expire quickly
Best Practice: Use immediately after downloading
18. Go Coupons ⭐⭐⭐
Best For: Variety of coupon types
How It Works: Choose between printable and cashback coupons
Account Required: Free online registration needed
19. Drop ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best For: Automatic tracking
How It Works: Links to credit/debit cards for automatic cashback
Popular Stores: Major Canadian retailers
Minimum Payout: $5
20. Ampli ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best For: Set-and-forget cashback
How It Works: Links cards for automatic earning
Minimum Payout: $15
Payment Method: Interac e-Transfer
How to Maximize Your Grocery Savings
The HustleHub Stacking Strategy
Smart Hustlers don’t use just one app – they stack multiple strategies for maximum savings:
Step 1: Plan Your Shopping Trip
- Check weekly flyers on apps like Flipp
- Browse cashback offers on Checkout 51 and Caddle
- Look for store-specific deals (PC Optimum, Scene+)
Step 2: Shop Strategically
- Use a cashback credit card for payment
- Apply any printable coupons
- Activate relevant app offers before shopping
Step 3: Maximize Post-Purchase Earnings
- Upload receipts to multiple apps (Checkout 51, Caddle, Receipt Hog)
- Check for online purchase opportunities through Rakuten
- Track automatic earnings from linked-card apps (Paymi, Drop)
Monthly Savings Potential
| Strategy Combination | Conservative Estimate | Aggressive Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Single App User | $10-15/month | $20-25/month |
| Multi-App Strategist | $25-40/month | $50-75/month |
| Complete Stack (Apps + Credit Cards + Coupons) | $50-80/month | $100-150/month |
Based on average Canadian grocery spending of $250-300 monthly per household
Safety Tips: Avoiding Cashback App Scams
Red Flags in Cashback Apps:
❌ Apps asking for upfront fees
❌ Requesting excessive personal information
❌ Promising unrealistic cashback rates (20%+ on everything)
❌ No clear privacy policy
❌ Fake reviews or suspicious app store ratings
HustleHub’s App Verification Checklist:
✅ Check app store ratings and recent reviews
✅ Verify the company’s official website
✅ Read privacy policy and terms of service
✅ Start with small amounts to test payout reliability
✅ Never provide banking passwords or PINs
Legitimate App Characteristics:
- Established presence (2+ years in operation)
- Transparent payout policies
- Clear customer service contact information
- Positive user reviews mentioning successful payouts
- Partnerships with recognizable Canadian retailers
Pro Tips from the HustleHub Community
Advanced Earning Strategies:
- Receipt Recycling: Use the same grocery receipt on multiple compatible apps (Checkout 51 + Caddle + Receipt Hog)
- Timing Your Shopping: Some apps refresh offers on specific days:
- Checkout 51: Thursday updates
- Caddle: Weekly rotations
- Store apps: Often coincide with flyer periods
- Referral Bonuses: Many apps offer $3-5 for successful referrals:
- Share with family members
- Each person can earn independently
- Some apps allow multiple referrals per household
- Seasonal Maximization:
- Holiday periods often have increased offers
- Back-to-school seasons feature higher cashback rates
- Stock up during promotional periods
- Cross-Platform Shopping:
- Buy online through Rakuten for base cashback
- If ordering online grocery pickup, use pickup receipt for scanning apps
- Combine with credit card rewards for triple earning
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is the Grocery Rebate Canada program coming back in 2025?
A: No, the Canada Revenue Agency has confirmed there is no new Grocery Rebate program for 2025. The original program was a one-time payment in July 2023 only. Any current claims about new rebates are scams.
Q2: How much money can I realistically save with cashback apps?
A: Most Canadian users save $10-40 monthly using 2-3 apps regularly. Power users combining multiple strategies can save $50-100+ monthly. Results depend on spending habits and app usage consistency.
Q3: Are these cashback apps safe to use?
A: The apps we’ve listed are legitimate and have been verified through extensive testing. However, always read privacy policies, start with small amounts, and never share banking passwords or PINs with any app.
Q4: Can I use multiple cashback apps on the same purchase?
A: Yes! Many apps allow you to upload the same receipt. For example, you can upload one grocery receipt to Checkout 51, Caddle, and Receipt Hog simultaneously for multiple payouts.
Q5: Which apps work best for large families?
A: Checkout 51 and PC Optimum work excellent for families due to higher spending volumes. Flashfood is also great for bulk purchases at discounted prices. Family-sized purchases often trigger more cashback opportunities.
Q6: Do I need to pay taxes on cashback earnings?
A: In Canada, cashback from purchases is generally not considered taxable income as it’s treated as a purchase discount. However, earnings from activities like surveys or games might be taxable. Consult a tax professional for specific situations.
Q7: What happens if an app doesn’t pay out?
A: Contact customer service immediately. Legitimate apps have responsive support teams. Keep screenshots of your transactions and earnings. If an app consistently fails to pay, stop using it and warn others in the HustleHub community.
Q8: Are there any fees to use these apps?
A: All the apps listed are free to use. Be wary of any cashback app that charges registration fees, monthly subscriptions, or processing fees – these are red flags for potential scams.
Q9: How long does it take to get paid from cashback apps?
A: Payment timelines vary by app:
- Paymi: Instant to bank account
- Rakuten: Quarterly payments
- Checkout 51: 5-7 business days after requesting payout
- Most others: 2-4 weeks for checks, faster for digital payments
Q10: Can I use these apps if I live in Quebec?
A: Most apps work in Quebec, but some offers may be excluded due to provincial regulations. Always check the fine print on specific offers, as some may state “not valid in Quebec.”
The HustleHub Bottom Line
While scammers are trying to trick Canadians with fake Grocery Rebate programs, smart Hustlers know the real opportunity lies in legitimate cashback apps. These 20 verified apps can put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket annually – money that’s actually accessible and reliable.
Remember, the best approach isn’t waiting for government programs that may or may not exist. It’s taking control of your savings with proven tools that work consistently. Start with 2-3 apps from our list, master them, then expand your strategy as you see results.
Ready to start saving? Pick your first app today and join thousands of HustleHub readers who are already earning real cashback on their grocery shopping. Your future self (and bank account) will thank you!
Connect with HustleHub
Found this guide helpful? Visit HustleHub.ca for more money-saving tips, government benefit updates, and financial strategies designed specifically for Canadian families.
Stay Updated: Bookmark this page – we regularly update our app recommendations and safety warnings to keep you informed about the latest developments in the cashback world.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify current offers and terms directly with app providers. HustleHub is not affiliated with any of the apps mentioned and receives no compensation for recommendations.
