Amazon Canada Cashback: The Ultimate Guide 2025
Amazon Canada Cashback: The Ultimate Guide 2025
Amazon is notoriously stingy with cashback. Unlike other retailers that offer a flat 5% or 10% on everything, Amazon has a complex system of "Categories."
If you buy a laptop when cashback is only active for "Fashion," you get $0.
Here is how to navigate the maze and actually get paid for your Amazon.ca purchases.
The "Category" Trap
Cashback sites (Rakuten, GCR, Aeroplan) rarely offer cashback on everything at Amazon. Instead, they rotate categories.
Common Eligible Categories:
* Amazon Devices (Echo, Kindle, Fire TV) - Often 2-5%
* Fashion (Clothing, Shoes, Jewelry) - Often 4-8%
* Home & Kitchen - Varies
* Luggage - Varies
Commonly Excluded Categories (Zero Cashback):
* Computers & Tablets
* Video Games/Consoles
* Books (Physical)
* Gift Cards
Which Portal is Best for Amazon?
Rates change daily, but here are the trends we see at Canada Cashback Monitor:
- Aeroplan eStore: Often has the widest category selection. During promotions, you can earn 5-10 pts/$ on categories that other sites exclude.
- Great Canadian Rebates (GCR): Good for niche categories.
- Rakuten: Reliable, but often has fewer eligible categories than Aeroplan.
The "Add to Cart" Rule
CRITICAL WARNING: To earn cashback on Amazon, your shopping cart must be empty before you click the cashback link.
* Wrong Way: Add items to cart -> Click Rakuten Link -> Checkout. (Result: No Cashback)
* Right Way: Click Rakuten Link -> Add items to cart -> Checkout. (Result: Success)
Amazon's tracking cookie only lasts for 24 hours and is very strict about the "session."
Stacking Strategy for Amazon
Since cashback rates are low, stacking is essential:
- Cashback Portal: ~1-5% (on eligible categories)
- Credit Card: 1-2.5% (MBNA Amazon Mastercard is best, or a card with high base earn)
- Prime: Free shipping value.
Summary
* Always check which categories are eligible today.
* Start with an empty cart.
* Compare rates on Canada Cashback Monitor before you start.