How to get $330 in free cash
by parking just $1,000

That's a 33% return — from Qtrade + Great Canadian Rebates

Last updated: February 27, 2026

This page is not affiliated with Qtrade or Great Canadian Rebates. It's a step-by-step guide on how to maximize the current promotion.

Who am I?

I'm a personal finance geek who likes finding good deals. I run personal finance software and created this page for my friends and family — but anyone is welcome to use it.

What's the deal?

Two separate bonuses stack together:

  • Qtrade promotion — deposit money into a new account, get a cash bonus (promo code CASHBACK26).
  • GCR cashback — sign up through the Great Canadian Rebates portal and get an additional $80 cashback.

Combined: $250 + $80 = $330 for depositing just $1,000. You don't need to actively trade — you can just park the money in a cash ETF.

The math

CategoryDeposit $1,000Deposit $10,001
Qtrade bonus$250$500
GCR cashback$80$80
Total free cash$330$580
Return33%5.8%
  • $1,000 gives the highest percentage return (33%) — best bang for your buck.
  • $10,001 gets more absolute cash ($580) — still incredible, beats any savings account or GIC.
  • Higher tiers exist but returns diminish and don't make as much sense.

Key dates

  • Open account by: March 31, 2026
  • Fund by: April 30, 2026
  • Keep money until: April 30, 2027 (11:59 PM ET)
  • Promo code: CASHBACK26

All new deposits must remain in the account until April 30, 2027. Withdrawing early affects or voids the bonus. Full T&C.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Sign up for Great Canadian Rebates (GCR)

This is where the $80 cashback comes from. You have two options:

Option 1: Referral link

You get the $80 cashback. The author of this page gets a small referral bonus from GCR.

Sign up via referral

Option 2: Direct link

You get the same $80 cashback. The author gets nothing.

Sign up directly

If you found this guide helpful and want to say thanks, use Option 1. If not, use Option 2. It's up to you — either way you get the same $80 cashback from GCR.

Step 2: Click through to Qtrade from GCR

Important: You must navigate to Qtrade via the GCR portal so GCR can track your sign-up. Don't go directly to Qtrade.

Step 3: Open your Qtrade account

Use promo code CASHBACK26 when applying. Full instructions will be available on Qtrade's page after you click through from GCR.

Step 4: Fund your account

Deposit at least $1,000 (or $10,001 for the higher tier). You must fund by April 30, 2026.

Step 5: Park your money

You can invest in anything or park it safely (see FAQ below). Keep the money in the account until April 30, 2027.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do with the money inside Qtrade?

  • CASH.TO (~2.33% yield as of Feb 2026, subject to change) — Global X High Interest Savings ETF. This is what I personally do — it's part of my emergency fund.
  • MNY.TO (~2.45% yield as of Feb 2026, subject to change) — another cash ETF.
  • VEQT — broad market all-equity ETF for long-term investing.
  • Leave as cash — it just sits there, you still get the bonus, but no interest.

How long do I need to keep the money there?

Until April 30, 2027 (11:59 PM ET). Withdrawing early affects or voids the bonus.

Is this a scam?

No. Qtrade is a regulated Canadian brokerage, overseen by CIRO (Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization).

Can I withdraw after getting the bonus?

Yes, after April 30, 2027 you are free to withdraw everything.