How to Start Investing in Canada with $100 (2025 Guide)

So, you’ve got $100 and you're ready to grow it. That’s more than enough to start investing in Canada — even in 2025. Thanks to fintech platforms and low-fee options, you don’t need thousands to get started. You just need to start.

Here’s how to do it.

1. Get Clear on Your Goals

Before clicking any "buy" button, ask yourself:

• Am I investing for long-term growth or short-term gains?

• Is this $100 something I can afford to leave alone for a while?

• Do I want to automate it or stay involved?

  
  

Once you have your answers, you'll know what kind of investment account and tools suit you.

2. Pick the Right Account Type

Here’s where you put your money — your investment vehicle:

• TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account): Your investment gains are tax-free. Yes, even if you 10x your $100.

• RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan): Good if you're saving long-term and want a tax break now.

• Non-registered Account: No contribution limits, but you'll pay tax on gains.

For $100, start with a TFSA unless you’ve maxed it out.

3. Choose a Platform That Makes Sense

You want something beginner-friendly, low-cost, and accessible. These Canadian platforms are all solid starting points:

• Wealthsimple Trade – No commission, easy interface, fractional shares.

• Questrade – Slightly more complex, but good for ETFs and DIY investing.

• NDAX or Bitbuy – If you're curious about crypto (but tread carefully).

If you want zero effort, go with a robo-advisor like Wealthsimple Invest. It builds a diversified portfolio based on your goals — hands-off, but not clueless.

4. Decide What to Buy with Your $100

A. Fractional Shares of Big Companies

You can buy $5 or $10 worth of stocks like:

• Apple

• Shopify

• TD Bank

• Google

This keeps your portfolio diverse even with limited cash.

B. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

One ETF can give you exposure to dozens or hundreds of companies. Consider:

• VEQT (Vanguard All-Equity): 100% stocks, globally diversified

• VGRO (Vanguard Growth): Balanced with some bonds

• XIC (iShares Canadian Index): All-Canadian companies

ETFs are ideal for small investors because they’re diversified and low-fee.

C. Crypto or Alternative Assets (Optional)

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use a slice of your $100 to try crypto or fintech projects. Just don't make this your whole plan.

5. Automate It (If You Can)

The real magic in investing is not in a one-time $100 deposit. It’s in turning that $100

into a habit.

• Set up auto-deposits ($25 bi-weekly?).

• Reinvest dividends (turn earnings into more shares).

• Stay consistent — even if markets drop.

  
  

6. What to Avoid

• Stock picking without research

• Crypto hype with no understanding

• High-fee mutual funds

• Day trading “for fun”

Stick to your plan. Avoid noise. Play the long game.