With all the different investment options available, it can be difficult to decide where to put your money. However, one type of investment that is often overlooked is Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs). GICs are a low-risk investment option that offer guaranteed returns. In this blog post, we will compare the GIC rates of some of the leading banks in Canada to help you make an informed decision about where to invest your money.
The Best GIC Rates in Canada
The current best GIC rate in Canada is 2.85% for a five-year term. This rate is higher than what is offered by most major banks, which tend to offer rates between 1-2%. Credit unions typically offer the best rates on GICs, but there are some online banks that are also competitive.
Why Choose a GIC?
GICs are a safe and secure way to grow your money. With a GIC, you know exactly how much interest you will earn over the term of the investment, so there are no surprises. GICs are also guaranteed by the Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) up to $100,000 per account, so you can rest assured your money is safe even if the bank were to fail.
GIC Rates at Major Banks in Canada
The following is a list of some of the major banks in Canada and their current GIC rates:
- RBC: 0.5% for a 5-year GIC
- CIBC: 1.45% for a 5-year GIC
- BMO: 1.6% for a 5-year GIC
- TD: 1.45% for a 5-year GIC
- Scotiabank: 1.4% for a 5-year GIC
Here’s a more Comprehensive list of GIC’s in Canada
Tangerine
Tangerine offers a GIC rate of 1.45% for a 5-year term.
EQ Bank
EQ Bank offers a GIC rate of 1.50% for a 5-year term.
Oaken Financial
Oaken Financial offers a GIC rate of 1.55% for a 5-year term.
Alterna Savings
Alterna Savings offers a GIC rate of 1.60% for a 5-year term.
People’s Trust
People’s Trust offers a GIC rate of 1.65% for a 5-year term.
Meridian Credit Union
Meridian Credit Union offers a GIC rate of 1.70% for a 5-year term.
FirstOntario Credit Union
FirstOntario Credit Union offers a GIC rate of 1.75% for a 5-year term.
VantageOne Credit Union
VantageOne Credit Union offers a GIC rate of 1.80% for a 5-year term
Some Facts about GIC’s in Canada
1. GIC rates vary by financial institution and by the type of GIC.
2. The best GIC rates are typically offered by online banks and credit unions.
3. Short-term GICs typically have higher interest rates than long-term GICs.
4. Cashable GICs typically have lower interest rates than non-cashable GICs.
5. Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) are a type of investment that offers guaranteed returns over a set period of time.
6. GICs are a low-risk investment option, which makes them ideal for people who are risk-averse or who are looking to preserve their capital.
7. GICs can be held in Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs), Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs), and non-registered accounts.
8. Interest earned on GICs is typically taxable at the investor’s marginal tax rate.
9. There are several different types of GICs, including fixed rate, variable rate, cashable, and non-cashable GICs.
10. When choosing a GIC, it is important to compare interest rates and terms from different financial institutions to find the best deal
As you can see, the interest rates offered by the different banks vary quite significantly. When choosing a bank to invest with, it is important to compare the interest rates and terms and conditions carefully to make sure you are getting the best deal possible.
Conclusion:
GICs are a great way to invest your money if you are looking for guaranteed returns. However, it is important to do your research and compare interest rates before investing so that you get the best return on your investment.