How GICs Work
GICs are investments that banks and trusts issue. These types of investments are principal-protected and offer a guaranteed return rate over a specified period of time. While the return is occurring, your investment is locked in an account that you can’t break without penalty.
As long as you leave your funds in the account, then you can earn interest at the guaranteed rate. While investors don’t often choose this investment as their only form of earning, it’s a great way to offset their portfolio or save for a specific purchase.
Different Types of GICs
Before you start investing in GICs, it’s important to determine what type of GIC you would like to invest in. In Canada, there are quite a few different GICs to choose from. We’ll go over each one and how they work.
Market Growth GICs
Marget growth GICs are a good idea for those looking to potentially earn a large return on their investment without risking the principal amount. With these types of GICs, instead of investing with a guaranteed rate, you have the potential to earn more by capitalizing on the growth potential of the different stock markets while still having a guaranteed rate of return.
Cashable GICs
One of the most popular types of GICs is the cashable GIC. This is a one-year GIC that you can cash out after 30 days with no penalties. Most banks will automatically renew these GICs after they’ve reached maturity unless you choose to cash them out before then.
Non-Cashable GICs
Non-cashable GICs are GICs that are locked in for a specified period of time that you’re unable to cash out before they reach maturity. Once they’ve reached maturity, you can decide to pull them out or reinvest them. Some financial institutions also refer to these as non-redeemable GICs.
While non-cashable GICs aren’t as convenient as cashable GICs, they do have a greater return rate than cashable GICs. They also have different terms you can choose, so you don’t have to lock in for 5 years. You can choose to lock in for just one year, instead, or any other terms your financial institution may be offering.
Fixed Rate GICs
Fixed-rate GICs are one of the most predictable. Just like all GICs, your principal investment is protected and locked in. With fixed rates, though, the rate of return is the same throughout the entire term. Because of this, the moment you choose to invest your money in one of these, you’ll already know exactly how much interest you’ll have earned once your investment has reached maturity.
Escalator GICs
With escalator GICs, you won’t know how much will be in the GIC once it reaches maturity. These types of GICs have different interest rates for each year of your investment term. Escalator GICs are ideal for those investing in long-term GICs because the interest rate rises every year. That said, the first year or two of an escalator GIC isn’t very competitive with one or two-year fixed-rate GICs, so they aren’t for everyone.
Variable Rate GICS
Variable interest rate GICs are one of the riskier types of GICs. This is because the interest rate you hold in the GIC varies based on the market rate. For this reason, you could end up earning a lot or earning nothing. However, at no point will you lose your principal investment. That said, whether or not you can cash out early without penalty depends on whether your GIC is cashable or non-cashable.
Types of GICs With the Top 5 Banks
When you’re looking into investing in GICs, it’s important to remember that the types of GICs available and the rate at which they’re invested depends on the financial institution. Let’s take a look at the top 5 banks and what they’re currently offering. It’s important to note, though, that no matter which bank you choose, they all offer competitive GIC rates based on your financial institution’s prime rate.
RBC
With RBC, also referred to as the Royal Bank of Canada, there are three GIC families that you can choose from. These are Guaranteed-Return GICs, Interest-rate-linked GICs and Equity-Linked GICs.
With the guaranteed return GICs, both your principal and interest payments are guaranteed. That said, you do have to hold the GIC until maturity. They have different terms and competitive interest rate options available. They even offer escalator GIC options.
When it comes to interest-rate-linked GICs, you have a 100% guarantee on your principal and interest as long as you keep the GIC for the full term. If the interest rate increases, then you earn a higher interest rate. If your rate decreases, then you’re able to cash out your GIC and reinvest it in something else.
Equity Linked GICs make it so your investment is set up to grow. Your principal payment is protected when you keep the GIC for the full term, and you get the choice between the full minimum return or unlimited upside potential.
TD
If you bank with TD Canada Trust, another option is to choose one of their GICs. Just like RBC, they have a few different options to choose from.
| Type of GIC | About the GIC |
| Market Growth GIC | 3 or 5-year termsNon-redeemable and equity-linkedMinimum investment amount of $50050% maximum return on a 5-year term |
| TD Special Offer GIC | Fixed-interest rateMinimum investment amount of $500Term from 100 days to 3 yearsCashable or non-cashable |
| Cashable GIC | 30 days to 5-year termsMinimum investment amount of $500Registered on non-registered |
| Non-Cashable GIC | 30 days to 5-year termsMinimum investment amount of $500Registered or non-registeredFixed-rate and non-redeemable |
| TD US Dollar GIC and Term Deposits | 1-day to 5-year termsMinimum $1000 USDCashable or non-cashableFixed-rate and non-registered |
BMO
BMO has a variety of options to fit your needs if you’re looking for a GIC. They offer market growth GICs, cashable and non-cashable GICs, and US dollar GICs (a form of foreign currency GICs).
Unlike other banks, in order to get a GIC, you have to book an appointment with the bank. From there, an advisor will help you pick the right GIC and term for you. You can even invest your GIC in a TFSA or RRSP to maximize your tax benefits. While most people choose to invest in mutual funds in these accounts, GICs are a great alternative. Your GIC into a TFSA or RRSP in order to maximize your tax benefits. While most people choose to invest in mutual funds in these accounts, GICs are a great alternative.
CIBC
With CIBC, there are also a wide variety of GICs to choose from. Keep in mind that with any GIC, the GIC interest rates change as the market interest rates fluctuate, but the standard terms stay the same.
| Type of GIC | About the GIC |
| Bonus Rate GICs | Non-redeemableFixed-rateMinimum $1000Registered or non-registered |
| Flexible GICs | 1-year term Minimum $1000CashableFixed-rateRegistered or non-registered |
| Market Linked GICs | 2 to 5-year termsMinimum $500Non-redeemableMarket-linkedRegistered or non-registered |
| Variable Rate GICs | 1-year termMinimum $1000CashableVariable rateNon-registered |
| Easy Builder GICs | 1 to 5-year termsMinimum $2500Non-redeemableFixed-rateNon-registered |
Scotiabank
With Scotiabank, there are also quite a few choices when it comes to GICs. They offer cashable GICs, personal redeemable and non-redeemable, as well as market-linked. The differences between these are that the market-linked is the only one affected by the stock market, the cashable and personally redeemable have the most flexibility, and the non-redeemable and market-linked have the highest returns.
Each type of GIC they offer has a variety of percentage rates and terms to choose from. In order to get your best rate, you should speak with an advisor to get the best GIC for you.
Registered Vs Non-Registered GICs
You may have noticed that as we talk about the different types of GICs, some of these are registered or non-registered. Others have the option for either, but what exactly does this mean? Well, it’s actually less complicated than you think.
If you choose to hold a GIC in a registered account, this means that you’re investing your money into an RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan), TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account), RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan) or other type of registered account.
The reason you may choose to invest in a registered account is because of tax savings. Each of these types of accounts is registered with the government and has annual limits. What you put into your RRSP is considered to be tax-free and won’t be taxed until you take out the funds. With a TFSA, what you earn on your funds will not be taxed.
If you choose to put your funds into a non-registered account, this means that you pay tax on the money you invest. It’s invested in a standard account. However, you’re less likely to be penalized for taking out the funds as well. It all depends on the type of non-registered GIC you choose.
GICs and TFSAs
Investing your GIC into a TFSA is a popular option. This is because TFSAs are government-registered accounts that allow you to deposit GIC investments and other investments and avoid paying tax on the interest you earn. When you invest in GICs in a standard account, you tend to be heavily taxed on the gains since it’s considered investment income.
Unlike RRSPs, when you withdraw money from your TFSA, you don’t have to pay taxes on those funds. That said, there is an annual limit when it comes to investing in TFSAs. That only includes the original amount you invest; however, it doesn’t include any gains you earn on your investments.
Pros and Cons of GICs
When you’re deciding whether or not to invest in a GIC, it’s important to consider both the pros and cons. Just like with any other type of investment, GICs might not be for everyone, so think carefully before making a decision.
Pros
The reason many choose to invest in GICs is that they’re a safe, low-risk investment. This is because your initial investment is protected, and up to $100,000 is eligible to be protected by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation. They’re also super simple to understand and don’t require any maintenance. There are also no fees that are normally charged with GICS, which also makes them attractive to investors.
Cons
While there are very few cons associated with GICs, there are reasons why investors sometimes shy away from them. This is because they often have a lower return than other types of investments. Most forms of GICs also don’t allow you access to the funds until the term is finished, and if they do, there could be a penalty involved. However, it does make a difference in the type of GIC you invest in and if they’re fixed or variable rates.
How GICs Pay Interest
How the interest is paid on your GIC depends on how long the term you have. On investments that are at least a year or longer, the interest is calculated daily based on the principal amount. How that interest is paid out is based on your financial institution and the type of GIC that you choose. That said, they can either be paid monthly, yearly or compounded annually and then paid out at the end of the term.
For short-term GICs that are less than a year, the interest is calculated daily. Unlike longer-term GICs, though, the interest on these is paid out at your maturity date. Those that are for a year have interest paid annually. No matter what term you choose for your GIC, though, you earn compound interest, not simple interest. However, the longer you keep the GIC, the more compounding interest you earn.
GICs for International Students
In Canada, many major banks and credit unions allow international students to deposit funds into a GIC when they come to Canada. Once they arrive, they’ll have access to a portion of these funds as well as the interest earned. Then, over a specified period of time, you’ll receive that money back into your account with interest until you’ve received the full amount.
It’s important to remember that every bank has its own stipulations for these types of GICs. They all have different annual rates as well as different payout amounts and times. Generally, the process works as follows: You submit your application, transfer the funds to the account, apply for our study permit, and then open a Canadian bank account when you arrive.
Are GIC Interest Rates Negotiable?
While it depends on the financial institution that you’re working with, your annual interest rate can be negotiable. This usually only happens, though, if you have a long-standing relationship with the bank or you are investing a large sum of money.
What Happens to GICs When Interest Rates Fall?
When interest rates fall, the interest rates on GICs will also fall. However, if you’re locked into a GIC, your interest rate won’t change at all. You keep the same rate until the GIC reaches maturity.
Foreign Currency GICs
Foreign currency GICs are the same as traditional GICs; however, they are just invested in a different currency. The risk is in the currency exchange. Depending on the exchange rate, you could lose money on your principal investment amount.
Joint GICs Vs Individual GICs
In Canada, you can choose to have individual GICs or joint GICs. Which one you choose will impact who has access to the funds, your tax situation, and what happens when you die.
Individual GICs: With these, you have 100% control. You can decide everything, including who the beneficiaries are. You have to pay tax on 100% of the interest earned, and if you die, the GIC will become a part of your estate. Your funds are insured up to $100,000 by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC), since it’s in your name alone.
Joint GICs: With joint GICs, if you die, the funds aren’t added to your estate, and they go directly to the joint account holder. However, taxes are more complex. You’re responsible for the tax on how much you contributed. If only one person is contributing, then they’re responsible for 100% of the tax.
GIC Laddering Strategy
With a GIC ladder, you take your maximum investment amount and split it up over different GICs with different maturity dates. What this investment plan does is stagger your interest income and allow you access to your liquidity annually. These interest payment frequencies also reduce how much interest income you pay tax on with your marginal tax rate.
You can also choose to automatically reinvest it once your GIC matures. However, you won’t know your actual interest rate until that time due to market volatility.
How GIC Interest is Taxed in Canada
How you’re taxed on GIC interest income is dependent on where you invest it. When you invest them in registered investment accounts or registered plans like tax-free savings accounts, all of your interest is tax-free. This allows you to reach your financial goals faster.
However, when you hold GICs in a non-registered account, you will have to pay your marginal tax rate on 100% of your interest income. Your original investment won’t be affected, though.
What Happens to GICs if You Die Before Maturity
When you have a secure investment like a GIC, and you die before it matures, what happens to it depends on your will and estate. While it no longer has to be held for a set period, the payout path is different for everyone.
If you have it held in a registered account, the funds will be left to a beneficiary. If you don’t have a beneficiary, then the funds are going to be added as part of your estate. If you have a joint account, then the funds will go to the joint account holder.
Compound Interest GICs Vs Simple Interest GICs
When putting money up to buy a GIC, it’s important to note that there are two types of interest. Simple interest is when your interest is calculated every month. Compound interest is when your interest every month is added to your balance, so you’re then earning interest on your interest. What you receive will depend on the type of GIC that you choose.
Using a GIC as Loan Collateral
Instead of waiting for the short waiting period in order to access your eligible deposits, you can use them as collateral for a loan. This can gain you access to an emergency fund without having to incur a penalty. In order to do this, you can speak with financial advisors or investment specialists to find out the best plan.
Minimum Investment Amounts for Canadian GICs
While GICs protect your initial investment, how much you’re able to invest is based on your bank. You can usually find out the amount by checking out a GIC online or through your mobile banking. That said, the minimum amount for most banks ranges from $100 to $5,000.
Best Online Bank Offering High-Rate GICs
Here’s a look at a few online banks and what they’re currently offering.
| Bank | Rates |
| EQ Bank | 3.25% for one year and 400% for a 5 year term |
| Oaken Financial | 3.35% for 1 year and 4.00% for 5 years |
| Wealth One Bank of Canada | 3.40% for one year and 4.00% for 5 years |
