Best 5-year GIC Rates In Canada For May 2024

Contributor

Updated: May 3, 2024, 10:00am

Courtney Reilly-Larke
editor

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Editorial Note: Forbes Advisor may earn a commission on sales made from partner links on this page, but that doesn't affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

If you’re seeking a safe and secure investment option, consider a guaranteed investment certificate (GIC). They have become popular amidst ongoing economic uncertainties. Investing in a GIC protects your principal while earning competitive interest rates.

Forbes Advisor compared 504 GICs across 43 financial institutions. The methodology spans eight factors, including APY, deposit requirement, customer service and more. We’ve found the best 5-year GICs in Canada and this article covers their pros, cons and interest rates.

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Best Available 5-Year GIC Rates In Canada*

  • Wealth One Bank of Canada – 4.75%
  • ICICI Bank – 4.75%
  • EQ Bank – 4.55%
  • Hubert Financial and Ideal Savings – 4.50%
  • Oaken Financial – 4.50%
  • Peoples Trust Bank of Canada – 4.45%
  • Achieva Financial – 4.40%
  • Outlook Financial – 4.40%
  • MAXA Financial – 4.40%
  • Motive Financial – 4.35%

*All rates current as of May 3, 2024. All rates are non-market-linked, non-cashable and non-redeemable.


Best 5-Year GICs in Canada for 2024

We compared 504 GICs at 43 financial institutions to find some of the best options available. Learn more about why we picked each GIC, the pros and cons and the rate details.


TD Canadian Banking & Utilities GIC (Non-registered and TFSA)

TD Canadian Banking & Utilities GIC (Non-registered and TFSA)
5.0
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

APY

50% lifetime maximum

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$1,000

Terms

three-year, five-year

TD Canadian Banking & Utilities GIC (Non-registered and TFSA)

APY

50% lifetime maximum

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$1,000

Terms

three-year, five-year

Why We Picked It

The TD Canadian Banking & Utilities GIC (Non-registered and TFSA) offers an impressive rate of return. With a guaranteed range of 15% to 50% across five years, this is one of Canada’s most lucrative GICs. You’ll earn at least 15%, with upside potential contingent on the performance of the underlying stocks. There is a minimum deposit requirement of $1,000 and the cross-sector diversification provides exposure to both Canadian banking and utilities sectors.

Pros & Cons
  • High minimum on a five-year guaranteed return (15%)
  • Great ceiling potential with the performance of underlying stocks (50%)
  • Cross-sector diversification, providing exposure to both banking and utilities sectors
    CDIC eligible
  • Not cashable
  • Interest paid at maturity
  • Dependency on Canadian banking and utilities stocks for maximum return
Details

The TD Canadian Banking & Utilities GIC for non-registered and TFSA offers blended exposure to Canada’s most stable industries. This GIC contains equal weighting to the S&P/TSX Bank Index and S&P/TSX Capped Utilities Index. As a market-linked GIC, your return is tied to the performance of these benchmarks, within a guaranteed return range. You’ll own iconic Canadian companies such as RBC, TD and Hydro One. Across the five years, you’re guaranteed a 15% minimum lifetime return or a 50% maximum lifetime return. This translates to an annualized minimum return of 2.84%.

TD Canadian Banks GIC (RSP, RIF, RESP)

TD Canadian Banks GIC (RSP, RIF, RESP)
5.0
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

APY

35% lifetime maximum

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$500

Terms

three-year, five-year

TD Canadian Banks GIC (RSP, RIF, RESP)

APY

35% lifetime maximum

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$500

Terms

three-year, five-year

Why We Picked It

The TD Canadian Banks GIC (RSP, RIF, RESP) offers our list’s highest guaranteed minimum return. Across five years, you’re guaranteed a minimum 20% rate of return. This can increase to a maximum of 35%, depending on the S&P/TSX Bank Index performance. Otherwise, this GIC has a low minimum deposit requirement of $500. The availability of RSP, RIF and RESP accounts provides flexibility for investors.

Pros & Cons
  • Low minimum deposit requirement ($500)
  • Exposure to Canada’s stable banking industry
  • High minimum five-year guaranteed return (20%)
  • CDIC eligible
  • Interest paid at maturity
  • Not cashable, unless for RESP, RIF payments
  • Less diversification, focused solely on one sector
  • Dependency on Canadian banking stocks for maximum return
Details

The TD Canadian Banks GIC for RSP, RIF and RESP accounts offers exposure to Canada’s banking industry. The low-risk nature of this sector pairs well with saving for retirement or education. The GIC is linked to the S&P/TSX Bank Index, so the underlying stock performance will influence your GIC return. The index benchmarks Canada’s largest banks, including BMO, RBC, TD and more. Across the five-year investment, you’re guaranteed a minimum 20% return. However, you can earn up to 35% if the underlying stocks increase. This translates to an annualized minimum return of 3.71%. Otherwise, this GIC has a lower deposit requirement of $500.

TD U.S. Top 500 GIC (RRSP, RRIF, RESP)

TD U.S. Top 500 GIC (RRSP, RRIF, RESP)
5.0
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

APY

32% lifetime maximum

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$500

Terms

three-year, five-year

TD U.S. Top 500 GIC (RRSP, RRIF, RESP)

APY

32% lifetime maximum

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$500

Terms

three-year, five-year

Why We Picked It

The TD U.S. Top 500 GIC (RRSP, RRIF, RESP) offers a comparatively high rate of return. Across five years, you’ll earn at least 12%, which can increase to 32% depending on the S&P 500 performance. This makes it an excellent option for those who desire risk-adjusted exposure to the U.S. stock market. The low minimum deposit requirement of $500 positively impacts the score, and the availability of RRSP, RRIF and RESP accounts provides flexibility for investors. The exposure to the performance of the top 500 U.S. companies offers diversification.

Pros & Cons
  • Minimum 5-year guaranteed return (12%)
  • Low minimum deposit requirement ($500)
  • Cross-sector diversification, with exposure to the top 500 U.S. companies
  • CDIC eligible
  • Interest paid at maturity
  • Not cashable, unless for RESP, RIF payments
  • Dependency on S&P 500 stocks for maximum return
Details

The TD U.S. Top 500 GIC for RRSP, RRIF and RESP accounts offers low-risk exposure to the U.S. stock market. The GIC’s performance is tied to the S&P 500 index, including critical companies like Microsoft, Apple and Amazon. Across five years, you’re guaranteed a minimum lifetime return of 12%, with a 32% lifetime ceiling. This translates to an annualized minimum return of 2.29%. Otherwise, the minimum $500 deposit is a nice touch, increasing accessibility.

TD Canadian Banking & Utilities GIC (RSP, RIF and RESP)

TD Canadian Banking & Utilities GIC (RSP, RIF and RESP)
4.7
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

APY

50% lifetime maximum

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$500

Terms

three-year, five-year

TD Canadian Banking & Utilities GIC (RSP, RIF and RESP)

APY

50% lifetime maximum

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$500

Terms

three-year, five-year

Why We Picked It

The TD Canadian Banking & Utilities GIC (RSP, RIF and RESP) offers risk-adjusted exposure to key Canadian industries. Across five years, you’ll earn at least 15%, which can increase to 50% depending on the performance of the S&P/TSX Bank Index and the S&P/TSX Capped Utilities Index. This offers cross-sector diversification with plenty of upside. Otherwise, RSP, RIF and RESP account availability offers investors flexibility.

Pros & Cons
  • Minimum five-year guaranteed return (15%)
  • Low minimum deposit requirement ($500)
  • Great ceiling potential with the performance of underlying stocks (50%)
  • Cross-sector diversification, providing exposure to both banking and utilities sectors
  • CDIC eligible
  • Interest paid at maturity
  • Not cashable, unless for RESP, RIF payments
  • Dependency on Canadian banking and utilities stocks for maximum return
Details

The TD Canadian Banking & Utilities GIC for RSP, RIF and RESP accounts also offers hybrid exposure to cornerstone industries through leveraging tax-advantaged accounts. Your return is tied to the performance of Canadian banking and utilities stocks, with an equal weighting between the S&P/TSX Bank Index and the S&P/TSX Capped Utilities Index. You’ll invest in RBC, TD, Brookfield and more companies. Across the five years, you’re guaranteed a minimum 15% lifetime return, with a 50% maximum. This translates to an annualized minimum return of 2.84%

TD Canadian Banks GIC (Non-registered and TFSA)

TD Canadian Banks GIC (Non-registered and TFSA)
4.7
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

APY

35% lifetime maximum

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$1,000

Terms

three-year, five-year

TD Canadian Banks GIC (Non-registered and TFSA)

APY

35% lifetime maximum

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$1,000

Terms

three-year, five-year

Why We Picked It

The TD Canadian Banks GIC (Non-registered and TFSA) offers a market-leading minimum guaranteed return. The high minimum five-year guaranteed return of 20% provides a solid base return, and the GIC is linked to the performance of leading Canadian banks, offering exposure to a stable sector. You can earn up to 35% across the five years. The GIC also has a moderately low minimum deposit requirement of $1,000.

Pros & Cons
  • Exposure to Canada’s stable banking industry
  • High minimum five-year guaranteed return (20%)
  • CDIC eligible
  • Not cashable
  • Interest paid at maturity
  • Less diversification, focused solely on one sector
  • Dependency on Canadian banking and utilities stocks for maximum return
Details

The TD Canadian Banks GIC for non-registered and TFSA accounts focuses exclusively on Canada’s largest banks. This includes BMO, RBC, TD and more. The GIC is market-linked, meaning your return varies with the performance of the S&P/TSX Bank Index. A notable feature is the higher minimum lifetime guaranteed return. At 20%, you’ll earn more than alternatives in a poor-performing market, though your lifetime upside is capped at 35%. The return translates to an annualized minimum rate of 3.71%.

TD U.S. Top 500 GIC (Non-registered and TFSA)

TD U.S. Top 500 GIC (Non-registered and TFSA)
4.7
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

APY

32% lifetime maximum

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$1,000

Term

three-year, five-year

TD U.S. Top 500 GIC (Non-registered and TFSA)

APY

32% lifetime maximum

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$1,000

Term

three-year, five-year

Why We Picked It

The TD U.S. Top 500 GIC (Non-registered and TFSA) features a healthy rate of return. Across five years, you’re guaranteed to earn at least 12%, with a 32% maximum. The GIC benchmarks the S&P 500, providing robust diversification across the 500 largest U.S. companies. Otherwise, the $1,000 minimum deposit is moderately affordable.

Pros & Cons
  • Minimum five-year guaranteed return (12%)
  • Cross-sector diversification, with exposure to the top 500 U.S. companies
  • CDIC eligible
  • Not cashable
  • Interest paid at maturity
  • Dependency on S&P 500 stocks for maximum return
Details

The TD U.S. Top 500 GIC for non-registered and TFSA accounts also offers low-risk exposure to the U.S. stock market. This market-linked GIC indexes the S&P 500, meaning your return is benchmarked to the largest 500 U.S. companies. This includes key players such as Microsoft, Apple, Amazon and more. Across five years, you’re guaranteed a 12% minimum lifetime return, with a 32% ceiling. This translates to an annualized minimum return of 2.29%.

RBC U.S. MarketSmart GIC

RBC U.S. MarketSmart GIC
4.6
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

APY

30% lifetime maximum

Minimum Deposit Requiremen

$1,000

Terms

two-year, three-year, five-year

RBC U.S. MarketSmart GIC

APY

30% lifetime maximum

Minimum Deposit Requiremen

$1,000

Terms

two-year, three-year, five-year

Why We Picked It

The RBC U.S. MarketSmart GIC offers widespread account availability, providing flexibility for investors. The GIC benchmarks the S&P 500 with a guaranteed 12% minimum return across the five-year term. However, you can earn up to 30% if the underlying stocks increase. The $1,000 minimum deposit is reasonably affordable for many investors. Overall, it’s another great market-linked S&P 500 GIC from Canada’s largest bank.

Pros & Cons
  • Minimum five-year guaranteed return (12%)
  • Widespread, unsegmented account availability
  • Cross-sector diversification, with exposure to the top 500 U.S. companies
  • CDIC eligible
  • Not cashable
  • Interest paid at maturity
  • Lower maximum five-year return (30%)
  • Dependency on S&P 500 stocks for maximum return
Details

The RBC U.S. MarketSmart GIC is another low-risk approach to investing in the U.S. stock market. You can hold the GIC using a variety of accounts, including an RRSP, TFSA, RESP, RDSP, RRIF and non-registered options. Your investment return is tied to the S&P 500 index, including Apple, Amazon and Tesla stocks. Regardless of market performance, you’re guaranteed a minimum five-year return of 12%. In contrast, the GIC has a maximum 30% ceiling.

RBC Canadian Banking MarketSmart GIC

RBC Canadian Banking MarketSmart GIC
4.6
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

APY

35% lifetime maximum

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$1,000

Terms

two-year, three-year, five-year

RBC Canadian Banking MarketSmart GIC

APY

35% lifetime maximum

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$1,000

Terms

two-year, three-year, five-year

Why We Picked It

The RBC Canadian Banking MarketSmart GIC boasts a substantial rate of return. Issued by Canada’s largest bank, you’ll earn at least 19% across the five years. However, this can increase to a maximum of 35% with the performance of the underlying S&P/TSX Banks Index. The GIC is widely available across account types, and the $1,000 minimum deposit is within reach for many investors.

Pros & Cons
  • Exposure to Canada’s stable banking industry
  • High minimum five-year guaranteed return (19%)
  • Widespread, unsegmented account availability
  • CDIC eligible
  • Not cashable
  • Interest paid at maturity
  • Less diversification, focused solely on one sector
  • Dependency on Canadian banking stocks for maximum return
Details

The RBC Canadian Banking MarketSmart GIC is a market-linked option that benchmarks Canada’s largest banks. The GIC tracks the S&P/TSX Banks Index, which includes BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC, Canadian Western Bank, Genworth, Home Capital, Laurentian, National Bank, RBC and TD. This GIC provides more diversification than comparable banking-focused options. Otherwise, you can hold the GIC in various accounts, such as an RRSP, TFSA, RESP, RDSP, RRIF and non-registered account. The lifetime return is also lucrative, promising a 19% minimum or a 35% maximum.

RBC Canadian Utilities MarketSmart GIC

RBC Canadian Utilities MarketSmart GIC
4.6
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

APY

50% lifetime maximum

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$1,000

Terms

two-year, three-year, five-year

RBC Canadian Utilities MarketSmart GIC

APY

50% lifetime maximum

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$1,000

Terms

two-year, three-year, five-year

Why We Picked It

The RBC Canadian Utilities MarketSmart GIC offers excellent risk-adjusted returns. At a minimum, you’ll earn 15% across the five-year term. This can increase to 50% with the performance of the S&P/TSX Capped Utilities Sector Index. The return range makes it a lucrative option. The availability of multiple account types (non-registered, RRSP, TFSA, RDSP, RESP, RRIF) provides flexibility for investors. The $1,000 minimum deposit requirement is also within reach for many investors.

Pros & Cons
  • Canadian utilities are a low-risk sector
  • Minimum five-year guaranteed return (15%)
  • Widespread, unsegmented account availability
  • Great ceiling potential with the performance of underlying stocks (50%)
  • CDIC eligible
  • Not cashable
  • Interest paid at maturity
  • Less diversification, focused solely on one sector
  • Dependency on Canadian utilities stocks for maximum return
Details

The RBC Canadian Utilities MarketSmart GIC focuses on Canadian utilities. This market-linked GIC benchmarks the S&P/TSX Capped Utilities Sector Index. As such, your return varies with the performance of various stocks, including Algonquin Power, Fortis and more. The GIC is widely available, and you can hold it in an RRSP, TFSA, RESP, RDSP, RRIF, or non-registered account. Across the five years, you’re guaranteed a minimum lifetime return of 15% or a 50% maximum.

RBC North American MarketSmart GIC

RBC North American MarketSmart GIC
4.6
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

APY

35% lifetime maximum

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$1,000

Terms

two-year, three-year, five-year

RBC North American MarketSmart GIC

APY

35% lifetime maximum

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$1,000

Terms

two-year, three-year, five-year

Why We Picked It

The RBC North American MarketSmart GIC features a substantial rate of return and market-leading diversification. You’re guaranteed a minimum 18% return across five years that can increase to 35% with the performance of the underlying stocks. This GIC benchmarks 20 blue chip stocks within Canada and the United States. This gives ample potential to reach the maximum return range with a healthy minimum guaranteed return. It’s one of the few options that provides cross-country and cross-sector diversification. Otherwise, the GIC is widely available across account types, and the $1,000 minimum deposit puts it within reach for many investors.

Pros & Cons
  • High minimum five-year guaranteed return (18%)
  • Widespread, unsegmented account availability
  • Strong diversification, spanning countries and sectors
  • Blue-chip exposure to leading North American companies
  • CDIC eligible
  • Not cashable
  • Interest paid at maturity
  • Dependency on underlying stocks for maximum return
Details

The RBC North American MarketSmart GIC benchmarks 20 blue-chip stocks across Canada and the United States. As a market-linked GIC, your return fluctuates with the underlying companies, including RBC, Bell, Lockheed Martin, Coca-Cola and IBM. This GIC offers diversification across eight sectors and two countries. As usual, you’re guaranteed a minimum and maximum return. You’ll receive at least 18% or a 35% maximum across five years.

A Summary of the Best 5-Year GIC Rates in Canada For May 2024


Company Forbes Advisor Rating Five-Year Return Minimum Deposit Requirement Term
TD Canadian Banking & Utilities GIC (Non-registered and TFSA)
15% lifetime minimum, 50% lifetime maximum $1,000 3-year, 5-year
TD Canadian Banks GIC (RSP, RIF, RESP) 20% lifetime minimum, 35% lifetime maximum $500 3-year, 5-year
TD U.S. Top 500 GIC (RRSP, RRIF, RESP) 12% lifetime minimum, 32% lifetime maximum $500 3-year, 5-year
TD Canadian Banking & Utilities GIC (RSP, RIF and RESP)
15% lifetime minimum, 50% lifetime maximum $500 3-year, 5-year
TD Canadian Banks GIC (Non-registered and TFSA)
20% lifetime minimum, 35% lifetime maximum $1,000 3-year, 5-year
TD U.S. Top 500 GIC (Non-registered and TFSA)
12% lifetime minimum, 32% lifetime maximum $1,000 3-year, 5-year
RBC U.S. MarketSmart GIC
12% lifetime minimum, 30% lifetime maximum $1,000 2-year, 3-year, 5-year
RBC Canadian Banking MarketSmart GIC
19% lifetime minimum, 35% lifetime maximum $1,000 2-year, 3-year, 5-year
RBC Canadian Utilities MarketSmart GIC
15% lifetime minimum, 50% lifetime maximum $1,000 2-year, 3-year, 5-year
RBC North American MarketSmart GIC
18% lifetime minimum, 35% lifetime maximum $1,000 2-year, 3-year, 5-year

Methodology

To create this list, Forbes Advisor Canada analyzed 504 guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) across 43 financial institutions, including a mix of traditional brick-and-mortar banks, online banks and credit unions. We ranked each account on nine data points that included annual percentage yield, minimum deposit requirements, (low, medium and high) customer service, compound interest schedule, available terms and availability.

The following is the weighting assigned to each category:

  • APY: 50.68%
  • Minimum Deposit Requirement: 13.15%
  • Minimum Deposit Requirement Low: 4.67%
  • Minimum Deposit Requirement Medium: 3.67%
  • Minimum Deposit Requirement High: 2.67%
  • Customer Service: 5.67%
  • Compound Interest Schedule: 8.15%
  • Available Terms: 5.67%
  • Availability: 5.67%

GIC with higher APYs rose to the top of the list. Minimum deposit requirements of $10,000 or higher affected scores negatively. Investments with daily compounding interest schedules were scored higher than those with monthly or quarterly schedules. To appear on this list, the GIC must be nationally available.


What Is a 5-Year GIC?

A five-year Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a low-risk investment. As the name suggests, you’ll deposit your money at a financial institution for five years. In return, you earn interest at a predetermined rate. At the end of the term, you receive your initial investment, known as the principal, along with the interest earned. Early withdrawals generally incur penalties.

There are two main types of five-year GICs: fixed-rate and market-linked. A fixed-rate GIC guarantees a specific interest rate over the five-year term, providing a predictable return. With market-linked GICs, your interest is tied to the performance of a particular stock market index, offering the potential to earn higher returns if the market performs well. In many cases, a market-linked GIC still provides a guaranteed minimum return.


Pros and Cons of a 5-Year GIC

Pros:

  • Protected principal: It’s challenging to lose money with a GIC. Many institutions guarantee a minimum return, regardless of market conditions. Additionally, most GICs have CDIC insurance, protecting your investment up to $100,000.
  • Predictable returns: The stock market changes a lot across five years. Instead, a GIC lets you predict the final amount with reasonable clarity, helping with financial planning and budgeting.
  • Upside potential: Market-linked GICs can offer higher returns if the benchmark performs well, providing an opportunity to benefit from market growth without direct risk exposure.

Cons:

  • Limited liquidity: You typically can’t access the money invested in a five-year GIC during the term without facing penalties. This can be a drawback if you need access to cash unexpectedly.
  • Opportunity cost: The interest from fixed-rate GICs might be lower than other investments with higher risk. Investing your money in a five-year GIC could mean foregoing a higher return.
  • Inflation risk: If inflation rates exceed your GIC’s interest rate, your purchasing power will decline over the investment term.
  • Variable returns: The returns on market-linked GICs are not guaranteed and depend on the performance of the underlying index. This introduces unpredictability to the investment’s outcome.

How to Find the Best 5-Year GIC Rates

To find the best five-year GIC rates, follow these steps:

1. Research: Research various financial institutions, including banks, credit unions and online providers. You can also leverage platforms like comparison sites to find a consolidated database. However, be aware that some websites may limit options to a handful of partners.

2. Review: Compare the interest rates each institution offers for their five-year GICs. Consider additional factors, such as minimum deposit requirements, compound interest frequency and early withdrawal penalties.

3. Promotional offers: Look for promotions or special offers that could provide higher interest rates for a limited time. You may also have success by negotiating with financial institutions.

4. Read the fine print: Understand the terms and conditions of each GIC before making a decision. Be extra cautious of early termination fees.


More of the Best 5-Year GIC Rates*


Bank/Credit Union 5-Year Availability
LBC Digital 4.50% Nationwide
Simplii Financial 4.25% Nationwide
Meridian Credit Union 4.25% Ontario
Alterna Bank 4.15% Ontario
Canadian Tire Bank 3.80% Nationwide
Motusbank 3.00% Nationwide
Tangerine Bank 5.00% Nationwide
*Rates current as of May 3, 2024. All rates are non-market-linked, non-cashable and non-redeemable.

Alternatives to 5-Year GICs

Shorter-Term GICs

Consider shorter-term GICs, such as one-year, three-year or less-than-a-year options. This avoids locking in your money for five years. These GICs offer more flexibility but generally have lower interest rates than five-year GICs. A common strategy is to pursue GIC laddering, which blends the benefits of flexibility and higher interest rates. Short-term GICs are also generally CDIC insured, protecting up to $100,000 per financial institution.

High-Interest Savings Accounts (HISA)

A High-Interest Savings Account (HISA) offers the most withdrawal flexibility. You can withdraw whenever desired, though frequent monthly transactions can incur fees. In exchange, you’ll generally receive a lower interest rate than committing to a GIC. Many HISAs are CDIC-insured, protecting your deposits up to $100,000. However, this availability varies across institutions.

Related: Best High Interest Savings Accounts

Bond Products

Bonds are debt securities. They pay interest installments (coupons) to investors until they mature, at which point the initial sum is returned. Bonds can offer higher returns than GICs but also carry more risk. While a GIC return is somewhat guaranteed, bond returns fluctuate with the Bank of Canada rate.

An interest rate hike will decrease the value of your investment, with a more pronounced effect for bonds with longer maturities. Additionally, you’ll face company-specific risk in the event of default.

The Stock Market

Investing in stocks is a popular option for long-term investors. Stocks offer the potential for higher returns compared to GICs but also come with more risk. The value of stocks can be volatile and is not guaranteed. If you invest in the stock market, consider diversifying your portfolio to manage risk. Many market-linked GICs provide stock market exposure with a minimum guaranteed return. However, your upside will be constrained.

Crypto Staking (Stablecoin)

Like investing in a GIC, crypto staking involves locking up funds at an institution. You can generally earn more than investing in a GIC, though it takes considerable research to ensure safety. You can stake various crypto assets, though stablecoin is the least risky option.

A stablecoin is a cryptocurrency pegged to an underlying asset, such as the U.S. dollar, gold, or silver. Many options maintain a 1:1 ratio between deposits and reserve assets. For example, a U.S. dollar stablecoin holds 1:1 cash equivalents such as dollars and treasury bills.

It’s a GIC alternative to be aware of. However, it’s crucial to understand the risk. This includes deposit institution risk, protocol risk, regulatory risk and the possibility of the stablecoin peg breaking. It’s essential to thoroughly research and understand the risks before investing in crypto staking.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best 5-year GIC in Canada?

TD Canadian Banking & Utilities GIC (Non-registered and TFSA) and the TD Canadian Banks GIC (RSP, RIF, RESP) are the top-rated 5-year GICs in Canada. These GICs offer high return ranges, low minimum deposit requirements, diversification across sectors and exposure to stable industries.

Who pays the highest GIC rates in Canada?

TD Bank offers some of the highest 5-year GIC rates in Canada. The TD Canadian Banking & Utilities GIC (Non-registered and TFSA) provides a 15% to 50% return. Meanwhile, the TD Canadian Banks GIC (RSP, RIF, RESP) earns 20% to 35% across five years.

What does a 5-year GIC pay?

A 5-year GIC can pay 10% to 50% across its lifetime. However, the situation may vary depending on the financial institution and current market conditions.

Which bank is good for GIC in Canada?

TD Bank and RBC offer competitive GIC rates with various term and account options. They’re reputable names with a history of solid customer service. Their minimum deposit requirements are within reach for various investors.


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