Which bank has the highest interest rate for GIC?
Winners: CIBC and Scotiabank. Both CIBC and Scotiabank's GIC accounts allow students from all four countries to apply quickly and easily for their GIC online.
- Hubert Financial and Ideal Savings – 4.75%
- Achieva Financial, Outlook Financial and Wealth One Bank of Canada – 4.70%
- Peoples Trust Bank of Canada, Oaken Financial, MAXA Financial and ICICI Bank – 4.50%
- EQ Bank – 4.45%
- Motive Financial – 4.35%
Winners: CIBC and Scotiabank. Both CIBC and Scotiabank's GIC accounts allow students from all four countries to apply quickly and easily for their GIC online.
- 30-day GIC: 4.30% (VersaBank)
- 60-day GIC: 4.30% (VersaBank)
- 90-day GIC: 4.50% (VersaBank)
- 120-day GIC: 4.50% (VersaBank)
- 180-day GIC: 5.00% (Peoples Bank of Canada and Tangerine Bank)
- 270-day GIC: 5.25% (Tangerine Bank)
As of April 2024, no banks are offering 7% interest rates on savings accounts. Two credit unions have high-interest checking accounts: Landmark Credit Union Premium Checking with 7.50% APY and OnPath Credit Union High Yield Checking with 7.00% APY.
After-tax returns for bonds are better than for GICs. In a non-registered account, a discount bond with a YTM similar to that of a GIC can have a higher after-tax return (ATR), because 50% of capital gains are taxable.
As of February 2024, the highest paying GIC rate in Canada is 5.50% interest on a 1-year term at EQ Bank. For GICs with a 5-year term, Hubert Financial and Ideal Savings currently offer the highest rate at 4.75%.
Cons: Low return – GICs are low-risk investments, which means they offer lower returns as opposed to stocks or mutual funds. Limited liquidity – Other than cashable GICs, your money is locked in for a set timeframe, which means you're unable to access your funds should you need them.
GICs and high-interest savings accounts have quite a bit in common. Both are extremely safe investments that offer guaranteed (albeit, modest) gains while ensuring you won't sustain any losses.
So the first thing you can do, if you aren't happy with the GIC rate your bank offers you, is ask if they can do better. How can you feel confident enough to ask? Research what GIC rates are offered by other financial institutions and take that information to your bank.
What is the GIC rate at RBC?
RBC Prime-Linked Cashable 1 Year GIC
4.75% to 4.95% interest rate is only available when interest is paid semi-annually or at maturity. Interest rate of 4.65% to 4.85% otherwise.
Given Canada's current high-rate environment and the expectation of rate cuts in mid-2024, GICs could be a solid investment for anybody looking to preserve capital and earn a stable return. If you're seeking higher returns, GICs are not the way to go.
GIC interest is taxed based on your marginal tax rate. This is the tax amount you pay (federal and provincial) based on your income, where you live, and what tax bracket you're in. For example, if you put $1,000 in a GIC that has a 5% interest rate, you will earn $50 in the first year.
How long should I hold a GIC? The timing depends on your savings goals and how long you think you can go safely without access to the money. Typically, GICs are ideal for short-term investments, such as up to five years.
Annual / Annual Compound Interest Payment Option | 1 year - under 18 months | 5 years - under 6 years |
---|---|---|
$1,000+ | 4.750% | 4.250% |
Monthly / Semi - Annual Interest Payment Option | 1 year - under 18 months | 5 years - under 6 years |
$1,000+ | 4.650% | 4.150% |
Banks | Highest FD rate (% p.a.) | Additional interest rate for senior citizens (% p.a.) |
---|---|---|
AU Small Finance Bank | 8.00 | 0.50 |
Fincare Small Finance Bank | 8.00 | 0.50 |
DCB Bank | 8.00 | 0.50-0.60 |
IDFC First Bank | 8.00 | 0.50 |
Savings Account | APY |
---|---|
CIT Bank Platinum Savings | 5.05% APY on balances of $5,000 or more; 0.25% APY on balances under $5,000 |
Salem Five Direct eOne Savings | 5.01% APY |
Laurel Road High Yield Savings® | 5.00% APY |
Wealthfront Cash Account | 5.00% APY |
Right now, there aren't any financial institutions offering 7% interest on a CD. Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union, a local financial institution in Michigan, previously offered a 7.19% APY on a 7-month CD special, but that offer has ended. There are a few financial institutions with CDs paying 6% APY or more, though.
You don't have to worry about losing your money because it is guaranteed. A GIC works like a savings account in that you deposit money into it and earn interest on that money. The difference is that you need to leave your money in a GIC account for a specified period of time.
GICs, or Guaranteed Investment Certificates, is a low-risk investment that's guaranteed to make interest as long as you leave the money alone. If you have medium-term goals, like getting a car, a TFSA or Tax-Free Savings Account is your best bet. Plus, any money you put away in a TFSA won't get taxed.
What is the best one year GIC?
- Tangerine Bank Guaranteed Investment (RSP, TFSA, RIF) – 5.25%
- Saven Financial – 5.45%
- Peoples Trust Canada, Motive Financial – 5.40%
- EQ Bank, Hubert Happy Savings and Ideal Savings, Oaken Financial – 5.35%
- Achieva Financial, Outlook Financial – 5.20%
With record-high prices for oil in August 1980 that continued into 1981, the Bank of Canada rate hit an all-time high of 20.03% in August 1981. The lowest rate reached during this period was 7.14% (March 1987).
We are a Schedule 1 Canadian-owned chartered bank and a Member of the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC).
GIC rates are influenced by the Bank of Canada policy interest rate (also known as the overnight rate) and the business environment that financial institutions participate in.
GICs are an ideal investment toward the end of your career and during early retirement because they offer better returns than you can get from a savings account with almost zero risk. Long-term GICs can also help you set aside money for later-in-life expenses.
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