Scan the table below to view GIC interest rates offered by financial institutions across Canada. These are current rates offered by Ratehub partners. You can find information about additional product options below.
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The best GIC rates in Canada for 2023
By MoneySense Staff and Keph Senett on September 4, 2023
Estimated reading time: 21 minutes
Canadians are loving guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) right now. The rates offered on these investments were already high compared to recent years, and they are poised to remain high following another Bank of Canada interest rate hike on July 12. If you’re looking to purchase a GIC, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up the GICs paying the highest interests today. Further down, you’ll find additional information about GICs and how you can use them in your investment portfolio.
The best GIC rates currently available
The following institutions currently pay the highest GIC rates in Canada.
- Meridian Credit Union
- Alterna Bank
- Motive Financial
- Oaken Financial
- People’s Trust
- EQ Bank
- Achieva Financial
- Hubert Financial
- LBC Digital (Laurentian Bank)
- ICICI Bank Canada
Meridian Credit Union
Meridian Credit Union is the largest credit union in Ontario and the second largest in the country. In 2019, it launched its digital arm, motusbank. Meridian offers a range of products and services across banking, credit cards, loans, mortgages and GICs. Among its unique offerings is the three- or five-year Raise the Rate GIC which allows you to increase your interest rate before your term is up.
- 1-year: 5.10%
- 2-year: 5.00%
- 3-year: 4.70%
- 4-year: 4.70%
- 5-year: 4.70%
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Alterna Bank
Alterna Bank, a digital subsidiary of Ontario credit union Alterna Savings, offers everyday banking services, mortgages and investments. Alterna is partnered with QTrade, making it a seamless option for those who want to access QTrade’s Guided Portfolios or to self-manage their investments through QTrade Direct Investing. At Alterna Bank, GICs are called eTerm deposits and they’re available from as little as $500.
- 1-year: 4.00%
- 2-year: 4.10%
- 3-year: 3.35%
- 4-year: 3.45%
- 5-year: 3.50%
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Motive Financial
Motive Financial is a division of Canadian Western Bank that operates entirely online. With lower overhead costs, Motive prides itself on offering high interest rates and reduced banking fees. And because it’s part of Canadian Western Bank, your eligible deposits are safe—the bank is a member of Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC). Motive’s non-registered GICs offer some of the highest rates available, too. You’ll need a minimum deposit of $1,000, but you have the flexibility of either having your interest paid out annually into a Motive Savings Account or having the interest compound annually and paid out at maturity.
- 1-year: 5.60%
- 2-year: 5.65%
- 3-year: 5.35%
- 4-year: 5.10%
- 5-year: 5.20%
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Oaken Financial
Oaken Financial is a direct banking arm of Home Trust and was launched in 2013. It operates almost completely online (there are a few bricks-and-mortar offices in the country). Oaken is one of many online banks springing up across Canada, serving those ready to forgo in-person interactions for better interest rates and low or no fees. Some investors may approach Oaken with caution due to its relatively recent entry into the marketplace, but for those ready to take a calculated risk, the interest rates are tempting and Oaken GICs are eligible for CDIC coverage. Oaken GICs require a minimum deposit of $1,000, and they pay out interest annually.
- 1-year: 5.50%
- 2-year: 5.50%
- 3-year: 5.35%
- 4-year: 5.00%
- 5-year: 5.00%
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People’s Trust
People’s Trust is a division of People’s Group, based in Vancouver. Although it may not have mass name recognition, it’s been in operation since 1985. People’s Trust offers a variety of products with competitive interest rates, and it is a member of CDIC.
- 1-year: 5.60%
- 2-year: 5.65%
- 3-year: 4.80%
- 4-year: 4.65%
- 5-year: 4.50%
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EQ Bank
EQ Bank launched in 2016 and is powered by Equitable Bank, and your deposits are protected by CDIC insurance. EQ also provides a lot of flexibility with its non-registered GICs: it offers terms of 3, 6, 9, 15 and 27 months, and you can start investing with as little as $100.
- 1-year: 5.60%
- 2-year: 5.55%
- 3-year: 5.35%
- 4-year: 5.10%
- 5-year: 5.10%
On Nov. 1, 2022, EQ Bank acquired Wyth Financial. Existing Wyth GICs will be serviced until maturity, and Wyth Financial will contact current customers directly regarding any changes. New purchases will go through EQ Bank.
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Achieva Financial
Established in 1998 as a division of Cambrian Credit Union, a Manitoba credit union, Achieva Financial is one of the country’s oldest online financial institutions. It offers a range of GIC terms, with a minimum balance of $1,000 per GIC, and all deposits are guaranteed without limit by the Deposit Guarantee Corporation of Manitoba.
- 1-year: 5.20%
- 2-year: 5.30%
- 3-year: 5.00%
- 4-year: 4.75%
- 5-year: 4.75%
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Hubert Financial
Manitoba’s Hubert Financial is an online-only financial institution offering a range of savings products that are fully guaranteed by the Deposit Guarantee Corporation of Manitoba. It is a division of Access Credit Union, which merged with Sunova Credit Union and Noventis Credit Union on July 1, 2022.
- 1-year: 5.20%
- 2-year: 5.25%
- 3-year: 4.85%
- 4-year: 4.60%
- 5-year: 4.70%
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LBC Digital (Laurentian Bank)
LBC Digital is the online banking division of the Laurentian Bank of Canada, a CDIC-insured financial institution founded in Montreal in 1846.
- 1-year: 5.60%
- 2-year: 5.65%
- 3-year: 5.20%
- 4-year: 5.10%
- 5-year: 5.20%
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ICICI Bank Canada
Part of a global banking brand, ICICI Bank Canada offers competitive rates on redeemable and non-redeemable GICs with a low minimum deposit of $1,000. ICICI also offers foreign-currency GICs, which are a great way to invest in a currency other than Canadian dollars, in preparation for a trip or simply to diversify your portfolio.
- 1-year: 4.70%
- 2-year: 4.70%
- 3-year: 4.40%
- 4-year: 4.40%
- 5-year: 4.40%
Disclaimer: Rates highlighted above are for non-redeemable GICs.
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Frequently asked questions
GIC rates change frequently. Use the table at the top of this page to find the best GIC rates available right now. Some of the top providers include:
- Meridian Credit Union
- Alterna Bank
- Motive Financial
- Oaken Financial
- People’s Trust
- EQ Bank
- Achieva Financial
- Hubert Financial
- LBC Digital (Laurentian Bank)
- ICICI Bank Canada
Yes. Most people don’t even think of negotiating when it comes to dealing with their bank, but having an in-person conversation can really pay off, particularly for those who have established relationships. If you’re unhappy with the GIC rate your bank is offering, ask for a better one. There’s no guarantee you’ll get it, but you can also shop around for a better GIC rate.
GIC rates are influenced by the Bank of Canada (BoC)’s benchmark interest rate and the need for financial institutions to attract deposits from investors. When the BoC’s rate increases, banks and other GIC issuers will often raise their GIC rates in response. The opposite is true when the BoC cuts its benchmark interest rate.
The bond market, which influences fixed mortgage rates, is also “roughly connected” to GIC rates, explains Jason Heath, a fee-only, advice-only Certified Financial Planner (CFP) at Objective Financial Partners Inc. in Toronto. “Banks use GICs to fund mortgages. They borrow from investors who buy their GICs and lend that money back out to mortgage borrowers at a higher rate to make a profit.”
Typically, GICs with long terms, such as five years, offer better interest rates than those with shorter terms, such as one year. When the opposite occurs, you have what’s called an “inverted yield curve,” explains Heath. “It happens when interest rates are expected to go down significantly in the future,” he says. “Sometimes, it suggests a recession is coming.”
What is a GIC?
Guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) are essentially termed loans you make available to a bank or other financial institution. When you purchase a GIC, you agree to a specific term (period of time) during which your deposit will remain with the bank and, in return, the bank offers you a guaranteed interest rate. You can usually invest in a GIC for as little as $500, and there’s typically no fee associated with buying one. The only thing you’re required to do is leave the money with the bank—and the longer the term, the higher the rate. Certain types of GICs allow you to withdraw some or all of your money early—see details below.
What is a GIC account?
GICs are a type of investment that must be purchased within an account. You can hold GICs within many different types of accounts, including non-registered accounts, such as a cash or margin account. You may also hold them in a registered account, such as an RRSP, TFSA, first home savings account (FHSA), registered education savings plan (RESP) or registered retirement income fund (RRIF). Investments in these accounts carry different tax implications, so consider speaking to an advisor or your financial institution if you’re unsure which is right for you. Once you’ve opened the account, buying GICs is pretty simple.
Video: GICs for all life stages
What types of GICs are available?
There are many different kinds of GICs, but these are the most common.
These GICs are typically available for short one-year terms, and you’re free to cash out early after a 30- or 90-day closing period. Cashable GICs are perfect for people who think they may need access to their money but want to invest to get a higher guaranteed interest rate than what a regular bank account offers. While the trade-off for greater flexibility is usually a lower interest rate, cashable GICs can be a smart way to protect yourself against interest rate fluctuations. If interest rates rise, your money won’t be locked in at a lower fixed rate for long. On the other hand, if interest rates fall, a GIC might prove to be better than a savings account, allowing you to lock in at a higher percentage.
Redeemable and cashable GICs are very similar. Some banks use the terms interchangeably, so it’s prudent to check each product before purchasing it. That said, in many cases the difference is that a redeemable GIC allows you to access your money before the end of the term—without a waiting period—but the GIC may be subject to an early-redemption rate that can drastically cut the interest you receive.
As the name suggests, a non-redeemable GIC cannot be cashed out prior to the end of its term without incurring a penalty. However, non-redeemable GICs tend to offer higher interest rates, so they may be ideal for those wanting a secure investment over a fixed amount of time.
Registered GICs can be held inside registered investment accounts like RRSPs, RRIFs and TFSAs, which are tax-sheltered. In the case of an RRSP or RRIF, you’ll be taxed in the year that you withdraw the funds, and with a TFSA, you’ll never pay tax. However, there are limits on how much you can put into these accounts each year, depending on the type of account. (For example, check your TFSA limit here.)
These are GICs not held inside a registered account. So, it’s essentially the opposite of the registered GICs described above—the GIC interest you earn will be added to your income and taxed according to your tax bracket. There is no limit on what you can invest in non-registered GICs.
This type of GIC performs according to a specified equity index, and it only guarantees your principal deposit. With one foot in a GIC and the other in the stock market, these products may be right for those looking for a slightly higher amount of risk with the possibility of greater rewards.
These are GICs in currencies other than Canadian dollars, usually U.S. dollars. Foreign-currency GICs might work well for someone who travels frequently or receives income in another currency.
How GIC terms work
Shopping for a GIC is easy, but it’s not quite as simple as looking for the best GIC rate. To choose the best product for your circumstances, you’ll also want to think about the terms. Your plans for the money will dictate what’s best for you.
Short-term GICs take less than a year to mature. The principal is guaranteed along with an advertised rate of interest. These products are a good way to get a bit more out of your investment without sacrificing much liquidity.
Long-term GICs have terms of one year or more, and they typically have higher interest rates than short-term GICs. Investors can buy long-term GICs to generate monthly income, perhaps using a GIC laddering strategy with staggered maturity dates.
GICs and term deposits are different names used for secured investments, meaning you are guaranteed to receive your initial investment at the end of the term. According to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, the primary difference is the length of time your money is locked in: term deposits typically carry shorter terms than GICs.
GICs can pay out monthly, annually or upon maturity. If you need access to interest accrued on a regular basis (for example, as part of your monthly income), you’ll want the first option.
How GIC deposits are insured
GICs are popular investments because they offer guaranteed returns. The financial institution selling the GIC is legally obligated to return the initial investment along with the agreed-upon interest. If the institution fails, additional protection comes into play. Many GICs in Canada, including foreign-currency GICs, are covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) for up to $100,000. Provincial insurers also provide coverage, with varying limits.
| Province | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Alberta | The Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation (CUDGC) covers 100% of all deposits, plus accrued interest, made with credit unions in Alberta. |
| British Columbia | The Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation (CUDIC) covers 100% of all deposits made with credit unions in British Columbia. |
| Manitoba | The Deposit Guarantee Corporation of Manitoba (DGCM) covers 100% of all deposits made with credit unions and caisse populaires in Manitoba. |
| New Brunswick | The New Brunswick Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation (NBCUDIC) covers up to $250,000 per deposit type, including term deposits and GICs. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | The Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation (CUDGC) covers up to $250,000 per deposit type, including term deposits and GICs. |
| Nova Scotia | The Nova Scotia Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation (NSCUDIC) covers up to $250,000 per account type, including term deposits and GICs. |
| Ontario | The Deposit Insurance Corporation of Ontario (DICO) covers up to $100,000 (including interest and dividends) in term deposits and GICs, plus offers unlimited protection for deposits held in registered plans. |
| Prince Edward Island | The Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation (CUDIC) covers up to $125,000 in GICs and term deposits, plus offers unlimited protection for deposits held in registered plans. |
| Quebec | L’Autorité des marchés financiers covers up to $100,000 in GICs, plus up to $100,000 in savings in registered plans. |
| Saskatchewan | The Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation (CUDGC) covers 100% of all deposits made with credit unions in Saskatchewan. |
Are GICs worth the investment?
GICs can never give you the highest investment return compared to something riskier, like exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or individual stocks, but your principal and interest are protected. If you’re buying a non-redeemable GIC, this means locking away your money for some time, so it’s important to pick a term that allows you to access your money when you think you’ll need it, and to shop around for a competitive interest rate. Always look for a GIC with an interest rate that is higher than the rate of inflation. Otherwise your money could be worth less at the end of your term than at the beginning, because high inflation erodes the value of money. According to the Consumer Price Index, the current inflation rate in Canada is 3.3%.
Don’t limit your search to the big banks. Find out about rates at other issuers and brokerages, and ensure proper insurance is provided. Bottom line, GICs can be a great component of a diversified investment portfolio, balancing out some of the higher-risk products. But if you can tolerate a little more risk, there may be better products on the market for you.
How to calculate GIC interest
The payment terms for GICs depend on the issuer and the products themselves. GICs may pay interest monthly, every six months, annually, at maturity or on a predetermined date.
In addition to the payout schedule, you’ll want to understand how interest is compounded for the GIC you’re considering.
- With simple interest, the bank pays interest on the initial principal only. This means that if you invested $100,000 into a two-year GIC with a 1.25% return, you’d receive $1,250 in interest every year. So at the end of year two, the interest payout will total $2,500.
- With compound interest, the bank pays interest on the initial principal and the interest earned at every interval. For the same investment as above, with compound interest, you’d earn $1,279.19 in interest after one year, and $2,515.52 at the end of the two-year period. That’s an extra $15.52.
Clearly, compound interest is the higher-paying option, but also pay attention to the payout schedule. In the above scenario, there’s an annual payout, but if it had compounded monthly interest, you would earn even more—at the end of your two-year term, the CIC would have $2,530.18 in monthly compounded interest.
Remember that you are agreeing to the terms (the principal and how interest will be paid) when you sign the GIC contract. Once that’s done, you cannot change the terms and conditions. The payout terms will affect the amount of interest you will ultimately earn, so it’s important that you review them carefully.
How does the Bank of Canada’s overnight rate affect GIC rates?
The Bank of Canada (BoC) sets a policy interest rate, also known as the benchmark or overnight rate. This is the interest rate at which financial institutions borrow or lend funds to each other. Financial institutions also have a prime rate, which usually moves in conjunction with the BoC’s overnight rate.
Changes in the prime rate affect the interest earned on GICs, high-interest savings accounts (HISAs) and other investment vehicles. When the overnight rate increases, and the prime rate follows, you can earn higher interest on your savings accounts and GICs.
What is the current benchmark interest rate?
- On Sept. 6, 2023, the Bank of Canada (BoC) held its benchmark interest rate at 5%.
- Explaining its decision, the Bank said Canadian and global economic growth slowed during the second quarter of 2023, and pressure on wage growth and the labour market eased. However, it remains concerned about the rate of inflation, which moved up from 2.8% in June to 3.3% in July. It’s prepared to increase interest rates further if needed.
- The BoC will make its next rate decision on Oct. 25, 2023.
Video: How the Bank of Canada’s interest rate affects you
Does inflation impact GIC rates?
GICs are term deposits, meaning that you essentially “lock” them in for a set amount of time. If, during that time, the inflation rate outpaces your interest rate, you’ll actually be losing money in real terms. In the example above, your $100,000 deposit would earn $1,250 in simple interest at the end of the term. But if the inflation rate is 2%, you’re actually losing 0.75%, or $750, annually. Deflation, on the other hand, can help your investments and increase the buying power of the money you earn. All of this is to say that inflation and deflation are important variables when you’re evaluating the GIC interest rates available to you.
What is Canada’s current rate of inflation?
- Canada’s annual rate of inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose 3.3% in July, following a 2.8% increase in June. This means inflation remains above the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) 2% target and is once again trending upward.
- The BoC believes it will take until the middle of 2025 for inflation to fall back down to 2%.
- August CPI data will be released on Sept. 19.
The best time to buy GICs
The best time to buy a GIC is when you’re saving up for a goal, like school tuition, a down payment or a trip. But it can also be good to invest in GICs when you’re feeling risk-averse. You might be considering a GIC as a way to balance your portfolio or to generate some passive income in retirement or if you’re taking time off work to raise your family, for example. While GICs don’t tend to have the highest interest rates of all the investment vehicles available to Canadians, they do offer a low-risk way to store money while earning some interest.
If you’re considering adding a GIC to your portfolio, you’ll want to pay attention to a few key numbers. The interest rate of the GIC itself is a good starting point. Generally, the higher the interest rate, the more attractive the product. It also pays to look at the likely rate of inflation or deflation you can expect during the term, to determine whether that factor is likely to eat into your profits or enhance them. If you find that the numbers work out, a GIC can be an excellent no-risk investment for a set period of time.
What other investment options are there?
Bonds are loans given to the government or a company and, like GICs, they are tied to a specified term. Bonds have variable return rates, depending on how they’re linked (government or corporate) but are more liquid than non-cashable GICs in that they can be sold in the market at any time. While they aren’t insured by the CDIC like GICs are, bonds offer easier access to your money if you suddenly need it. Bonds can also be held inside registered accounts like TFSAs, RRSPs and RESPs.
ETFs are a collection of securities, like stocks, that increases or decreases in value according to an index. ETFs operate like mutual funds in that they’re linked to the stock market and can be traded, making them easy to buy and sell. You have to pay an annual management fee, called a management expense ratio (MER). The principal isn’t guaranteed like a GIC’s, but ETFs offer easy access to your money (you can sell ETF units anytime) and may have higher earning potential, depending on market conditions. ETFs can also be held inside registered accounts like TFSAs, RRSPs and RESPs.
A mutual fund is a basket of investments that allows for diversification across stocks, bonds and other assets. It is professionally managed with an aim to outperform the market. As with ETFs, you have to pay a MER. A high MER could render a mutual fund’s returns dramatically less attractive, especially considering the added risk. Mutual funds may have higher growth potential than GICs, but the growth and principal aren’t guaranteed. Mutual funds can also be held inside TFSAs, RRSPs or RESPs. (Are you paying too much in fees? Find out.)
Stocks, also called equities, are an entitlement to a share of a corporation, and they are bought and sold on stock exchanges. Stocks offer the potential for high returns, but investing in them requires significant market and company research. Stock performance can be highly volatile, and individual stocks lack the built-in diversification of mutual funds and ETFs. That said, stocks can play a role in a diversified portfolio. They can also be held inside registered accounts.
Are GICs taxable?
Whether or not the interest earned on a GIC is taxed depends on the type of account in which it is held. If you hold a GIC in a registered account, such as a TFSA or RRSP, the interest accumulates tax-free—although with an RRSP, the taxes are deferred until you withdraw the money from the account. If you hold a GIC in a non-registered account, such as a HISA, the interest income is treated as other forms of personal income and taxed at your marginal tax rate.
How can I purchase a GIC?
GICs are available from banks and other providers. But before you contact a GIC issuer, it’s important to decide how much you’d like to invest. Minimum investments can range from $100 to $5,000, depending on the institution. So the amount you’d like to invest will narrow down your options. Then, shop around for a variable or fixed rate and decide on the accessibility and flexibility you wish for the funds. Finally, once you know your requirements, contact the financial institution of your choosing to start the process of purchasing. Here’s what you need to know about the different methods of purchasing GICs.
- Online/by phone: You will either have an existing account set up with the financial institution or will have to submit an application and pieces of identification to verify your identity, including your Social Insurance Number (SIN). Once the account is created and linked to your primary funding source (like a chequing account), the principal investment is withdrawn and the GIC is issued. The rate table above can connect you to some of the top options in Canada right now.
- In person: You can go into a branch to purchase a GIC. Once again, the process is easier if you already have a profile set up with the financial institution, but if not, you’ll need to make an appointment with pieces of ID, including your SIN, complete an application and follow the institution’s process to fund and issue your GIC.
Deposit brokerage: Deposit brokerages help you do the research and are tuned into the best options on the market today. They also know which GIC issuers are eligible for CDIC coverage, to ensure your investment is protected in case of a bankruptcy. They work with multiple banks, so you can dig through an assortment of rates and terms to find the option that works best for your needs. The broker is paid by the financial institution. Consumers should always pay the financial institution directly—not the broker. As brokers often bring multiple consumers’ investments to banks, those consumers are sometimes able to benefit from better rates—similar to the benefits of shopping in bulk.
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Read more about GICs:
- What types of GICs are available in Canada?
- Why GICs might be a better investment than stocks and bonds
- How GIC returns are taxed in Canada
- Investing in GICs? Here’s why to buy them from an online bank
- Annuity vs. GIC: What makes sense for retiring?
