GUARANTEED RETURNS

Best GIC Rates

Zero risk, guaranteed returns. Lock in the highest interest rates available in Canada for 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year terms.

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TD Canada Trust
TD
Canada
Trust
CDIC Insured

TD U.S. Dollar GIC (Simple Interest)

Non-Redeemable USD GIC Non-Registered
3.70%
Interest Rate
5 Years
Term Length
$0
Min Deposit
Compounding: Simple Payout: Annually
Highlights: US Dollar Account
Fixed Rate
3.70%
View Offer

Secure application on TD Canada Trust's site

Scotiabank
Scotiabank
CDIC Insured

Scotiabank Non-Redeemable GIC

Non-Redeemable TFSA Eligible RRSP Eligible RRIF Eligible FHSA Eligible
2.20%
Interest Rate
3 Months
Term Length
$0
Min Deposit
Compounding: Annually Payout: At Maturity
Fixed Rate
2.20%
View Offer

Secure application on Scotiabank's site

TD Canada Trust
TD
Canada
Trust
CDIC Insured

TD Special Offer GIC (Cashable)

Cashable TFSA Eligible RRSP Eligible FHSA Eligible
1.80%
Interest Rate
3 Months
Term Length
$0
Min Deposit
Compounding: Simple Payout: At Maturity
Fixed Rate
1.80%
View Offer

Secure application on TD Canada Trust's site

TD Canada Trust
TD
Canada
Trust
CDIC Insured

TD U.S. Dollar GIC (Simple Interest)

Non-Redeemable USD GIC Non-Registered
3.90%
Interest Rate
1 Year
Term Length
$0
Min Deposit
Compounding: Simple Payout: Annually
Highlights: US Dollar Account
Fixed Rate
3.90%
View Offer

Secure application on TD Canada Trust's site

Scotiabank
Scotiabank
CDIC Insured

Scotiabank Market Linked - Canadian Low Volatility Index

Non-Redeemable TFSA Eligible RRSP Eligible RRIF Eligible FHSA Eligible
2.60%
Interest Rate
3 Years
Term Length
$500
Min Deposit
Compounding: Annually Payout: At Maturity
Fixed Rate
2.60%
View Offer

Secure application on Scotiabank's site

Scotiabank
Scotiabank
CDIC Insured

Scotiabank U.S. Dollar Non-Redeemable GIC

Non-Redeemable USD GIC
2.50%
Interest Rate
2 Years
Term Length
$500
Min Deposit
Compounding: Simple Payout: At Maturity
Highlights: US Dollar Account
Fixed Rate
2.50%
View Offer

Secure application on Scotiabank's site

TD Canada Trust
TD
Canada
Trust
CDIC Insured

TD Canadian Banking & Utilities GIC (3-Year)

Non-Redeemable TFSA Eligible RRSP Eligible FHSA Eligible
2.00%
Interest Rate
3 Years
Term Length
$0
Min Deposit
Compounding: At Maturity Payout: At Maturity
Fixed Rate
2.00%
View Offer

Secure application on TD Canada Trust's site

Scotiabank
Scotiabank
CDIC Insured

Scotiabank Non-Redeemable GIC

Non-Redeemable TFSA Eligible RRSP Eligible RRIF Eligible FHSA Eligible
2.00%
Interest Rate
1 Months
Term Length
$0
Min Deposit
Compounding: Annually Payout: At Maturity
Fixed Rate
2.00%
View Offer

Secure application on Scotiabank's site

TD Canada Trust
TD
Canada
Trust
CDIC Insured

TD 5-Year Stepper GIC

Cashable TFSA Eligible RRSP Eligible FHSA Eligible
0.88%
Interest Rate
5 Years
Term Length
$0
Min Deposit
Compounding: Annually Payout: Annually
Fixed Rate
0.88%
View Offer

Secure application on TD Canada Trust's site

Scotiabank
Scotiabank
CDIC Insured

Scotiabank Non-Redeemable GIC

Non-Redeemable TFSA Eligible RRSP Eligible RRIF Eligible FHSA Eligible
2.50%
Interest Rate
2 Years
Term Length
$0
Min Deposit
Compounding: Annually Payout: Annually
Fixed Rate
2.50%
View Offer

Secure application on Scotiabank's site

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GIC Guide Plain-English, Canada-focused

Understand GICs in 10 minutes (and compare with confidence)

A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a deposit product that typically pays a fixed or variable interest rate over a set term. In exchange for that predictability, you usually agree to keep your money invested until the term ends (unless the GIC is cashable/redeemable). This guide explains the key terms you’ll see on this page and what to check before you choose.

Quick decision path

Most GIC choices come down to term, rate type, and flexibility. Use this as a fast way to narrow your shortlist before you look at the fine print.

1
Pick your term
Choose the shortest term that matches when you’ll need the money.
2
Choose flexibility
If you might need early access, filter for “Cashable / Redeemable”.
3
Decide the account type
Non-registered vs registered (TFSA/RRSP/etc.) changes taxes and purpose.
4
Confirm how interest is paid
At maturity vs annually vs monthly can matter if you want income.
Tip: “Highest rate” is great, but match the term to your timeline first. A strong rate on a term that’s too long can lock money you need sooner.

How to use the filters on this page

Start with Term, then select Registered (if needed), then decide whether you want Cashable / Redeemable. If you’re comparing many options, use “Highest Interest Rate” sorting to scan quickly.

Term
How long money is invested
Registration
TFSA / RRSP / etc.
Cashable
Early access rules
Sort
Rate descending
Always confirm current terms on the provider’s official product page before purchasing.

GIC basics that actually matter

Focus on the “real decision points”
Fixed vs. variable
Fixed means your rate stays the same for the term. Variable can change over time based on the product’s rules. Fixed is simpler to compare; variable may fit if you want flexibility in a changing-rate environment.
Cashable / redeemable
“Cashable” usually means you may be able to withdraw early, but there are rules. Some products require you to hold for a minimum time, and the rate paid may differ if you redeem early.
Interest & compounding
The “headline rate” doesn’t tell you when interest is paid. A GIC might pay interest at maturity, annually, or monthly. Compounding rules vary. If you want income, pay attention to payout frequency.
Early redemption is not “free flexibility”
Cashable/redeemable GICs often trade flexibility for a lower rate or specific conditions. Before buying, check the product’s early withdrawal rules (minimum holding period, partial withdrawals, and what rate applies if redeemed early).

Registered vs. non-registered GICs

A GIC can often be held inside registered accounts (like TFSA or RRSP) or in a non-registered account. The key difference is usually tax treatment and purpose.

Taxes
Non-registered interest is generally taxable
Registered accounts follow their own tax rules
Best for
Short-term goals outside a registered plan
Goal-based saving within TFSA/RRSP/etc.
Withdrawals
Rules depend on the product
Withdrawals may be limited or have plan-specific rules
Simple lens: If taxes matter for your situation, compare “after-tax” outcomes (not just the posted rate).

Safety & deposit protection (Canada)

GICs are typically deposit products. In Canada, many people look for deposit protection through the applicable deposit insurer. Coverage rules depend on the type of institution (for example, CDIC member banks vs provincial credit unions) and the specific deposit category. Always verify whether the provider is covered and what limits apply to your situation.

Know the institution type
Bank vs credit union can mean different deposit insurance programs.
Smart safety habits
Use MFA, alerts, and keep your login secure—especially during account setup.
MFA Alerts Strong passwords
Deposit insurance details vary—confirm coverage and limits before placing large amounts with one institution.

GIC laddering (a practical approach to flexibility)

“Laddering” means splitting your investment across multiple terms (for example, 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, etc.) so that some portion matures regularly. This can help balance rate shopping with access to cash.

Stagger maturities
Pick multiple terms so that not all your money is locked until the same date.
Reinvest maturity
When one GIC matures, you can reinvest at then-current rates (or take cash if needed).
Stay adaptable
Laddering can reduce “rate regret” because you’re not choosing one single term for everything.
Friendly note: A ladder is a strategy, not a product feature. It’s about how you allocate across terms.

GIC FAQ

Short answers, real-world focus

A GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) is typically a deposit product that pays interest over a set term. Many GICs are designed to be held until maturity, and the interest rate may be fixed or variable depending on the product.

It usually means you may be able to withdraw early, but under specific conditions. Some products require a minimum time invested, and the interest rate paid may be different if you redeem early. Always read the early redemption rules.

The posted rate is a key number, but the total interest you earn depends on the term length, how interest is paid (monthly/annually/at maturity), and whether the interest compounds. For non-registered accounts, taxes can also affect your net outcome.

GICs are generally designed to be low-risk compared to market-priced investments, but “safety” can depend on the institution and deposit insurance coverage. Always confirm the provider’s coverage and applicable limits before investing large amounts.

A ladder is a strategy where you split your money across multiple terms so that part of your investment matures regularly. It can help balance higher rates on longer terms with periodic access to cash.

Many institutions offer GICs that can be held in registered accounts (like TFSA and RRSP), but availability depends on the provider and product. Registered account rules can affect withdrawals and taxes, so confirm details before purchasing.
Use the embedded calculator below to estimate interest—then confirm the provider’s payout and compounding rules.

Mini glossary (fast definitions)

Term The length of time your money is invested (e.g., 1 year, 2 years).
Maturity The date the GIC term ends and funds are typically available.
Cashable A GIC that may allow early withdrawal under conditions.
Fixed rate A rate that stays the same for the whole term.
Payout When interest is paid (monthly/annually/at maturity).
Ladder Splitting across multiple terms so maturities are staggered.

See Your Guaranteed Return

A GIC offers a fixed interest rate, meaning your return is guaranteed. There is zero market risk.

Use this tool to see exactly how much interest you'll earn and what your investment will be worth at maturity.

Your Investment
$
%
Your Guaranteed Return
Final Value at Maturity
$0

Year-by-Year Breakdown
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