Safe, Reliable, and Predictable Savings for Canadians
In uncertain markets or during major life transitions, many Canadians want one thing above all: security. Guaranteed Investment Certificates—commonly known as GICs—provide exactly that. They offer predictable returns, guaranteed principal, and a straightforward way to grow savings without market risk.
Our firm helps clients across Quebec and Ontario choose suitable GIC options from leading Canadian institutions, including Sun Life, Canada Life, iA Financial Group, Manulife Bank, Desjardins, RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, and other trusted deposit issuers. We ensure the choices align with your goals and follow all AMF and FSRA regulatory guidelines.
What Is a GIC?
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate is a secure savings product where you deposit money for a set period in exchange for a guaranteed rate of return.
Key features:
• Your principal is protected
• Your return is guaranteed
• Your timeline is fixed (30 days to 10+ years)
• Your rate is known in advance (for fixed-rate GICs)
GICs are among the safest investments available in Canada.
Why Canadians Choose GICs
GICs are ideal for people who want:
• Protection from market volatility
• Guaranteed interest
• Predictable growth
• A safe place to hold funds for short- or long-term goals
• A reliable component inside RRSP, TFSA, or non-registered accounts
• Peace of mind during retirement or market downturns
Because returns are contractually guaranteed, GICs play an important stabilizing role in diversified portfolios.
Types of GICs Available in Canada
Most insurers, banks, and financial institutions offer a wide range of GIC types.
1. Fixed-Rate GICs
Provide a guaranteed interest rate for the full term.
Perfect for stability and predictable income.
2. Variable-Rate GICs
Interest fluctuates based on a benchmark (e.g., prime rate).
Useful when rates may rise.
3. Market-Linked or Index-Linked GICs
Principal is guaranteed, but returns depend on stock market performance.
A balance of safety with growth potential.
4. Redeemable/Cashable GICs
Can be cashed before maturity (often after 30–90 days).
Ideal for flexible savings.
5. Non-Redeemable GICs
Higher interest rates—but funds must remain until maturity.
6. Escalator/Step-Rate GICs
Interest rates increase each year during the term.
Predictable but rising income.
7. Insurance Company GICs (Segregated Fund GIC alternatives)
Offered by insurers.
Often eligible for Assuris protection, similar to bank deposit insurance.
We help you compare rates, terms, issuers, and guarantees across multiple institutions.
GICs Inside Registered and Non-Registered Plans
GICs can be held in:
• RRSP
• TFSA
• RRIF
• LIRA
• LIF
• RESP
• Non-registered accounts
The tax treatment depends on the account:
Registered accounts
• Interest grows tax-deferred (RRSP)
• Withdrawals are taxable (RRIF/LIF)
• Growth is tax-free (TFSA)
Non-registered accounts
• Interest is taxable annually
• Useful for short-term planning or as part of a conservative portfolio
We help determine where GICs fit best within your overall financial strategy.
GIC Safety and Deposit Insurance Protection
In Canada, GICs benefit from strong protection:
Banks, Credit Unions, Trust Companies
Eligible deposits may be insured by:
• CDIC (federal)
• Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) deposit insurance for Quebec financial institutions
• Provincial credit union insurers (e.g., FSRA in Ontario for credit union deposits)
Insurance Company GICs
Protected by Assuris, which covers:
• Up to $100,000 of accumulated value
• Or 90% of the benefit amount (whichever is higher)
This layered protection system makes GICs one of the safest places to save.
What Can GICs Be Used For?
GICs support a wide range of personal and financial goals:
• Retirement income planning
• Emergency funds (with cashable GICs)
• Short-term savings goals
• Down payment planning
• Business reserve funds
• Capital preservation for seniors
• Diversifying risk inside a larger investment plan
• RRIF/LIF minimum income stability
They are especially valuable for clients who want simplicity and guaranteed results.
GICs vs. Market Investments
GICs provide security, not growth potential.
They complement—but do not replace—long-term investment strategies.
Good for:
• Stability
• Predictability
• Short-term goals
• Conservative risk profiles
• Capital protection
Not ideal for:
• High-growth goals
• Inflation protection alone
• Long-term accumulation without other investments
We help build the right balance between guaranteed and growth-oriented assets.
Choosing the Right GIC Strategy
We help clients consider:
• Current interest rate environment
• Income needs
• Tax efficiency
• Investment time horizon
• Liquidity requirements
• Whether to ladder multiple GICs
• Whether to use fixed-rate or market-linked options
• How GICs coordinate with RRSP, TFSA, and pension income strategies
A personalized plan ensures your GIC choice supports your broader financial objectives.
Our Role as an Independent Advisory Firm
We help clients:
• Compare GIC rates across multiple institutions
• Choose between banks, credit unions, and insurance companies
• Understand CDIC, AMF, FSRA, and Assuris protection
• Ladder maturities to capture interest rate changes
• Coordinate GICs with retirement and estate planning
• Optimize tax treatment across accounts
• Manage renewals and reinvestment strategies
Our goal is to provide clarity and confidence, ensuring your savings work securely and efficiently.
Build Stability With Guaranteed Growth
GICs offer one of the most reliable ways to protect and grow your savings. Whether you’re planning for retirement, building a safety cushion, or looking for stability in volatile markets, GICs can play an important role.
If you’re comparing rates or deciding how GICs fit into your financial plan, we’re here to help.
Book a consultation with us to explore GIC options and build a secure, predictable savings strategy.
