The “Big Five” Canadian banks include Royal Bank of Canada, Toronto Dominion Bank (TD Canada Trust), Bank of Nova Scotia, Bank of Montreal and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC). Are there other viable options?
Latest News
Debt collection in Canada: What collectors can and can’t do Dec 15th
When bills go unpaid, that’s when the calls from creditors can start. At home, at work, by phone or mail—they’ll reach out in every way they can to get you to pay.
Debt collectors are obligated to follow specific rules about how they make contact and what information they can request; h.... More »
The best high-interest savings accounts in Canada for 2025 + MORE Mar 18th
Savings comparison tool
Find the best and most up-to-date savings rates in Canada using the comparison tool below. Plus, use the filters to assess your estimated return based on the size of your balance.
Advertisement
Why trust us
MoneySense is an.... More »
Fintech platforms outpace bank brokerages in new survey Apr 9th
Fintech companies are leading in client satisfaction compared with self-directed brokerages at traditional banks, a new report shows. A JD Power survey on investor satisfaction found fintechs aren’t just winning on consumer satisfaction but are also perceived to be more innovative and equally .... More »
The best high-interest savings accounts in Canada for 2025 + MORE Aug 6th
Savings comparison tool
Find the best and most up-to-date savings rates in Canada using the comparison tool below. Plus, use the filters to assess your estimated return based on the size of your balance.
Advertisement
Why trust us
MoneySense is an.... More »
The best GIC rates in Canada for 2024 May 24th
Investing
The best GIC rates in Canada for 2024
Find the best GIC rates in Canada. Plus, everything you need to know about how they work.
Find the best rate
Tap "Return to top" to come back here.
.... More »
Is now the time for retirees to sell stocks and buy GICs?
– moneysense.ca
My husband is retired and concerned that his money that is invested in his RRSP and TFSA is fluctuating too much. He is retired and is wondering if his funds should be in a GIC account as it’s paying 4% and not losing principal. He’s concerned in this volatile market.—Rodeen
Are GICs a good idea for retirement?
As you noted, Rodeen, guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) rates have risen to levels we have not seen in over 15 years. There are one- to five-year rates that are between 4% and 5%, and even slightly over 5% if you shop around. You may not get these rates at major banks, where rates may be 1% to 2% lower than that, but credit unions, trust companies and online banks generally offer a healthy premium.
Are GIC rates going up in Canada?
A year ago, GIC rates were just starting to rise but were still less than 3%. The reason they are so much higher now is worth considering. The January 2023 year-over-year inflation rate fell to 5.9%, after rising at a 6.3% rate for 2022…


