Canada has several major banks and many schedule II banks – but with rates and plans all over the map, it’s difficult to know where to bring your business. Our aim is to help you navigate Canada’s banking options to discover which one suits your needs best.
Latest News
The best GIC rates in Canada for 2026 + MORE Mar 30th
GIC comparison tool
Find the best and most up-to-date GIC rates in Canada using the comparison tool below. Plus, use the filters to assess your estimated rate of return based on the size of your balance.
Why trust us
MoneySense is an award-winning magazine, helping Canadians navigate m.... More »
The best GIC rates in Canada for 2025 + MORE Jan 5th
GIC comparison tool
Find the best and most up-to-date GIC rates in Canada using the comparison tool below. Plus, use the filters to assess your estimated rate of return based on the size of your balance.
Why trust us
MoneySense is an award-winning magazine, helping Canadians navigate m.... More »
Why Do I Get Different Credit Scores from Different Websites in Canada? + MORE Dec 4th
Have you received a different credit score from a credit monitoring website than you did when applying for a car loan or mortgage? This isn’t just surprising for you: it’s a likely result. Canadians can use several free credit report sites to monitor their credit; they can also pay for .... More »
TD Bank Q3 2018 Earnings Aug 31st
The Globe and Mail, James Bradshaw, 30 August 2018
At TD, earnings from Canadian retail banking rose 7 per cent in the third quarter, to $1.85-billion. But profit from its extensive U.S. footprint rose 27 per cent, to $1.14-billion.
Toronto-Dominion Bank reported a 12-per-cent bump in third-quarte.... More »
Need a Loan ASAP? Don’t Stress. Get Pre-Approved in Minutes Jun 24th
Looking for a personal loan? Let’s face it, circumstances can change unexpectedly. And, an emergency can pop up at the worst possible time. From an unexpected home improvement bill or tax liability to your kids asking for a loan, don’t stress it. Personal loans are a way to obtain the m.... More »
GICs have a hidden commission
– moneysense.ca
ShutterstockQ. After buying two GICs, I received a statement showing $575 in commissions paid to my broker by a third party. I thought GICs were free of commissions. Any light you could shed on these fees would be greatly appreciated.
— Tom
A. There are few universal truths in investing, Tom, but one is that nothing is free. Fees on financial products can be transparent or hidden, but they are always in there somewhere. In the case of GICs, the commissions are so well hidden that very few investors even know they exist.
If you buy a GIC through an agent—whether an online brokerage, a GIC broker, or a financial advisor—the issuer of the GIC pays a commission to that agent. The amount is typically 0.25% of the face value of the GIC multiplied by the number of years to maturity.
Related: Is it safe to have $600,000 invested in GICs?
Here’s an example. Let’s say you work with a financial advisor and she decides to purchase a five-year GIC in your account for $25,000. The advisor has a list of banks, credit unions and trust companies offering GICs, and she learns that XYZ Bank currently offers the best interest rates…
