
Guaranteed investment certificates (GIC) and Term Deposits are lower risk investment products that pay a fixed rate of interest for a specific term. The key difference between a GIC and a term deposit is the length of the term. Term deposits generally have shorter terms between 30 and 365 days, and GICs have longer terms between 1 and 5 years.
Both can be held inside registered accounts like a TFSA or RRSP, or purchased as a non-registered investment with regular cash. It grows at a guaranteed rate regardless of which account type it’s in – the account type simply affects how the interest is taxed.
All of the GIC and Term Deposits listed below require a minimum investment of $500. Based on your specific situation and goals, you can make your Term Deposit non-registered or registered.
This popular term deposit is ideal for investors who want a higher rate of return. A non-redeemable GIC does not allow for access to the investment prior to the maturity of the term.
A Redeemable GIC can be a great investment for short and long-term goals, like saving for a major purchase, wedding costs, and retirement with a guaranteed rate of return for the period of your term. Ideal for investors who want to access their money at any time while earning a higher interest rate than a savings account.