RRSP GIC guide

When it comes to saving for retirement, you don’t want to handle your money recklessly. That’s why low-risk investments like Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) held in tax-sheltered accounts like Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) are so appealing.

With an RRSP GIC, you lock up funds for a fixed period with a guaranteed rate of return. Furthermore, funds are tax-deductible the year you invest. An RRSP GIC guarantees your principal and is a low-risk option for any diversified portfolio. Let’s break down how an RRSP GIC works and what to be aware of before locking up your money.

What is an RRSP GIC?

An RRSP GIC is a Guaranteed Investment Certificate held in a Registered Retirement Savings Plan account. A GIC locks up funds for a pre-determined period of time (“term”) to earn interest at a fixed or variable interest rate Fixed rates offer a predictable, unchanging return. Variable rates (often offered with market-linked GICs) fluctuate with market conditions. . RRSP GICs are considered a good way to balance out your portfolio’s risk. This is because GICs guarantee your principal investment, so you can rest assured that you won’t lose any money if the market goes down.

GIC vs. RRSP

How is a GIC different from an RRSP, and which is better? A GIC is a type of investment that can be held in registered accounts like RRSPs and Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) or regular, non-registered savings accounts.

On the other hand, an RRSP is a type of account that can hold deposits and assets like GICs, cash, bonds, stocks and mutual funds. You can contribute to your RRSP every year until you’re 71.

So, you don’t have to choose between getting a GIC or an RRSP. You can hold a GIC in an RRSP. You can also hold a GIC in other accounts, or open an RRSP to hold other types of assets or investments.

Pros and cons of RRSP GICs

Do I have to pay taxes on RRSP GICs?

No, you won’t have to pay tax on the interest earned by an RRSP GIC while it remains inside your RRSP.

Holding a GIC in an RRSP comes with two key tax advantages:

1. RRSP contributions are tax-deductible. Contributions made to your RRSP can reduce your taxable income for the year, provided you have available RRSP contribution room.
2. Investment growth is tax-deferred. Interest earned by your RRSP GIC isn’t taxed while it remains in your RRSP, allowing your savings to continue growing.

You’ll generally only pay income tax when you withdraw funds from your RRSP. Withdrawals are added to your taxable income for the year they’re made and may also be subject to withholding tax, depending on the amount withdrawn. Many people choose to make withdrawals during retirement, when they may be in a lower tax bracket than during their working years, potentially reducing the amount of tax they pay.

Why invest in an RRSP GIC?

You may decide to invest your money in an RRSP to save for your retirement and defer your taxes during your working years when you earn a higher income. RRSP GICs can help guarantee your principal and give you a favourable return on interest. This type of investment is typically made alongside higher-risk equities and mutual funds to round out your portfolio.

One of the best things about a GIC is that it allows you to choose how much risk you want to take, while still protecting your principal investment. For example, a fixed rate GIC offers a predictable return (often less than 1% to over 4%). A market-linked GIC can potentially offer much higher interest if the market is doing well, but returns will be flat if the market is sluggish.

Both fixed and variable rate GICs are suitable if you want to protect money you’ve already invested in an RRSP as you approach retirement. An RRSP GIC is also a good fit if the market isn’t doing very well, and you want to shelter your money from losses until conditions improve.

How to compare RRSP GICs

You can look at a number of factors to find the best deal on your next RRSP GIC.

• Fixed or variable rate. Fixed rates will offer a predictable return over the course of your term, while variable rates will fluctuate based on how well the market is doing.
• Length of term. You can typically take out an RRSP GIC for anywhere from 3 months to 10 years, with longer terms typically offering better interest rates.
• Minimum investment. You may be required to invest a minimum amount to get your GIC up and running (often $500 or more).
• Redemption type. Cashable GICs (also called redeemable GICs) let you take out money any time without penalty. Non-redeemables are a bit more strict about when you can redeem but typically offer higher interest rates.
• Payment frequency. You might be able to choose how often you receive interest payments, with money paid out monthly, yearly or when the GIC matures.
• Renewal process. Some GICs automatically roll over upon maturity, while others need to be cashed out and reinvested if you want to keep earning.
• CDIC insurance. Check whether the GIC-issuer is a CDIC member institution, as eligible RRSP deposits are insured up to $100,000 per insurance category if the financial institution fails.

Things to consider with RRSP GICs

RRSP GICs are a safe and secure way to invest your money, but there are a couple of things you should be aware of before leaping in.

• Lower return. If you go with a fixed term, you could end up making less than if you invest in higher-risk equities or a market-linked product.
• Limited access to funds. It can be difficult to get money out of an RRSP GIC once it’s invested, especially if your GIC is non-redeemable.
• Unable to cope with inflation. GICs that are invested over long terms could result in a net loss on your investment after factoring in the cost of inflation.
• Interest subject to taxation. Any interest earned on your RRSP GIC will be taxed as part of your income when you withdraw the money in retirement.

How do I purchase a GIC in my RRSP?

You can purchase an RRSP GIC through most banks, credit unions and online financial institutions that offer both RRSP accounts and GIC products.

1. Choose a financial institution and GIC. Compare available RRSP GICs based on the interest rate, term length, minimum deposit requirements and whether the GIC is redeemable or non-redeemable. If you already have an RRSP, it’s typically easier to just purchase a GIC from your financial institution.
2. Confirm your RRSP contribution room. If you’re adding new money to your RRSP to purchase the GIC, make sure you have enough available contribution room to avoid penalties. Your limit is 18% of your earned income in the previous year or the annual limit, which is $33,810 in 2026 and $35,390 in 2027.
3. Open an RRSP account. If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to open an RRSP account with the financial institution offering your chosen GIC.
4. Purchase the GIC. Select the amount you want to invest and the term length. The GIC will be held within your RRSP until it matures.
5. Choose what happens at maturity. When the term is up, you can typically reinvest the funds you earned into another GIC, transfer them to another eligible RRSP or withdraw the money, which will trigger taxes.

Should I get a redeemable or non-redeemable RRSP?

A non-redeemable RRSP GIC is usually the better choice if you’re saving for retirement. Since RRSPs are designed for long-term savings, you generally can’t access the funds without triggering taxes, even if the GIC itself allows early withdrawals. A redeemable GIC may offer more flexibility, but the benefit is limited when held inside an RRSP.

If you need easier access to your funds before retirement, consider holding a GIC in a TFSA instead, as you won’t pay taxes on any interest earned, and withdrawals can be made at any time without triggering income tax. TFSA contributions aren’t tax-deductible, but they offer more flexibility than RRSPs for short- and medium-term savings goals.

Bottom line

RRSP GICs are a suitable option if you’re looking for a tax-advantaged way to invest for retirement without losing your principal. But you might want to explore other investment options if you’re willing to take on more risk to potentially gain higher rewards.

Frequently asked questions about RRSP GICS

• What's the difference between an RRSP GIC and a taxable GIC?

  Interest earned from RRSP GICs isn't taxed by the federal government until you withdraw it. This means you'll earn more with an RRSP GIC than you might earn with a taxable GIC. Additionally, the money you put into an RRSP is tax-deductible the year you invest, but you'll similarly pay tax when you withdraw it.

• How can I get the best interest rates on my RRSP GIC?

  Your best bet if you want to lock in decent interest rates is to invest in a long-term, non-redeemable GIC. It also helps to compare rates and account fees between at least 3 to 4 financial institutions to find the best deal.

• What happens if I take out my money before the GIC matures?

  Once your money is invested in a GIC, it can't be withdrawn without penalty. Make sure you're ready to lock in your money for the long-term before putting it into an RRSP GIC.

• Is it better to hold low-risk GICs or high-risk equities in my RRSP?

  There is no "one size fits all" way to invest, since everyone has different financial priorities and needs. That being said, most investors opt to hold a combination of equities, stocks, bonds, mutual funds and GICs in their RRSPs.

  In the beginning stages of investing, it can make more sense to invest in higher-risk products that have the potential to earn higher interest rates. As you reach your savings goals, it might be worth transitioning into low-risk GICs to protect your money against market fluctuations.

• What's the difference between a registered and non-registered account?

  A registered account is an investment account that's registered with the Canadian government and comes with specific tax advantages. For example, an RRSP lets you deduct eligible contributions from your taxable income, a TFSA allows your investments to grow and withdrawals to be made tax-free and a registered education savings plan (RESP) lets you save for education while benefiting from tax-sheltered growth and potential government grants.

  A non-registered account is a standard account without special tax benefits. You can typically contribute and withdraw money without limits or penalties, but any income earned is generally taxable.

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Written by

Claire Horwood

Associate editor

Claire Horwood was a writer at Finder, specializing in credit cards, loans and other financial products. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies from the University of Victoria, and an Associate’s Degree in Science from Camosun College. Much of Claire’s coursework has focused on writing and statistics, with a healthy dose of social and cultural analysis mixed in for good measure. In her spare time, Claire enjoys rock climbing, travelling and drinking inordinate amounts of coffee. See full bio

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Rebecca Low

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Rebecca Low is a writer for Finder. She has contributed to a range of digital publications, including income.ca, Indeed, and Expatden, writing on topics like personal finance, career development, and travel. See full bio