How GIC deposits are insured
GICs are guaranteed, which is one of the reasons why they are such a popular investment. These protections are many-fold, starting with the guarantee of the financial institution they are purchased from. They are legally obligated to return to you your initial investment plus interest (depending on the product you choose).
But what happens if the financial institution goes belly-up? Then the next level of protection kicks in: Many GICs are protected by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) but some—particularly those purchased through credit unions—carry coverage through provincial organizations. The CDIC covers typically up to $100,000 on deposits with terms of less than five years, and does not cover foreign currency GICs.
Provincial insurers vary by province. Insurers in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan cover all deposits accepted by the institution with no maximum. In Quebec, savings and GICs of up to $100,000 are covered, plus RRSPs with a $100,000 limit in Quebec. In Ontario, savings of up to $250,000 are covered, while registered accounts (including RRSPs, TFSAs and RESPs) are fully covered. In New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, savings, GICs, and RRSPs of up to $250,000 are covered and in Prince Edward Island the insurer protects savings and GICs of up to $125,000 and unlimited RRSPs.
How can I purchase a GIC?
GICs are available from banks and other providers. But before you contact a GIC issuer, it’s important to decide how much you’d like to invest. Minimum investments can range from $100 to $5,000, depending on the institution. So the amount you’d like to invest will narrow down your options. Then, shop around for a variable or fixed rate and decide on the accessibility and flexibility you wish for the funds. Finally, once have your requirements of a GIC noted, contact the financial institution and provider of your choosing to start the process of purchasing.
Online/by phone
You will either have an existing account setup with the financial institution or will have to submit an application and pieces of identification to verify your identity, including your Social Insurance Number (SIN). Once the account is created and linked to your primary funding source (like a chequing account), the principal investment is withdrawn and the GIC is issued. The rate table above can connect you to some of the top options in Canada right now.
In-person
You can also go into a branch to purchase a GIC. Once again, the process is easier if you already have a profile set up with the financial institution; but if not, you’ll need to make an appointment with pieces of ID, including your SIN, complete an application and follow the institution’s process to fund and issue your GIC.
Deposit brokerage
Deposit brokerages help you do the research and are tuned into the best options on the market today. They are also aware of insurance protections to ensure your investment is covered if the issuer goes bankrupt. They work with multiple banks, so you can dig through an assortment of rates and terms to find the option that works best for your needs. The broker is paid by the financial institution. Consumers should always pay the financial institution directly—not the broker. As brokers often bring multiple consumers’ investments to banks, those consumers are sometimes able to benefit from better rates—similar to the benefits of shopping in bulk.
Are GICs the right investment for me?
GICs never give you the highest investment return compared to something riskier, like exchange-traded funds (ETF) or individual stocks, but they are a safe way to ensure your principal and interest are protected. Depending on the GIC purchased, it can also lock away money you may need for some time, so it’s important to pick the correct term to ensure you can access your money when you need it; and shop around for a competitive interest rate. Keep in mind that if a GIC’s return is lower than the rate of inflation, your money could end up having less purchasing power at the end of your term than at the beginning.
MoneySense Staff
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