Ally (RBC) Rates March 2013 |
The most reliable rates are from Achieva Financial - a credit union out of Winterpeg Manitscoldout (see chart below). Acheiva's GIC rates have always been a shade higher than Ally and now they are clearly above - no more 2% savings rate anymore but you get close .. certainly these rates maintain most of your buying power after inflation.
Acheiva Rates March 2013 |
The chart to the bottom right is from the GIC Wealth Management Inc. web site. They are competitive with Acheiva's rates. They also offer a 2.1% for a 15 month term - but that is with a $25,000 deposit.
For our RRSP top up this year we went to ICICI Bank for the first time. They edge out all the others with a 3.15% 5 year GIC rate. This applies to RRSP, RRIF, RESP or TFSA accounts from ICICI Bank Canada. Like all CDIC deposits it is insured for up to $100,000.
Remember - if you are in a high tax bracket now, and may be in a lower on when you retire (e.g., invest this GIC into a spousal account), you get back more in the RRSP tax refund than you will in over 10 years of GIC returns. Considering that, there is not a big difference in a fraction of a percentage in GIC return. Consider sticking with one institution to keep filing simplified and save some time.