13 articles General

We’re now at Round 7 of interest rate cuts, following the Bank of Canada’s most recent 0.25% decrease. Our savings account leaders also happen to be those who haven’t cut their rates (yet) this round: PC Financial (at 3.50%), Neo Financial (at 3.00%), and Wealth One Bank of Canada (at 3.00%).

EQ Bank was among the rate decreases this round, dropping its regular savings account interest rate from 1.50% to 1.25%, and its TFSA down from 2.00% to 1.75%. However, it kept its standout 4.00% rate if you set up a direct deposit (of at least $2,000 per month) with them.

You can no longer get 4.00% in any GIC term, even through a broker. Among non-broker rates, Wealth One Bank of Canada is currently the outright leader for a 1-year GIC (at 3.70%), and is tied with MCAN Financial for the lead in other GIC terms:

• 2-year: 3.65%
• 3-year: 3.65%
• 4-year: 3.65%
• 5-year: 3.70%

A beginner’s guide to GICs

Our newest article is A beginner’s guide to Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs). It provides a detailed overview of the different types of GICs, the accounts in which you can hold GICs, payout options, insurance, and strategies such as GIC laddering.

Some quick math on promotional rates

A couple of the new customer promotions that we’re tracking are at Simplii Financial and CIBC. But what would be the effective interest rate if you leave your money in for an entire year, after the promotion expires?

Simplii Financial’s new customer promo is 3.70% for the first 7 months. After that, their regular savings account interest rate is 0.30% on the first $50,000 of deposits. That means if you leave $50,000 in the account for the first year (barring any additional promos for existing customers), your average interest rate for the year is about 2.28%¹. If you were to earn 3.00% after the promotional period, your average for the year is about 3.41%².

CIBC’s new customer promo is 5.00% for the first 4 months. After that, their regular savings account interest rate is tiered, but is effectively 0.415% on the first $50,000 of deposits. That means if you leave $50,000 in the account for the first year (barring any additional promos for existing customers), your average interest rate for the year is about 1.94%³. If you were to earn 3.00% after the promotional period, your average for the year is about 3.67%⁴.

This math is one of the reasons why almost 3/4 of our readers have at least 3 savings accounts, in order to take advantage of the best promotional and non-promotional rates at any given time.

¹ Without compounding: (3.70 x 7 + 0.30 x 5) / 12)
² Without compounding: (3.70 x 7 + 3.00 x 5) / 12)
³ Without compounding: (5.00 x 4 + 0.415 x 8) / 12)
⁴ Without compounding: (5.00 x 4 + 3.00 x 8) / 12)

motusbank is closing

Following years of speculation by our forum members about the future of motusbank, the online bank has officially announced that they are closing. For customers with mortgages, lines of credit, and home equity lines of credit in Ontario, the transition will happen as early as next month (May 1, 2025), as their accounts will be moved to Meridian Credit Union (the parent company of motusbank). For deposit accounts and everybody else, their accounts will be moved to Coast Capital, although there is no firm timeline for this yet.

On a related note, Coast Capital is proposing to merge with two other BC-based credit unions.

76% of poll respondents are increasingly buying Canadian

Last month, we asked our readers: Have you changed your spending due to the recently strained Canada-US relationship? There were some strong comments on both the “Yes” and “No” side, but an overwhelming majority at 76% responded “Yes”.

Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) are classified as a type of fixed-income investment that offers low risk, no volatility and an often-guaranteed rate of return over a specific period or term. They are considered the most secure and predictable investment option due to their principal protection and the offering of a guaranteed interest rate. GICs allow investors to earn interest while ensuring that their principal investment is protected. This makes them a safer investment option in contrast to other investment products, while also giving them traditionally higher rates of returns compared to a savings account. Because of their stability, coupled with the recently high interest rates in Canada, GIC popularity and inflows had drastically increased across the nation up until 2024. This allowed investors to save for short-term goals or look for stable long-term investments without much worry due to their unique ability to offer various terms, payout options, and strategies. But what exactly are GICs and how do they work?

Credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/a-group-of-five-different-bills-sitting-on-top-of-each-other-pxLa_Z0IQ24

Defining GICs: What is a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)?

GICs are a type of fixed-income investment where an investor deposits a sum of money with a financial institution for a set period (called the “term”) and then receives payment of the initial principal investment and the interest earned. Some financial institutions call the action of investing into a GIC, “purchasing a GIC” based on their respective marketing tone, but the two terms (“investing” vs “purchasing” a GIC) are interchangeable.

What sets GICs apart from other investment products is that the issuing institution guarantees that the investor will receive their principal or initial investment back at the end of the term if the GIC is held until the term end or “maturity”. The interest rate that the investor earns is generally linked to the overnight lending rate set by the Bank of Canada. This guarantee, however, is at risk if the issuing institution defaults. This is because banks and credit unions often use the investor’s capital for further financing, lending, and other business building activities. If the activities from the bank or credit union are risky, it can, impact the issuer’s ability to honour the guarantee of return and potentially the investor’s principal investment.

Types of GICs: what are the different GIC options?

Banks and credit unions offer a variety of GICs designed to meet the requirements of their clients and potential prospects. However, not all institutions will offer all GIC options. In fact, many non-bank institutions limit their offering to Fixed-Rate GICs due to their simplicity. This is why it is important to assess what the GIC offering is prior to purchasing or opening an account.

Types of GICs
Fixed-Rate	Provides a set interest rate for the term, offering predictable returns One of the more popular GIC types offered Lower risk GIC
Variable-Rate	Interest rate fluctuates based on prime rate, which can lead to higher or lower returns on an investment Higher risk GIC
Cashable	Allows early withdrawal after a minimum holding period, but usually offers lower interest rates Lower risk GIC
Non-Redeemable	Cannot be cashed out before maturity but generally offers higher interest rates Lower risk GIC
Market-Linked	Returns are often tied to stock market performance or a specific benchmark The principal is protected, but returns are not guaranteed Higher risk GIC
Foreign-Currency	GICs that are in foreign currencies Often seen as US Dollar GICs, but are not limited to other foreign currencies Exposes an investor to exchange rate fluctuations Higher risk GIC

GIC account types: where can an investor hold a GIC?

GICs can be held in various investment accounts, from registered accounts to non-registered accounts. Of course, the account type that is holding the GIC will have its own unique tax implications. Below is a summary of account types that can hold GICs, as well as their potential tax implications. Note, it is recommended to connect with a tax expert for more details on how your unique situation may be impacted from the interest earned on a GIC. Alternatively, view the CRA’s website for more details on the various account types.

• Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA): Interest is tax-free, making it ideal for saving without tax or implications
• Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP): Interest earned is tax free until withdrawn from the RRSP. Once withdrawals take place from an RRSP, the entire amount (principal and interest) is taxed as regular income based on the individual’s marginal tax rate
• Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF): Converts an RRSP into retirement income. Like an RRSP, interest earned is tax free until withdrawn from the RRIF. When withdrawn from an RRIF, the entire amount (principal and interest) is taxed as regular income based on marginal tax rate
• Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP): Helps to save for a child’s education. Only the interest earned is taxed upon withdrawal, while the principal or contribution is tax free
• Non-Registered Accounts: Interest is fully taxable as income based on the investor’s marginal tax rate and there is no tax credit or tax break for interest income on GICs

GIC terms: how long can an investor invest in a GIC?

GICs are available in various term lengths, ranging from as short as 30 days to as long as 10 years. Of course, there is a trade-off for an investor. Often, shorter term GICs will be more appealing and potentially have promotional rates that may be higher than other rate terms. This is done to entice investors to lock in for the shorter terms and potentially create what is known as a laddered GIC strategy or to be an active investor within the institution. Longer term GICs allows the investment to compound as long as the interest is reinvested, but they can be less appealing due to their longer lockup period. The downside of a longer term GIC is the foregone potential to earn a higher interest rate if the Bank of Canada raises interest rates. However, the opposite is the true if investors lock into a longer term GIC and the Bank of Canada lowers interest rates, as they will be invested at a higher rate of return versus what would then be currently offered.

In most cases, if an investor cancels the purchase of their GIC prior to the term ending, the interest earned is foregone, meaning that the investor does not earn any interest or growth on their principal. This makes the term of the GIC extremely important when it comes to determining how much cash is needed for living expenses and other aspects of their life. A laddered GIC strategy may assist investors when they are looking to capitalize on various terms.

GIC terms
Short-term GICs (30 days to 1 year)	GICs below 12 months are often viewed as being best for when cash is needed to be more liquid or when interest rates are expected to rise
Medium-term GICs (1 to 3 years)	Offers a balance between liquidity and better interest rates One of the more popular GIC terms in recent years, especially with digital banks, is the 18-month GIC due to its higher payout rate, compounding potential, and flexibility on payment options
Long-term GICs (3 to 10 years)	Typically provides the highest interest rates (not including promo or bonus) but requires a long-term commitment GICs beyond 5 years are often offered by traditional banks, but are starting to be seen with challenger banks and other digital banks and credit unions

Interest payout options: how payment options can affect returns

When investing in a GIC, investors are often given the freedom and flexibility to choose how they want their interest to be paid as well as the frequency of the payment. Of course, there are various types of payout options, but each payout opportunity comes with its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. As a result, it is important that an investor considers these payout factors prior to purchasing or investing in a GIC to determine if regular income may be more important vs compounding effects for higher returns.

Interest payout options
Type	Strength(s)	Drawback(s)
Monthly payout	Ideal for steady income stream / payouts	Often has a smaller interest rate associated with the term Limited to no compounding
Semi-Annual payout (every 6 months)	Provides regular income while still allowing the ability to compound	Limited to 12 month or longer term GICs Less compounding compared to annual or maturity payout options
Annual payout (once a year)	Suitable for investors who prefer lump-sum interest payments Can allow for compounding on longer term GICs	Less compounding than a payout at maturity Requires waiting a full year before receiving interest payments
At maturity	Allows for maximized compounding benefits Interest accumulates and is paid in full at the end of the term allowing for higher overall returns	No access to interest until the GIC matures Less flexibility with handling interest payments over time (generally non-redeemable GICs)

GIC fact check: are they truly guaranteed?

GICs are one of the safest investment products for Canadians because they are insured by the Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) or other provincial deposit insurance programs based on the individual institution. An investor can easily find which governing body has insured the issuing institution by locating the logo of the insurer at the bottom of the web page near their disclaimers and trademarks. If the logo is not featured, the insurer information will often be noted on the disclaimers page of their institution and within the paperwork filings when purchasing the GIC. Asking questions and reviewing relevant legal documents prior to investing can be crucial for an investor’s financial health and well-being.

The two main types of deposit insurance are:

• CDIC: The most well-known insurer, CDIC protects eligible GICs up to $100,000 per account type, per financial institution. Coverage applies only to terms of five years or less and excludes market-linked or foreign currency GICs
• Provincial deposit insurance: Each province has different coverage amounts on deposits. For credit unions in Ontario, many are covered under The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) which provides insurance coverage up to 250,000 for non-registered accounts and potentially unlimited coverage on registered accounts. In provinces like Alberta (under CUDGC), and British Columbia (CUDIC), credit unions offer GICs with higher or even unlimited coverage based on the account

Because of their lower risk and guarantees, GICs provide consistent and stable income compared to other investment products. Their fixed and guaranteed returns make them insulated from market volatility, unlike bonds or equities. However, unlike bonds or equities, which can benefit from yield changes and price appreciation, GICs cannot, as the deposit is locked in and capped at the agreed-upon rate of return.

Final thoughts: summarizing GIC investments

GICs are a simple yet elegant way to provide a lower risk, guarantee of income that grows beyond a savings account. With various payout options, compounding benefits, and numerous terms, GICs can optimize an investor’s returns while maintaining financial flexibility and stability. Whether saving for a short-term goal or planning for the future, GICs remain and continue to be a reliable investment choice for many Canadians.

Disclaimer

This article is independently written and not sponsored by any financial institution. The views expressed are solely those of the author(s) based on their research and analysis. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions. Reading this article does not create a professional relationship with the author(s) or affiliated organizations. It is not a substitute for personalized financial guidance.

Investing involves risks, including potential loss of principal. Readers are solely responsible for their investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Historical or projected returns may not reflect actual future performance. The use of information in this article is at the reader’s own risk. The author and publisher are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or resulting losses/damages.

As per the World Tourism organization, Canadians rank 7th worldwide when it comes to spending on travelling. Canadians spend around 1,000 USD per capita on international travel every year. The most favourite destination for Canadians is our southern neighbour: The United States of America.

Every year, around 20 million Canadians travel to the US. I’ve travelled to the U.S from Canada dozens of times. Each time I go I find new ways to save money. If you are looking for ways to stretch a dollar while visiting the US, keep reading. We are going to discuss several ways to do that.

1. Credit cards with no forex fees

No matter how economically you travel, travelling is expensive, even if it is just across the border.
Forex fees are in my opinion one of the biggest “hidden” costs that credit card companies have. Although you can see the fees on your statements if you look closely, I like to say that the forex fees are hidden because many people are not even aware that it exists.

If you’re not aware, most Canadian credit cards charge at least a 2.5% foreign exchange fee for every purchase you make in the U.S, which can add up over your trip.

Whether you are shopping at local stores or trying out local cuisines, you should swipe a card that doesn’t charge foreign currency exchange transaction fees.

Check out these credit cards with no forex fees, especially if your stay spans more than a week.

2. Find alternatives to withdrawing cash or using debit cards

Withdrawing cash from ATMs and using traditional debit cards in a foreign land can also cost you a lot in service charges that won’t add any value to your trip. So, how about having an alternative to that?

Online-only banking has become all the rage in the last couple of years. You can also hop on the bandwagon to save money while visiting the US. You can try EQ Bank as an alternative to your conventional banking cards. It is entirely free to open an account in EQ, which is an online-only bank with no hidden terms and conditions.

EQ Bank has partnered with TransferWise, and you are able to send money to an American account at a much better exchange rate than withdrawing cash at a regular ATM. If you have a trusted friend or relative with a U.S bank account that you will be meeting up while you’re down there, consider using this service to get a cheaper way of withdrawing your cash.

3. Make calls to home the new way

Gone are the days when you would use an expensive landline to call home from other countries. Similarly, the days of international mobile calls also seem behind us, thanks to fast-speed mobile internet. If you are determined to save every single cent while visiting the US, avoid buying international roaming plans.

Instead, make voice and video calls through WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, and other chat apps while using Wi-Fi internet and data plans. It will certainly cost you less than international roaming charges, especially if you are staying for longer and making lots of calls back home.

There is a free to download phone app called TextNow that I use while on my travels. It lets you have a free Canadian or American phone number that works over Wi-Fi. I’ve used it in my travels around the world with no problems.

4. Use red-eye flights

If your US visit doesn’t involve tightly scheduled work meetings or other emergencies, you should consider flying red-eye. These flights have obscure flight times that are less in demand. They usually take off and land in a 9:00 pm-6:00 am window.

If you are having a lot of interstate travelling in the US, red-eye flights can save hundreds of dollars on your entire trip.

5. Ditch expensive hotel rooms

Airbnb has become the torchbearer of economical travelling in the last couple of years. It has been estimated that renting out an entire apartment on Airbnb is 21% cheaper than booking a single hotel room. If you haven’t used it so far, give it a try on your upcoming US trip.

But if you are a conventionalist and want to stick to a hotel room (or need what are often more flexible cancellation policies), ask yourself these questions before booking one.

• Do you need a room with a good view?
• Do you need that extra lounge space?
• Are you going to use the fitness room, pool, and other premium amenities?

If your visit involves a lot of sightseeing and other outdoor activities, you will only use your hotel room to sleep. So, look for the cheapest rooms that may not offer those superfluous features and amenities but can provide respite by saving you some money.

Tips to save for long-term stays

If your US visit consists of a couple of weeks or longer, you have to consider some other factors. Here is the list of things that you should do before and while on your long-term stay in the states.

1. Know your financial risks in advance

Before finalizing your trip and flying off, take a look at your financial well-being. See how much you have in savings. Take a look at your credit. Make sure that your current financial state allows you to stay for long. Even if it is a work-related trip, you must know your financial vulnerabilities and strengths in advance. Having this information will help you prevent any unpleasant scenario from springing up in the middle of the visit.

2. Track your spending

Money-tracking is crucial when you visit a foreign country; however, it is easier said than done when your visit is longer than a couple of days. On long-term visits, people remain diligent about their money-spending in the beginning. However, when days turn into weeks, they lose track.

You can get around this issue by using a money-tracking app. These apps are your virtual assistant in budgeting, money management, and tracking spending. By using a money-tracking app the right way, you can save hundreds of dollars on a long-term stay.

3. Stay in the peripheral

Staying even at a cheap place in the middle of the city can cost you a fortune when you check-in for weeks. Try to find an accommodation in the peripheral of the city you visit. You can find apartments and rooms on Airbnb in the suburbs of your destination cities.

4. Start cooking

Eating out for, say, 25 days is neither good for your stomach nor your wallet. Make sure your lodging has a kitchen with a cooking space where you can cook some of your meals. You can cut down your dining cost more than half by doing that.

Conclusion

Using the tips discussed here, you can save hundreds of dollars or even more on a long trip to the US. You can also read up on other ways you can save money in Canada. The great thing about these measures is that they let you save money without making any compromise on the overall experience of travelling.

Author Bio – Christopher Liew is the creator of Wealthawesome.com, where he shares money tips and guides for his readers. He’s a CFA Charterholder who has been featured on Yahoo Finance, MSN Money, and The Motley Fool. Read about how he quit his 6-figure job to travel the world.

Credit Verify offers a free Canadian credit score and a $1 credit report. We do not recommend using them.

Automatic monthly charges

During the sign-up process, Credit Verify will ask you for your credit card, noting that it is required in order to verify your identity:

The main reason for Credit Verify to get your credit card is in order to charge your credit card a monthly fee (currently $29.95) after 7 days. Compare this against similar Canadian services such as Borrowell, which do not require you to supply your credit card information. You cannot cancel your Credit Verify account online or via email.

You will find a “Cancel” button in the online interface, but it will only lead to a message telling you to send a snail mail or to call them. Their mailing address was previously a US virtual mail service in California, and is now a co-working space in Squamish, BC. If you call their number to cancel, you will be subject to a hold that could be somewhere between 20 minutes and a few hours. You will then be subject to a spiel on the merits of the service, including the ability to correct errors in your credit report, and the reward that they give you each month. However, you will be able to cancel your account.

Credit Verify will not refund a charge they have already made on your credit card.

$25 “reward” each month

Credit Verify advertises the following as a feature of your account:

“You’ll receive $25 in Reward Dollars EACH month you’re a Credit Verify Premium member. Use your rewards however you’d like. Save on popular brands like Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Nike, Lacoste, or Under Armour. Get access to great local deals at the salon, dry-cleaning, car washes, movie tickets or golfing. Or you can save at popular restaurants like TGI Friday’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonald’s, Subway and thousands more.”

The monthly $25 reward they promote is no better than coupons you might get for free in the mail.

For example, buy a sandwich and drink and get another sandwich and drink free. Or, get a free drink if you purchase a burger, except you had to use your reward to get the coupon in the first place — and you still have to purchase the burger. We tested some hotel bookings through their travel discounts area, and found their prices to be more expensive than booking through the hotel’s own website.

Professional web presence?

Credit Verify is owned by a US company Credique LLC, whose mailing address is the same virtual mail service that used to be posted on Credit Verify’s website.

There are several typos on Credit Verify’s website, which have been there for months:

It is also telling that the social media icons in the footer of their website do not have links attached to them.

Other reviews

Be careful if you read a positive review of Credit Verify — scrutinize whether you can tell if the reviewer has actually used the service or is an affiliate of the service (and thus has affiliate links in their review).

Here are some links to other reviews of Credit Verify:

• The comments on this post
• The comments on this Facebook page
• Trustpilot (note the only positive reviews all being 5-star reviews over a 3-day period)