What Is a Guaranteed Investment Contract (GIC)?

A guaranteed investment contract, or GIC, is a type of investment that offers a guaranteed rate of return over a fixed period of time. GICs are typically issued by banks, credit unions, and insurance companies.

GICs are a popular choice for investors who are looking for a safe and secure way to invest their money. They offer a guaranteed rate of return, which means that you will know exactly how much money you will earn on your investment over the term of the GIC.

GICs are a low-risk investment, which makes them a good choice for conservative investors. However, because the return on a GIC is typically lower than the return on other types of investments, such as stocks and mutual funds, GICs may not be the best choice for investors who are looking to grow their money over the long term.

If you are thinking about investing in a GIC, be sure to shop around and compare rates from different banks and financial institutions before you commit to an investment.

Can you take money out of a GIC early? You can take money out of a GIC early, but you may be subject to penalties. GICs typically have a fixed term, and if you withdraw your money before the term is up, you may be charged a fee. The amount of the fee will depend on the terms of your GIC. What is GIC annuity? A GIC annuity is an insurance product that provides guaranteed income for a specific period of time. It is a type of annuity that is typically used by retirees as a source of guaranteed income during retirement. Who can issue GICs? The issuer of a GIC can be any financial institution that is federally regulated, such as a bank, trust company, or insurance company. The institution must also be a member of the Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC).

Do GICs have beneficiaries?

Yes, GICs (guaranteed investment certificates) can have beneficiaries. You can name a beneficiary when you open the GIC, and you can change the beneficiary at any time. If you die before the GIC matures, the beneficiary will receive the money from the GIC. Is GIC taxable? GICs are not taxable, provided that the GIC is held in a registered account such as an RRSP, a TFSA, or a RRIF. If the GIC is held outside of a registered account, then the interest earned on the GIC will be taxable.