TAX-FREE SAVINGS ACCOUNT (TFSA)
WHO IT'S FOR:
- Tax-free growth seekers: Want to keep more of your investment returns? A TFSA lets your savings grow without tax.
- Flexible access savers: Need to dip into your funds without tax penalties? Withdraw anytime, tax-free.
- Goal-oriented planners: Whether you're saving for a vacation or a future home, this versatile account supports both short- and long-term goals.
FEATURES & BENEFITS
- Annual contribution limit: set by the federal government (e.g., $7,000 for 2024)
- Lifetime contribution limit: accumulates annually if unused
- Tax-free investment growth and withdrawals
- No tax impact when withdrawing funds
- Contribution room is restored the following year after withdrawal
- Flexible investment options
- A Canadian resident,
- 18 years or older*, and
- Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
BUILD YOUR TFSA WITH THE RIGHT ACCOUNT
REGISTERED ISAVE
Grow your long-term savings with no minimum deposit, high interest, and tax-deferred earnings—all in one flexible account.
Key features:
- Unlimited deposits
- 1 free withdrawal per month
- $5 per additional transaction
- Automatic contributions
- Free e-Statements (paper statements available for $2.50 per month)
REGISTERED WEALTH ACCUMULATOR
Start saving for retirement with just $25. Enjoy tax-deferred growth, flexible contributions, and higher interest—all in a simple, automated plan built around your goals.
Key features:
- Customizable savings plan
- Set your goal, schedule, payment amount, and term (1 to 5 years)
- Automatic contributions from your personal account
- Make additional deposits anytime to reach your goal faster
REGISTERED 1 YEAR CASHABLE TERM DEPOSIT
Earn a guaranteed return with the flexibility to access your funds anytime—ideal for secure, short-term retirement savings.
Key features:
- Minimum investment: $500
- 12-month term
- Redeemable without penalty after the first 30 days
- Interest paid at maturity or upon redemption after 30 days
REGISTERED TERM DEPOSIT
Lock in guaranteed returns and grow your retirement savings tax-free—ideal for long-term planners looking to maximize RRSP contribution room.
Key features:
- Minimum investment: $500
- Terms available from 1 to 5 years
- Redeemable only at maturity
- Non-registered options also available
REGISTERED HIGH 5 TERM DEPOSIT
Grow your savings with guaranteed returns and access to 20% of your investment each year—ideal for long-term savers seeking both stability and flexibility.
Key features:
- Minimum investment: $5,000
- Laddered investment structure
- Your deposit is split into 5 equal parts, each maturing annually over 1 to 5 years
- Your deposit is split into 5 equal parts, each maturing annually over 1 to 5 years
- Guaranteed interest rates for each term
- Reinvestment flexibility as each portion matures
TFSA vs. RRSP vs. FHSA: What’s the Difference?
TFSA vs. RRSP vs. FHSA: What’s the Difference?
Feature | TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) | RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan) | FHSA (First Home Savings Account) |
Tax Treatment | Contributions are not tax-deductible, but withdrawals are tax-free | Contributions are tax-deductible, but withdrawals are taxed | Contributions are tax-deductible, and qualifying withdrawals are tax-free |
Contribution Room | Fixed annual limit (indexed to inflation); unused room carries forward | 18% of previous year’s income (up to a max); unused room carries forward | $8,000/year up to $40,000 lifetime; unused room carries forward |
Withdrawals | Tax-free and can be re-contributed in future years | Taxable and cannot be re-contributed unless using special programs | Tax-free if used for a qualifying first home purchase; otherwise taxable |
Best For | Flexible savings goals, emergency funds, or short/long-term investing | Long-term retirement savings, especially for higher-income earners | First-time homebuyers saving for a down payment |
Impact on Benefits | No impact on income-tested benefits (e.g., OAS, GIS) | Withdrawals may affect income-tested benefits | No impact on income-tested benefits |
Age Limits | Available to anyone 18+ with no upper age limit | Must stop contributing by age 71 and convert to RRIF or annuity | Must be opened between ages 18–71; must be used within 15 years or by age 71 |
Use for Home Buying | No specific program, but funds can be used freely | Eligible for the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) with repayment requirement | Specifically designed for first-time home purchases, no repayment required |