Life Company GIA Rates
Guaranteed-interest options from Canadian life insurance companies
Life insurance companies offer a range of fixed-interest investment options designed for investors who value principal stability and a predictable rate of return.
Depending on the insurer, these investments may be called a Guaranteed Interest Account (GIA), Guaranteed Interest Option (GIO), Guaranteed Interest Fund (GIF) or Guaranteed Interest Contract.
Although the terminology varies, these products generally provide a guaranteed rate of interest for a selected term, subject to the terms of the applicable insurance or investment contract.
Use the links below to access current guaranteed-interest rates from participating life insurance companies.
Compare Current Life Company Rates
What is a Guaranteed Interest Account?
A Guaranteed Interest Account (GIA) is a fixed-interest investment option offered through a life insurance company.
When money is invested for a selected term, the insurer applies a specified interest rate for that term. At maturity, the investment is paid or reinvested according to the terms of the applicable contract and the instructions provided.
Depending on the insurer and product, available options may include:
- Daily or short-term interest options
- One- to five-year terms
- Longer-term guaranteed-interest options
- Registered and non-registered contracts
- Redeemable or cashable options
- Different rates based on the amount invested
Terms, minimum investment amounts, early-withdrawal provisions and available registration types vary by insurer.
GIA or GIC — What's the Difference?
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is generally a deposit product issued by a bank, trust company or credit union.
A Guaranteed Interest Account (GIA) or similarly named guaranteed-interest option is generally offered within a life insurance company investment contract.
Both can provide principal stability and a guaranteed rate for a specified term, but they may differ in areas such as:
- Contract structure
- Redemption provisions
- Beneficiary designations
- Estate settlement
- Potential creditor-protection features
- Available registered plans
- Applicable protection or compensation arrangements
Neither is automatically better than the other. The appropriate choice depends on your objectives, liquidity needs, account type and overall financial plan.
Learn more about GICs & Term Deposits
Current Life Company Guaranteed-Interest Rates
The following links provide access to current guaranteed-interest rates from participating insurance companies.
Canada Life
Guaranteed Interest Options (GIOs)
Canada Life offers Guaranteed Interest Options within certain investment contracts. The applicable rate is established when the guaranteed-interest term is created and applies for the selected term, subject to the contract provisions.
View Canada Life GIO Rates → Guaranteed Interest Options (GIO)
Empire Life
Guaranteed Interest Options (GIOs)
Empire Life offers Daily, Treasury and fixed-term Guaranteed Interest Options within its Guaranteed Interest Contract and other eligible products.
Fixed-term options provide a specified interest rate for the selected term. Early withdrawals may be subject to applicable charges.
View Empire Life GIO Rates → Guaranteed Interest Options (GIOs)
Equitable
Guaranteed Interest Accounts (GIAs)
Equitable offers Daily Interest Accounts and Guaranteed Interest Accounts with a range of available terms.
Rates may vary based on the selected term and amount invested.
View Equitable GIA Rates → GIA Rates
iA Financial Group
Guaranteed Interest Funds (GIFs)
iA offers Guaranteed Interest Funds with fixed rates for selected terms.
These investments are available within eligible registered and non-registered plans and may provide additional insurance-contract features, depending on the contract.
View iA Guaranteed Interest Fund Rates → Guaranteed Interest Fund Rates
Manulife
Guaranteed Interest Contracts / Accounts
Manulife offers guaranteed-interest investment options through eligible insurance and investment contracts.
Available terms, rates and redemption provisions vary by product.
View Manulife Guaranteed Interest Rates → Current Rates (requires Advisor Login credentials)
Why Consider a Life Company Guaranteed-Interest Option?
Guaranteed-interest investments can be useful when you are looking for:
Principal stability
The investment is not exposed to daily stock-market fluctuations during the selected guaranteed-interest term.
Predictable interest
The applicable rate is established according to the insurer's product terms.
A range of maturity dates
Different terms may help align investments with future cash-flow needs.
Registered or non-registered investing
Depending on the insurer and product, guaranteed-interest options may be available within RRSPs, RRIFs, TFSAs and non-registered contracts.
Insurance-contract features
Certain life-company investment contracts may provide features such as beneficiary designations, potential creditor protection or more direct estate settlement, subject to applicable legislation and contract terms.
Choosing More Than a Rate
The highest available interest rate is not necessarily the most appropriate investment.
When comparing guaranteed-interest options, consider:
- The investment term
- When you may need access to your money
- Early-redemption provisions
- Minimum investment requirements
- How and when interest is credited
- Registration type
- Beneficiary and estate-planning considerations
- The financial strength and product terms of the issuing insurer
Your financial advisor can help you compare the available options in the context of your overall financial plan.
Looking for a Guaranteed Investment Option?
Your financial advisor can help you compare available rates, terms and product features from participating Canadian life insurance companies.
View Current Rates
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Important Information
Interest rates and product availability are subject to change without notice.
The applicable interest rate, effective date, investment term, minimum investment, redemption provisions and other product conditions are determined by the issuing insurance company and the applicable contract.
Rates displayed or linked through this website are provided for convenient reference only. The issuing insurer's current published rate and contract terms should be confirmed before an investment is made.
Certain withdrawals made before the end of a guaranteed-interest term may be subject to a market value adjustment, surrender charge or other restriction, depending on the product.
The information provided is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, insurance, tax or legal advice. Please consult an appropriately qualified professional regarding your individual circumstances.
