Business GICs
Earn income on short-term savings or reserve funds without exposing your capital to significant risk with guaranteed investment certificates.
Advantages of a Business GIC
Maximize your earnings while keeping your business funds protected.
Great rates
Grow your business funds faster than with a regular business savings account.
Safe and secure
Your principal is fully protected, keeping your business savings secure.
Flexible terms
Choose the best fit with flexible short- and long-term options.
Covered by FSRA
Eligible deposits are protected by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority.
Select your Business GIC
GIC Specials
- Limited-time offers
- Redeemable and non-redeemable
| Term | Rate* |
|---|---|
| 13-month FlexSavings Cashable GIC | 3.00% |
| 14-month non-redeemable | 3.30% |
| 26-month non-redeemable | 3.65% |
Short-term GICs
- Redeemable and non-redeemable terms from 90 to 364 days
| Term | Rate* |
|---|---|
| 90–179 days redeemable | 2.10% |
| 180–269 days redeemable | 2.10% |
| 270–364 days redeemable | 2.25% |
| 90–179 days non-redeemable | 2.60% |
| 180–269 days non-redeemable | 2.60% |
| 270–364 days non-redeemable | 2.75% |
Long-term GICs
- Redeemable and non-redeemable terms from one to five years
- Our laddering strategy maximizes returns and reduces sensitivity to changing interest rates
| Term | Rate* |
|---|---|
| 1-year redeemable | 2.30% |
| 2-year redeemable | 2.75% |
| 3-year redeemable | 2.80% |
| 4-year redeemable | 2.80% |
| 5-year redeemable | 2.85% |
| 1-year non-redeemable | 3.00% |
| 2-year non-redeemable | 3.25% |
| 3-year non-redeemable | 3.35% |
| 4-year non-redeemable | 3.35% |
| 5-year non-redeemable | 3.50% |
Accelerator GIC
- The interest rate increases each year over the five-year term
- Option to convert to a regular GIC on the 3rd and 4th anniversary dates of the term
- Take advantage of rising rates by re-investing your deposit at a higher rate
- Redeem up to 20% of the principal with no penalty, once a year
| Year | Rate* |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3.00% |
| Year 2 | 3.10% |
| Year 3 | 3.15% |
| Year 4 | 3.50% |
| Year 5 | 5.00% |
| Effective yield | 3.55% |
Escalator GIC
- The interest rate increases every 8 months over the two-year term
- Interest compounds every 8 months, so you earn interest on your interest
- Redeemed in part or in full on each anniversary date or up to 30 days after the anniversary
| Month | Rate* |
|---|---|
| Months 1–8 | 3.00% |
| Months 9–16 | 3.20% |
| Months 17–24 | 4.00% |
| Average yield | 3.40% |
Market-linked GICs
- Principal is 100% guaranteed at maturity
- Offer potential for higher returns by tracking the performance of recognized companies in Canadian or global stock markets
- No need to monitor the market
- No management fees to calculate or deduct from returns
| Type | Rate** | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year Canadian market-linked | up to 6.00% | Fact sheet |
| 2-year Canadian market-linked | up to 4.16% | Fact sheet |
| 3-year Canadian market-linked | up to 7.43% | Fact sheet |
| 1-year Global market-linked | up to 6.00% | Fact sheet |
| 2-year Global market-linked | up to 4.40% | Fact sheet |
| 3-year Global market-linked | up to 8.29% | Fact sheet |
U.S. dollar GICs
- Non-redeemable terms from 30 days to five years
| Term | Rate* |
|---|---|
| 30–59 days | 2.80% |
| 60–89 days | 2.85% |
| 90–179 days | 2.90% |
| 180–269 days | 3.00% |
| 270–364 days | 3.10% |
| 1-year | 3.80% |
| 2-year | 3.75% |
| 3-year | 3.75% |
| 4-year | 3.80% |
| 5-year | 3.80% |
Top 5 questions about Business GICs
What is a Business GIC and how does it benefit my company?
A Business GIC is a guaranteed investment that allows companies to grow surplus funds while protecting their original investment. Your principal is fully secure, and returns are guaranteed over the selected term. Business GICs are a low risk way to earn competitive interest while maintaining financial stability and planning with confidence.
What Business GIC terms are available for companies?
FirstOntario offers a wide range of Business GIC options to suit different business needs and timelines. These include short term and long term terms, regular GICs, accelerator and escalator GICs, market linked GICs, and U.S. dollar GICs. This flexibility allows businesses to align their investments with cash flow goals.
How can my business open a GIC or get help choosing the right option?
Businesses can contact our Business Banking Group to review current rates and available Business GIC terms. An advisor will help assess your savings goals, cash flow needs, and timelines to recommend the most suitable investment option for your business.
Are Business GIC investments protected?
Yes. Eligible Business GIC deposits are protected by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). This protection provides added peace of mind, ensuring your business funds remain secure while earning guaranteed returns.
How does a Business GIC compare to a business savings account?
A Business GIC offers a fixed rate of return and full principal protection over a set term, making it ideal for funds your business does not need immediate access to. A business savings account provides greater flexibility and quick access to cash but typically earns a lower interest rate. Many businesses use savings accounts for day-to-day liquidity and Business GICs to securely grow surplus funds with predictable returns.
Put your business funds to work
We can help you choose and open your Business GIC over the phone or online, and you can visit us in person at a branch.
Call us
at 1‑800‑616‑8878
Book an appointment
to meet with us virtually
Visit us
at one of our branches